The second largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world and “America’s Oktoberfest” is this weekend in Downtown Cincinnati. The festival has been extended another block this year now encompassing six full city blocks (along 5th from Race to Broadway) to help accommodate the 500,000+ that come for the German beer, food, entertainment and fun.
What makes this year so much bigger and better than previous years are the new additions to the festival. There will now be five stages of entertainment plus the new Time Warner Cable Party Zelt will be the largest fest tent in the history of Oktoberfest. The tent will be equipped with flat screen televisions and wifi, and will be the place to watch the game or enjoy German musik.
Also new is the HYPE Haus Party: HYPE, the Chamber’s young professional initiative, will hold a party from 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. The “party within a party” will include a lounge, food, music, beer sampling and appearances from Buster the Party Dawg.
Even the famous world’s largest chicken dance is improving this year with the addition of Chicken Dance with the Stars. Local celebrities will be doing the chicken dance to get ready for Oktoberfest. Videos of local celebrities doing the Chicken Dance are posted online, and the community is invited to vote for the best Chicken Dancer. The winner will be unveiled as part of the annual highlight of Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati.
Sam Adams, brewed in Cincinnati, is the new beer sponsor for this year’s festival and Cincinnati native and founder of the Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams’ parent company) will tap the first keg at the Opening Ceremony.
Be sure to also check out Cincinnati’s own German beer delight – Christian Moerlein – at their Christian Moerlein Bier Garten located in front of the Chemed Building. They will have Moerlien OTR, Lager House, Barbarossa and Fifth & Vine Oktoberfest Marzen available to drink.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (free admission)
