Prost like a pro: 5 things to do, see and eat at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Prost! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2023 is in full swing.
The annual festival celebrating Cincinnati's German heritage started Thursday night and ends Sunday. First held in 1976, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati draws more than 700,000 people each year, making it the largest Oktoberfest in the country.
Oktoberfest was previously held on Second and Third streets. Other nearby events scheduled for this weekend, like a Cincinnati Bengals game and the Homecoming Festival, caused Oktoberfest to return to Fifth Street, Kathrine Nero, director of media at Game Day Communications, said.
"The move to Fifth Street moves the event back to where it was located for many years and allows attendees to enjoy the event surrounded by more of downtown Cincinnati’s architecture and landscape," she added.
The Enquirer helped kick things off on the first night of the festival. Here's what we learned, including five things every Oktoberfester HAS to do, and your guide to navigating the festival like a pro.
1. Eat a bratwurst
Try a bratwurst from longtime food vendor Mick Noll’s. For an appetizer, you can't go wrong with a soft pretzel. End the night on a sweet note with a strudel or a cream puff.
If brats aren't your thing, there are also lots of German-fusion options at other booths, like goetta mac 'n' cheese.
2. Watch the Running of the Wieners (too late!)
Easily the cutest event at Oktoberfest. If you missed it this year (or if you just want to see those cute, fluffy faces again!) – check out The Enquirer's gallery of adorable shots.
3. Get an Oktoberfest beer
You'll see several Samuel Adams beer booths, an event sponsor, throughout the festival. Make sure to get at least one Oktoberfest brew. Other domestic and local brands, like MadTree Brewing, Braxton Brewing Co., Rhinegeist Brewery, Sonder Brewing, Fifty West Brewing Co. and more, are also onsite.
4. Dance like a chicken
The World's Largest Chicken Dance isn't a tradition that started in Munich, but it's a fiercely loved part of the festivities at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. This year, members of the Cincinnati Fire Department will lead the group dance at the main stage on Saturday. Follow along starting at 4 p.m.
5. Leave with at least one souvenir cup
Every Cincinnatian has an Oktoberfest mug in their kitchen cupboard. There are four new souvenir cups this year that feature highlights from the festival. You can buy one at most beer booths.
What's new this year?
The Snyder’s of Hanover Fun Zone is a new area with activities and entertainment. It's located on the corner of Sentinel and Fifth streets.
Snyder’s Fun Zone and the Krombacher and Radeberger Fest Tents have new designs, courtesy of local artist Daniel Shields and The Beefs artist collective. Some of these designs include a 6-foot pretzel chandelier and winged wiener dogs.
Festival map
The festival grounds include:
Nine entertainment areas.
Main stage.
Two beer gardens.
Five festival tents.
LED board for sports broadcasts.
Here's a link to the Oktoberfest interactive map: viewer.mapme.com/oktoberfestzinzinnati.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Here are 5 things you can't miss at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
