Bockfest Returns to Cincinnati in March With Beer, Debauchery and Other Favorite Traditions

Bockfest, Cincinnati’s favorite debaucherous celebration of dark beer, springtime and goats, will stumble into the city for its 33rd year March 7-9.

The event, organized by nonprofit Brewery District CURC and sponsored by Servatii, will take place across several locations within Over-the-Rhine’s historic Brewery District and in neighboring communities. Bockfest Halls in 2025 will include Moerlein Lager House, Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, Rhinegeist Brewery and Rosedale.

Many beloved Bockfest traditions will also return, including the Bockfest Parade, the Beard Baron Competition and the crowning of the Sausage Queen. Admission to enjoy the parade, bock beer, music and entertainment at all four Bockfest Halls and official venues is free all weekend.

The Precipitation Retaliation Happy Hour will be held at Northern Row Brewery & Distillery the week before on Friday, Feb. 28. Then, the official Bockfest celebration will kick off with the parade on Friday, March 7, stepping off from Arnold’s Bar & Grill at 6 p.m.

Instead of a 5K this year, Bockfest will host a .05K Fun Run on Sunday, March 9 at Northern Row starting at 2 p.m. Other weekend festivities include goat yoga at Rhinegeist and Rosedale, a Saturday and Sunday brunch and stein-holding competition at Moerlein Lager House, German dancing at Northern Row and a pig roast and luau at Rosedale.

There will also be plenty of live music at each Bockfest Hall throughout the weekend, 30 locally produced bock beers across the venues and special Brewing Heritage Trail tours.

You can see a full list of scheduled events, as well as their times and locations, at bockfest.com.