Celebrating Oktoberfest in Ohio

Ohio is the midwestern state of the USA. It is famous for its rock' n' roll scenes and scenic Cuyahoga Falls. The state also has a strong German influence, which can be sensed in the fact how grand the Oktoberfest events  are in Ohio. Cincinnati's Oktoberfest is the world's greatest and second-largest festival.

One of Ohio’s Bavarian Beerfest highlights is the German and locally brewed craft beer and the traditional delicacies. People from within the state and outside dressed in lederhosen and dirndl make these celebrations vibrant.

Oktoberfest Cincinnati

This annual festival is recognized as the largest Oktoberfest in the United States and the second largest worldwide. Since 1976, it has grown significantly, attracting over 800,000 attendees.

What are the Event Highlights?

The festival set a world record in 1994 for the largest Chicken Dance, with over 48,000 participants. It also includes the World Brat Eating Championship and the Running of the Wieners. In this entertaining race, dachshunds and dachshund mixes ("wiener dogs") compete in 75-foot heats while dressed in hot dog costumes.

Is there a Tent Set up for the Event? A 300-foot fest tent accommodating over 1,000 guests has ample space for visitors to enjoy authentic German cuisine, frothy craft beers, and traditional music. The festival has free admission, an extended festival area, and an enhanced entertainment lineup. 

Columbus Oktoberfest

Columbus Oktoberfest is a century-old tradition that was discontinued in 2009 but revived by the Schmidt family in partnership with the Ohio Expo Center and the Cox Family. It is held at the Expo Center and features historic pavilions, authentic German food, and lively entertainment. 

What are the Festivals’ Highlights?

Columbus Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus Columbus with live entertainment, food, and beer. Festivities continue with First Responder’s Day and the Vier Meiler/Brat Trot. Guests can enjoy the Craft Bier Garten and Schmitt Söhne Wine Garten, plus family fun at Kinderplatz and live performances on the Glockenspiel Stage. 

With traditional competitions, music, and German dishes, Columbus Oktoberfest is an exciting weekend of culture, strength, and celebration event also featuring the Gemütlichkeit Games, including:

• the Keg Press

• Stone Throw

• Húsafell Carry

• Steinheben

What’s on the Menu?

All food and beverage purchases at the event are cashless and can be done using a credit card. Cash can be converted into a Fest Card at the souvenir stand in Heidelberg Hall for on-site use. A portion of food and beverage proceeds supports the festival amenities and local charities.

The festival features food vendors serving both traditional German dishes and popular festival favourites:

• Cosmic Kettle Corn- Kettle Corn, Caramel Corn, Lemon Shake-Ups, Iced Coffee

• Buckeye Concessions – Strudel, Cinnamon Roasted Nuts

• Foegen Concessions – Pommes Frites, Chicken Tenders, Stromboli, Corn Dogs, Lemonade, Steak on a Stick, Fried Swiss Cheese

• Neffy’s – Deep-Fried Reuben, Deep-Fried Brat, Pork & Kraut Dinner, Pork & Kraut Wrap, Nachos, Bottled Drinks

• Kinderhaus – Oktoberfest Chicken, Jäger Schnitzel, Garlic Mushrooms, Goulash, Weisswurst/Zoomer

• DK Diner – Brats & Metts, Funnel Cakes, Reubens, Fresh Cut Feather Chips, Loaded Feather Cut Chips, Pierogies, Beef Hot Dogs, Soda/Water

• Hey Hey – Sauerkraut Balls, Potato Pancakes, Chicken & Noodles, Cabbage & Noodles, Reuben, Limburger Cheese Sandwich

• Philly Pretzel Factory – Pretzel Twist, Mini Pretzel Dogs, Dips, Soda/Water

• Squeaky’s Cheese Curds – Fresh Wisconsin Cheese Curds

• Kona Ice – Klassic Shave Ice, Brain Freeze Plastic Cup

• Mini Donuts – Mini Donuts

• Schmidt’s – Bahama Mama, Bratwurst, Fat Daddy, Marinated Chicken Breast, Hot Dog, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Jumbo Cream Puff, Soda/Water

Is Oktoberfest in Ohio Worth the Hype?

Yes!! Oktoberfest in Ohio totally lives up to its reputation. Oktoberfest Cincinnati is held in the state of Ohio and is listed as the top celebration after Oktoberfest Munich. These celebrations are all about having fun and wearing your favourite dirndl or lederhosen.