Oktoberfest, the world-famous German festival best known for its overflowing steins, lively music, and hearty Bavarian fare, is something of a seasonal trickster. Despite its name, the festivities kick off in September! Why? Tradition and weather. The original Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration in Munich for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Over the years, it evolved into an annual folk festival featuring parades, horse races, and, of course, beer. To take advantage of longer days and milder weather, organizers gradually shifted the start date into late September, ensuring revelers could enjoy outdoor tents and beer gardens without shivering through chilly October nights. So while it ends in early October, most of the merrymaking actually happens in September—a perfect excuse to raise a glass before autumn truly sets in. Prost to a festival that’s as much about community and culture as it is about clinking mugs!
Local Oktoberfest Celebrations:
Sister Cities of Vandalia Oktoberfest
Vandalia Sports Complex1101 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia
SISTER CITIES OF VANDALIA is a nonprofit international organization dedicated to fostering global friendship, understanding, & communication. Sister Cities of Vandalia is wholly funded by the Vandalia Oktoberfest falls on the first weekend after Labor Day.
Entertainment
FRIDAY:
Naked Karate Girls
SATURDAY:
2pm-5pm: Brothers In Law (the band)
5:30pm Liederkranz Dancers
6:30 pm: Stein Hold Competition – USSA State Qualifier
7:30-11:30 pm: Music Bingo w/Todd Moore
𝗢𝗸𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
Springboro United Church of Christ5 West Mill Street, Springboro
Classic beer hall favorites
German-style food & live music
Family-friendly attractions and community fun
Festival atmosphere right in the heart of Springboro
Oktoberfest
Branch & Bone Artisan Ales905 Wayne Ave, Dayton
Join us Saturday, September 13th starting at Noon for a full day packed with great beer, delicious food, and nonstop fun.
We’ll be pouring a stellar Oktoberfest lineup including Märzen, Gorlami Italian Pilsner, Shared the Years Rye Dunkel, and Microcastle.
Lederhosen Lunch @ DAI Oktoberfest
The Dayton Art Institute456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton
The Oktoberfest celebration begins on Friday, September 26 with the Lederhosen Lunch. Brats, metts, tenderloins, beer and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is free. Greater Dayton RTA will also provide free shuttles from downtown Dayton to Friday’s Lederhosen Lunch.
Oktoberfest Preview Party 2025
Dayton Art Institute456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
Reserve your spot for the best party in town, the DAI’s Oktoberfest Preview Party, presented by PNC! Celebrate 53 years of art, cheers and beers with complimentary draft beer, wine & soft drinks, and live entertainment.
Presale Discount (through 4 pm on September 26): $55 members; $75 non-members
All tickets purchased after 4 p.m. on September 26 or at the gate: $95
All Preview Party tickets purchased online will be delivered via email as a digital ticket. After completing your purchase, you will receive a receipt for your order with a digital ticket containing your admission barcode and additional information about the Preview Party.
DAI Oktoberfest
The Dayton Art Institute456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton The DAI Oktoberfest features all the things the community has come to love about the festival and some new additions for 2025!
At the Gate: $15 adults; $10 seniors & youth; $25 Weekend Pass
Children 6 and under admitted free. Keep the party going by purchasing a Weekend Pass! The Weekend Pass allows you access to the festival all day Saturday and all day Sunday! *Preview Party not included in the price of a Weekend Pass.Greater Dayton RTA will also provide free shuttles from downtown Dayton to Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday, as well as to Friday’s Lederhosen Lunch.*Oktoberfest is held rain or shine. No refunds. No rain checks.*
Minster Oktoberfest
Minster OktoberfestE. 4th St, Minster
The MINSTER OKTOBERFEST was started in 1975 by the JC’s (The Minster Journeyman’s Club) and the Kiwanis (Minster Service Club). It is estimated that over 80,000 people come to Minster during the weekend of Oktoberfest.
This fun filled festival provides delights for all. Come sing and dance to GERMAN MUSIC . Taste the hearty GERMAN FOODS . Watch the wonderful OKTOBERFEST PARADE featuring numerous colorful floats, area marching bands and celebrities. See the many events taking place in the Gazebo and the Spass Platz. Take part in the BEER TRAY RELAY , the OKTOBERFEST 10K RUN , and numerous other games. Visit the large ARTS & CRAFTS area.
OKTOBERFISH
Little Fish Brewing Co.116 Webster Street, Dayton
Once again, we will have live traditional German folk tunes by Die Musikmeisters of Appalachia from 3:00PM-6:30PM, interlaced with a German-inspired playlist ALL DAY while the band is not playing!
-The Stump Game! The trademarked hammer & nail drinking game. Check out this video for an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfWKTTlv-j8
-Stein Hoist Competition at 6:00PM! Test your arm strength against your fellow beer enthusiasts! Check out this video for an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H1gFD4N_9c
We will have, at a minimum, these lagers & German-style ales:
-Abseil Pilsner
-Dimple Stein Czech Dark Lager
-Karmanfest Malty Amber Festbier
-Ohio Weizen 100% Ohio-Grown Hefeweizen
-PawPaw Weizen German-Style Hefeweizen w/ PawPaw Fruit
Both traditional and inspired German fare! Menu by Executive Chef Zach Morgan coming soon- expect to see small snacks, big meals, and HUGE shareables!
Our staff will be decked out in traditional Oktoberfest costumes, and you should too! While not required, it’s undeniable that costumes always make these events more!
Oct 10 @ 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Oct 11 @ 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Lebanon Oktoberfest
mulberry street plazaLebanon
free to attend
Oans, zwoa, g’suffa! The 12th Annual Lebanon Oktoberfest presented by Molson Coors will be held in Downtown Lebanon on October 10-11, 2025. This event features live German-style music, food vendors, a kid’s zone, and German and local craft beers.
Schedule of Events
- Friday, 6-9pm: Gerhard Albinus & The Uberland Band
- Saturday, 11a-2pm: The Polka Pirates
- Saturday, 2:30-5:30pm: Route 161 Happy Wanderers
- Saturday, 6-9pm: Chardon Polka Band
