Prost! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Turns 50

Prost! Fifty years ago, a celebration of Cincinnati’s deep German heritage was born. This September, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber is making sure Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s golden jubilee lives up to every year that came before it. Presented by Samuel Adams, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati returns to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove on Thursday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, with expanded hours, an exclusive anniversary beer, new VIP offerings, and the beloved signature events that have made this festival a Cincinnati institution. 

50 Years of Gemütlichkeit (Belonging) 

First held in 1976, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has grown from a neighborhood block party into the warmest and most welcoming Oktoberfest celebration in the United States and the largest outside of Munich. Five decades of Running of the Wieners, steins hoisted, Chicken Dances danced, and bratwursts devoured—all of it arriving at a milestone that calls for something special. 

To mark the occasion, presenting partner Samuel Adams has crafted an exclusive Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 50th Anniversary Lager available only at this year’s festival. The limited-edition beer celebrates the deep partnership between the brewing company and the festival—a collaboration that has poured many steins of Sam Adams Octoberfest lager into the hands of Cincinnati’s most enthusiastic festivalgoers. The 50th Anniversary Lager is 5.5% ABV and blends a complex, malty backbone with bright hop notes for a refreshingly balanced beer. The beer will be released at a special event at the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom on Aug. 18. 

 “Coming home to Cincinnati for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is always special, but the 50th anniversary makes this year unforgettable! This festival is proof that great beer, rooted in tradition and driven by an independent spirit, can bring people together decade after decade,” said Jim Koch, brewer, founder, and CEO of Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams. “Seeing people raise a Samuel Adams Octoberfest and celebrate this city reminds me exactly why we started brewing. I couldn’t be prouder to see it thrive for 50 years in my hometown.”  

“Fifty years is a testament to Cincinnati’s identity,” said Chelsea York, Vice President of Events and Experiences, Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “This city has German roots that run deep, and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has always been the moment every year when the whole community gathers to celebrate that heritage together. The 50th anniversary is going to be something none of us will forget.” 

Four Days on the Riverfront 

This year, the festival kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 17 when Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove will once again be transformed into a Bavarian playground complete with a massive 300-foot Festhalle tent seating over 1,000 guests, multiple fest tents, expanded beer gardens, authentic German food, and the nation’s largest assortment of Oktoberfest entertainment. Admission remains free and open to the public for all four days. 

• Thursday, Sept. 17: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. 

• Friday, Sept. 18: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 

• Saturday, Sept. 19: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 

• Sunday, Sept. 20: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.  

Something Special Is Coming for VIPs 

For the first time in the festival’s history, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati will offer a dedicated VIP experience—a golden way to celebrate the 50th anniversary in style. Attendees can expect exclusive access, premier views, and curated food and drink offerings. VIP tickets will go on sale through the Chamber’s Festival Insider newsletter.  

The Events That Make It Zinzinnati 

No Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is complete without the signature moments that have become Cincinnati traditions in their own right. All of the fan favorites return for the 50th anniversary: 

• Pride Night (Thursday): Opening night of the festival, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and Cincinnati Pride join forces for an evening of nonstop music, special performances, and big energy from 4–10 p.m.  

• Gemütlichkeit Games (Thursday): The beloved traditional “G Games” competition kicks off the weekend at the River Stage, 4:30–5:30 p.m. 

• Stein Hoisting Competition (Friday): Think you have what it takes? The River Stage Stein Hoisting Competition, presented by Samuel Adams, challenges competitors to hold a full stein of beer at arm’s length for as long as possible. Register at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/events. 

• Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 14K/7K Brewery Run (Saturday): The run along the riverfront kicks off early Saturday morning, with an afterparty at the Festhalle to follow. Registration details available at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/events. 

• World’s Largest Chicken Dance (Saturday): The world’s most famous fowl-inspired group dance takes over the River Stage Saturday afternoon. Thousands are expected to flap, wiggle, and clap their way through this iconic annual tradition. 

• Family Day (Sunday): The festival’s closing day is packed with family-friendly programming at Sawyer Point, running 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Details at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/familyday. 

• Running of the Wieners (Sunday): The most beloved dachshund race in America moves to Sunday! Registration details to be announced at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/events. 

• Zinzinnati Zirkus (All Days): The Cincinnati Circus Company returns with multiple daily shows near the Vendor Village, featuring acrobatics, the Wheel of Death, aerial performances, fire, and audience volunteers. Multiple shows run each day throughout the weekend.  

A Preliminary Look at Entertainment 

With 30+ live performances across four stages over four days, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s entertainment lineup spans traditional German bands and dance troupes to polka favorites and high-energy party acts. The full schedule will be released later this summer at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/entertainment, but here’s a first look at what’s coming to the Zinzinnati Festhalle Stage. At over 18,000 square feet, and with seating for 1,000+ and two full-service bars, this centerpiece of the festival experience will host the weekend’s biggest headline acts.

Returning performers include  The Klaberheads, The Polka Warriors, The Zinzinnati Bierband, Polka Cola, and Matt Tolentino and the Royal Klobasneks.  

Be the First to Know: Festival Insider Sign-Ups Open Now 

With the 50th anniversary bringing more announcements, activations, and surprises than any year before, the best way to stay ahead of the stein is to sign up for Festival Insider updates. Insiders will receive early access to entertainment announcements, merchandise and VIP ticket information, vendor news, event registration links, and exclusive 50th anniversary content all summer long. Sign up at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates throughout the summer. 

Editor’s note: More 50th anniversary announcements—including entertainment, VIP details, and special activations—will be released throughout the summer. Follow on Instagram and Facebook or sign up for Festival Insider updates at oktoberfestzinzinnati.com. 

Media Contacts 

Kristen Swilley | 770-658-4289 | kswilley@wordsworthweb.com 
Amy Fitzgibbons | 646-369-5406 | afitzgibbons@cincinnatichamber.com  

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About Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 

First held in 1976, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States and the largest outside of Munich, Germany. Held each September at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove on the banks of the Ohio River, the admission-free event features authentic German food, award-winning Sam Adams beer and German brews, live entertainment across multiple stages and fest tents, and beloved signature events that celebrate Cincinnati’s rich German heritage. In 2025, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati drew a record 808,300 attendees. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is produced by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. 

About the Cincinnati Regional Chamber 

The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com.