Oktoberfest 2026
Harvest the Moment
Saturday, September 19, 2026
1:00 – 6:00 PM
Cross Orchards Historic Site
Admission is FREE
Celebrate fall the Western Colorado way at Oktoberfest, an afternoon of local breweries, live music, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and the historic charm of Cross Orchards.
Whether you’re gathering with friends to enjoy local craft beer, bringing the family for train rides and lawn games, or simply looking for a fun way to spend a September afternoon, Oktoberfest offers something for everyone.
Join us as we Harvest the Moment and celebrate the traditions, flavors, and history that make Western Colorado unique.
Brought to You By
Event Highlights
🍺 Local Breweries
Sample craft beer from Ramblebine Brewing Company with a tasting wristband for guests ages 21 and older.
🎶 Live Music
Enjoy live performances throughout the afternoon, including traditional polka music, Izzy Burns and Keifer McCloud.
🌭 Great Food
Festival favorites, including bratwursts, meals, snacks, and other delicious offerings, will be available for purchase throughout the event.
🌾 Family Fun
Explore Cross Orchards with train rides, lawn games, vendors, and activities for all ages.
🏆 Festival Competitions
Join the fun in our:
- Women’s Stein Holding Competition
- Men’s Stein Holding Competition
- Adult & Child Costume Contest
Tickets and Events
- +VIP Tickets
VIP Beer Garden Experience
Elevate your Oktoberfest experience with our VIP Beer Garden.
VIP Ticket – $100
Your VIP experience includes:
- Reserved shaded seating
- Commemorative festival stein
- Beer tasting pass for attendees 21+
- Bratwurst meal with chips and a drink
VIP seating is limited.
BUY TICKETS
- +Beer Tasting and Wristbands
Beer Tasting
Guests ages 21 and older may purchase tasting wristbands to sample beers from participating breweries.
Drink Wristbands
Presale: $10
Day of Event: $15
Each tasting wristband includes three tasting tickets, allowing guests to sample beers from participating breweries.
A valid government-issued photo ID or passport is required to purchase and receive a drink wristband.
BUY WRISTBANDS
- +Steinholding Competition
Stein Holding Competition
Entry Fee: $25
Limited registration is available for both competitions.
- 2:10 PM – Women’s Competition
- 4:15 PM – Men’s Competition
REGISTER TO COMPETE
- +Costume Contest
Costume Contest
- 2:20 PM – Children’s Costume Contest
- 4:25 PM – Adult’s Costume Contest
- +Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Cross Orchards Historic Site
3073 F Road
Grand Junction, CO 81504Saturday, September 19, 2026
1:00–6:00 PM
Admission: FREE
Parking information and additional event details will be posted as the event approaches.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cross Orchards as we Harvest the Moment together.
How It Works
Admission to Oktoberfest is free.
Upon entering through the South Arbor, guests may purchase:
- VIP Beer Garden tickets (while available)
- Beer tasting wristbands
- Commemorative steins
- Stein Holding & Costume Competition registration
- Additional food and beverages
The South Arbor Welcome Tent also serves as:
- VIP Check-In
- Activity Registration
- Event Information
Guests purchasing a tasting wristband will receive three beer tasting tickets to redeem with Ramblebine.
After checking in, explore the festival grounds featuring:
- Live music
- Local breweries
- Food vendors
- Shopping
- Historic buildings
- Train rides
- Lawn games
- Family activities
- +Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in Sponsoring?
Help create one of Western Colorado’s newest fall traditions by sponsoring an Oktoberfest experience.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses and organizations looking to support community programming while connecting with hundreds of attendees.
For sponsorship information, contact:
Mollie Shepardson
Director of Development & Communications
Museums of Western ColoradoMShepardson@mowc.co
970-433-3051
Commemorative Stein
Take home a keepsake from Oktoberfest!
Commemorative Stein: $25
Steins are available while supplies last.
Event Schedule
1:00 PM EVENT STARTS
1:00 PM First Music Set – Polka/Square Dancing
1:30 PM Apple Pressing Tour (Meet at Orchard House)
2:10 PM 1st Stein Holding Competition Womens (Meet next to the stage at 2)
2:20 PM Childs Costume Contest (Meet next stage at 2:10)
2:30 PM Second Music Set – Izzy Burns
3:00 PM Apple Pressing Tour (Meet at Orchard House)
4:00 PM Wood Shop Demo
4:15 PM 2nd Stein Holding Competition Mens (Meet next to the stage at 4:05)
4:25 PM Adult Costume Contest (Meet next to stage at 4:15)
4:45 PM Third Music Performance (Kiefer McCloud )
5:00 PM Apple Pressing Tour (Meet at Orchard House)
5:45 PM Raffle announcements
6:00 PM Event ends
Harvest the Moment
Oktoberfest is more than a fall festival! It’s an opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors, celebrate Western Colorado’s agricultural heritage, and enjoy one of the region’s most treasured historic sites.
Every purchase made during the event helps support the Museums of Western Colorado and our mission to preserve and share the stories, history, and natural heritage of our region.
Together, we’re creating a tradition that will grow for years to come.
