It’s mid-September, and you know what that means? Time to strap on your lederhosen and hoist your stein during Durango’s Oktoberfest!

Why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September? Well, the original 16-day festival in Munich, Germany, wasn’t called “Oktoberfest” when it began in 1810 — and it still isn’t. To the locals, the beer fair is called “die Wiesn,” after the name of the actual fairgrounds where it’s held. But the original festival inspired countless similar events around the world that adopted the “Oktoberfest” name.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, don’t miss out on Durango’s 10th annual Oktoberfest this weekend in Buckley Park in downtown Durango. The Bavarian beer fest will feature brews from Steamworks Brewing Co., Ska Brewing Co., Durango Brewing Co. and Carver Brewing Co.

There will also be a stein hoisting competition, a brat (as in wurst, not ill-behaved children) eating contest, and live music from traditional “oompah” bands, including Diepolkaschlingles, The Alpiners and The Polkanauts.

Date & Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14th, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15.

Where: Buckley Park at 13th Street and Main Avenue in downtown Durango.

Details: Durango Oktoberfest is a Bavarian beer festival featuring food, brews and wares from Durango vendors and breweries as well as live music from local bands. Saturday’s music line-up includes Diepolkaschlingles, The Alpiners, The Polkanauts and the Durango FUNK Allstars. Sunday features The Alpiners and The Polkanauts.

The Durango Quality Inn is 1.4 miles north of Buckley Park on Main Avenue, and you can catch a ride on the city’s free trolley straight from your hotel room to the festival. Book your room today!