Your Guide to DOGtoberfest 2026: Denver’s Dog-Friendly Oktoberfest

DOGtoberfest is back for year six, and we’ve packed more into this one than ever before.

On Saturday, September 5 from 1-5pm, DOGtoberfest returns to our North Taproom with adoptable pups, local vendors, costume contests, steinholding, giant soft pretzels, stadium inspired eats and plenty of beer. This year, we’re also teaming up with the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley, with 10% of beer sales during the event going directly back to the organization. More beer = more money for the dogs? Challenge accepted.

Here’s everything you need to know before DOGtoberfest 2026.

First Things First: The Beer

You can’t put “fest” in the name and not bring the beer. We’re kicking off Oktoberfest season with three beer releases at both taprooms: Festbier, Honey Kölsch and Doppelbock. We’ll also have a lineup of select beers pouring in steins at both taprooms throughout the day.

Festbier is our crisp, traditional German-style Oktoberfest lager, brewed for fest season and best enjoyed by the stein. Honey Kölsch is a German-style ale brewed with orange blossom honey, and this one comes with some hardware. It took home GOLD at the 2025 Honey Beer Competition. Then there’s Doppelbock, a rich and malty German-style strong lager with layers of toasted caramel and hints of dark fruit. Smooth, full-bodied and just in time for the start of Oktoberfest season.

Pints for Pups

The dogs are the reason DOGtoberfest started. This year, they’re an even bigger part of why we’re doing it.

We’re excited to welcome the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley to North with adoptable pups looking for their forever homes. They’ll be hanging out with us during DOGtoberfest, so stop by, say hello and try your absolute hardest not to fall in love with all of them.

We’re also donating 10% of beer sales during DOGtoberfest to the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley, helping support the work they do for animals in our community. So if you needed another reason to order a beer, there you go.

And no, you absolutely do not need to have a dog to come to DOGtoberfest. If anything, the adoptable pups might be able to help you with that problem.

Shop the Fest

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local pet businesses for the afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to spoil your dog while you’re here.

• The Precious Dog will be bringing breed-specific jewelry in sterling silver and 14k gold vermeil.

  
  

• Paw Print Memories Photography will have a special DOGtoberfest photo backdrop set up so your pup can pose for the camera in between beers, treats and all the festivities.

  
  

• GoodVets will be there handing out pup cups and swag, plus sharing info on keeping your dog happy and healthy.

  
  

• Cold Noze Creameri is taking care of dessert with chef created ice cream made especially for pups, while GoodVets will be joining us to talk all things pet health and veterinary care.

  
  

• BowHaus Boulder and City Bark will have company swag on hand and are teaming up with a local artist for a DOGtoberfest giveaway where one lucky pup parent will win a custom pet portrait.

And then there are the treats.

• Our friends at Happy Howie’s sent over a stash of dog treats for the occasion. They won’t have a booth at the event, but we’ll be handing out free treats while supplies last.

Your dog is going to have a very good day.

Three Contests. Three Prizes.

You didn’t buy that lederhosen just to wear it once.

We’ll have three contests and three prizes up for grabs throughout DOGtoberfest, starting with our Best Lederhosen or Dirndl Contest. Come dressed for Oktoberfest and you may leave with more than a great photo.

The dogs get their shot at glory too with the Dog Costume Contest. Lederhosen, hot dog, tiny cowboy, award-winning head brewer... we’re not here to limit anyone creatively. Just bring your A-game.

Then at 3pm, things get serious with the Steinholding Contest. The rules are simple: arm out, stein up and hold on longer than everyone else. It always sounds easy right up until it isn't. May the strongest arm win.

Come Hungry

Chef May I Call Food Truck will be serving its rotating menu, and September is bringing stadium inspired eats to the taproom. The star of the lineup is The Mile High, featuring locally smoked andouille sausage topped with smoked pulled pork and house BBQ on a brioche bun. They’ll also be serving nachos, burgers, sides and desserts throughout the afternoon, so come hungry.

And it wouldn’t feel much like Oktoberfest without a giant pretzel. We’ll have giant soft pretzels from Styria Bakery available while supplies last. Grab one, grab a Festbier and call it a pairing.

Make a Day of It

DOGtoberfest has become one of our favorite River North traditions, and six years in, we’re still finding ways to make it bigger and better.

Can’t make it to North? RiNo is celebrating too. Festbier, Honey Kölsch and Doppelbock all release September 5 at our RiNo Taproom at 3400 Blake Street, available on draft and to-go.

See you September 5!

Cheers,

Your River North Crew

DOGtoberfest 2026

Saturday, September 5 | 1-5pm

River North Brewery North Taproom

6021 Washington Street Suite A, Denver