The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 in Munich, Germany as a two-day party to celebrate a royal wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. More than 200 years later, the event has turned into a global phenomenon with revelers enjoying the best of German culture, from beer to brats and polka music.
In the U.S., Oktoberfest organizers have taken the liberty of adding new traditions you won’t find in Munich to this historic event. Perhaps the cutest of them all is wiener dog racing.
Known for their hotdog-like physique, dachshunds are a German breed that have been adopted into many Oktoberfest celebrations. While others, such as greyhounds, engage in highly competitive sport, wiener dog racing is meant to be a jovial activity strictly for entertainment. Thatap why many owners dress their pups up before they strut up to the starting line.
The energy is never more electric than when the green race flag waves and the dachshunds take off, said Kat Lewis, spokesperson for , which is organizing a race at Highlands Oktoberfest in Denver.
“Who doesn’t love screaming ‘Go, wiener, go!’ while floppy ears and tiny legs dash across the turf?” Lewis said. “The pure joy these races bring to spectators – and honestly, to us too – is unmatched. There’s just something truly magical about the mix of laughter, cheering, and happy chaos.”
Here are five events where you can get your cuteness fix by watching dachshunds race or enter your dog into the competition this fall.
Highlands Oktoberfest (Denver) on Sept. 13 – The event’s Dachshund Dash competition runs 3 to 4 p.m. Guests also enjoy an Oktoberfest-themed costume contest, stein-hoisting competition, keg bowling, live music and a gift market featuring more than 75 local vendors. The event, which takes over the streets in Denver’s West Highland neighborhood, will be set up along 32nd between Julian and Perry streets and is free to attend. For more information and to register your dog, visit .
Denver Oktoberfest on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28 – The Long Dog Derby, which debuted in 2008, takes place twice during the festival’s two, consecutive weekend runs. Races start at 12:30 p.m. each day. Attendees can also join a talent show, keg bowling, and stein-hoisting competition. The costume contest is also open to owners and pets beyond German breeds. As an added bonus, the official Denver Oktoberfest stein design this year features a dachshund wearing lederhosen. The event is held outdoors in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood (near 2060 Larimer St.) from Sept. 19 to 21 and Sept. 26 to 28. Itap free to attend with an option to purchase VIP experiences and upgrades starting at $105. Dachshund registration costs $25. Find more information at .
BARKtember Fest (Lakewood) on Sept. 27 – Wiener dog races start at 2:30 p.m., but there’s plenty of other fun to be had that this dog-friendly festival. That includes vendors selling treats and gear, crafts to do with your fur baby, and live music. The event takes place at Belmar shopping center at 7337 West Alaska Dr. in Lakewood and is free to attend. It costs $7.18 to enter your dog into the race and proceeds benefit the Foothills Animal Shelter. Find more information and registration at .
Colorado Springs Oktoberfest on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 – The festival’s Dachshund Dash takes off at 2 p.m. each day. Guests also enjoy beer, wine and schnapps tastings, a baking competition and more. Entering your pup in the race costs $15; otherwise, entry is free to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry (225 Northgate Blvd., Colorado Springs) where the event is held. For more information and to register, visit .
Call to Arms Brewing Co. Oktoberfest (Denver) on Oct. 4 – Wiener dog races run 3 to 6 p.m. The brewery celebrates Oktoberfest from Sept. 19 to Oct. 10 by transforming into a traditional beer hall and hosting special events. The weenie races will host heats of five dogs throughout the afternoon. In addition to the winners, the brewery will offer consolation prizes to participants with the best costume, the slowest race time and the best howl. For more information and to register your dog, visit .
Bonus: Dog-themed Oktoberfest events
While you won’t find wiener dog racing at these two events, itap all paws on deck for a good time.
Dogtoberfest on Sept. 13 at River North Brewery (6021 Washington St., Denver) features local vendors selling pet-approved gear and treats, a costume contest for pets and owners, and a stein-hoisting competition. Free to attend. More information at .
Longmont Oktoberfest on Sept. 20 at Thompson Park (420 Bross St., Longmont) is a fundraiser for the Longmont Humane Society, complete with adult beverages, a pet-centric vendor village, a Hot Dog Lounge with water and treats for the four-legged friends, and games for humans and animals alike. All that plus a headlining set from Keller Williams’ Grateful Dead tribute group, Grateful Grass. Tickets cost $32.80-$107. More information at .
