DENVER (KDVR) — Denver’s 55th annual Oktoberfest is back for a second weekend, and organizers say it’s about more than beer and brats.
Proceeds from the event help fund cleanup, public art and community events aimed at revitalizing the Ballpark neighborhood around 21st and Larimer streets.
Matt Van Sistine, who founded the Ballpark Collective in 2017, says the group’s mission is to bring people back downtown — and he’s investing his own money to make it happen.
“We are trying to bring more of that multi-generational energy to this neighborhood, that everyone is welcome, we do multiple festivals and events throughout the year, our slogan is fun for everyone, and we’re trying to make this a clean safe, fun place for everyone to come down to,” Van Sistine said.
Van Sistine says supporting Oktoberfest is one piece of a larger personal project: buying and rehabbing historic buildings on Larimer Street to turn long-vacant spaces into restaurants, lofts and shops.
“I’m all in, I want to see this neighborhood be what it can be, I want to renovate these buildings, and there is a strong community support, and we’re building political support to try to re-vitalize this neighborhood and make Denver the city that it should be.”
He points to one recent purchase as an example.
“I just recently bought 2100 Larimer Street, it’s a 1908 building, built as a saloon and again — apparently I like brothels — it was also a boarding house, and I am renovating it into a new venue,” Van Sistine said.
Organizers say Ballpark’s charm comes from its locally owned businesses.
“The great thing about this neighborhood is all almost exclusively owner-operated business, mostly small businesses, and then of course the Rockies are also owner-operated as well,” Van Sistine said.
They expect thousands to pack the blocks around 21st and Larimer this weekend, with a portion of every pint helping fund street cleanups, public art and more community events.
“It’s a great event, we have got a beautiful weekend, perfect fall day, cooled down just a little bit this weekend, the event is free, the music is great, the entertainment is fun, the people watching is amazing, the beer is cold.”
The event is scheduled from Friday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 28, in the area of 21st and Larimer Streets. Admission is free.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
