Industry News
Utah’s premier alpine gathering returns this late summer as Snowbird opens its gates for the 2026 Oktoberfest season. Running every weekend from August 8 through October 11, including Labor Day, the 10-week festival transforms Little Cottonwood Canyon into a vibrant Bavarian village, blending time-honored European traditions with mountain adventure for visitors of all ages.
From noon to 6:00 p.m. each festival day, guests can experience everything from traditional German cuisine and more than 50 varieties of beer to over 20 summer mountain activities, including Alpine Slide runs, Mountain Coaster rides, and scenic Aerial Tram trips to Hidden Peak.
“Snowbird’s Oktoberfest has become a beloved tradition for generations of Utahns and mountain visitors,” said Dave Fields, President and CEO of Snowbird. “Whether you’re coming up the canyon for the authentic brats, listening to alphorns echo through the peaks, or spending the afternoon with your family on our mountain rides, Oktoberfest offers an unforgettable way to celebrate late summer in the Wasatch.”
Highlights of the 54th Annual Oktoberfest:
- Authentic German Fare & Craft Brews: Enjoy German staples like fifth-generation recipe bratwurst, weisswurst, Wiener Schnitzel, the legendary Uber pretzel, apple strudel, and sauerkraut, along with a selection of classic German-style lagers and local Utah craft beers. Guests can collect the new 2026 edition glass steins or bring previous year’s 1-liter steins.
- Der Marktplatz & Community Spotlight: The bustling open-air market features more than 50 local artisans offering hand-crafted goods, woodworking, fine art, and jewelry. Every weekend, Snowbird highlights a different local non-profit organization in Der Marktplatz to raise awareness and support for regional causes. New this year, Snowbird has added mor vendors, artists, and non-profits to peruse, engage with and enjoy.
- Live Entertainment & Bavarian Games: Festivities run across multiple venues, featuring live musical performances, traditional games inside the Halle tent, stein-holding competitions, the annual beard showcase, and classic alphorn performances at the summit. New polka bands have been added to the schedule, additional rock bands will play on the Chickadee stage, and Hammerschlagen (a crazy, difficult, and lively game) will entertain for hours.
- Prost Package Staycations: Visitors looking to extend their experience can take advantage of lodging deals, including the popular “Prost Package,” which pairs resort accommodations with a collectible souvenir mug and a $25 food and beverage credit.
Transit, Parking & Access Information
To make traveling up Little Cottonwood Canyon seamless and eco-friendly, Snowbird has expanded its complimentary shuttle options in partnership with Snow Country Limo. Free round-trip shuttles run continuously every festival day from the Park & Ride lot at 9400 S. Highland Drive. Snowbird encourages guests not to drink and drive.
- August 8 – August 23: Departs every 80 minutes in each direction.
- August 29 – October 11: Departs every 40 minutes in each direction.
- Advance reservations are available online to secure shuttle seating.
On-mountain parking is available for $15 at Entries 1, 2, and 4, with valet services available at the Snowbird Center for $30. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Essential Visitor Details
- Admission: Entry to the festival grounds is free. Food, beverages, activities, and parking are purchased à la carte.
- Cashless Operations: Snowbird is a fully cashless resort. All resort-operated venues accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. On-site Reverse ATMs are available inside the Snowbird Center and The Cliff Lodge lobby at no charge.
- Resort Rules: To protect the watershed and ensure public safety, no pets or weapons are permitted on resort property or inside vehicles. Snowbird is a non-smoking resort.
For festival schedules, lodging reservations, and event details, visit Snowbird.com/Oktoberfest or download the official Snowbird App.
