Prost! Oktoberfest events in Columbus 2025

Prost! Fall in Columbus means it’s time for Oktoberfest celebrations filled with brats, beer, and Bavarian fun. From lively festivals with polka music and dancing, to family-friendly gatherings with crafts and games, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a little German tradition right here in central Ohio.

Check out these upcoming Oktoberfest events around Columbus where you can raise a stein and celebrate the season.

Oktoberfest in Columbus

Oktoberfest Kick-off Party at Hofbrauhaus Columbus

Hofbrauhaus Columbus always celebrates Oktoberfest! Enjoy bier and food in celebration of Oktoberfest, while enjoying live music! 

September 4, 2025 from 5 pm – 10 pm. Kicking off Columbus Oktoberfest weekend (Sep 6-8 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds) by tapping the Oktoberfest keg! “OKTOBERFEST” (Translation: Octoberfest). Plus live music and great food!

Hofbräuhaus Columbus is celebrating Oktoberfest for three weekends of fun! 

• September 12-14
• September 19-21
• September 26-28

Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest at Ohio Expo Center

The big Oktoberfest is at the Ohio Expo Center from September 5-7, 2025. Follow on Facebook to stay up-to-date as more details are announced. 

This community festival has been brewing up and serving smiles for 55+ years. Oktoberfest will feature three stages of German music, polka dancing, and contemporary bands, and a “marktplatz” with more than 100 arts, crafts and commercial vendors with local and international products.

Don’t forget about the amazing food and beer and wine options! Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus will be serving up its famous Bratwursts, Bahama Mamas, Frankfurters, Fried Bologna, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut and the fan-favorite Jumbo Cream Puffs.

Bring the family! Kids will enjoy The Kinderplatz, a children’s area with bounce rides, crafts, face-painting, and representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Oktoberfest Meiler Vier

The festive Meiler Vier, a four-mile foot race around the fairgrounds kicks off Oktoberfest weekend on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 6:15 pm. The popular race sells out at 500 participants, many of whom run or walk in dirndls and lederhosen.

All participants will receive a shirt, medal, complimentary beer (craft beer excluded), a complimentary sausage and FREE parking* at the 2024 Columbus Oktoberfest.

Register early to guarantee your spot!

Gemütlichkeit Games

The Gemutlichkeit Games are located in the ODNR Ampitheater. Competitions include Keg Press, Steinstossen (Stone Throw), Húsafell Carry, Keg Toss (for height), and Steinheben (Bavarian Stone Lift). Register for Strongman or Amateur event.

Admission is FREE, but parking is $10/vehicle. All purchases will be credit card only, to reduce contact and expedite service. Full details on website.

Hours:
Friday: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Saturday: 12 Noon – 12 Midnight
Sunday: 12 Noon – 8pm

Kidslinked Sunday Family Funday @ Oktoberfest

Don’t miss the Kidslinked Sunday Family Funday @ Oktoberfest on September 7, 2025. Featuring a fun bubble run and a princess and superhero pancake breakfast, followed by a princess and superhero parade!

There are lots of fun contests and freebies too! 

Germania Oktoberfest

September 19-21, 2025
The Brewery District is home to the oldest and original Germania Oktoberfest at Germania Singing und Sport Society club house in Columbus.

Celebrate with music, dancing, amazing German, food, community, and – of course, the bier. 

Celebrate Oktoberfest with Germania Singing and Sports Club Society

Pickerington Oktoberfest

September 19-20, 2025. A FREE Community Event brought to you by the Pickerington Village Association and Combustion Brewery & Taproom.

This outdoor event and bier garden will take place in the Combustion parking lot. The event features live music all day, food trucks, Oktoberfest Beer Mile (chug a beer, run a quarter mile x4), traditional Oktoberfest games including a Stein Holding Contest, special beer releases, and more. 

New Albany Oktoberfest

October 4, 2025

This free family event features food vendors, live entertainment, craft vendors, and a beer garden. Kids activities include bounce houses, balloon twisters, face painters, caricature artists, games, beauty bus, photo booth, and more!

In addition to the Live Entertainment schedule below, the nation’s longest continually active Germanic singing club, the Columbus Männerchor, will be singing and harmonizing as they roam around the festival Friday night dressed in lederhosen.

Full entertainment details tba on website.

Find more Oktoberfest events in Central Ohio!