Forget Punxsutawney Phil. There’s only one sure way to foretell the coming of spring, and that’s Bockfest, Cincinnati’s annual celebration of bock beer and the city’s brewing history. The festival returns this weekend for its 24th year, officially commencing with the Bockfest Parade. Traditionally led by the reigning Sausage Queen (plus some goats pulling a keg), the procession leads to the Bockfest Hall and Festival Tent — the heart of the weekend’s festivities — featuring beer, live music, beer, food and beer. Other events include the Bockfest Heritage Series, themed lectures that discuss Cincinnati’s brewing heritage; Continental Bockfeast, a special German-style dinner held in Bockfest Hall; and the Craft Menagerie, a showcase of metal works, pottery, jewelry, mosaics and more from local artisans. Historic brewery tours also run throughout the weekend.
Friday-Sunday. All events free excluding brewery tours. Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom, 1619 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-604-9812, bockfest.com.
