Prost! To Oktoberfest & Vail Valley's Craft Beers

As the aspens change color in the Rocky Mountains, there's no better way to enjoy the season than with a cold craft beer in Colorado. With Oktoberfest celebrations and more than 400 breweries across the state, there's something for everyone. Many of the breweries in Vail and Beaver Creek are independently and locally owned and serve up a wide variety of artisan craft brews.

In September, the days are warm, perfect for a beer on a sun-soaked deck after a day of hiking or biking. The evenings are cool, perfect for throwing on a fleece jacket and sipping a beer around a fire pit.

Vail already feels like an alpine European village, making September the perfect time to enjoy its annual Oktoberfest celebration. For two weekends, Lionshead Village and Vail Village come alive with Bavarian music, food, beer, competitions, and plenty of festive fall fun.

Get ready for a blast of Bavaria at Vail Oktoberfest. The 2026 celebration takes place over two weekends, beginning in Lionshead Village September 11–13 and continuing in Vail Village September 18–20.

Enjoy classic Bavarian fare, German beer, live music, and traditional entertainment throughout the celebration. Guests can join in favorites including stein holding competitions, Bavarian costume contests, keg bowling, and bratwurst eating competitions while soaking up the festive atmosphere in the heart of Vail.

After the festivals’ kegs have been tapped dry, our mountain towns have exploded with plenty of craft breweries to quench your thirst. Afterall, there’s nothing more refreshing than throwing back a cold one to cap off a day out on the trails, hiking, biking or skiing! Here’s where you’ll find the Moving Mountains Team raising a glass!

Crafted with Altitude; Brewed for Adventure is this brewery’s motto! This “Veteran & Ski Bum-owned” brewery has been serving the Vail Valley since 2014, pouring handcrafted beers inspired by Colorado's mountain lifestyle.

Its EagleVail brewery and tasting room, located between Vail and Beaver Creek, features 12 beers on tap, indoor and outdoor gathering space, live music, and food from Barley + Salt Craft Kitchen.

Current selections include Hot Mess Blonde Ale, Pete's Stash Pale Ale, Gore Creek IPA, Eye Candy Hazy IPA, seasonal lagers, wheat beers, sours, and other rotating creations.

Vail Brewing Co. also has a Vail Village tasting room in Solaris Plaza, with 12 beers on tap, beer flights, live music, and a patio in the heart of the village.

What started as a small sandwich shop in Edwards, just down the road from Beaver Creek, has evolved into Craftsman Brew Co. The restaurant opened in 2017 with a focus on seasonal food, quality ingredients, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

As the restaurant grew, the team expanded into the brewery space across the street and developed its own brewing program with support from the minds behind Outer Range Brewing Co. Today, Craftsman pairs its handcrafted food with a rotating lineup of its own beers and selections from other Colorado breweries.

Current Craftsman beers include Schmidt House Premium Lager, Winnebago Warrior Kolsch, Phantom Lord West Coast IPA, New Noise Hazy IPA, and Iron Fist Imperial Porter, along with other rotating brews.

So there you have it, our guide to some of the best places to enjoy a cold craft beer in Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado this fall. Whether you're looking for a festive Oktoberfest celebration or a more low-key brewery to relax at after a day of outdoor activities, you're sure to find something to your liking. So grab a stein and raise a glass to the start of the fall season in Colorado!