Oktoberfest season starts as early as August in Zinzinnati (hi, Germania Society!). And the party doesn't stop.... So if you love brats and stein-holding competitions, this will certainly be a September to remember.
First up, Covington's Oktoberfest will return to MainStrasse Village for a weekend of music, arts, food, drink and a celebration of the city's German culture. This year, the free, family-friendly event will be a little bit smaller and will focus on the local offerings of Covington businesses. Taking place at Goebel Park, the event will run from 5-11 p.m. Sept. 6, noon-11 p.m. Sept. 7 and noon-8 p.m. Sept. 8.
From 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 14, Little Miami Brewing Co. throws the inaugural Old Milford Oktoberfest with live music; a stein-holding competition; food from Lehr’s, Pickles & Bones and Padrino; beers from Little Miami; and games.
On the same day — 5-9 p.m. Sept. 14 — celebrate “Oaktoberfest” in Oakley Square. The free event features performances from School of Rock and a Polka band, Aglamesis Bro.’s ice cream, a chicken dance, kid’s entertainment and brews from MadTree.
Also on Sept. 14, West Side Brewing begins their Oktoberfest celebration. Until Sept. 19, they’ll have various German-inspired food and events and entertainment like a stein-holding competition and a live performance from Bidinger Musikanten, a 16-piece band from Germany.
Sonder is hosting Mason Deerfield Oktoberfest 6 p.m.-midnight Sept. 27 and 10 a.m.-midnight 28, featuring German beer, “festive” food from BrewRiver, a German homebrew competition, live music, a costume parade and contest and, of course, a stein-holding competition.
Finally, one of Cincinnati's most popular festivals, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, is kicking off six hours earlier this year. The event will now begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20. Previously, the German-themed feasting and fun got on its way on the opening Friday evening at 5 p.m.
In honor of the shift, Mayor John Cranley has basically given everyone in the city the greenlight to take half of the day off. The mayor made an official proclamation announcing "a city-wide half-day holiday beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 20."
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati takes place 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 22 on Second and Third streets between Walnut and Elm streets downtown.
