September 13, 2021

Oktoberfest pt. 2 – The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Last time in the Biergarten Blog, we gave a rundown of the history of Oktoberfest. Long story short, what started as a royal wedding reception has grown exponentially into an annual international party.

We also learned that Oktoberfest moved from being celebrated in October to accommodate the number of people who attend. That’s right…the party got SO big that it needed better weather and lighting in order to keep it going. Now that’s a party with some pull!

Hofbräuhaus Newport is excited to be a part of not one, but two Oktoberfest celebrations in our own backyard.

Although we celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest year-round, the month of September has to be our favorite. Join us for a look at what makes the Cincinnati and Newport Oktoberfest celebrations the place to be!

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Outside of Munich, Germany, Cincinnati throws the largest celebration for Oktoberfest in the world. The excitement for Oktoberfest can be attributed to the city’s vast Germanic population and the geographic layout. Cincinnati’s first Oktoberfest celebration took place in 1971, and the city has thrown literal record-breaking fests almost every year since.

This year (2021), festivities will occur from Thursday, September 16th through Sunday, September 19th. A whole day has been added to allow optimal festivities.

Here are two of our favorite events that you cannot miss:

The World Brat Eating Championship: For the last nine years, the undefeated champion of this event has been Joey Chestnut, a professional competitive eater. He is returning this year to defend his title.

The World’s Largest Chicken Dance: In 1994, Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest set the Guinness World Record for hosting the world’s largest Chicken Dance. This tradition continues even now, intending to get as many participants as possible and every stage is dedicated to The Chicken Dance when it’s time to get down.

There will be a plethora of great food and biers to choose from as you roam Downtown Cincinnati. PROST!

Newport Oktoberfest

We may be biased, but our favorite Oktoberfest is our very own in Newport, Kentucky. The entire festival is held under a tent, which is a nod to the original Oktoberfest held in Munich, Germany.

Newport Oktoberfest will take place from Friday, September 24th through Sunday, September 26th. The tent will be located in the renovated Levee entertainment area. This gives festival-goers a prime view of the river and access to the Levee.

To get in touch with your inner German, we recommend the following events:

Yodeling Contest: Make sure that you’ve stretched your vocal cords! Contestants are invited to get on stage and showcase their best yodel.

Bier Stein Holding Contest: Feel free to practice for this event by visiting us frequently! Participants in this event are challenged to see who can hold a full stein of bier from their body the longest.

Fun fact: An empty glass bier stein weighs around three pounds. When a stein is full of bier, the weight increases to about five pounds; this makes it a feat to hold out as time passes.

Party at Our Haus!

Our doors are wide open for an authentic German experience with a great atmosphere to get our Oktoberfest on. We would love to see you and offer you the official dish of Oktoberfest, the Grillhendl.

This favorite is sure to leave your tummy happy and full. It consists of a half chicken roasted Oktoberfest style. This cooking method gives the chicken a crispy outer coating and juicy, flavorful meat inside. Sides include fried cabbage and German potato salad.

We tend to get a little bit excited about our monthly Bier offerings. However, our Oktoberfest Lager is one of our best of the year. It has a kick to it, that is, from the light hint of hops in this brew. It’s perfect for Oktoberfest and the cooler weather that goes with the Fall season.

There will also be a German Band who will bust out the tunes with accordions and, of course, a tuba. After all, the official soundtrack to Oktoberfest is anything with an oompah pah melody.

Happy Oktoberfest From Hofbräuhaus Newport!

The true spirit of Oktoberfest is one of community and culture. It is a festival born out of the need to celebrate a union. It has morphed into an international phenomenon that brings together millions of people every year throughout the next two centuries.

Currently, Oktoberfest is celebrated throughout Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Every country, of course, will put its spin on the celebration. What remains the same, though, is the fun, bier, and community.

We invite you to our Biergarten and hall to unwind and enjoy a fun experience no matter who you are. Yes, of course, The Chicken Dance and some lederhosen are encouraged.

Prost (cheers) to you and Oktoberfest!