Oktoberfest season is upon us, and Columbus, Ohio, is gearing up for a series of fantastic events! Whether you’re a fan of live music, delicious food, exciting games, or just want to soak up some festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. From long-standing traditions to brand-new celebrations, here’s a guide to the best Oktoberfest events in and around Columbus.
Fun Facts via Hofbrauhaus
- The first Oktoberfest was held on October 17, 1810 (thus the name), and lasted three days.
- Oktoberfest was originally to celebrate the marriage of the Crowned Prince of Bavaria, who would later become King.
- The meadow where Oktoberfest was held in 1810 is still the current location for Oktoberfest.
- In 1905, Oktoberfest was officially moved to September to allow for better weather. Oktober in Germany is cold and rainy, so the move allowed for Germans to soak in the last days of warm weather for the season.
Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest
Dates: September 6 – September 8
Hours: Friday: 5 pm – Midnight, Saturday: Noon – Midnight & Sunday: Noon – 8 pm
Location: Ohio Expo Center | Ohio State Fair Grounds
Admission: Free (Parking $15)
Facebook Event: Join the Event Here
Kick off the Oktoberfest season with Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest, a beloved tradition that promises lots of live music, great food, and, of course, beer! Rain or shine, this event is perfect for both adults and kids, featuring a variety of fun and games. The best part? Admission is free!
Note: All food and beverage will be sold CASHLESS. For safety protocols, all food and beverage will be purchased by credit card only. Food and beverage vendors cannot accept cash or tickets. Cash can be converted to an on-site use Fest Card at the souvenier stand in the Heidelberg Hall. A portion of all beverage and food proceeds will go to support festival amenities and local charities.
Columbus Oktoberfest 2024 at Hofbräuhaus Columbus
Dates: Multiple Weekends throughout September
Official Kickoff Party: Thursday, September 5th, 2024, starting at 5 PM with a performance by Mike Farrenkopf. The Keg Tapping Parade will take place at 7 PM.
Location: Hofbräuhaus Columbus, 800 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212
Admission: Free
Facebook Event: Join the Event Here
They are bringing the authentic Bavarian experience straight from Munich to our backyard. This year, for the first time ever, they’re extending the festivities across three weekends–more fun, more food, more entertainment! Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages. From lively music to entertainment for the kids, there’s something for everyone. Of course, no Oktoberfest would be complete without their specialty brewed Oktoberfest Bier and delicious Hendl (Roast Chicken), served fresh every day of the festival.
Germania’s 67th Oktoberfest
Dates: September 13 – 15, 2024.
Hours: Check FB events below for daily hours.
Location: Germania Singing & Sport Society
Admission: This event is free for members and $5 for non-members age 16 and up. The non-member fee does include a two week membership to Germania.
Parking: They recommend parking at the Brewery District garage (500 S. Front St).
Facebook Event: Day 1 , Day 2, Day 3
Did you know Germania is Columbus’s original Oktoberfest? They’ve been celebrating since 1957! This three-day festival will feature traditional German Oktoberfest food and drinks, music from various bands, dancing, stein-holding contests, kids’ activities on Saturday, and tons of fun.
Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay
Dates: September 7-8, 2024.
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Zoombezi Bay – 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Admission: $24.99 per ticket for all ages (which includes a $1 donation to wildlife conservation), Season Pass holders and Columbus Zoo Gold members get in for free and can bring up to two friends for $19.99 each! Purchase tickets here.
Parking: $10
Dive into the world of German music, enjoy pumpkin and fall-flavored beers on tap courtesy of local breweries, and savor Bavarian-style food. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy – from exciting waterslides to heartwarming fun.
Note: This is an event for Zoombezi Bay only. Columbus Zoo admission is not included in this ticket. Otter Banks and the Action River will not be open for Oktoberfest.Bring-a-friend tickets can be purchased at the gate.
East Side Oktoberfest by Columbus Brewing Company
Date: September 14
Time: 3 PM – 9 PM
Location: Columbus Brewing Company
Admission: Free
Facebook Event: Join the Event Here
Mark your calendars for the first annual East Side Oktoberfest hosted by Columbus Brewing Company in partnership with East Market and Leisure Club! This exciting event promises a full day of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy lively tunes from a live polka band, while kids and adults alike can delight in face painting, balloon artists, and a mobile game truck. Test your skills in a variety of contests, including a Kids Stein Holding Contest, a Stein Holding Contest for adults, a Hot Dog Eating Contest, and a Pretzel Toss. Throughout the day, indulge in our exclusive CBC Festbier, and from afternoon until evening, savor delicious, authentic German food specials.
Saint Mary School German Village Oktoberfest
Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: 700 S. Third Street, Columbus, OH 43206
Admission: Free
Facebook Event: Join the Event HereJoin the Saint Mary School community in German Village for a night filled with fun, food, games, and more! This Oktoberfest is perfect for families looking to enjoy a relaxed evening with a German twist. With plenty of activities planned, there’s something for everyone at this local favorite.
Worthington Partnership’s Sunday Funday: Oktoberfest
Date: September 22, 2024
Time: 12 PM – 5 PM
Location: Old Worthington, OH
Admission: Free
Facebook Event: Join the Event Here
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Worthington Partnership’s Sunday Funday! Enjoy pretzels, beers, and all things Oktoberfest while indulging in food specials, live music, and various games and entertainment. This event also features the Worthington Parks & Recreation Stroll & Roll, a perfect activity for those who love a leisurely walk or bike ride. Don’t forget to check out the kids’ concert on the Village Green!
New Albany Oktoberfest
Dates: Friday, September 27, 2024, 5pm – 11pm and Saturday, September 28, 2024, 12pm – 11pm
Location: Market Street, New Albany, OH
Admission: Free
Facebook Event: Join the Event Here
Additional Information: Event Details
The New Albany Oktoberfest is a two-day community celebration that offers something for everyone. With food vendors, live entertainment, a beer garden, wine, cocktails, and even the OSU game on the Super Screen, this festival is a must-visit! Kids will have a blast in the Kid Zone, featuring bounce houses, balloon twisters, face painters, caricature artists, hayrides, and more.
Pickerington Oktoberfest at Combustion Brewery & Taproom
Dates: September 27: 3 PM – 10 PM and September 28: Noon – 10 PM
Location: 80 W Church St Suite 101, Pickerington, OH 43147
Admission: Free (All minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Facebook Event: Join the Event Here
Check out this throwback video from previous years!
Hosted by the Pickerington Village Association and Combustion Brewery & Taproom, this two-day event features an outdoor biergarten and a variety of activities for all ages. Located in the Combustion parking lot, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy local brews, great food, and the company of friends and family.
With so many events to choose from—each offering its unique blend of traditions, entertainment, and flavors—there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of traditional German beer, love live music, or are looking for a fun family outing, Columbus has you covered. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to experience the best Oktoberfest events Columbus has to offer this fall!
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