This weekend, Cincinnati will transform into Zinzinnati for the 2012 celebration of Oktoberfest downtown.
More than 500,000 herren und frauen (men and women) are expected to converge on a six-block area of Fifth Street to eat, sing, mingle, sport lederhosen, listen to polka music, try to speak German and perform the Chicken Dance.
Known as the largest celebration of its kind in the U.S., the 37th annual Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati features six stages showcasing continuous live German music, more than 30 food vendors and more than 50 brews on tap.
Other highlights of this year’s Oktoberfest include the introduction of a glockenspiel, a clock tower with people who will mark each hour with music, the world’s largest Chicken Dance led by former Reds star pitcher Tom Browning, the World Bratwurst-Eating Championship featuring top-ranked professional eater Joey Chestnut, and the stein hoist heard round the world, led by Sam Adams founder Jim Koch.
The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23, with a sneak peak on Friday, Sept. 21 on Fountain Square only. Hours are noon to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
For more info on all things Oktoberfest, including maps, the entertainment lineup, food and beer choices and other fun facts, scroll down
Prost!