And that, my friends, is why we can’t settle for just one Oktoberfest celebration. We need multiple opportunities to eat, drink, dance and play the German way. So grab your lederhosen, polish your polka moves and come to the Cincinnati region this fall. Prost!
Germania Society Oktoberfest
The Germania Society Oktoberfest typically kicks off the season with live entertainment, games, drinks and food to honor its tradition as the first Oktoberfest celebration held in the Cincinnati region back in 1971. Due to COVID putting a damper on planning for this year's event, the Germania Society of Cincinnati is instead hosting a Big Biergarten Experience so you can still get your fill of live music, German food, and of course, beer. Tickets must be purchased in advance. August 20-22 and 27-29, 2021
Covington Oktoberfest
Head to Goebel Park in the German-inspired MainStrasse Village to raise a stein to German heritage and culture with beer, food, music and local artists at Braxton Brewing Company's Covington Oktoberfest. September 10-12, 2021
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Four words: World's Largest Chicken Dance and you'll find it at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. That's reason enough to visit North America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, second in the world only to the original in Munich. Munch on sauerkraut balls and cream puffs, enjoy steins of German drink, and dance around with friends to German music all along Second Street and Third Street in downtown Cincinnnati. Also, there's an event called the Running of the Wieners that takes place in which 100 dachsunds (dressed in hot dog costumes) race to be crowned the winner. Need I say more? September 16-19, 2021
Newport Oktoberfest (2021 event canceled)
Newport Oktoberfest is set up like the original in Munich with large fest tents full of food, drinks and music. Festival-goers can also enjoy shopping wares in the Bluegrass Marketplace and partake in a beer-stein-holding competition or yodeling contest. Sponsored by Christian Moerlein and with a location at the Newport Riverfront you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline. September 24-26, 2021
Donauschwaben Oktoberfest
While it's sad that Oktoberfest season has to end, the annual Donauschwaben Oktoberfest celebration helps ease the pain with pit-roasted Bavarian pig and chicken, an Opening Ceremony Trachten Parade on Friday and the Car Show on Sunday with classic American and European automobiles. October 1-3, 2021
And even MORE Oktoberfest celebrations:
- Village Oktoberfest, September 11, 2021
- Loveland Oktoberfest, September 24-25, 2021
- Sonder & Friends Oktoberfest, September 25, 2021
