The biggest celebration of spring, dark beer and goats in Cincinnati is happening next week, and in honor of the occasion, Moerlein Lager House is launching a new competition to see if you can bleat out the competition.
On Friday, March 7 — the first day of the 33rd annual Bockfest — Moerlein will host its first-ever Bockfest Cry Baby Goat Calling Competition from 8-10 p.m. at its restaurant and brewery near Smale Riverfront Park. The competition will give contestants the chance to test out their best goat calls, with the chance to win gift cards.
The competition is free for both participants or if you just want to watch, no ticket required. You can sign up in advance here or day-of. Contestants will have 30 to 60 seconds to deliver their most-convincing or creative goat call, whether that’s a playful “maaah,” a distressed bleat or a full-on territorial scream. You’ll be judged by a panel of Bockfest celebrities on several criteria:
- Accuracy
- Creativity (unique twists and style will earn you extra points — make your call so baaad it’s good)
- Enthusiasm (passion and commitment are essential)
- Crowd reaction (more cheers means more points)
The first-place winner will get a $200 Moerlein Lager House gift card, plus bragging rights as the inaugural Bockfest Cry Baby Goat Calling Competition champ. Second place and third place will get $100 and $50 gift cards, respectively.
For more fun Bockfest events, visit bockfest.com.
Related
Bockfest Returns to Cincinnati in March With Beer, Debauchery and Other Favorite Traditions
Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks. More info: moerleinlagerhouse.com.
This article appears in Feb 19 – Mar 4, 2025.
