Oktoberfest can be a rowdy affair as the beer flows.

At the South Pearl Street version of Oktoberfest, yes there is libation and fun, but a little more of a relaxed atmosphere with families and dogs as revelers as well.

In its’ fourth year, the Oktoberfest on South Pearl Street in Denver provides all the usual beer booths and food items. Because it occurs on the main street, vendors and businesses there participate as well giving it a nice combination of German and local. So, you can roll into a bar or restaurant, then step right back out into the Oktoberfest activities. Depending upon the time of day, the festivalgoers are 30%-70% neighborhood locals.

South Pearl Street has regular events through the year including their ever-popular farmers’ market, music festivals such as the Blues and Brews, and the WinterFest.

One of the unique features is the beer vendor booths are run by volunteers to make money for their organizations. So, you are really drinking to boost up a charity or community group!

Food vendors abound with Helga’s Pies, a local operation that uses organic and local ingredients with their first claim to fame as apple pie, but now gaining notoriety for the strawberry rhubarb pie.

You could get a taste of New York with Sexy Pizza, a Colorado version of NY pizza. And they make everything in house. And, of course, what is an Oktoberfest without authentic pretzels, potato breads and strudel made by Styria Bakery.