German-inspired food, music and competitions are coming to the Roaring Fork Valley and western Garfield County this month as both communities will celebrate Oktoberfest — or, in the case of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the intentionally branded “Octoberfest.”

Rifle’s Third Thursday on Third Oktoberfest event will feature Oregon-based Alpine Echo on the main stage, along with stein-holding competitions for adults and children. Only adults will have beer in their steins. 

“We’re partnering with RAMBO this year to promote the Grand Hogback Extravaganza in October,” Rifle Economic Opportunity Specialist Karah Brubraker said. “We’re just going to have a great time and play games.”

Rifle’s Oktoberfest event will run from 5-8 p.m.  Thursday, Sept. 17.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will hold its Octoberfest celebration on four Saturdays, featuring axe-throwing, stein-holding competitions for men, women and children, a pumpkin patch, beer puppeteering, and hammerschlagen events. Alpine Echo will return to the stage to perform each Saturday.. 

“All the tips for beer go to different no-profits every Saturday,” Glenwood Caverns Interim Marketing Manager Solomon Liston said. “We’ll have Sunlight Ski Patrol, Advocate Safehouse, the Roller Derby, and the Grizzly Hockey Team.”

Liston said the park intentionally brands the event as “Octoberfest” to give it a more “family-oriented” feel rather than make it solely about beer.

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Liston also encouraged local residents to take advantage of the park’s local passes.. 

“It could be a free ride up the mountain,” he said. “We had a fun time with Music on the Mountain, it was very community based, and very homey, and that’s the goal for this Octoberfest.”

Glenwood Caverns’ Octoberfest will be held Sept. 18 and 26 and Oct. 3 and 10

For more information on the Glenwood Caverns’ Octoberfest, visit glenwoodcaverns.com/events/octoberfest/.