The lederhosen and dirndls are coming back out at Taos Ski Valley.
Oktoberfest returns to the New Mexico ski resort this weekend, with two days of German beer, food, live music and competitions scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27.
The celebration takes over Taos Ski Valley’s Resort Plaza as the mountain transitions from summer into fall, with the surrounding aspens beginning to turn and ski season now only a couple of months away.
The weekend includes stein-holding competitions, pretzel-eating contests, live music, kids activities and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest.
Beer, Pretzels and Some Competitive Stein Holding
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday.
A ceremonial keg tap is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., followed by the opening of beer tents around the upper and lower plazas. Food service begins at 11 a.m.
The first stein-holding contest starts at noon, followed by the Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competition at 1 p.m. and a pretzel-eating contest at 2 p.m. Live music runs throughout the day.
Sunday follows a similar schedule, with beer tents opening at 10:30 a.m., another adult stein-holding contest at noon and a kids version at 1 p.m.
The pretzel-eating contest returns at 2 p.m.
There are also free activities mixed into the weekend, including yoga, kids activities and plein air painting near the base of Lift 1.
Taos Has the Right Backdrop for Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest fits particularly well at Taos Ski Valley because European influence has been part of the resort since the beginning.
Taos Ski Valley was founded by Ernie and Rhoda Blake in the 1950s. The Blakes brought their European ski heritage to northern New Mexico, where it eventually mixed with the existing Native American and Spanish cultures to create the mountain community Taos is known for today.
The resort’s European influence remains obvious in everything from its ski-school traditions to alpine-style restaurants and buildings around the village.
Taos has previously described Oktoberfest as a celebration of those roots, combining German traditions with a distinctly New Mexican mountain setting.
Late September also happens to be a pretty good time to be there.
Golden aspens spread through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains around the ski area as fall takes hold, giving the Bavarian-style celebration a distinctly Western backdrop.
How Oktoberfest at Taos Works
Visitors can attend the festivities without purchasing a stein, but anyone looking to participate in the drinking side of Oktoberfest can purchase one in advance or at the event.
The current online packages include either a 10-ounce or 18-ounce stein along with three tokens. Day-of 18-ounce steins will cost $45, while additional food and drink tokens will cost $4 each. Organizers say the number of steins is limited.
The event takes place rain or shine at the Taos Ski Valley Resort Plaza.
Oktoberfest comes at the tail end of Taos Ski Valley’s summer and fall operations. Scenic lift rides continue Friday through Sunday through Sept. 27, meaning Oktoberfest weekend is also the final scheduled weekend for scenic lift access this season.
Then attention turns toward snow.
Taos Ski Valley currently plans to begin its 2026-27 ski season Nov. 26.
Until then, the mountain will have to settle for beer, pretzels and competitive stein holding.
