Prost, Columbus! Get ready to raise your steins and indulge in a celebration of all things Bavarian because Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest is back and better than ever this weekend, September 8-10.
This article is sponsored by Schmidt’s and written by Experience Columbus staff. All images are courtesy of Schmidt’s.
What makes this Oktoberfest a must-attend event? Here are five reasons to plan your visit:
Free Admission
That's right, entry won't cost you a dime, making Oktoberfest accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Convenient Parking is located on the Ohio Expo Center/ Ohio State Fairgrounds ensuring a hassle-free experience. Parking is $12 per car.
To make getting to the event as easy as possible, review the directions and find alternative transportation options.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Parents rejoice! Oktoberfest Columbus is truly an event for the whole family. For the little ones, be sure to visit Kinderplatz located inside the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Park. With inflatable slides and bounce houses, crafts, a playground and strolling entertainment, your kids will be entertained for hours!
On Sunday, don’t miss Kidslinked! Enjoy a special superhero & princess pancake breakfast or participate in the bubble run, followed by a princess and superhero parade, costume contest, story time, singing, crafts and more! Pre-registration is recommended.
Athletic Integrations
Participate and/or watch the fun unfold with Oktoberfest’s active events. First, run or watch the Vier Meiler/Brat Trot race through the Ohio Expo Center on Friday night and to get your adrenaline pumping before you feast on delicious German fare.
Then witness the strength and skill of participants in the Gemütlichkeit Games: a series of strongman competitions taking place in the Kinderplatz amphitheater on Saturday. View the lineup of events.
Endless Entertainment
With three stages hosting a variety of acts, including the North to Nashville band kicking off the festivities on Friday night, there's always something exciting happening. Enjoy non-stop entertainment on all three stages throughout the weekend, ensuring there's never a dull moment. See the full lineup.
Mouth-Watering Food & Drink
Come for the music, stay for the food. Enjoy classic German-style fare including the famous Bahama Mama from Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and the best Sauerkrat Balls from Columbus-area favorite, Hey Hey. View the full list of food offerings.
The deliciousness doesn’t stop there. Make sure to check out the Craft Bier Garten featuring some of the best brews in Ohio including selections from Homestead Brewing, Saucy Brew Works, Thirsty Dog, Taft’s and Sideswipe Brewing. *Please note, that all food and beverages will be available for purchase by credit card only.
So, gather your loved ones and come celebrate Oktoberfest in Columbus like never before. Whether you're toasting with a stein, indulging in bratwurst, or enjoying the lively atmosphere, this event is your ticket to a weekend full of German-style fun. Don't miss out – join us for a celebration that'll have you saying "Prost!"
