Cincinnati once again embraced its German roots as Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2025 brought hundreds of thousands of people to the Cincinnati riverfront for the nation’s largest Oktoberfest celebration. From lederhosen and dirndls to brats, pretzels, and steins of Sam Adams, the four-day festival filled the streets with music, dancing, and unmatched Gemütlichkeit.
Festival Traditions with a Cincinnati Twist
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati delivered all the beloved traditions fans have come to expect — with plenty of surprises along the way. The festival kicked off with the ceremonial keg tapping, featuring special appearances by Jim Koch of Sam Adams and Mayor Aftab Pureval, who jointly tapped the keg to open the festivities in true Bavarian style. Crowds cheered on the always-popular Running of the Wieners and roared with laughter during the spirited Gemütlichkeit Games. One of the weekend’s standout moments came during the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, presented by Skyline Chili, where fans were treated to a surprise appearance from Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brent Suter, who led thousands of festival goers in the iconic dance.
A Day for Families
Sunday’s Family Day offered fun for all ages, with children enjoying face painting, games, and kid-friendly entertainment while parents and grandparents joined in the festivities. Alongside live German music and folk dancing throughout the weekend, Family Day ensured that Oktoberfest Zinzinnati remained a celebration for the whole community.
Food, Drink, and Cultural Celebration
With more than 45 vendors offering authentic German fare and festival favorites, no appetite went unsatisfied. Attendees raised their commemorative Rookwood Pottery steins with a hearty “Prost!” while enjoying classic German brews and seasonal specialties.
Beyond the food, fun, and music, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati reflects Cincinnati’s deep German-American heritage and community spirit. The festival draws visitors from across the region and country, giving a boost to local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and cultural amenities. It showcases Cincinnati as a vibrant destination for cultural events that blend tradition with broad appeal.
Prost Until Next Year!
A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who joined us this year—whether you were dancing in the Festhalle, cheering on the Running of the Wieners, playing games with the family, or simply soaking in the atmosphere with friends. Your energy and excitement are what make Oktoberfest Zinzinnati so special year after year.
This unforgettable celebration would not be possible without the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Sam Adams, as well as Franks Kraut, Jägermeister, and Medpace. Their partnerships help ensure that Oktoberfest Zinzinnati continues to be a signature event on the city’s calendar.
As we begin planning for the 50th Anniversary of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in 2026, we want to hear from you. Your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping us make the festival even better. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey and share your thoughts on what you loved most and what you’d like to see in the future.
Together, we’ll raise a stein to an unforgettable 2025 and an even bigger celebration ahead in 2026. Prost! 🍻
