Dust off your Dirndl. It’s Oktoberfest season.
I LOVE Oktoberfest. I adore the fun outfits, the salty pretzels, the campy music – and of course, the beer. This year, I won’t be partaking because I am due to give birth to my second child in November, so please allow me to live vicariously through you. Here are my suggestions for the best upcoming celebrations for families in the Greater Cincinnati Region.
- Covington Oktoberfest, September 8-10, Goebel Park
- Why we love it: Well for starters, I Luv the Cov. Oktoberfest aside, Covington’s Mainstrasse is a great place to spend the afternoon and I never run out of restaurants in the area that I want to try. This Oktoberfest has it all, though. Delicious food vendors, beer from Braxton Brewing (and many others!), and a quaint park setting. This is a great place to kick off your season of Oktoberfest celebrations.
- Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, September 14-17, Fifth Street in Downtown Cincinnati
- The biggest and best, but maybe not the most kid-friendly. It gets CROWDED and as someone who braved the masses last year with a stroller, let me tell you that it’s not for the faint of heart. However, there is still fun for families to be had. My tip is to go early in the day on Saturday or Sunday before it gets too hot and rowdy. This year’s festival is moving back to its 5th Street location, which will hopefully provide more shade. Divide and conquer where one parent holds down a table while the other goes for snacks – there are plenty to be found. It’s America’s largest Oktoberfest and a true Cincinnati tradition.
- Loveland Oktoberfest, September 22-23, Nisbet Park
- Why we love it: Right off the bike path in Loveland, there is plenty of room for kids and families to spread out. Plus, Loveland has so much to offer from locally-owned boutiques to unique restaurants if you’re not feeling the bratwurst situation.
- Sonder and Friends Oktoberfest, September 23, Sonder Brewing in Mason, Ohio
- Why we love it: Last year, I thought Sonder had the most unique line-up of regional breweries involved – interesting beers that were not a part of other local Oktoberfests. If you’re a craft beer snob (like me!), this is the event for you. Plus, Sonder is such a family-friendly brewery. Expect a day of live music, games, food trucks, and other local vendors.
- Lebanon Oktoberfest, October 13-14, Downtown Lebanon
- Why we love it: An Oktoberfest in October! What a concept. I love Lebanon’s Oktoberfest because it finally (hopefully) feels like fall. While you’re in the area, swing by Hidden Valley Orchards for a cider and a pumpkin donut, and then head to Downtown Lebanon for a true fall festival feeling. The designated Kids Zone will keep your kiddos occupied while mom and dad hoist a stein of German beer and Prost! to a beautiful autumn.
