The Biergarten Festival is Coming!

It’s that time of year again.  Early July.  That time when we hoist high the Stars n’ Stripes, when we all come together to eat hotdogs, drink copious amounts of beer, watch fireworks, and collectively agree that, damn, it’s good to be American.

In Colorado, early July is even more important; it’s a time when we double-down on our patriotism.  It’s a time when we hoist high the Bundesflagge, when we all come together to eat bratwurst, drink copious amounts of bier, watch Schuhplattler dancers, and collectively agree that, verdammt, it’s good to be German-American.  Why?  Because July 10-12 is when the German-American Chamber of Commerce—Colorado Chapter’s Biergarten Festival is held in Morrison.

Who's that handsome young Kraut?

Held at the scenic TEV Edelweiss festival grounds, the Biergarten Festival is a perfect blend of Colorado rustic and Old World charm.  Red Rocks stands majestically to the north as oompah bands stomp their feet to the rhythm.  The fresh Rocky Mountain air wafts through the site as the aroma of soft pretzels, roasted nuts, schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and other German delicacies entice hungry festival-goers.  When you’re at Biergarten Festival, you’re very much in Colorado and you’re very much in Bavaria.

And what would Biergarten Festival be without beer?  With Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr as a sponsor, expect many fine, Munich-style beers on tap.  In fact, according to the festival website, expert more beer than ever before: “This year’s Beer Garden (Biergarten) Festival will be bigger and better than ever before!  We have added more music, more beer and more entertainment.”  There will also be wine and, if prior experiences at the festival are any indication, schnapps. 

This will be the 19^th running of the Biergarten Festival and my third time attending.  Here’s some advice from a seasoned pro:

1) Learn some of the language.  Know a few courtesies and definitely know the proper pronunciation of the beer you’re ordering; the lady behind the bar wouldn’t serve me until I said Märzen correctly.

2) If you have lederhosen or dirndls in your closet, wear it!  How often do you get to break out that ensemble?  Be forewarned, though: if you dress authentically, people will assume you speak the language fluently and are an expert German folk dancer. 

3) Don’t worry if you’re not of German heritage.  Just as everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everybody is German at Biergarten Festival. 

4) Bring sunscreen.  Pasty German complexions and the scorching high country sun are a dangerous mix.

When

Friday, July 10th | 4pm – 10pm
Saturday, July 11th | 11am – 10pm
Sunday, July 12th | 10am – 5pm (traditional German Frühschoppen brunch in the morning)

Where

17832 Highway 8
Morrison, Colorado 80465

Cost

·         Friday & Saturday: $5

·         Sunday: $3, early-bird special: $1 from 10am to noon

·         Frühschoppen: $15 (all-you-can-eat)

·         Children 12 and under are free

·         You may also volunteer