‘Greatest stage in the world’: Snowbird’s 52nd Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend
SANDY, Utah (ABC4) — For Dale Myrberg, an 82-year-old yo-yo performer, Snowbird’s Oktoberfest is the “greatest stage in the world.”
The toy-twirling master has performed at the annual beer festival up Little Cottonwood Canyon for 36 years, likely more than anyone else. One of his favorite parts of each festival day is getting on the big tent stage and spinning his yo-yos while the accordion plays.
“I call it the yo-yo polka,” Myrberg said. “I really love doing that.”
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Myrberg is set to perform again this weekend, when Snowbird’s 52nd Oktoberfest kicks off. The family-friendly Utah tradition runs each Saturday and Sunday (plus Labor Day) through Oct. 13. From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day, festival-goers can enjoy authentic Oktoberfest beer, live music, art installations, a vendor market, performers, and traditional Bavarian foods.
“We have all the bratwursts you could imagine,” said Sarah Sherman, spokesperson for Snowbird.
On offer at the festival’s Oktoberfest Halle are German classics such as jaeger schnitzel (breaded and fried pork with mushroom gravy) and sauerbraten (a roast of marinated meat). If German food doesn’t sound appetizing, the resort’s Birdfeeder grill will serve burgers and other American fare with an Oktoberfest twist, such as the Flammekueche pizza.
As for the beer, there’ll be over 50 varieties to sip from custom Snowbird steins. While some of the offerings are from local Utah breweries, many will be from Germany.
“If you’ve been to the actual Oktoberfest, we serve some of those beers as well,” Sherman said.
New this year will be the Brewer’s Dinner Series. These will take place on select Fridays, when a local brewer will host educational beer tastings that are paired with a meal at the Summit, Utah’s highest elevation restaurant.
Returning visitors might also notice that the festival grounds are slightly larger this year, along with an expanded Der Marktplatz vendor village. According to a press release, the festival will also feature a “refreshed” look.
Admission to Oktoberfest is free, but parking costs $12 per vehicle due to limited space. For beer enthusiasts, there’s a free ride program that brings festival-goers down the canyon to Park-and-Ride locations. Hotel rooms are also available.
Snowbird has been hosting its Oktoberfest since 1972. In his decades performing there, Myberg said he’s introduced many children to the yo-yo. Today, some of those children, now adults, bring their kids to see Myberg.
“I love it,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of people over the years.”
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