Held annually in Munich, Germany for approximately two weeks, the original Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volkfest (beer festival and traveling fair), attracting around 6 million revelers. Luckily, you don't have to travel across the pond to join in on the festivities because Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort's 44th annual Oktoberfest is already under way. Over the years the festival has risen in prominence, being voted one of the Best 10 Oktoberfests in America by Men's Journal Magazine and becoming one of the largest festivals in Utah, with more than 60,000 visitors attending.

Snowbird's ode to all things German runs every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 9, including Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3-5th), giving you plenty of opportunities to wet your whistle at this popular, high-altitude event. 

This event's main attraction, of course, is the beer. Multiple vendors pour both German and Utah-brewed suds, including Uinta, Squatters, Moab Brewery, and Bohemian. If you've attended before, instead of buying a new 1-liter Snowbird Oktoberfest beer mug, save yourself a bit of money by reusing a previously-purchased one. (And don't worry if you'd prefer a bevvy other than beer, wine is available on site as well.) And then there's the food: bratwurst, sauerkraut, spaetzle, weisswurst, apple strudel, Bavarian roasted almonds, and all your favorite German treats. Entertainment is provided as well, with musicians performing traditional-esque German music on alphorns, accordions, sing alongs, group dancing, and more. 

For a look at some truly zany facial hair, plan on visiting Oktoberfest on Aug. 27th for the Beard and Mustache Competition, sponsored by the Salty Saints Social Club & Facial Hair Society. Now in it's third year, the competition is open to all, even ladies and kids. Part of the competition fees are donated to Wasatch Adaptive Sports, a non-profit organization that works with veterans, adults, and children with special needs. Think your beard or mustache is good enough for the win? You can register online to be part of the competition. 

In addition to the German-inspired food and drink, Snowbird also has their normal summer activities open, including the climbing wall, bounce houses, Mountain Coaster, Mountain Flyer, Tram rides, bungee trampoline open during Oktoberfest. All of this makes the event a nice afternoon for the whole family – not just a celebration of booze.

So, what are you waiting for? Pull on your lederhosen or dirndl and get on over to Snowbird. Prost!