Oktoberfest starts at the end of August in Ohio. By September and October 2015, Ohio residents will be enjoying German beer, bratwurst and the chicken dance at German festivals throughout the Buckeye State, including large celebrations in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. With numerous cities boasting more than 70% German heritage, even small towns will have the sound of music and the smell of German cuisine. Let’s take a look at the wonderful places available to enjoy an Ohio Oktoberfest.
2015 Events
Cleveland Oktoberfest – Cleveland, OH – September 4-7, 2015
This Cleveland Ohio Oktoberfest happens annually over Labor Day weekend. They are celebrating their 11th anniversary in 2015. Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr beer will be served in addition to several other beers in the International Beer Garden Free parking with the option for paid VIP parking. Celebrity keg tapping. Oktoberfest Microbrew Competition and wiener dog races. Glockenspiel routines on the hour. The finals of the Miss Oktoberfest contest and the masskrugstemmen (one arm stein holding) contest. 5K Beer Run on September 1st. Vendors in the Bavarian Shopping Village will offer for sale beer steins, German merchandise and other items. Children’s activity area includes inflatables, hay rides, arts & crafts, sand castle building, gingerbread house classes and The Frisch Marionette Company (a puppet show that has been featured in People Magazine and on Showtime). Admission to the festival is $10 per person with children under 12 receiving free admission. Location: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Rd Berea, OH 44017
German Family Society Oktoberfest – Akron, OH – September 11-13, 2015
Live entertainment during the three day festival will include the Al Zimmerman Band, Fred Ziwich, Edelweiss 5, Hank Kaller Band, DMV Blaskapelle, Spass Band and DJ “Wolf” Urban. Location: 3871 Ranfield Rd, Kent, OH
Vandalia Sister Cities Oktoberfest – Vandalia, OH – September 11-13, 2015
Location: Vandalia Sports Complex, 1101 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia, OH
Springboro Oktoberfest – Springboro, OH – Sept 11-12, 2015
It will be open on Friday evening from 6 PM to midnight, and Saturday from 11am to midnight. Lots of live music, German food, and Paulaner beer. Admission is $3 with children 12 and under free. A portion of all proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project, Springboro Community Assistance Center, and the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Cincinnati. Location: 5 West Mill St., Springboro, OH.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – Cincinnati, OH – September 18-20, 2015
This Cincinnati Oktoberfest is the largest in the United States with over 500,000 visitors a year. Six blocks of Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati are closed for the weekend. Started in 1976, you can enjoy the festivities in 2015 from Friday to Sunday. Highlights include the Running of the Wieners and the World’s Largest Chicken Dance. The Opening Ceremony will be on Saturday at 11:30 AM at Fountain Square. Location: Fifth Street (Vine Street to Sentinel), Cincinnati
Dayton Oktoberfest – Dayton, OH – September 25-27, 2015
The Dayton Art Institute has hosted this German festival in Dayton for over 40 years. Craft beer, home brew contest, live music on two stages and family friendly kids activities. Preview party takes place on Friday from 7 to 11 PM for those who are 21+ with complimentary beer, wine and live entertainment. Ticket purchase to Preview Party is recommended as space is limited. Location: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N Dayton, OH 45405
Minster Oktoberfest – Minster, OH – October 2-4, 2015
Over 80,000 attend this Oktoberfest on the first Sunday in October. Live German music, German food, parade, Miss Oktoberfest Pageant, arts & crafts, jug hoist, beer tray relay, 10k run and other fun.
Wilmington Oktoberfest – Wilmington, OH – September 25-26, 2015
The 16th annual Oktoberfest will be held in the St. Columbkille Church parking lot. German food, pig roast, bier garden, live music, chicken dance and Texas Hold’em tournament. There will also be children’s games and activities. The event is held on Friday evening from 7 PM to 11 PM and Saturday from noon to 11 PM.
