Labor Day weekend in the mountains looks a little bit different than other parts of the country.

While the annual three-day weekend is typically filled with barbecues, the final days at the pool and warm temperatures, Labor Day Weekend in the Colorado High Country often features cool weather, changing leaves and Oktoberfest celebrations.

Keystone will be the first mountain community in Summit County to host Oktoberfest celebrations this fall, according to a news release from the event’s organizers. The one-day festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 30, will feature polka dancers, Kinderfest and stein hoisting.

The Summit Concert Band will kick off the festivities in Keystone’s River Run Village. Following the concert band’s opening selections, Those Austrian Guys will take to the stage and will lead the celebrations for the remainder of the day.

Outside of festive music and the popular stein-hoisting competition, authentic German dishes will be served up throughout the day. A total of 15 food vendors will be spread out throughout the festival grounds and will be serving items ranging from traditional bratwursts and pretzels to raw oysters on the half-shell and lobster sliders.

Additionally, a beer garden will offer nine varieties of domestic and craft beers for attendees to enjoy throughout the event, as well as ciders, seltzers, cocktails and wine. Four Peaks Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest Ale and Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider will specifically be served to of age guests throughout the event, providing great beer and food combinations.

While enjoying the brews and grub, guests can browse unique merchandise vendors. The Chopping Block, a Breckenridge-based salon, will be new to Oktoberfest this year and will be offering hair tinsel and hair feathers.

Colorado Gems Permanent Jewelry will also make its debut at the event. The business will be selling and soldering necklaces and bracelets including customizable chain, metal and gem options.

Local nonprofit Women of the Summit also has a hand in the event, working with its members to help provide volunteers. To volunteer, head to their website at WomenOfTheSummit.org.

Kinderfest —a kid-centered celebration —will include “make-it and take-it” pretzel necklaces, polka dance lessons, Frosted Flamingo DIY magnet crafts, a free photo booth and a root beer stein-hoisting contest.  

Attendees can purchase a commemorative 2025 Keystone Stein for $45 (plus taxes and fees). Each stein purchased includes three beers with refills costing $5 after. For those not wanting to buy a stein, the beer garden will be open throughout the day and guests can buy individual beers for $8. 

Attendees can also purchase a $30 food pass, which allows guests to try their choice of six traditional German food items. A-la-carte passes will be available, allowing guests to sample a dish individually.

Guests do not need to purchase a ticket to attend the celebration.

For festival tickets and more information, visit KeystoneFestivals.com.