How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Cincinnati
Over 500,000 people celebrate Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati each year, the largest event of its kind in North America. The event is held in the downtown district on six city blocks along Fifth Street, from Race Street to Broadway Avenue. The city's inaugural Oktoberfest took place in 1976 and still showcases the rich German heritage of southwestern Ohio with traditional German style food, music and beer.
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Instructions
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Visit Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
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Book reservations in a downtown Cincinnati hotel. There are several hotels located on Fifth Street within walking distance of Oktoberfest.
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Volunteer for half a day of service and become a Friend of the Festival. You'll get a free t-shirt and join more than 600 people who volunteer each year.
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Attend Oktoberfest on the first Weisn Sunday to see the popular Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen's Parade.
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Arrive in Cincinnati a few days before Oktoberfest and take part in the Gemuetlichkeit Games. The games take place at noon during the week leading up to Oktoberfest to generate excitement in advance of the big celebration.
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Plan your trip to Cincinnati at least 6 months in advance if you are visiting Oktoberfest from outside the region and need accommodations.
Participate in Oktoberfest Activities
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Join friends and family on the dance floor for the traditional chicken dance. In 1994, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati established a world record as noted in the 1995-97 editions of the Guinness Book of Records when 48,000 people participated in the world's largest chicken dance.
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Enjoy a filling dinner. In 2006, more than 80,000 bratwurst and 24,000 potato pancakes were served during the 2-day event.
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Bring the entire family and enjoy the carnival area where people of all ages can enjoy rides, midway games and various foods and beverages from more than 32 vendors. The famous twisted pretzel with spicy mustard is must-eat food at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
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Enter a friendly skills competition and test your mettle in tapping a keg or seeing how many beer mugs you can serve in a minute.
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Watch live bands sing German-style songs and lead the crowds in sing-along beer drinking cheers and chants.
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Tips & Warnings
It is best to take public transportation as parking near Oktoberfest grounds is extremely limited.
All Pets (unless used for medical assistance), bikes, skateboards and rollerblades are prohibited on the event grounds.
