Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Delights Crowds with Dachshund Races and Live Music

Lead Oktoberfest Zinzinnati kicked off its third day on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove in Cincinnati, drawing revelers for authentic German fare, live entertainment and the famed dachshund races at noon.

Nut Graf America’s largest Oktoberfest continued its celebration of Southwest Ohio’s German heritage with free admission, nine performance stages and family-friendly attractions, reinforcing its status as a premier fall festival.

Main Part Subhead: Running of the Wieners

• At 12 p.m., hundreds gathered along the Biergarten course to cheer dachshunds in hot-dog costumes sprint toward the finish line, a tradition that returned after a year-long hiatus.

Subhead: Nonstop Live Music

• From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., polka bands, brass ensembles and folk-rock acts entertained crowds across nine stages lining the riverfront, with highlights including a German brass showcase at the River Stage.

Subhead: Authentic Food and Beer

• More than 30 vendors served bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels and local craft brews alongside imported Hofbräu Munich beer. Attendees queued for signature two-foot pretzels and sampled new seasonal ales in the 300-foot fest tent seating over 1,000 guests.

Subhead: Festive Competitions

• The Stein Hoisting competition at 3 p.m. drew amateur and veteran participants, each vying to lift and stabilize a full Maßkrug overhead. Meanwhile, children enjoyed face-painting and polka dance lessons in the family zone.

Subhead: Logistics and Amenities

• Free admission continued at Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove, with credit cards accepted at beverage booths and cash or card at food stalls. Shuttle services and streetcar access eased parking demands along E. Pete Rose Way.

As the sun set, revelers raised their steins for a traditional toast, underscoring Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s blend of communal spirit and German-American culture ahead of Sunday’s finale.