Oktoberfest returns to Niwot September 30

The air is starting to cool and summer is firmly a thing of the past. That can only mean that it's time for Niwot residents to break out their lederhosen and raise a stein or two. Oktoberfest is returning to Niwot.

The event, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), is slated for Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will feature German beer from local brewery Fritz Family Brewers, known for their German lagers including pilsners, a kolsch or two and marzens, which are traditional Oktoberfest brews.

Along with the malty beverages will be food and live music including headliner Denver's Thirsty 5, a five-piece German oompah band. The band is typically busy this time of year, so getting them to come for the event is particularly exciting.

The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange "Polka" Band is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. with a repertoire of polka music and "drinking" songs, including "In Heaven There Is No Beer (That's Why We Drink It Here)," "Beer Barrel Polka," "The Chicken Dance," and "Margaritaville," a tribute to Jimmy Buffett.

Also on the schedule for the day is polka dancing and a children's corner with a Nerf shooting gallery that is generously run by the Rotary Club of Niwot.

"Oktoberfest is a big one to put together, but thankfully Gene is amazing with all these details," said Kathy Trauner, owner of Niwot store Fly Away Home Decor in Cottonwood Square. She is responsible for organizing the event with Inkberry Books owner Gene Hayworth.

"What Niwotians seem to want for Oktoberfest is a single place to gather and enjoy some beer, music, and great company. That's what this will be. And we're excited to have Denver's Thirsty 5 back as our headliner this year. The band played at The Wheel House during Oktoberfest in 2021 and was tons of fun," she said.

Local restaurants in Cottonwood Square will also be serving food and beverages, including Raza Fresa, Niwot Tavern, Farow, The Garden Gate Cafe, Fan's Chinese Cuisine, Subway and Niwot Market deli. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and join the festivities.