CINCINNATI — Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is celebrating 48 years in Southwest Ohio, but this year expect some big changes, including where it’s even happening.

Since 1976, it’s become a staple in downtown Cincinnati and some say it’s the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world outside of the original event in Munich.

Twenty-five breweries, over 500 gallons of sauerkraut and a new place to call home.

Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove along the Ohio River are the places to be.

One of the first highlights is a massive 300-foot tent that seats more than 1,000 people.

“You’ll see draping. You’ll see large six-foot wreaths that are going to be hanging and lit. The stage in the middle of the tent will be active all weekend long,” said Cincinnati Chamber Vice President of Events and Experiences Chelsea York.

The mile long festival footprint offers a lot of green space and being along the river has its perks.

Sports games will be played all weekend long and you can see old time fan favorites like the Running of the Wieners, the Stein Holding Competitions, and the World’s Largest Chicken Dance.

“I had it all in my head and we’ve obviously seen all the renderings and drawings, but when we showed up here with the tent up and everything kind of going into place, this festival is going to have a really great feel,” said York.

York said up to 800,000 people are expected and the festival will use existing park amenities like the playground and large open spaces.

“We love the street and we love downtown, but this is just going to have a totally different ambiance with the trees and the shade and the grass, so people are going to have a lot different experience I think,” said York.

The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.