The Celebration Continues: a Bavarian Bash in the Mountains of New Mexico
[Oct 11-13, 2024 Red River Oktoberfest] Nestled in the heart of New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Red River offers a unique blend of history and modern adventure. Once a hunting ground for Indigenous peoples and later a gritty mining town, Red River has evolved into a vibrant community known for its hospitality and stunning natural beauty. Today, visitors flock to experience the town's rich heritage while enjoying outdoor recreation and festive events like Oktoberfest. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Oktoberfest: A Celebration for All
Across the Atlantic, in the heart of Munich, Germany (also known as Bavaria), lies the origin story of Oktoberfest. In 1810 Bavarian King Ludwig I invited his kingdom to celebrate his wedding. The first time they had ever been invited to take part in a royal wedding celebration, the people of Bavaria so enjoyed the occasion that it marked the beginning of an annual tradition. Over centuries, Oktoberfest has evolved into a global phenomenon, drawing millions to Bavaria each September (the original month of the celebration) for a two-week extravaganza of beer, food, and entertainment. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Red River: Striking Gold
In the early 1990s, if you drove through Red River after Labor Day weekend, you would find most of the stores shuttered. Store owners who lived out of state had returned to their homes, and full-time locals were on trips out of town. And so, if you had driven through, you would have just kept rolling through our stoplight-less town. This didn't seem right to the business owners who were still in town in September and beyond! Local shop owners and Chamber members recognized that, with its stunning fall foliage and undeniable charm, Red River was an ideal autumnal escape that should be shared with others. They repeatedly asked, “Why not create a festival that attracts folks and encourages them to visit in the fall?”
For nearly a decade, conversations about an October festival gained momentum until that core group of visionaries decided they would present a Red River twist on the beloved Bavarian tradition: Oktoberfest. As soon as they hosted their first three Oktoberfests they, “knew right away – the event had legs." (Fritz Davis, Member of the Red River Chamber of Commerce). It is thus that Oktoberfest has been presented every year since, only breaking due to the pandemic in 2020. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
19 Years & Counting— Join Us for 2024's Incredible Festival
This year marks the 19th anniversary of Red River Oktoberfest, and it promises to bring you the biggest and best festival yet. A stunning mountain backdrop, warm hospitality, and a unique blend of Bavarian and New Mexican culture sets Red River Oktoberfest apart from the rest. So, get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend brimming with Bavarian cheer and join us for Red River Oktoberfest (October 11 – 13, 2024).
Lederhosen Junkies In Concert Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The lively Lederhosen Junkies will be keeping the energy high all weekend long with their infectious polka tunes. See full schedule for concert times!
The Bavarian Binge: Bratwurst Eating Competition
We are calling all competitive eaters! The Bavarian Binge returns with a chance to prove your mettle and claim bragging rights! Make sure to register to participate in the competition ahead of time! Click the image below or go to: https://forms.office.com/r/emD8Uu7KRm.
Unleash your inner lumberjill or lumberjack
You're invited to register and compete in the 2nd Annual Red River Strongman competition, now featuring a women's division! To learn more about the strongman competition categories and to register to compete in 2024 Red River Strongman, click here. To see the competition times, check out the event schedule, here. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Channel your inner royalty at the Ms. & Mr. Oktoberfest competition!
2024 Ms. & Mr. Oktoberfest Competition features the Inaugural class of Junge Adelige ("young nobles") & returns with the years-long tradition of the Konig & Konigin (King & Queen) Division. Make sure to register ahead of time if you want to participate! Click the image below, or go to: https://forms.office.com/r/emD8Uu7KRm. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Lederhosen & Leashes: The Best Dressed Pet Costume Contest
Dress your pet to impress and compete in the inaugural Lederhosen and Leashes competition! Make sure to register to participate ahead of time! Click the image below, or go to: https://forms.office.com/r/emD8Uu7KRm. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Children's log painting workshop
Arts & Crafts for the Young Ones: Children's log painting workshops will keep the little ones entertained on Saturday and Sunday. No registration necessary! (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Daily raffles and prizes
All weekend complete the New Mexico Beer Trivia sheet and submit it for your chance to win prizes in the daily Preisverlosung (German for "prize puzzles") raffle drawing. See full schedule for drawing times. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Make sure to explore all of Red River, submit your Oktoberfest Schnitzeljagd (scavenger hunt!), and be entered into your chance to win the grand prize - 10 raffle tickets for the Copper Chair No. 3 to be raffled off on Sunday evening. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
So, grab your lederhosen (or your favorite fantastic outfit!), dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the magic of Red River Oktoberfest, a celebration of community, heritage, and, most importantly, the simple pleasure of welcoming one and all for a weekend that you'll want to celebrate again and again. (Get your 2024 Red River Oktoberfest passes today!)
Prost! (That's cheers in German!)
