Steins: A Brief History:

The word "stein" is of German origin. The etymology of the word is either from "Stein Krug" (meaning stone jug/mug) or from "Steingut" (meaning stone goods). Steins are mugs used for drinking beer. Steins originated in the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies in Europe, Germany established laws to require beverage containers to be covered for sanitary purposes. Around the same time, techniques to improve earthenware by raising the firing temperature of clay, created stoneware. Thus, there was a presence of stoneware drinking vessels with attached pewter lids for the next 300 years. By the end of the 19th century, the stein was clearly defined as being made in Europe, primarily of stoneware and primarily with a permanently attached pewter lid. The history of steins includes the development and presentation of steins made with different materials. Pewter was the material of choice in some areas of Europe, especially England. Glass, porcelain and silver steins were introduced several hundred years ago. Many stein-decorating styles and techniques were developed over the centuries, offering further diversity to the stein. In recent times, the stein and tankard industry remained primarily represented by factories in Germany and England, where skilled craftsmen continue to create steins.  

This years Oktoberfest stein is 

What to Know Before You Go

• Friday, August 30 | 4 pm – 8 pm
• Saturday, August 31 |   11am – 7 pm
• Sunday, September 1 | 11am – 6 pm

Where can I Park? Parking options include parking in the Bear or Elk lot and taking a free shuttle up to the village, which runs every 15 minutes. Parking on the mountain at Villa Montane will be accessible for Oktoberfest attendees. VIP ticket purchasers have guaranteed parking access in Ford Hall Garage on the mountain. Learn more about Beaver Creek parking options at www.beavercreek.com, or in the "transit" section of the BC Village App.

Map of Event (Link to PDF)

Beer and Steins: All beer will be sold by individual beer tickets as well as through 6-beer Punch Cards at our Ticket Stations throughout the village. Once tickets/punch cards are purchased, they can be redeemed all weekend long at any of our five bar locations in the village. See the map for bar and ticket-purchase locations.

Punch Cards and steins purchased online can be picked up at WILL CALL as you exit the shuttle busses before you walk through the covered bridge. OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you did not purchase punch cards or a Stein online, they can be purchased on-site. Steins are based upon availability and there is no guarantee they will be available onsite throughout the weekend.

NOTE: if you purchased a Stein and noted you will not be attending the event, but change your mind, please contact Susan at  [email protected] to make arrangements to pick it up at WILL CALL.

Will Beaver Creek Mountain or Beaver Creek retailers be open during the event? Yes - the Gondola will run from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. And retailers will be open from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily.

 Can I bring my pet? PETS ARE PROHIBITED AT BEAVER CREEK EVENTS. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Are there activities available for kids at Oktoberfest? The event will include inflatable activities for kids as well as face painting on the mountainside lawn next to the Competition Stage. Kids zone will be available Saturday and Sunday (only) from 11 AM – 4 PM.

How do I sign up for the competitions? We will be registering participants on-site for BEST DRESSED, BRAT EATING (Sat/Sun only), and STEIN HOISTING daily. See the schedule of events for details and timing.

VIP Ticket Holders:

• Inclusions: VIP Lounge access, Complimentary beverages (beer, wine, signature cocktails and soft drinks), German fare, Ford Hall Parking, Slopeside Lounge access, 2024 Commemorative Stein (based on package purchased)
• Parking is in the Ford Hall Parking Garage. Please note no vehicles over 10' tall.
• VIP credentials (and steins if included in the purchased package) can be picked up at the entrance to the VIP section behind the main stage.  

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Check back in March for 2024 full lineup!