Published September 2026 — by the Mt. Lemmon Hotel team
Every fall, the mountain’s own alpine village throws one of Arizona’s most beloved Oktoberfests. The 51st annual Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest runs weekends only, September 19 through October 11, 2026 — German beer, authentic Oktoberfest food, a live band with traditional music and dancing, kids’ games, and golden aspen views at 8,200 feet, about 30°F cooler than Tucson.
2026 Dates & Hours
The fest runs Saturdays and Sundays only, on four consecutive weekends:
- Sept 19–20 — Weekend 1
- Sept 26–27 — Weekend 2
- Oct 3–4 — Weekend 3
- Oct 10–11 — Weekend 4
Event hours are roughly 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the Oktoberfest band playing from noon to 4:30 PM on both Saturday and Sunday.
What to Expect
- German beer and authentic Oktoberfest food — the full fest spread, up in the pines.
- Live traditional German-style music and dancing on the large outdoor dance floor, noon–4:30 PM both days.
- Kids’ games run hourly during the band’s breaks, with the first set around 12:45 PM each day — a genuinely family-friendly fest.
- Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.
- The sky ride usually runs during the event — grab a chairlift ride for sweeping fall-color views (weekend hours about 9:30 AM–4 PM; two-person limit per chair).
- The Iron Door Restaurant at Ski Valley is open regular hours (service animals only inside).
- Gift and fudge shop on site (may close early if staffing is short).
Getting There
Head to 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619 — Ski Valley sits at the top of the Catalina Highway, past Summerhaven. Parking in the Ski Valley lot is $5, and free shuttle parking is available nearby. Arrive by late morning: fest weekends draw big crowds, and the lot fills up.
Fest questions? Call Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley directly at (520) 576-1321.
Insider Tips
- Dress in layers. It’s 30°F cooler than Tucson up top — sunny afternoon, chilly shade.
- Take the sky ride early before afternoon lines build; ticket sales can close early in bad weather or at high volume.
- Ride the fest on foot — parking is a short walk from the dance floor, and the shuttle keeps things simple.
- Pair it with fall colors. Late September into October is prime aspen season — see our Mt. Lemmon fall colors guide for the best photo stops on the way up.
- Make it a weekend. The fest runs Saturday and Sunday — stay overnight and you get two fest days plus quiet evenings on the mountain.
Make It a Weekend at Mt. Lemmon Hotel
Oktoberfest weekends are some of the busiest of the fall — and staying in Summerhaven is the best way to beat the traffic and soak up the season. Mt. Lemmon Hotel has 21 private, pet-friendly cabins just minutes from Ski Valley: your own kitchen, porch, and fireplace, with stargazing skies at night (our stargazing guide has the how-to). Bring the dog — 12 cabins welcome pets, up to 3, with no pet fee — and walk to the fest or hop the shuttle.
Oktoberfest weekends sell out fast. Browse Cabins & Rates → Check Availability →
Oktoberfest on Mt. Lemmon — Quick Questions
When is Oktoberfest on Mt. Lemmon?
The 51st annual Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest runs weekends only: Sept 19–20, Sept 26–27, Oct 3–4, and Oct 10–11, 2026 — four consecutive weekends.
What are the Oktoberfest hours?
Event hours are roughly 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the band playing from noon to 4:30 PM on both Saturday and Sunday.
Is Oktoberfest at Ski Valley family-friendly?
Very. Kids’ games run hourly during the band’s breaks, with the first set around 12:45 PM each day — and the whole event takes place outdoors in the pines at 8,200 feet.
Are dogs allowed at Mt. Lemmon Oktoberfest?
Yes — leashed, friendly dogs are welcome at the outdoor fest. Note that The Iron Door Restaurant allows service animals only.
How much does Oktoberfest cost?
The event itself is free to attend; parking in the Ski Valley lot is $5, with free shuttle parking available nearby. Food, beer, and sky ride tickets are sold separately.
Where is Oktoberfest held?
At Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619 — about 45 minutes from northeast Tucson at the top of the Catalina Highway, past Summerhaven.
Planning an Oktoberfest trip? Check cabin availability → • Questions? Text (520) 277-2478