Cleveland’s Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend

Cleveland’s Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend

Editor’s Note: The video above is previous coverage of Cleveland’s Oktoberfest.

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Grab a stein and your lederhosen!

Cleveland’s Oktoberfest is set to kickoff this weekend.

One dead in police-involved shooting in Cleveland Heights

It was ranked in USA Today’s U.S. Reader’s Choice 2023 for 10 Best Oktoberfests in the U.S. But Cleveland isn’t just one of the 10 best. It’s the very best, according to reader’s choice.

Here is their write-up:

“Cleveland’s historic ties to German culture are on full display at Oktoberfest, an eagerly anticipated event that spans two separate September weekends. The city’s top breweries are all in attendance, but beyond the beer, guests can also enjoy live music, hearty pub fare, and a lengthy list of events ranging from car shows to wiener dog racing.”

Cleveland Oktoberfest returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds (19201 E. Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights) on August 30 – September 2, and the following weekend on September 6 and 7.

General admission is $18. 2-day admission is $30.

Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest was born in 1810 when Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese, and they threw a beer-infused party to celebrate, which is now recreated in cities across the world each fall.

Browns release quarterback and rework Watson’s contract

What’s happening at this year’s Oktoberfest, according to the organizer press release:

  • Assortment of more than 15 craft Oktoberfest-style beers, with Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland’s original craft brewery, being poured both weekends as the Official Craft Beer Sponsor.

  • Tribute Bands including Trippin’ Billes/Dave Matthews Tribute Band (Sept. 6), Taylor Nation/Taylor Swift Sing-Along Tribute (Sept. 7), Landsharks Band/Tribute to Jimmy Buffet (Sept. 7) – all new for 2024!

  • Full lineup of recognized bands including, Grammy-nominated Alex Meixner Band, The Chardon Polka Band and Fred Ziwich & His International Sound Machine, among others. Additionally, the highly anticipated return of Dorfrocker to the festival the second weekend from Germany

  • Features including: Wiener dog races sponsored by Hollywood Feed, fireworks, Miss Oktoberfest Contest, Bavarian Shopping Village, Great Lakes 5K Bier Run, The Best Oktoberfest Microbrew Competition, Art Market, The International Pavilion, Classic Car Show, and the largest glockenspiel in the entire country sponsored by J?germeister.

  • Authentic German and European foods

Cleveland Oktoberfest dates and times:

  • Friday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m. – midnight

  • Saturday, Aug. 31, noon – midnight

  • Sunday, Sept. 1, noon – midnight

  • Monday, Sept. 2, noon – 8 p.m.

  • Friday, Sept. 6, 4 p.m. – midnight

  • Saturday, Sept. 7, noon – midnight

Click here to buy tickets.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.