Sticky fingers, pretzel necklaces, and a whole lot of giggling — Mountain Village Oktoberfest packs the plazas with hands-on activities for kids of every age. Everything runs in age-group heats, so nobody's racing a kid twice their size.
Between the sack races and the pretzel decorating, kids need fuel — and Kinder Lunches at Poachers have it covered all festival weekend long.
Every kid's meal comes with a choice of hot dog or sausage, creamy mac and cheese, fresh apple slices, and a soft pretzel on the side — comfort food with just enough Bavarian flair to fit the occasion.
It's a quick, easy pit stop between games and adventures — plenty of fuel for the kids, plenty of time left for parents to enjoy the atmosphere.
Saturday, October 10 · 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Poachers
Part scavenger hunt, part obstacle course, all Bavarian — the Auf-mazing Race sends kids on an adventure through every plaza in Mountain Village.
Kids work their way through a string of alpine-themed stations — games, puzzles, pretzel relays, and Oktoberfest challenges — collecting a stamp at every stop. Music and laughter follow them the whole way to the finish line.
It's Oktoberfest meets village-wide scavenger hunt, and it tends to become the story everyone tells first when they get home.
Saturday, October 10 · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Self-guided, throughout the plazas
Bring the whole pack — the Puppy Parade & Costume Contest is a full-on celebration of Mountain Village's four-legged residents. Show off one of Telluride's many beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs, or just dress up the family dog for the occasion; every pup is welcome to strut its best Bavarian look.
Tiny lederhosen, dirndls, alpine hats, barrel collars — expect plenty of laughs and even more photos. Cheer on the contestants as they parade through the plazas, competing for prizes, bragging rights, and the coveted title of Oktoberfest's best-dressed dog.
Saturday, October 10 · 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM · Heritage Plaza
There's no dignified way to run a sack race, and that's exactly the point. Kids hop, stumble, and sprint across the festival grounds in traditional burlap sacks while the crowd cheers them on.
Heats are grouped by age, so the race stays fair — and fun — for every kid who lines up.
Add music, cheering, and prizes for the fastest racers, and this old-school Oktoberfest tradition earns its spot as a weekend favorite year after year.
Saturday, October 10 · Runs every 30 minutes, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Heritage Plaza
Part craft project, part snack — Pretzel Necklace Decorating is the kind of playful Oktoberfest tradition that disappears as fast as it's made.
Kids string together their own edible necklace from soft Bavarian pretzels, colorful ribbons, and beads — part fashion statement, part snack they can nibble on the rest of the day.
Simple, sweet, and a little bit silly — it's an easy favorite for guests of every age.
Saturday, October 10 · Runs every hour, 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Heritage Plaza
The music stops, the chairs disappear, and the giggling starts — Musical Chairs is Oktoberfest's classic game of friendly chaos for kids.
Set to lively Oktoberfest tunes, kids circle a ring of themed chairs, listening for the music to cut out — and scrambling for a seat when it does.
Rounds run by age group so it stays fair for everyone, with prizes and plenty of cheering from the sidelines to keep the energy up.
Saturday, October 10 · Runs every 30 minutes, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Heritage Plaza
Grab a piping bag and get to work — kids and parents decorate classic German gingerbread heart cookies together in a festive outdoor alpine setting. Between the icing, the sprinkles, and the Lebkuchen-style flavor, everyone walks away with an edible keepsake inspired by Germany's beloved folk festivals.
It's just as fun for the adults holding the icing bag as it is for the kids adding the sprinkles — creativity, laughter, and a little extra sweetness for everyone.
Saturday, October 10 · Runs every hour, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM · Heritage Plaza
General admission and every family activity are free — reserve tent seating and tastings early, since those do sell out.
