Cincinnati has a proud German history that can be felt all throughout the city. From top-notch breweries to stunning Old World architecture, German culture is alive and thriving in Zinzinnati, Ohio. To top it all off, each fall, the sounds of polka music and smells of brats and schnitzel permeate the streets of Downtown Cincinnati, during the largest Oktoberfest in America.
Cincinnati was founded in 1788 and has deep German roots from the many immigrants who were drawn to the town's bustling commercial and cultural hubs.
This history and heritage is a huge point of pride for the Queen City, and each fall, the streets of Downtown Cincinnati come alive during *the* Oktoberfest event of the year.
The largest Oktoberfest in both Ohio and the entire country (and the second-largest in the world, in fact!) Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is in a league of its own.
First held in 1976, more than 700,000 people attend this event each year. Live music and friendly competitions create a fun and lively atmosphere, as do the festival's signature events.
From the World's Largest Chicken Dance...
...to the annual Running of the Wieners, everything about Cincinnati's Oktoberfest is extraordinary.
Of course, the food is a quintessential part of the experience, and it doesn't disappoint. An estimated 80,500 bratwurst and 56,250 sausages are served each year, topped, of course, with 3,600 pounds of sauerkraut!
For those looking for a break from the brats (it happens!), the chicken-on-a-stick and chicken schnitzel sandwiches are delicious, and the perfect way to fuel up for the World's Largest Chicken Dance, of course!
This annual festival showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food, and beer. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is not merely an event; it's a cultural celebration, an experience that's become part of many Ohioan's most treasured family traditions.
We'll raise a glass to that -- Prost!
This is one annual event you won't want to miss, so grab a stein and your lederhosen, and get ready to chicken dance all weekend long! This year's Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is September 19-22, 2024, in Downtown Cincinnati, and you can view a schedule of events on the website.
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