Location: 73 N Mulberry St., Wilmington, OH
Past Events
Germania Society Oktoberfest – Cincinnati, OH – August 22-24, 2014
Food options will include rotisserie grilled chicken, schwenkbraten, sauerkraut balls, schnitzel, brats giant pretzels, Black Forest Cake and more. They will have 60 German and domestic beers on tap including Warsteiner. German wine, schnapps and Jagermiester also available. The 2014 Burgermeister is Brian Thomas from the 55 KRC morning show. Grand Raffle featured prize is a tour of Germany for two (or $5000 in cash). Location: Germania Park, 3529 West Kemper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45251
Liberty Home Association Oktoberfest – Hamilton, OH – August 29 – 31, 2014
Admission is $3 with children under 14 free. Homemade German food available including bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels, German desserts and more. Beer includes options from Paulaner and Anheuser-Busch. Live bands, rides and games for the whole family. Location: 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013
Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – September 12-14, 2014
The 35th annual Oktoberfest will have biergarten, charity golf outing, and more. Free admission, free parking and free entertainment.
Oktoberfest – Mentor, OH – September 13, 2014
Little Mountain Brewing Company hosts their Oktoberfest this fall with beer battered perch, brats, spaetzle, pretzels, more foods and their own Oktoberfest lager. Lots of music and polkas. Tickets are $18. Event starts at 6:00 pm.
Almost Oktoberfest – Sylvania, OH – September 20, 2014
Craft beer from micro-breweries around the country and live music from local and regional bands headlined by The Wheeler Brothers. Tickets are $10. Location: SOMO Park, downtown Sylvania (South of Monroe St and East of the Wingate Hotel)
Columbus Oktoberfest – Columbus, OH – September 26-28, 2014
The Columbus Oktoberfest celebrates its 49th year in 2014. It will be hosted under the historic pavilions of the Ohio Expo Center. Friday night Brat Trot and keg tapping. Contests include stein hoisting and Bavarian yodeling. Food, beer, live music and dancers. Kids Kinderplatz features family friendly activities for your children. Location: 717 E 17th Ave Columbus, OH 43211
Boardman Rotary Oktoberfestival – Boardman, OH – September 28, 2014
The 38th annual Oktoberfest will arise money for the Rotary Club of Boardman. Food, arts & crafts and kid’s entertainment. Admission is $3. Free parking on the west side of the park through the Southern Blvd. Entrance. Shuttle service available from the Heart Center parking lot, south of the park, which has limited offsite parking. Location: Boardman Township Park ‑ Boardman, Ohio 44512
Beaver Oktoberfest – Beaver, OH – October 2-5, 2014
They are celebrating thirty years of German fun this year. Among the many activities at this southern Ohio Oktoberfest are live music, games, amusement rides, cloggers, car and tractor show, baby contest, pie contest and parade. 5K Run / Fun Walk on Saturday. Wood carving demonstrations with sculptures available for bid by auction on Sunday. Musical acts will include Restless Heart, Hotel California (the original Eagles Tribute), Dwight Icenhower (Elvis) and The Gospel Harmony Boys. Location: Main Street (State Route 335), Beaver, Ohio
Friends of Ironton Oktoberfest – Ironton, Ohio – October 10-12, 2014
Main Street Kent – October 4, 2014
Inaugural event in downtown Kent with food, beer, games, live entertainment and fun from noon to 10 PM.
Location: Franklin Ave between W. Main St. and Erie St.
North Coast Oktoberfest – Sandusky – September 26-27, 2014
This 3rd annual event is adding a second day for 2014! Starts at 5 PM on Friday and noon on Saturday. Closes both evenings at 11 PM. Free to the public. The event is hosted by Sandusky State Theatre, North Coast Young Professionals and the Sandusky Main Street Association. Attractions include a 5K run, 2 stages of live German music and dancing, German food from local restaurants, brat eating contest and other games, as well as commemorative beer stein and other merchandise. They are also going to do a lighted boat parade on Saturday evening.
Location: Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870
Saint Peter Parish Oktoberfest – Huber Heights, OH – September 19-20, 2014
German food, music, dancing, games and crafts.
Location: 6161 Chambersburg Road, Huber Heights, OH 45424
Lorain Oktoberfest – Lorain, OH – September 7, 2013
Location: Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, Lorain, OH
Polka Fest – Findlay, OH – September 28, 2013
Location: Hancock County Agency on Aging, 339 E. Melrose, Findlay, OH
You’ll definitely see some Ohio Oktoberfests on the list of the largest Oktoberfests in the United States. And solely for amusement purposes, here is the list of surrounding state festivals for Oktoberfest: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, 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 Ohio in October:
Ohio Festivals
Ohio Corn Mazes
Ohio Ghost Tours
Haunted Houses in Ohio
Ohio Pumpkin Patches
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