The Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest returns to the Ohio Expo Center from September 11 through September 13, marking the city’s 60th year hosting the traditional German folk festival, according to event organizers.
Festival Schedule and Location Details
The three-day celebration runs rain or shine at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair Grounds, located at 717 E. 17th Ave. Event hours are 5 p.m. to midnight on September 11, noon to midnight on September 12, and noon to 8 p.m. on September 13, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch. Admission to the festival is free, while parking costs $15.
Festivities officially kick off ahead of the main gates with an opening party hosted by Hofbräuhaus Columbus from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on September 10 at 800 Goodale Blvd. Organizers expect a large turnout, noting that the event drew more than 30,000 patrons in recent years. “Whether you’re 2 or 92, there is something here that can draw you in and you can participate in,” said Carla Epler, executive director of Columbus Oktoberfest and COO of Schmidt’s, in coverage published by The Columbus Dispatch.
New Additions and Food Offerings
A brand-new cocktail lounge debuts this year inside the Hofbräuhaus Prost Hall. According to published event details, the lounge serves signature drinks combining Middle West Spirits with Schmidt’s sodas, featuring combinations such as OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka paired with Cream Puff Soda and Straight Bourbon paired with Root Beer.
Food vendors include Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus, offering Bahama Mamas, bratwurst, and jumbo cream puffs. Additional menu items across the grounds feature rotisserie chicken, pretzels, sauerkraut balls, Reuben on a stick, chicken tenders, and Pommes frites.
Competitions and Entertainment Highlights
The Gemütlichkeit Games return to the ODNR Amphitheater on September 12 for strength events that include the keg toss, the Steinheben Bavarian stone lift, and Steinstossen stone throw. Additional contests scheduled over the weekend feature cream-puff eating, yodeling, and the masskrugstemmen beer-stein-holding competition.
More than 15 bands are scheduled to perform live across three stages. The event also features polka-dancing instruction and line-dancing lessons starting on the evening of September 11. Athletic events include the annual Meiler Vier Run/Walk presented by EMI at 6:15 p.m. on September 11, alongside recreational activities like ax-throwing and Paint and Sip sessions.
Families can utilize the Kinderplatz area for bounce rides, crafts, and face-painting, while sports fans can watch Ohio State Buckeyes football and NFL games on a large-screen setup. The marktplatz pavilion hosts over 80 arts, crafts, and commercial vendors.