Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, presented by Amazon and Samuel Adams and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, will take place September 21-23, 2018 on Second and Third Streets, between Walnut and Elm Streets in downtown Cincinnati.
Maynard
First held in 1976, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has grown to be America’s largest Oktoberfest with 675,000 attending in 2017.
2018 OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI GRAND MARSHAL
This year’s Grand Marshal is Thane Maynard, director of the Cincinnati Zoo. As Grand Marshal, Maynard will:
- Start the Running of the Wieners, Friday, September 21 at 11 a.m. on Freedom Way between Walnut and Rosa Parks
- Lead the World’s Largest Chicken Dance (with surprise guests), Sunday, September 23, noon at the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Main Stage & Sam Adams Bier Garten, Second and Elm Streets.
Thane Maynard is internationally known for his dedication to wildlife preservation, research and education. He has authored more than a dozen books, including one about baby hippo Fiona. He has been sharing science and environmental news via his nationally-syndicated radio program, “The 90-Second Naturalist,” for thirty years. Maynard’s travels to promote biological diversity, natural history and wildlife conservation have spanned five continents and earned him a membership in the Explorers Club.
SKYSTAR AT OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI
SkyStar, a 150-foot-high mobile observation wheel, will operate throughout Oktoberfest Zinzinnati weekend on Freedom Way at The Banks, across from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. SkyStar is America’s largest portable observation wheel and it lights up the Cincinnati sky with over 1 million colored LED lights.
Each of SkyStar’s 36 gondolas is enclosed, climate controlled and can hold up to six passengers. Skystar offers a private experience and riders won’t be paired with strangers. The SkyStar experience consists of four revolutions and lasts approximately 12 minutes. Get tickets and details at www.SkyStarwheel.com.
OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI FAVORITES
The Running of the Wieners
100 wiener dogs will enter. Each dachshund, outfitted in its provided hot dog bun costume, will run in a 75-foot heat, Friday, September 21 at 11 a.m. on Freedom Way between Walnut and Rosa Parks. The wiener of the finals will be crowned top dog at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati!
G-Games
Teams of Cincinnati TV celebrities will compete in the Gemuetlichkeit (goodwill) Games—including the Beer Stein Race and Beer Barrel Roll, Friday, September 21, noon on Freedom Way between Walnut and Rosa Parks.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Opening Ceremonies
Sam Adams founder and Cincinnati native, Jim Koch will tap the ceremonial “first keg,” Saturday, September 22, 11:30 a.m. at the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Main Stage & Sam Adams Bier Garten, Second and Elm.
World’s Largest Chicken Dance
Thousands of chicken dancers have congregated every year since 1994 when Cincinnatians set the Guinness World Record as the largest Chicken Dance in the world. Leading the 2018 World’s Largest Chicken Dance is Thane Maynard, director of the Cincinnati Zoo. Sunday, September 23, noon at the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Main Stage & Sam Adams Bier Garten, Second and Elm.
World Brat Eating Championship
World eating champion, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will return to defend his Oktoberfest Zinzinnati title. He holds the world brat eating record (70 brats in 10 minutes at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, 2013). Sunday, September 23, 2 p.m. at the Braxton Fass Bar, Third and Walnut Streets.
Zinzinnati Craft Bier Garten
The expanded Zinzinnati Craft Bier Garten will feature six regional Cincinnati breweries in an intimate, yet bigger location at Third and Walnut Streets. Featured breweries for 2018 are 513, Braxton, Fretboard, MadTree, Rhinegeist, and Taft’s Ale House.
Braxton Fass Bar
The Braxton Fass Bar at Third and Walnut Streets will feature weekend sports and more on a 20-foot LED TV atop an elevated stage. Extending from the stage will be two 30-foot bars and a seating area.
Braxton Brewing Company beer will be available in abundance. Their authentic Oktoberfest beer, Oktober Fuel, will be on tap alongside core styles and seasonal beers. Througout Oktoberfest Zinzinnati weekend, they will also host timed tappings of new beers from Kentucky innovation facility.
OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI HOURS
Friday, September 21, 5–11 p.m.
Saturday, September 22, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, September 23, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
