Ridgway 1k || *Kids run free (*with registered adult)!

October 4 @ 12:45 pm

Ridgway 1K ~ Rally Through The Alley: Colorado’s Most Entertaining Fun Run, presented by Citizens State Bank

*$30 pp in advance / *$35 day of  / YOUTH under 13 run free with a registered adult.  Youth 13+ are $10 advance or $10 paid in cash day-of onsite (Additional fees may apply if not paying with cash day-of)

Join the most hilarious costumed fun run in Colorado!
The Ridgway 1K Rally Through The Alley is a family-friendly, costume-themed, 1K race in downtown Ridgway. But don’t be fooled—this 6-block, downhill “race” is all about fun, food, and funky vibes, not speed.

• Open to all ages and fitness levels
• Costumes are encouraged (and rewarded!)
• 8 unique aid stations featuring outrageous snacks like bacon, donuts, and hot dogs
• The race ends with live music, a bounce house, SAN JUAN OKTOBERFEST (for grown ups) AND VOYAGER'S (NEW!) PUMPKIN PALOOZA (for kids!) in Hartwell Park

Perfect for:

• Visitors looking for a fun fall festival in Colorado
• Families seeking a kid-friendly running event
• Adults who love craft beer and quirky races
• Runners who don’t run, but love a good party and a reason to be in costume

This is a fundraiser supporting arts, culture and community through two local nonprofit organizations: Weehawken Creative Arts and The Sherbino Theater.

With live music by POLKA POYO

PLUS:  SAN JUAN OKTOBERFEST in Ridgway, Colorado

Sunday, October 4, 2026 | Hartwell Park | Ridgway, Colorado

There’s nothing quite like Ridgway in early October — bright blue skies, golden aspens and cottonwoods glowing on the hillsides, and the irresistible scent of bratwursts sizzling in Hartwell Park. That can only mean one thing: Oktoberfest has arrived!

This year marks the inaugural San Juan Oktoberfest, happening Sunday, October 4, immediately following the wildly fun Ridgway 1K Rally Through the Alley. After the costumes, laughter, and downhill dash through town, the celebration continues in the park with a festival that blends Austrian tradition with Rocky Mountain charm.

LIVE MUSIC by RHS Band members and leaders to kick things off — followed by POLKA MUSIC BY POLKA PYO of Paonia!

Polka Poyo is what a polka band should be in the 21st century. It is built on the “ompah band” foundation of sousaphone (tuba), accordion, drums, and horns, but then enriches the genre with a heavy influence of New Orleans style jazz, waltzes, classic American songbook, and even some punk rock. Polka Poyo features Jon Hickam on Accordion and vocals, David Alderdice on percussion, Jeannette Carey on Sousaphone and vocals, and Tony Peters on sax and trombone.

Picture lederhosen and dirndls, frothy steins clinking together, live music filling the autumn air, and kids laughing just as much as the adults. It’s the perfect way to send off summer and welcome the golden days of fall in the quirky mountain town we all love: Ridgway.

Grab Your Stein & Drinks

A limited number of commemorative Oktoberfest steins will be available for sale in Hartwell Park. Each 2026 San Juan Oktoberfest stein includes one complimentary beer fill.

We’ll be pouring a festive selection of Oktoberfest-style beers from breweries across Colorado, along with regular pours served in standard event cups.  Pay by the drink for a full pour!  This isn't a tasting event anymore!

Competitions Worth Watching (or Entering!)

Think you’ve got what it takes to win festival glory? Sign up on-site for one of our Oktoberfest competitions:

• Stein Hoisting Contest
• Best Dressed Contest (lederhosen and dirndls encouraged!)
• Pretzel Toss
• Chicken Dance-Off
• Kids Games & Activities with Voyager -- We’re especially excited to partner with Voyager Youth Program, who will be hosting Pumpkinpalooza alongside the festival — a fun-filled kids’ area featuring games, prizes, pumpkin painting, and more.

Competition sign-ups open at 1:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis and close 10 minutes before each contest begins.

Even if you’re just cheering from the sidelines, the crowd energy should make every competition a blast.

Prost & Dance the Day Away

Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without great music. Our lineup will feature live bands delivering a mix of traditional Austrian festival sounds and high-energy favorites that will keep the park lively all afternoon.

So grab a stein, pull up a bench, and dance, toast, and celebrate the season.

Prost!

Rules & Regulations

To help keep San Juan Oktoberfest safe and enjoyable for everyone, please note the following:

• No Outside Alcohol
San Juan Oktoberfest operates under a special event liquor license, so outside alcohol is not permitted.

• Please Drink Responsibly
Help us keep the event fun, friendly, and safe for all attendees.