‘Go, wiener, go!’ 5 places to see dachshund races in Colorado this fall

The first Oktoberfest took place in in Munich Germany as a two-day party to celebrate a royal wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen More than years later the event has turned into a global phenomenon with revelers enjoying the best of German society from beer to brats and polka music In the U S Oktoberfest organizers have taken the liberty of adding new traditions you won t find in Munich to this historic event Perhaps the cutest of them all is wiener dog racing Known for their hotdog-like physique dachshunds are a German breed that have been adopted into multiple Oktoberfest celebrations While others such as greyhounds engage in highly competitive sport wiener dog racing is meant to be a jovial activity strictly for entertainment That s why a multitude of owners dress their pups up before they strut up to the starting line The ability is never more electric than when the green race flag waves and the dachshunds take off explained Kat Lewis spokesperson for Sploot Veterinary Care which is organizing a race at Highlands Oktoberfest in Denver Who doesn t love screaming Go wiener go while floppy ears and tiny legs dash across the turf Lewis stated The pure pleasure these races bring to spectators and honestly to us too is unmatched There s just something truly magical about the mix of laughter cheering and happy chaos Here are five events where you can get your cuteness fix by watching dachshunds race or enter your dog into the competition this fall Highlands Oktoberfest Denver on Sept The event s Dachshund Dash competition runs to p m Guests also enjoy an Oktoberfest-themed costume contest stein-hoisting competition keg bowling live music and a gift realm featuring more than local vendors The event which takes over the streets in Denver s West Highland neighborhood will be set up along nd between Julian and Perry streets and is free to attend For more information and to register your dog visit highlandsoktoberfest com Denver Oktoberfest on Sept and Sept The Long Dog Derby which debuted in takes place twice during the festival s two consecutive weekend runs Races start at p m each day Attendees can also join a talent show keg bowling and stein-hoisting competition The costume contest is also open to owners and pets beyond German breeds As an added bonus the official Denver Oktoberfest stein design this year features a dachshund wearing lederhosen The event is held outdoors in Denver s Ballpark neighborhood near Larimer St from Sept to and Sept to It s free to attend with an option to purchase VIP experiences and upgrades starting at Dachshund registration costs Find more information at thedenveroktoberfest com A dachshund peeks over the starting line area barrier before the first ever dachshund races at Denver Oktoberfest in The races have become a beloved part of the festival Nathan W Armes Special to The Denver Post BARKtember Fest Lakewood on Sept Wiener dog races start at p m but there s plenty of other fun to be had that this dog-friendly festival That includes vendors selling treats and gear crafts to do with your fur baby and live music The event takes place at Belmar shopping center at West Alaska Dr in Lakewood and is free to attend It costs to enter your dog into the race and proceeds benefit the Foothills Animal Shelter Find more information and registration at belmarcolorado com event barktember Colorado Springs Oktoberfest on Sept and Sept The festival s Dachshund Dash takes off at p m each day Guests also enjoy beer wine and schnapps tastings a baking competition and more Entering your pup in the race costs otherwise entry is free to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry Northgate Blvd Colorado Springs where the event is held For more information and to register visit csoktoberfest com Call to Arms Brewing Co Oktoberfest Denver on Oct Wiener dog races run to p m The brewery celebrates Oktoberfest from Sept to Oct by transforming into a traditional beer hall and hosting special events The weenie races will host heats of five dogs throughout the afternoon In addition to the winners the brewery will offer consolation prizes to participants with the best costume the slowest race time and the best howl For more information and to register your dog visit calltoarmsbrewing com denver-call-to-arms-brewing-company-events Bonus Dog-themed Oktoberfest events While you won t find wiener dog racing at these two events it s all paws on deck for a good time Related Articles Jefferson County cat dies of plague PetSmart used dog grooming school to trap employees Colorado says Wet spring could mean abundant ticks in Colorado Bats with deadly fungus detected in Rocky Mountain National Park Dogtoberfest on Sept at River North Brewery Washington St Denver features local vendors selling pet-approved gear and treats a costume contest for pets and owners and a stein-hoisting competition Free to attend More information at eventbrite com Longmont Oktoberfest on Sept at Thompson Park Bross St Longmont is a benefit for the Longmont Humane Society complete with adult beverages a pet-centric vendor village a Hot Dog Lounge with water and treats for the four-legged friends and games for humans and animals alike All that plus a headlining set from Keller Williams Grateful Dead tribute group Grateful Grass Tickets cost - More information at longmonthumane org calendar oktoberfest Subscribe to our weekly newsletter In The Know to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox