Six can’t-miss Oktoberfest parties from Denver to Longmont to Vail

There is perhaps no better place in the world to enjoy autumn than Colorado. From the classic fall weather and the changing leaves to the scent of green chile and butternut squash soup, it’s almost impossible not to revel in the season. Even better? The Oktoberfest parties that bring with them food, music, fun and the crisp German-style marzen lagers and festbiers.

Here are six of our favorite Oktoberfest festivals where you can hoist beers in big steins, eat pretzels and bratwurst, listen to oompah music and play traditional games.

Copper Kettle Oktoberfest

Sept. 8-9. Copper Kettle Brewing gets the party started this weekend with the return of its annual two-day Oktoberfest celebration. The craft brewery will tap three German-style beers: Oktoberfest Lager, Dunkel Lager and Hefeweizen. There will also be live music (from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday); hammerschlagen both days; German food; and a dirndl and lederhosen...