Golden’s little gem of an Octoberfest

September is here and that means we are somewhere in the middle of Colorado’s Oktoberfest season. Traditionally that was an event held in, well, October, but for years there have been local festivals starting as early as August and rarely running too far into the month they were named for. That is due to the fact that weather around here in October is a little unpredictable and most of these gatherings are held outdoors or in a tent somewhere.

Being the home of the largest single brewery in the world that was founded by a guy from Germany, you would expect Golden to have a huge celebration planned, and years ago they did. But like major league sports teams, circumstances moved the sponsors to relocate their festival to a different location and Golden’s Oktoberfest is a part of our history … or is it?

Well, actually there is a Golden Oktoberfest that has become more of a hidden gem than it used to be. Instead of holding it downtown it’s going to be happening on the other side of North Table Mountain, just off of Easley Road.

It’s the Denver Kickers Oktoberfest which is sponsored by one of the oldest soccer clubs in the area and also home to the Schuhplattlers, Denver’s premier German/Bavarian folk dancing group.

Here’s a little more history that might give you an idea as to why this might be one of the most authentic Oktoberfest events happening in the area.

Back in 1962 the Denver Kickers was established and held their meetings and club events at the Turnverein, also known as the German Haus, in Denver. It’s early members were mostly European and a lot of them were German, so they also became associated with keeping some of the German cultural activities alive and well in the area.

Dating back to 1960, the Schuhplattlers were also meeting and practicing at the Turnverein and they soon became known as the Denver Kickers Schuhplattlers.

In 1968 they acquired their own clubhouse, which was just an old red brick school house on about an acre and a half of land here in Golden. After years of planning and fundraising in 1976 they erected their own facility designed and built by their members. It now includes a club house as well as a full European size champion soccer field and small stadium.

Since then, they Denver Kickers Schuhplattlers have been based there and they perform at Oktoberfests all over the country, including several here in Colorado. But, they have also been presenting their own celebration for years. They used to hold it at Heritage Square back in the days when they had a beer garden there, but lately they have hosted it at their own clubhouse.

The Denver Kickers Oktoberfest will be happening this coming Saturday, September 19th, starting at 6 p.m. and will feature Rick Borger & the Average German band as well as performances by the Schuhplattlers.

Admission is $ 5 for members, $ 7 for guests, $ 2 for kids over 12 and younger kids get in free. There will be food and drinks available for purchase as well as lots of dancing and Gem tlicheit.

The Denver Kickers clubhouse is located at 16776 W. 50th Ave. in Golden. That’s just a half block east of Easley Road. For more information you can check out www.denverkickers.com or give them a call at (303) 279-9097.

So, break out those Lederhosen and Dirndl dresses, don your alpine hat and get ready to polka! It’s that time of year again.

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