LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Get out your stein and say “prost” because it's mid-September, which means Oktoberfest has arrived in the Bluegrass state! While the official start to the German festival, held in Munich each year, is still a week away, Kentuckians can't wait! Below is a list from Funtober.com’s Oktoberfest festivals listed around Kentucky. The website also lists fall festivals and events of all-kinds.
German-American Club Gesangverein Oktoberfest - Louisville, Ky. - Sept. 13 to Sept. 14, 2019 – 3,000 people are expected during the weekend’s festivities, which include a lot of fun for the whole family for only $5!
Christ the King Oktoberfest - Lexington, Ky. - Sept. 20 to Sept. 21, 2019 - This is a fall fundraiser for the church. Food vendors provide German food and other options. Live music on both Friday and Saturday. There are games and inflatables for kids. Bingo and auctions for adults. Festival admission is free. Location: Cathedral of Christ The King, 299 Colony Blvd, Lexington, KY 40502
Saint Timothy Parish Oktoberfest - Union, Ky. - Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, 2019 - Annual parish festival with German & American food, drinks, live music, midway rides, games and entertainment. 5K Twilight Run/Walk on Saturday evening, with kids free fun run before the event. Top 25 men and women receive an official Oktoberfest mug. Sunday is family day with all you can ride bracelets on sale. Free onsite parking. Location: 10272 US 42 Union KY 41091
Newport Oktoberfest - Newport, Ky. - Sept. 27 to Sept. 29, 2019 - The event will be in the Munich Oktoberfest style of large Fest Tent sponsored by German Beer Breweries. Each tent will have food, beer and music. Participating restaurants include Wertheims and others. There will also be continuous live German entertainment. Free admission. On Friday evening, enjoy the fireworks after the Cincinnati Reds game. The Cincinnati Beer Run also happens this weekend, with a short 2.5 mile course charity run that has craft beer sampling from local breweries every half mile. Participants get a souvenir glass and t-shirt. Location: Riverboat Row, Newport, Kentucky, 41071
Saint Agnes Parish’s Oktoberfest - Fort Wright, Ky. - Sept. 27 to Sept. 29, 2019 - Food, drinks, games, rides, silent auction and live music. Located at St. Agnes Parish Grounds.
Spencer County Octoberfest - Taylorsville, Ky. - Oct. 4 to Oct. 5, 2019 - Miss Octoberfest Pageants the week of the event. Talent show the day before. Parade and festival the day of the event.
Belle of Louisville Oktoberfest Cruise - Louisville, Ky. - Oct. 5 to Oct. 19, 2019 - A three hour cruise with live music and German theme on the Ohio River. Choose from sightseeing only or make advance reservations for the lunch buffet. Tickets with buffet range from $30 for kids to $40 for adults. Generally runs from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Art Council Oktoberfest - Harrodsburg, Ky. - Oct. 11 to Oct. 13, 2019 - An Arts Council of Mercer County’s annual event. National & Regional artists selected through a competitive jury process will be on-hand to display, discuss, and sell their work. the Oktoberfest is a co-sponsored event with The Arts Council of Mercer County and the Harrodsburg First Main Street Program. Preview night on Friday from 5 PM to 12 AM with art, beer and food. Saturday from 10 AM to Midnight with art, beer, music and food. Sunday from noon to 5 PM including art, beer, music and food.
Maiden Alley Oktoberfest - Paducah, Ky. - Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, 2019 - Beer dinner at Freight House with 4 course German inspired Dinner on Day 1 at 6 PM. Beer, Sausage, Dance and Repeat on Day 2 at Maiden Alley. Includes live music, art vendors, German Car Show and craft beer from across the state/region. Day 3 Sunday Brunch at 10 AM at Paducah Beer Werks.
For those in Northern Kentucky, Funtober.com says the largest Oktoberfest in the United States, with over 5000,000 visitors, is the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. That festival takes place Sept. 20 until Sept. 22, 2019.