Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration—second in the world only to the original in Munich. Last year, 2024, was the first year that our Oktoberfest took place in its new location at Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, which provides a ton of space, ample seating options, plenty of shade, and breeze thanks to proximity to the river.
But with a new location comes new logistics and re-learning how things are done. And if you have kids with you, that can pose an added challenge. You don’t have to leave the kids at home, though. Oktoberfest prides itself on being a family friendly affair and, from official events that are family friendly, to kid-friendly eats and more information and tips, I want to help make this event as easy as possible for you and your family to attend.
Zinzinnati is very proud of its German heritage, so grab your brezeln and lederhosen and get into the Gemütlichkeit of America’s Oktoberfest with the entire family using this information:
Official Events
The Running of the Wieners
Friday, September 19, 12–2p
River Stage
World’s Largest Chicken Dance
Saturday, September 20, 4–4:30p
River Stage
Family Day
Sunday, September 21, 11a–7p at Sawyer Point
Special programming for kids and families, including performances by Zinzinnati Zirkus, face painting, vendor village, and more.
Note: While Sunday is designated as Family Day, families are welcome to enjoy Oktoberfest Zinzinnati throughout the entire weekend.
Dancing to bands
From traditional German bands and dance groups to local favorites and lively cover acts, there will be 30 live performances for all audiences at five stages over four days.
Full schedule coming soon.
Kid-Friendly Eats
If you’re like me, you’ve done your best to broaden your kids’ horizons when it comes to food. Also if you’re like me, these kids don’t care about your plans. But don’t worry! You can still enjoy German fare while being mindful to your littles’ picky palate thanks to these menu options:
Bessie’s Noodles
Chicken & noodles
Izzy’s
Potato pancake
German chocolate cake
Kinderhaus
Loaded and plain feather fries
Mick Noll’s Covington Haus
Potato pancake
Hot dog
Pennsylvania Dutch Haus
Feathered fries
Funnel cakes
Royal Berlin Chef
Goetta mac and cheese
Frankfurter hog dog
Fries
Schmidt’s of German Village
Jumbo frankfurter
Jumbo cream puff
Servatii Pastry Shop
Soft pretzel (with beer cheese)
Cream puff
The Forking Pierogi
Variety of pierogi
Zoomer
Goetta grilled cheese
Ribbon fries
Funnel cake
Deep-fried PB&J
More Information and Tips
Parking
- Friendship Park
- Public Landing Parking Lot
- Eggleston Garage
- The Banks (Central Riverfront Garage)
Accessibility
- Pick up and drop off locations
- Water stations
- Accessible restrooms
Transit info
The Cincinnati Connector is fare free and will have extended service hours during Oktoberfest. If you use the streetcar, take the stop at station #1 (The Banks on 2nd Street) then walk east on Pete Rose Way towards the west entrance of the festival. For more information and to view the service map, visit the streetcar’s website.
If you are staying along the Northern Kentucky riverfront (Bellevue, Newport, or Covington), the Southbank Shuttle can transport you from NKY to the Heritage Bank Center (Taylor Southgate Bridge and Pete Rose Way). Each trip is $2 per person ($1 for students).
Another option to avoid parking would be to take the bus. For Cincinnati Metro route information, click here. For more about TANK, click here.
Hours
Thursday, 4–10p
Friday, 11a–11p
Saturday, 11a–11p
Sunday, 11a–7p
Merchandise
More information will be shared as it becomes available. Click here for last year’s official Oktoberfest merch.
If you have any questions or are looking for a custom recommendation, just ask by emailing tourdecincinnati@gmail.com.
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