If you are in for an Oktoberfest in Kentucky, you are lucky. You are surrounded by some of the best festivals for Oktoberfest in the country. If you don’t head up to Cincinnati for their Oktoberfest, you are crazy. If you are looking for something close to home, consider one of these seven Kentucky Oktoberfests.
2015
Maysville Oktoberfest – Maysville, KY – August 14-15, 2015.
Held on the second Friday and Saturday of August annually in the the historic downtown area of Maysville. Why so early? Because if they had it in September, it would compete with the huge festival in Cincinnati. So they kick off the season instead. They have a ceremonial keg tapping, live music and dancing. Consume German food, beer, wine and schnapps. Watch the parade, log sawing, tug of war and weiner dog races. Your kids will like the puppet show and carnival rides.
MainStrasse Oktoberfest – Covington, KY – September 5-7, 2014
This festival happening annually for more than thirty years extends over six city blocks. Southeast Tourism Society has it on its list of the top 20 festivals. Opening ceremony and keg tapping on Saturday at 12:30 following parade. Vintage Stein contest, chalk art contest, bier garten, live music, crafts and food. More than 100 arts and crafts vendors from across the country attend with their products. Kinderplatz offers balloon makers, pony rides and other children’s rides. Adults will enjoy the Ferris Wheel and festival entertainment as well. Mainstrasse Village is an eclectic neighborhood in Northern Kentucky across the river from Cincinnati.
Christ the King Oktoberfest – Lexington, KY – September 19-20, 2014
This is a fall fundraiser for the church. Food vendors provide German food and other options. Live music on both Friday and Saturday. There are games and inflatables for kids. Bingo and auctions for adults. Festival admission is free. Location: Cathedral of Christ The King, 299 Colony Blvd, Lexington, KY 40502
Saint Timothy Parish Oktoberfest – Union, KY – September 19-21, 2014
Annual Parish festival with German & American food, drinks, live music, midway rides, games and entertainment. 5K Twilight Run/Walk on Saturday evening, with kids free fun run before the event. Top 25 men and women receive an official Oktoberfest mug. Sunday is family day with all you can ride bracelets on sale. Free on site parking. Location: 10272 US 42 Union KY 41091
Original Butchertown Oktoberfest – Louisville, KY – September 19, 2015. A tradition for more than 40 years, celebrating the heritage of this historic neighborhood. This Louisville Oktoberfest will have an art fair, food and beer. German Mass in the afternoon and live music in the evening including the Rhiengold Band and classical German Bach. Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1406 E Washington St, Louisville, Kentucky.
Newport Oktoberfest – Newport, KY – September 26-28, 2014
Large beer tents sponsored by German breweries with food, music and continuous live German entertainment that promises to be the most authentic Oktoberfest in the area. Free admission. On Friday evening, enjoy the fireworks after the Cincinnati Reds game. The Cincinnati Beer Run also happens this weekend, with a short 2.5 mile course charity run that has craft beer sampling from local breweries every half mile. Participants get a souvenir glass and t-shirt. Location: Riverboat Row, Newport, Kentucky, 41071
Oktoberfest on Main – Danville, KY – September 27, 2014
Enjoy the fifth year of this festival in downtown Danville sponsored by the Heart of Danville Main Street Program. They close off Main Street for the celebration. This Kentucky Oktoberfest will have German & American food from vendors, European & craft beer, polka dancing and live music. Admission is free. Proceeds from the event support the revitalization of downtown. Location: Main Street between 3rd & 4th Streets.
Paducah Oktoberfest – Paducah, KY – October 17-18, 2014
Fourth annual Oktoberfest & Polka Party at Maiden Alley Cinema & Gallery. Beer tasting dinner on Friday night with full day of food, Schlafly beer and live music by multiple bands on Saturday. Market Square is blocked off to traffic for the festival. Location: 112 Maiden Alley, Paducah, KY 42001
Earlington Oktoberfest – October 4, 2014
7th annual event. BBQ contest, children’s activities and live music by John King Band and Boscoe France.
Location: Price Park, 103 W. Main St., Earlington, KY 42410
Belle of Louisville Oktoberfest Cruise – Louisville, KY – October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2015.
A three hour cruise with live music and German theme on the Ohio River. Choose from sightseeing only or make advance reservations for the lunch buffet. Tickets with buffet range from $28 for kids to $38 for adults. Belle of Louisville celebrates its 100th year. Enjoy the live music, dancing and German styled foods. Generally runs from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Location: 401 West River Road Louisville, KY
Spencer County Octoberfest – Taylorsville, KY – September 30-October 4, 2014
The theme for 2014 is The Wild West. There will be a talent show for cowboys and cowgirls. There will be multiple pageants including Pre-Teen, Junior Miss and Miss Octoberfest as well as for Babies, Tiny Tots, Little Mister & Miss and King & Queen Cutie. Seems like they have a lot of fun even if I don’t see much German flair.
Location: Downtown Taylorsville, KY.
Smithland Octoberfest – Smithland, KY – October 3, 2015.
An annual celebration since 1987. They had to cancel last year due to inclement weather so we hope they have twice the party in 2014! They will have a parade with floats, Pow Wow history presentation, live music and silent auction. There have also been mini-tractor pulls and the firefighter olympics. Their theme is “Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve”.
You are so close to so many fantastic festivals that you should definitely check out the largest Oktoberfests in the United States and the festivals in surrounding states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.
Whether you have found a festival to enjoy or you will be celebrating from home, Funtober has some other resources that will help you prepare for Oktoberfest. Read about the history of Oktoberfest. Learn about Oktoberfest beer. Find the words to Oktoberfest music. Plan your Oktoberfest outfit. And try cooking some of these Oktoberfest recipes.
Find other fun things to do in Kentucky in October:
Kentucky Festivals
Kentucky Corn Mazes
Kentucky Ghost Tours
Haunted Houses in Kentucky
Pumpkin Patches in Kentucky
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