Prost! Oktoberfest season is here: A guide to what’s planned in SW Ohio

The Dayton Art Institute’s 52nd Oktoberfest was held on the museum’s grounds on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. Oktoberfest is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. Did we spot you there on Sunday? TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The Dayton Art Institute’s 52nd Oktoberfest was held on the museum’s grounds on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. Oktoberfest is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. Did we spot you there on Sunday? TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lifestyles
By Alex Cutler
Updated Aug 25, 2024
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On Oct. 12, 1810, Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen were married. To celebrate their union, a five-day festival was held in Munich, culminating in a horse race outside the city.

This festival marked the beginning of Oktoberfest’s history, as chronicled by the event’s website. With few exceptions, a celebration takes place annually in the same field outside Munich to this day, even as the event transformed into a beer and folk festival.

Oktoberfest is now one of the most popular festivals in Europe, attracting millions of guests per year and inspiring events across the world. It’s also super popular here in the U.S., and Southwest Ohio has quite a few.

Raise a glass to the following:

🍻Liberty Home Association Oktoberfest

A frothy beer is served up during the 45th Anniversary of the Hamilton Oktoberfest Friday evening, September 3, 2010. The event was hosted by the Liberty Home German Society and included food, live music, games, rides and more.

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When: Aug. 30-Sept. 1

Location: Liberty Home Association, 2361 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton

Description: For 58 years, German heritage club the Liberty Home Association has hosted an Oktoberfest. This year, the festival will include authentic German food like bratwurst and sauerkraut, a large selection of German beers, a car show and more.

🍻Oktoberfest Springboro

The 10th annual Oktoberfest Springboro was held on Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 on the grounds of the Springboro United Church of Christ. Did we spot you there on Saturday? TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

When: 6 p.m.-midnight Sept. 6 and 11 a.m.-midnight Sept. 7

Location: 5 W. Mill St., Springboro

Description: Springboro United Church of Christ’s Oktoberfest will feature a variety of German drinks and food, a wiener dog race, a 5K and more.

🍻Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is back in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It takes place on Second and Third streets and is the nation’s largest Oktoberfest, showcasing the area's rich German heritage. There will be more than 120 beers offered and more than 30 food vendors. There will also be live entertainment. Get information at https://oktoberfestzinzinnati.com. FILE PHOTO

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When: Sept. 19-22

Location: Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati

Description: Hosted along the Ohio River, this popular event features a number of food and craft vendors, a stein hoisting competition, glassblowing, German beer and more.

🍻Oxtoberfest

Oxtoberfest is a new festival this season that will be at Uptown park. In this photo, locals are seen attending an event in the same location. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Ron Hautau

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Credit: Ron Hautau

When: 1-8 p.m. Sept. 21

Location: Oxford Memorial Park, 1 N. Main St., Oxford

Description: Described as “Oxford’s very own take on a German themed, fall festival,” Oxtoberfest will feature various German beers, craft beers and ciders. There will also be live music, craft vendors, family friendly activities and more.

🍻Mother Stewart’s Oktoberfest

Chardon Polka Band entertained visitors to Mother Stewart's Brewing's 8th Annual Oktoberfest in Springfield on Friday and Saturday evening, Sept. 22-23. The weekend event also featured music from Sauerkraut German Band on Saturday and food trucks serving up German favorites. David A. Moodie/Contributing Photographer

Credit: David A. Moodie

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Credit: David A. Moodie

When: 4-11 p.m. Sept. 28

Location: 82 W. Columbia St., Springfield

Description: Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company in Springfield is hosting its 9th Oktoberfest. More details will be revealed at a later date.

🍻Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest

The Dayton Art Institute’s 52nd Oktoberfest was held on the museum’s grounds on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. Oktoberfest is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. Did we spot you there on Sunday? TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

icon to expand image

Credit: Tom Gilliam

When: Sept. 28-29

Location: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton

Description: DAI’s Oktoberfest is one of the state’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration. It is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser and includes artisans, various foods, domestic, international and craft beers, international wines, kid-friendly art activities, live music and more.

🍻Champaign County Historical Society Oktoberfest

The 51st Oktoberfest will be held pn Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Champaign County Historical Museum, 809 E. Lawn Ave., Urbana. Contributed

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When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 6

Location: 809 E. Lawn Ave., Urbana

Description: The 52nd annual Oktoberfest at the Champaign County Historical Society Museum will feature craft vendors selling pottery, candles, soap, woodcraft and more. There will also be food and beer stalls selling kettlecorn, bourbon chicken, tacos and other food.

>> Submit your event

Don’t see your Oktoberfest on the list? Email alex.cutler@coxinc.com to get it added.

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About the Author

Alex Cutler is a graduate of Sinclair Community college, with degrees in Communication and Multimedia Journalism. Alex looks to continue his education and career in the near future.