A Utah tradition: Oktoberfest returns to Snowbird

SNOWBIRD, Utah — Oktoberfest has returned to Snowbird Ski Resort for its 51st year. Guests can enjoy family-friendly activities such as vendors, traditional Bavarian food, and drinks during the event. It is held each weekend from now until October 15, 12-6 p.m., and on Labor Day. 

“Each summer and fall we welcome our local community—some of whom have been coming for over 50 years—back to Snowbird for this beloved celebration,” said Snowbird President and General Manager Dave Fields in a press release. 

The event, according to Fields, is one of the largest in the country. 

Events

Each weekend a different local artist will create their own rendition of the Snowbird’s logo live during the festival. Guests can watch as each artist creates their own large-format rendition. 

Live performances from local musicians happen daily for the duration of the event. Guests can also take a short tram ride to The Summit to hear performers play alphorns. 

During Labor Day weekend, Snowbird will host a Grand Oktoberfest Weekend. During the weekend, tribute will be paid to the festival’s history. A procession of musicians and dancers will move through the festival. Keg tapping, or the opening of a new keg of beer will also occur during this weekend. 

History

Oktoberfest is a celebration held in Munich, Germany. It lasts two weeks, ending on the first Sunday of October. 

According to Britannica, the festival began in 1812, when the crown prince of Bavaria, who would later become King Louis 1, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. 

The yearly celebration in Munich features a beer festival and a traveling carnival. Many cities in the United States host their own Oktoberfest modeled after the original.

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