Prost! We’re just one month away from Oktoberfest Zinzinnati — the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich — and organizers have unveiled this year’s official commemorative Rookwood Pottery beer stein.
Cincinnati’s biggest celebration of German heritage returns to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove Sept. 18-21 for its 49th year. This marks the second year the festival will be located along the banks of the Ohio River, as well as the second year for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s partnership with local pottery maker, Rookwood. The two teamed up last year to release the first-ever Rookwood-made steins, featuring symbols that represented Oktoberfest, like a Dachshund for the Running of the Wieners race, a pretzel and hop vines, all designed by Rookwood artist Gary Simon.
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber says this collaboration highlights Cincinnati’s position as both a craft brewing destination, as well as being the home of one of America’s most prestigious pottery studios.
“Collaborating with our iconic local pottery artisans at Rookwood Pottery and beer icon and presenting sponsor, Samuel Adams, perfectly captures the spirit of Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest celebration,” Chelsea York, vice president of Events & Experiences at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, said in a press release. “The enthusiasm we saw today from the public demonstrates how these authentic partnerships help showcase what makes our region special.”
Simon also designed the 2025 Rookwood stein, this time in a soft, ocean blue glaze with a Chicken Dance theme — one of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s most beloved traditions. The interior features Rookwood’s clay-colored glaze, MaltZin, which was featured on the exterior of 2024’s stein. You can preorder your stein here.
Learn more about Oktoberfest Zinzinnati at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.
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This article appears in Aug 6-19, 2025.