Cincinnati Donauschwaben Oktoberfest

Back for it’s 32nd year… but this time during Cincy Beer Week – Cincinnati’s Donauschwaben is one of the go-to Oktoberfest celebrations in the city.

They like to say that while their festival isn’t he biggest in Cincy, it’s the most authentic. The 3-day festival is the only Oktoberfest that is actually held in Oktober in the Cincinnati area and offers: over 30 imported and domestic beers on draft (including favorites such as Hofbräuhaus, Warsteiner and Paulaner), pit-roasted Bavarian pig and chicken, homemade German sausage, stuffed cabbage, goulash with Spätzle (noodles), homemade tortes and pastries, funnel cakes, goetta, and so much more. 

The festival officially kicks off on Saturday afternoon during the Oktoberfest Opening Ceremony, featuring the colorful “Trachten Parade” with over 150 participants dressed in authentic German costumes. Make sure not to miss performances by the Donauschwaben and the Enzian dance groups, George Fraundorfer’s Log Sawing Contest and chances to win the infamous wagon of cheer. 

The Donauschwaben Oktoberfest is a family-friendly festival. The kids-friendly Kinderplatz area has games and other activities along with a playground to enjoy.

Come early to enjoy the 14th Annual Donauschwaben Oktoberfest Car Show on Sunday, October 6th from 10:00am-3:00pm. Registration time for both classic American and European automobiles is from 10:00am -12:00pm with an registration fee of $20.00. The car show awards will be announced at 3:00 PM. For car show information and registration contact John Weissmann at (513) 615-2665. 

The 32th Annual Donauschwaben Oktoberfest is the first weekend in Oktober located at the Donauschwaben Park, 4290 Dry Ridge Road in Colerain Township (I-275 and Colerain Ave, behind the Lowe’s). The festival starts Friday Oktober 4th from 6:00pm-11:00pm, Saturday Oktober 5th from 1:00pm-11:00pm, and Sunday, Oktober 6th from 10:00am-8:00pm. Onsite and convenient shuttle parking from ABC Daycare, Saint John Dry Ridge School is available Friday, Saturday an Sunday. We added Vinoklet Winery for shuttle parking on Friday and Saturday ONLY. Event admission is $5.00 per person. 

For a complete schedule of events, more information on Oktoberfest and other Donauschwaben events, like the Official Cincinnati Donauschwaben page on Facebook or visit their website at www.cincydonau.com.