There’s no question about it: the Cincy Region LOVES a festival, and during the fall there's one nearly every weekend! If you want to experience great food and drinks, fun activities, and friendly folks - put on your favorite sweater and check out these annual fall events for a good time and a taste of authentic Cincy culture.
*This post is updated annually
Ohio Renaissance Festival: Weekends - August 30 - October 26
Travel back to 16th-century England at the Ohio Renaissance Festival and explore a 30-acre medieval village. Mingle with costumed characters and watch live demonstrations of glassblowing, blacksmithing, and full-armored jousting. Feast like a king on giant-roasted turkey legs, and shop like a queen at the many craft shops. The Festival's theme changes every weekend - so be sure to check their website ahead of time!
* Open Labor Day weekend!
Oktoberfest Celebrations
Newport Oktoberfest (September 12 - 14): This annual tradition always features a spectacular lineup of events and activities that deliver an authentic Bavarian experience for all ages! Taking place at Newport's Festival Park on the Levee, this year’s festival is set to be the biggest yet, featuring expanded attractions, new food vendors, and a full carnival (families can purchase all-access ride wristbands for $20!). What makes this Oktoberfest unique are the large tents - replicating a beer hall experience in Germany. Experience fun activities and contests like a group chicken dance, log sawing, brat toss, and Hammerschlagen.
Don’t miss Moerlein Lager House’s special Winner Winner Chicken Dinner deal, featuring half a chicken served with braised cabbage, German potatoes, and a one-liter souvenir stein of import, craft, or domestic beer – all for just $29.99!
Covington Oktoberfest (September 12 - 14): It doesn't get more German than Mainstrasse Village in Covington, Kentucky! Festival goers can enjoy tons of local beer, Bavarian food, live music, vendors and much more. Be sure and explore the neighborhood; you'll find tons of cute restaurants, bars and shops located within walking distance.
Want to get the total experience? Experience Festzelt, a traditional seated and served German Oktoberfest dinner in Goebel Park, hosted by Braxton Brewing and Hofbrauhaus Newport. For $85 a ticket, indulge in four traditional Bavarian courses and 2 liters of beer, cocktails, wine, or seltzers! Purchase your tickets here. Additional Festzelt experiences can also be purchased here.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September 18 - 21): With more than 500,000 people in attendance every year, this is the largest Oktoberfest in the U.S. and second only in the WORLD to Munich, Germany. The event kicks off on September 18, followed by a weekend of German-style food, beer, music, dancing, and weiner races. Lederhosen is not only welcome, but encouraged! Note: as of 2024, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has moved to Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove! This ultimate Oktoberfest celebration is NOT to be missed.
America's River Roots: October 8 - 12
America's River Roots is a free, five-day festival taking place October 8-12, 2025 on the Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport riverfronts. Guests will immerse themselves in flavors, sips, sights, and sounds that showcase the Ohio River's influence in shaping the diverse culture of America over the last 250 years.
Held on the banks of the Ohio River, the festival will highlight the soul of our river roots through free, local music acts, food trucks and cuisine, culture, and riverboat cruises. Come and enjoy the sounds of 8 stages with more than 100 musical acts, the flavors of dozens of food trucks and restaurants, the tastes of Kentucky Bourbon and Ohio Brewmaster experiences, cultural enrichment activities, and 180 riverboat cruises from boats around the country.
Cincinnati Coffee Festival: October 25 - 26
The Cincinnati Coffee Festival brings together home-brewing enthusiasts, coffee aficionados, tea lovers, and those who just enjoy a good cup of coffee at Music Hall. Enjoy tastings, samplings, live music, demos, and the opportunity to purchase your favorite products. And don't miss the latte art throwdown in which baristas compete to see whose milk-pouring aesthetics will come out on top.
Additional fall festivals
For family-friendly fun, head to these Cincy festivals to enjoy the best of fall. Enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkins, apple cider, fall treats, and more. Here are a few annual favorites:
- Sunflower Festival at Gorman Heritage Farm : (October 4 - 5)
- Mammoth Music & Arts Festival: (October 5)
- Country Pumpkins Fall Festival : (September 6 - November 1; select dates)
- Fall on the Farm at Blooms & Berries Farm : (September 13 - October 31)
- Jack O'Lantern Glow at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden : (Select dates in October)
- Underwater Pumpkin Glow at the Newport Aquarium : (Dates TBD)
Fall is a great time to visit Cincy. Order your free Visitors Guide and start planning your fall adventures to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
