Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2023 Details Have Dropped and They Deserve a Bunch of 'Prosts'

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Photo: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Break out the steins and raise ‘em for a hearty “Prost!” The largest Oktoberfest outside Munich is returning to Cincinnati this year in a new location and with some new features.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati organizers shared details Thursday about the upcoming festival, which celebrates Cincinnati’s German heritage and beer (lots and lots of beer). The festival will return with an extra day from Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 14-17, kicking off that Thursday with opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. Along with the extra day, the festivities are also being moved north from The Banks to Fifth Street, between Main and Columbia Parkway and the I-71 on-ramps.

Organizers say they’re taking full advantage of the space on Fifth Street, with nine entertainment areas that include a large Main stage, two beer gardens, five festival tents and an LED board to view the games happening during the jam-packed Cincinnati sports weekend.

“We’re beyond excited about the move to 5th Street and the opportunity to refresh the event,” Chelsea York, vice president of events and experiences at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, said in a press release. “The new location allows us to utilize existing greenspaces and unique spaces while being surrounded by iconic Cincinnati architecture and buildings.”

Along with the new location, visitors can expect some other new things, including the Snyder’s of Hanover Fun Zone, which will have activities and entertainment for all ages; Jägermeister will also be the official shot of Oktoberfest, adding to the extensive drinks menu, which will already have over 40 types of German beers and wines, as well as local craft and domestic beers and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

Local artist Daniel Shields and artist collective The Beefs will also be adding some designs to the Snyder’s Fun Zone and the Krombacher and Radeberger Fest Tents including a 6-foot pretzel chandelier and winged wiener dogs.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of the enriched environment for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2023,” Shields said in the release. “Through these modifications, the fest halls and tents are set to create an environment that is authentically Zinzinnati.”

Along with beloved events like the Chicken Dance and Running of the Wieners, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati will also have new entertainment, including Bavarian band Die Bubis.

Oktoberfest runs 4-10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. For more information, visit oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.