German Oktoberfest Festivals in Ohio Ein Prosit!
Bavarian Open Air Celebrations in Columbus & Cincinnati in September
Aug 27, 2008
Oktoberfest is a traditional Bavarian celebration, which began in Munich as a wedding party and became a festival celebrating the harvest. Traditional Oktoberfest celebrations are held in September, when the weather is usually perfect for an outdoor party. Oktoberfest in Munich is a huge, world famous festival. The celebrations are increasing in popularity in the USA. Two of the most popular Oktoberfest celebrations are held in Ohio: The German Village Oktoberfest in Columbus and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati.
German Village Oktoberfest Columbus Ohio
Oktoberfest is held in the German Village September 5-7, 2008 at the Marketplatz located at Genoa Park and Amphitheater. The German Village Oktoberfest experience includes authentic German polkas, contemporary entertainment, shopping, food and fun. 35 bands play in Munich style tents. Three stages of entertainment include Warsteiner Bier Garten, Pepsi Amphitheater and Cabaret Tent.
On Friday night WaterFire will set the downtown waterfront aglow during an opening night celebration. WaterFire is a string of wood fueled bonfires in the river. Hours: Friday 5 pm to Midnight, Saturday Noon to Midnight and Sunday Noon to 8 pm. Admission $8 Adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
German Village is a 233 acre neighborhood which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district has a rich history that dates back to the mid 19th century. Visit this recreation of an authentic German village for a Bavarian experience without having to fly overseas.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati!
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is held September 20-21, 2008 in Cincinnati USA. Opening ceremonies begin at 10:30 am on Saturday at the Main Entertainment Stage on Fountain Square. The festivities begin with a colorful parade of German American's wearing traditional Bavarian clothing. Keg tapping at each festival tent marks the opening of the tent. A flag and seal will be hung at each tent.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is an outdoor festival that showcases German heritage in Southwestern Ohio. The event has become American's largest Oktoberfest, with over 500,000 people celebrating German heritage.
German food and beer are consumed in large qualities at the celebrations. According to statistics on the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati website, gathered from food vendors, an amazing 87,542 melts, 80,500 bratwurst , 64000 sauerkraut balls, and 56.250 sausages are served during the weekend festival. That's not all though. Gastronomic delights include potato pancakes, cream puffs, pickles, schnitzel, pastries and strudel. Plan to come hungry and leave full.
The festival includes music, dancing, German games, food and beer.
The Chicken Dance is a popular event at Zinzinnati. In 1994 the Crown Prince of Bavaria attended Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and helped the event set a world record for the World's Largest Chicken Dance, with 48,000 participants. The Guinness Book of Records documented this achievement in their 1995-1997 editions.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Alpenhorns are the largest collection of alpenhorns in the USA, according to the official festival website. Five alpenhorns, the world's longest horns, were crafted by master craftsmen in Buchenberg, Germany for Zinzinnati. Musicians playing the nine foot horns will be showcased during the Bavarian festival.
Festival tents, include P&G Stage in the Budweiser Bier Garten on Fountain Square, Erdinger Fest Tent, San Adams Bier Garten, Becks Tent, Spaten Fest Tent, Chemed Bier Garten. People gather in the festival tents to imbibe in the beer and enjoy the entertainment.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is a free event, but bring money for food and beer. The German festival is held in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
Information is subject to change.
For Renaissance Faire fun, see Ohio Renaissance Festival for 16th Century Fun .
History and Fun Facts can be seen at German Oktoberfest More Than a Beer Festival .
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