In a move that couldn't be called "unexpected," Oktoberfest Zinzinnati — America's largest Oktoberfest celebration — has called off its giant in-person party and transferred things online to host Oktoberfest Zinzinnati "In Za Haus."
Now held Sep. 18-27 and being touted as the "world's largest Oktoberfest," the In Za Haus initiative "will enable Oktoberfest lovers to get their German on in the privacy of their homes by ordering do-it-yourself Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Zelebration Packs," says oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.
The Zinzinnati Zelebration Packs will include items from sponsors Sam Adams and Kroger are available for purchase online and include:
- $10 Kroger gift card for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati essentials
- Official Oktoberfest Zinzinnati In Za Haus yard sign
- Two official Oktoberfest Zinzinnati beer cups
- Two Sam Adams Octoberfest hats
- Two Sam Adams Octoberfest “suspender” koozies
- One pair of suspenders
- Access to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati official music playlist (link sent in confirmation email)
- Kroger coupon packet for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati essentials (brats, buns, mustard, sauerkraut, pretzels, etc.)
- $2 off coupon for the Frisch’s Beer Cheese Burger, the Official Burger of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
- $5 coupon for Sam Adams Cincinnati Taproom
- 20% off coupons for On the Rhine Eatery
- A surprise or two
"As the Zinzinnati event will be held across the entire Zinzinnati region and Munich’s event is not happening in 2020, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2020 is taking it upon itself to assume the title of World’s Largest Oktoberfest,” said Cynthia Oxley, director of the event. “We owe the world’s biggest thanks to Samuel Adams and Kroger, great partners who continue to make a strong commitment to our festivals, communities and neighborhoods.”
You can party with Oktoberfest in two ways this year:
- Order your kit and stream Oktoberfest events online from home.
- Head to smaller restaurants and bars across the city for different Oktoberfest happenings.
Here's what's slated to take place when (all will also be available to stream):
- Friday, Sep. 18 — The Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Official Opening Ceremony, with a special guest message
- Saturday, Sep. 19 — World’s Largest Chicken Dance
- Friday, Sep. 25 — Samuel Adams Stein Hoist Challenge
- Saturday, Sep. 26 — World’s Largest Oktoberfest Toast & Prost led by Sam Adams' founder Jim Koch
- Every night, Sep. 18-27 — Singing of Ein Prosit with special guests
- Every night, Sep. 18-27 — Oktoberfest Zinzinnati live and virtual entertainment and performances
The fest says as details are confirmed, they'll be announced on the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati social media channels and oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.
In addition to the above, Oktoberfest will also be hosting Polka band pop-ups in neighborhoods throughout the city during the fest's span.
*This post has been updated with new info about party packs and event locations
