Who needs to study abroad in Europe when DU offers their very own Oktoberfest to go to? Even if everybody wasn’t wearing Lederhosen and speaking German, DU’s annual Homecoming festivities put on a celebration worth a cheers. 

On Saturday, Oct. 19 in Gates Field House, DU hosted Hocktoberfest, a crimson and gold spinoff of the traditional and widely Instagrammed German beer festival. The event served as a friendly pregame to the night’s hockey game against Boston College. As one of the events in a weekend-long string of Homecoming activities for alumni, students, families and friends, people gathered to celebrate the university, reunite with classmates and cheer on the Pioneers. 

Though taking place in Denver, Hocktoberfest served up a true German experience. The aroma of bratwurst, sauerkraut, warm German potato salad, meatballs, beer cheese and pretzels wafted through the air only to collide with the sounds of The Average German Band’s traditional musical set. Long tables of DU families and friends eating and drinking beers from custom DU beer steins crowded Gates Field House as they cheerfully yelled “Eins, zwei, drei” in command of the band’s charming chants and choreographed songs. 

Air hockey, foosball, big Jenga and bean-bag tosses also attracted young children and adults alike as other festival-goers took to the dancefloor to take part in the chicken dance and traditional choreographed Oktoberfest songs led by the band. Virtual reality goggles were also in house, treating guests to upcoming looks of the Burwell Career Center.  

A strong presence from DU student and other organizations like Student Leadership, the Pioneer Leadership Program and greek life also set up tents at the event to interact with the DU community. 

After a brief talk from Chancellor Haefner thanking the DU community, everyone indulged in apple strudel cups and German chocolate cake cookies before heading to Magness Arena to cheer on the winning Pioneers. 

So, if you can’t make it to Germany next October, bring your stein and celebrate here at DU – it’s just as Instagram-worthy and delicious as the real thing.