Brighton Resort launches “Not Oktoberfest” with chef showdowns and family fun

BRIGHTON, Utah — Forget beer tents and lederhosen—Brighton Resort is putting its own spin on fall festivals with a new event called Not Oktoberfest.

Running six weekends from Sept. 6 through Oct. 12, the free celebration will feature food competitions, family games, and community activities at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

At the center of the festival is the inaugural Foodie Wars, a chef-versus-chef series that pits Brighton’s executive chef Jeffrey Sanich and his kitchen team against Utah culinary talent. Guests taste, vote, and ultimately help crown the winners.

“We wanted to create something uniquely Brighton—authentic to who we are rather than following traditional festival formats,” said Jared Winkler, the resort’s vice president of marketing.

Chef Sanich said the goal was to bring food to the forefront. “Foodie Wars came from the idea that Not Oktoberfest should be more than just music and beer,” he said. “It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it gives our guests a chance to taste something different while rooting for their favorite dishes.”

Each weekend spotlights a different culinary theme:

• Sept. 6-7: Best Brisket in Utah (with Brighton Pitmaster Dan McAllister)
• Sept. 13-14: Fried Chicken Sandwich Invitational
• Sept. 20-21: The Banh Mi Brawl
• Sept. 27-28: Best Pie in Utah Challenge
• Oct. 4-5: Mac & Cheese Meltdown
• Oct. 11-12: Utah Ski Resort Chili Cook-Off (open to all Utah resorts)

Beyond the food, families can enjoy free activities including mechanical bull rides, axe throwing, cornhole tournaments, and giant foosball. A Kids Zone will feature bounce houses and other child-friendly attractions.

Located minutes from Salt Lake City, Brighton is best known for its 500-plus inches of Wasatch powder each winter. This fall, the resort hopes Not Oktoberfest becomes a new seasonal tradition.