CANYON CITY — Sels’ Brewery is seldom open, but when it is, you can bet a good time awaits inside those doors.

Steins will be raised high when the Whiskey Gulch Gang holds its first Oktoberfest at Sels’ Brewery in Canyon City, Saturday, Sept. 17, 3-9 p.m.

A menu including beer, brats, burgers and more will be sold, although the event itself is free to attend. Local band The James Gang will provide live music featuring country and dance tunes.

Sels’ is usually open only once a year during the Whiskey Gulch Gang’s annual ‘62 Days Celebration in early June. Colby Farrell, president of the group, said Oktoberfest will offer a first-time ever opportunity for folks to visit the brewery outside of ‘62 Days.

“If you’ve never been to Sels’, this is your chance to check it out,” Farrell said.

And if you’ve ever wanted to wear lederhosen shorts or a drindl dress, here’s your chance for that, too. In keeping with the “Oktoberfest” spirit, traditional Bavarian attire is welcome, though not required.

Farrell said they plan to have beer gates open, so that anyone underage will still be welcome to attend for the music and food. He added that the 9 p.m. closing time is not firm.

“If people are having fun, we could stay open later,” he said.

Both Sels’ Brewery and the Whiskey Gulch Gang have deep history roots in Canyon City. At one time or another, the brewery also housed a barbershop, post office and a mechanic shop. It’s named for German immigrant F.C. Sels, who followed gold fever to the area and, among other enterprises, established the brewery in 1872. Sels also served as justice of the peace and postmaster.

The Whiskey Gulch Gang was formed in 1922 and bought the brewery building in 1972. The group held its 101st ‘62 Days Celebration in June of this year.

Sels’ Brewery is at 113 S. Washington St. in Canyon City, just one block east of Highway 395, at the southeast corner of Izee and Washington streets.