Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, presented by Sam Adams and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, runs Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17 on Second and Third Streets in downtown Zinzinnati. First held in 1976, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has grown to be America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration with nearly 650,000 people attending each year. The celebration showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, offering German-style food, oom-pah-pah music and more than 80 varieties of beer.
2,000 barrels of brew are expected to be consumed at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati along with 25,000 potato pancakes, 24,000 soft pretzels and 225,000 bratwurst, mettwurst and sausages!
Throughout the weekend, you will experience Oktoberfest Zinzinnati favorites including the World’s Largest Chicken Dance. In 1994, the Crown Prince of Bavaria was Grand Marshal of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, helping set the world record for the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, with 48,000 participating. Other past Grand Marshals include Al Hirt, Weird Al Yankovic, Davey Jones, Verne Troyer, Eddie Money, Vince Neil, George Takei and Cincinnati’s own Nick and Drew Lachey.
Other attractions include the Sam Adams Stein Hoisting competition and the World Brat Eating Championship featuring nine-time champ, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. Mr. Chestnut holds the world bratwurst eating record, inhaling 70 brats in 10 minutes at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, 2013.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati kicks off September 15 at 11:30 a.m. with the Running of the Wieners. This battle of the fast and the furriest features 100 racing dachshunds, competing for the first time at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. The race is free and open to the public.
Immediately after the pups, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati continues with the Gemuetlichkeit (Goodwill) Games on Second Street, featuring local media personalities competing in beer barrel rolling and beer stein races. The official opening ceremonies are Saturday morning, September 16, 11:30am, with a ceremonial keg tapping by Sam Adams founder (and Cincinnati native) Jim Koch.
For everything you need to know about Oktoberfest Zinzinnati including hours, directions, and event schedules, visit OktoberfestZinzinnati.com.
Prost!