Time to get excited, Cincinnati: the Cincinnati Regional Chamber has announced the dates for its 2025 festivals: Asian Food Fest, Taste of Cincinnati and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
“These festivals are not just events. They are occasions for families, friends, and neighbors to mingle, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the vibrant culture that Cincinnati has to offer. Each festival draws tens of thousands of attendees, fostering a deep sense of belonging and community pride,” the Chamber said in a press release.
Asian Food Fest, produced in partnership with Asianati, is the first in the lineup, returning to Court Street Plaza Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27 for its 14th year. Last year, the festival attracted nearly 100,000 people, and it continues to be one of Cincinnati’s fastest-growing and most culturally diverse events.
Coming back Memorial Day weekend is Taste of Cincinnati, which features dishes from some of Cincinnati’s best restaurants, food trucks and other food vendors. The ultimate Cincinnati food festival is happening Saturday-Monday, May 23-25. You’ll be able to find the festival on Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati.
Fast forward to September for the biggest Oktoberfest celebration outside Germany: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Come celebrate Southwest Ohio’s rich German heritage from Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 17-20. The festival will return to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove this year.
Almost 200 local businesses and community organizations participated in the Chamber’s festivals in 2024, and the festivals, which included the above three events plus BLINK, saw nearly 2 million visitors combined.
The Chamber is looking for vendors for all 2025 festivals. Interested vendors can apply here. The priority vendor application deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 22. Those who apply by this date will receive first consideration for spots at the event, but applications will remain open on a rolling basis for each festival.
“We invite local businesses to highlight what makes our region exceptional,” said Chelsea York, vice president of Events and Experiences for the Chamber. “These festivals create lasting memories and uphold cherished traditions within our community.”
Local charitable organizations can also get involved through volunteer opportunities at the festivals, like beverage booths where the proceeds from the sales will serve as a fundraiser. In 2024, 35 organizations raised a combined total of about $250,000 through volunteering. Learn more about volunteering or fill out the application here.
The Chamber is also looking for sponsors for each festival. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at cincinnatichamber.com.
This article appears in Dec 11-24, 2024.
