Zinzinnati Oktoberfest!

Donoroto

Donoroto

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Consider joining your imaginary Brewers Friend friends at Zinzinnati Oktoberfest this year.
(https://oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/)

This is the 50th year for the largest Oktoberfest celebration in America. It is held on the Cincinnati, OH riverfront from September 17 to 20, 2026. Free admission, and a reasonable facsimile of the real Oktoberfest atmosphere – a big (huge!) beer tent, food, and a carnival-like atmosphere.

Sept 17 is a Thursday, and the least crowded day, likely because it is inconvenient for those who have to show up at work. Friday during the day has the same concerns.
Saturday and Sunday (19 & 20) are mobbed, but not unreasonably so, particularly if one arrives right at opening (10 am Sat & Sun)) to grab a seat. Expect traffic in the area even at 9 am.
The website says they'll be offering "Event VIP" tickets, details coming soon.

Note that if you expect to drink liters of beer from 10:30 to 6 pm and still drive anywhere, you should plan to get arrested: Either appoint a designated driver or use a ride service. Transport is plentiful.

Please indicate if you are thinking of attending, and when might be best for you.

I'm considering spending Saturday there from start to dinner, driving in Friday & home Sunday.
 
Donoroto said:
Consider joining your imaginary Brewers Friend friends at Zinzinnati Oktoberfest this year.
(https://oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/)

This is the 50th year for the largest Oktoberfest celebration in America. It is held on the Cincinnati, OH riverfront from September 17 to 20, 2026. Free admission, and a reasonable facsimile of the real Oktoberfest atmosphere – a big (huge!) beer tent, food, and a carnival-like atmosphere.

Sept 17 is a Thursday, and the least crowded day, likely because it is inconvenient for those who have to show up at work. Friday during the day has the same concerns.
Saturday and Sunday (19 & 20) are mobbed, but not unreasonably so, particularly if one arrives right at opening (10 am Sat & Sun)) to grab a seat. Expect traffic in the area even at 9 am.
The website says they'll be offering "Event VIP" tickets, details coming soon.

Note that if you expect to drink liters of beer from 10:30 to 6 pm and still drive anywhere, you should plan to get arrested: Either appoint a designated driver or use a ride service. Transport is plentiful.

Please indicate if you are thinking of attending, and when might be best for you.

I'm considering spending Saturday there from start to dinner, driving in Friday & home Sunday.
Click to expand...
I gotta look at our calendar and check with the missus, but I'm hoping we/I can make it!
 
I have suggested it to Barb, we'll see...
It would be a full day of travel there Friday, and a full day home on Sunday.
I would love the adventure, we will see :)
 
I am about 7 hours’ drive from Cincy, straight up I-75. Hotels near the park are stupid expensive, but just 30 minutes away are under $100.
 
I have a tentative yes from Barb, we are about 7 hours too. We would travel Friday and stop for lunch and a bit of a break. Will do some more planning and see if the yes will stay a yes ;)
 
Craigerrr said:
I have a tentative yes from Barb, we are about 7 hours too. We would travel Friday and stop for lunch and a bit of a break. Will do some more planning and see if the yes will stay a yes ;)
Click to expand...
Why would one drive 7 hrs to drink someone else's beer
I home brew so I don't have to drive to the package store down the road and drink someone else's inferior beer LOL
 
Brew Cat said:
Why would one drive 7 hrs to drink someone else's beer
I home brew so I don't have to drive to the package store down the road and drink someone else's inferior beer LOL
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Yes, we can drink Sam Adams just about anywhere. It’s not about the beer.

Many of us have been friends* for the better part of a decade, but gave never met in person. Meeting is the point, drinking is just the excuse.

*Imaginary.
 
Donoroto said:
Yes, we can drink Sam Adams just about anywhere. It’s not about the beer.

Many of us have been friends* for the better part of a decade, but gave never met in person. Meeting is the point, drinking is just the excuse.

*Imaginary.
Click to expand...
100%
 
I am seeking a hotel in the area where we can stay as a group. Ideally that has a van that can schlep us to and from the park.
Tell me how much you are willing to spend: The nearer we get, the more expensive the hotel gets. The further we go, the less likely they'll have a van. The less expensive, the seedier the place.

$100-150?
$150-200?
Less? More?

For me, around $150 (total $300 for 2 nights, including taxes etc.) is a sweet spot.

* I found a Holiday Inn Just North of the airport (in Kentucky) for around $150 a night, and they have an 'airport shuttle' but not sure they'd drive us into Cincy, 15 miles away.
* I also found a Country Inn & Suites in Erlanger KY, also near the Airport (a bit SouthEast) , for $116 a night. No van mentioned online. 9 miles from the park.
Both are "member" and flexible rates, but you can join easily. Non-flexible rates are often about 10% less, but it's kinda like gambling...

For convenience, you can't beat the Moxy (Marriott) just a block and a half away. A deal at $437 a night for a King bed with a top-bunk bed included.

How important is a shuttle van? Ubers instead perhaps?
 
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Actually sounds like a very cool idea, but I'm blowing the rest of my vacation time in late August going over to Ireland.
 
Someone mentioned that it might be nice if those staying in a hotel all chose the same one. As a data point, I've booked myself a room at the Country Inn & Suites (630 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger, KY 41018) for Friday 9/18 and Saturday nights. As a 'member' I'll pay $225 for two nights (including taxes) - you can join for free if you are not already, save a few dollars.

The Oktoberfest is around 10 miles away, and I plan to take an Uber or similar.

A reminder that admission to the Oktoberfest is free.
 
Unfortunately Barb and I are going to have to ow out. The health of her Mum declining, more mental than physical, means that we need to stay close by for the forseeable future
 
Darn, this sounds fun and would be cool to meet you all in person. Given we just got back from Scotland i think we are done traveling for the year.
 
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