Hofbrähaus Columbus sponsored ? this guide to Columbus Oktoberfest. But rest assured, all thoughts and opinions contained within are genuine and our own. ??
Grab your stein and strap on that lederhosen! It’s time for Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest and Columbus go way back. The Columbus Oktoberfest originated in Schiller Park, and although it’s called a few locations home, the festival has finally found the perfect spot to celebrate: The Ohio Expo Center.
This year, the festival will run September 7-9. The location is perfect for unpredictable Ohio weather, with over 100,000 square feet of covered space. Plus, the century-old pavilion gives that authentic German bier hall vibe. In addition to the massive pavilion space, Oktoberfest will also have access to the Natural Resources Park, which is lowkey, one of the best places in the entire city to take a stroll.
Columbus German history is long. Waves of hardworking immigrants brought their food, culture, traditions, and most importantly, their beer, throughout the 1800s. Thanks to them we can all celebrate at Columbus Oktoberfest this weekend.
Admission, Tickets, And Hours
Admission to Oktoberfest is free. Yes, you read that right. For no cost, you can stroll through Oktoberfest, taking in the sites and smells. Food and beverages at Oktoberfest can only be purchased via tickets, which visitors can purchase at Ticket booths located throughout the festival. Strips of tickets are sold in groups of 10, for $10. The festival will be open on Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Schedule & Entertainment
Kick off your Oktoberfest celebration at Hofbräuhaus Columbus. The bar, which is celebrating their 4th anniversary later this year, is co-sponsoring Columbus Oktoberfest with iconic German Village restaurant, Schmidt’s. The party will start at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, with food, beer, and loads of people looking to embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest. For more info about the kick off party, please click here.
Once the festival gets started, there won’t be any shortage of stuff to see and do! The 10th Annual Vier Meiler/Brat Trot, presented by Eldorado Gaming, will take place on Friday evening at 6:15 p.m. Of course, there will be a keg tapping, and there will also be music by Alphorn Grüezie. Throughout the weekend, you can stop in to visit the Craft Beer Garten at Hofbräuhaus Hall or the Wine Garten in the Heidelberg Beer Hall.
Giant Eagle will be offering 30-minute demonstrations throughout the festival, including both beer and cheese pairings and wine and cheese pairings.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without a little polka. If you’re looking for music, we’ve got you covered. Check out the full schedule below.
Parking & Transportation
Parking is $10 per car. Of course, if you’re planning on enjoying Oktoberfest to the fullest, you’ll want to consider alternative transportation. The COTA bus is always my go-to affordable option. If you’d like to take the bus, you can plan your trip out on the COTA website here. If you’re looking to ride share, you can be dropped off (Ask pete about dropoff zone for Uber/lyft)
Where to Eat & Drink
On the hunt for brats, pretzels, cheese, sauerkraut, and more? The food at Oktoberfest is the most underrated part of the festival, in my opinion. This year’s food vendors include:
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Schmidt’s
DK Diner
All About the Zel’s
Neffy
Cox BBQ
Cox Concessions
Mozarts
Roster’s Roasters
Mauger’s Mini Donuts
Amazing Grace Kettle Corn
Cut Above
Once you’ve got some schnitzel in your stomach, you’ll probably want to find the nearest beer. Luckily, this event has no shortage of delicious drinks.
Family friendly activities
The kids area, aka the Kinderplatz, will have plenty to keep the kiddos occupied while you enjoy a nice hefeweizen. Arts and crafts will lead your children to create their very own crowns, the perfect attire to show off during the Children’s Parade on Sunday at 4 p.m. There will be entertainment such as strolling accordians and jugglers, as well as a “Sunday Funday” event, which includes bounce houses, a “Princess and Superheroe” breakfast, and more. Tickets for Sunday Family Funday can be purchased here.
