Oktoberfest in Cincinnati

Oktoberfest is German festival which originated in Munich Germany in 1810. The first festival was actually a wedding celebration. The marriage of Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese. the wedding celebrations was such a huge success that it turned into an annual event. The event in the early fall coincided with the harvest and became a celebration of the harvest, joyful gathering and market.

Oktoberfest in Munich is a huge party with tents filled with beer, food and celebrants from all over the globe.The festival has been gaining popularity in the United States, especially in areas which were settled by German immigrants.

There are three different Oktoberfest celebrations in Cincinnati. Germania Oktoberfest starts off the season at the end of August. Oktoberfest Zinzinat USA is the largest Oktoberfest in the U.S.A., with the claim to fame of having the world's largest Chicken Dance. The third Oktoberfest is held by the Donauschwaben on the first weekend of October.

The festivals each have the German food, beer, entertainment, music and dancing. Oktoberfest lovers can enjoy all three of these festivals in Cincinnati.

Germania Oktoberfest. August 24-26, 2007.

Cincinnati's Original Oktoberfest. Authentic Oktoberfest featuring German music, entertainment, food and beer. Oktoberfest biers include Warsteiner, Bitburger, Jever and Spaten. Wine and Schnapps will also be available to drink. German food: bier wurst, Oktoberfest brats, wieners, sauerkraut balls, schnitzel, original Oktoberfest chicken, pulle pork sandwiches, Limburger cheese sandwiches potato pancakes and more are served. Desserts include cream puffs, strudels, pastries, funnel cakes and black forest cake. The weekend entertainment features German bands, yodelers and dancers

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati USA. September 22-23, 2007.

The rich German heritage of Southwestern Ohio is showcased in the largest Oktoberfest in the U.S.A. There will be German style music, food and beer.The Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati is modeled after the original, world famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is recognized as the world's largest authentic Oktoberfest, after the open air festival in Munich.

Over 500,000 people attend this festival every year. German specialties area served to hungry crowds, with food including metts, bratwurst, sauerkraut balls, sausages, potato pancakes, soft pretzels, cream puffs, strudel, jumbo pickles, sauerkraut, German potato salad, Limburger cheese, pigtails and pickled pigs feet.

The Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has been proclaimed by the Guinness Book of Records as having the World's Largest Chicken Dance, with 48,000 participants in 1994. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Alpenhorns features the nation's largest collection of alpenhorns. The Zinzinnati collection of five specially commissioned alpenhorms outnumbers the Disney collection of three alphenhorns. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati features German bands and German dancers. The weekend if filled with all kinds of fun and entertainment.

Donauschwaben Oktoberfest. October 5-7, 2007.

The last Oktoberfiest of the Cincinnati season is held on the first weekend of October. Foamy friendly festival is held on the grounds of the Donauschwaber club. German specialties includes brats, metts, hot dogs, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, goulash with Spatzle and boiled potatoes, Schwaben sausage and more will be available to eat. Delicious desserts such as home baked tortes, pastries, pretzels and gingerbread men will be served. Drink imported German beers including Warsteiner, Spaten and Franziskaner. Music will be played by various bands.

If you are traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio to enjoy the food and beer at an Oktoberfest celebration, consider staying at one of the fine hotels in the city.

The Cincinnatian Hotel. Historic hotel with modern luxury. Dine at the Palace Restaurant. AAA Four Diamond. Mobile Four Star. 513-381-3000.

Garfield Suites Hotel. Amenities include Sky View Fitness Center, indoor swimming pool, Cafe Martin. 513-421-3355.

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Amenities include The Gym at Carew, swimming pool, business center. Dine at Orchids at Palm Court. 513-421-9100.

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. Amenities include heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, indoor whirlpool, high speed wireless Internet,. Dine at champs Sports Bar or Findlays. 513-579-1234.

Millennium Hotel Cincinnati. 513-352-2100.

Ramada Cincinnati Downtown. 513-241-8660.

The Westin Cincinnati. 513-621-7700.

Information subject to change.