Oktoberfest
Columbus Ohio’s traditional Oktoberfest will be held this year on Sept 5 - 7 at Genoa Park along the Scioto River (just east of COSI). Visitors will be able to taste authentic German food, good beer, excellent wine, German entertainment, and join in a few polka dances during this annual festival that celebrates our German heritage. Don't miss Marketplatz filled with artisans and unique shops.
This is the first year for Oktoberfest to be held in the larger venue along the river. The new location will allow for a broader selection of entertainment and food options which is sure to please a wider audience, but it will still have the same ethnic flair, even though it won't be quite the same as when it was actually held in German Village. However, with the new location, parking will certainly be easier, but construction projects along the Scioto will still have things a bit topsy-turvey.
There will be a tent, dubed a Cabaret Tent, dedicated to children's crafts that will also double for periodic cafe-style interludes. The riverfront Pepsi Amphitheater will host a variety of live music including some hard rock, which is not exactly traditional, but in keeping with good music, good beer and food. There will of course be the traditional Warsteiner Tent with stage and dance floor for traditional German-style music. Have a great time, but leave your pets at home. Pets are not permitted on the festival grounds, unless they are assistance dogs.
The celebrating begins sharply at 5:00 p.m. with the time honored tradition of “tapping the keg!”
Parking is available at COSI and Veteran’s Memorial, with shuttle service provided from German Village to the Genoa Park festival site.
Genoa Park & Amphitheater
303 W Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
