35 By Julie Bethlenfalvy, Rick Bird, Mike Boyer, David Lyman, Corinne Minard, Danny Restivo
Can’t Miss Events and
Festivals
Fall in the Tristate means football, festivals and foliage. We’ve listed our favorite 35 can’t miss events, festivals and activities so you can get out and enjoy the brilliant colors, camaraderie and crisp air. Whether you’re heading out with family or friends, there’s something for everyone.
Beerfests! 35th Annual MainStrasse Village Oktoberfest Sept 6–8 From the first keg tapping ceremony to the close of the day, it’s time to celebrate life with great German, American and international foods, outstanding entertainment from German to rock ‘n roll to country, German dancers and more than 75 arts and crafts booths. This popular festival, set in the historic German neighborhood of MainStrasse Village, typically attracts roughly 125,000 people, and extends over six city blocks. For older children and adults, the Amusement Midway with the towering Ferris wheel will again be part of the fun. Free, Fri 5-11:30pm, Sat Noon-11:30pm, Sun noon-9pm, 605 Philadelphia St, Covington, KY, 859-491-0458, mainstrasse.org.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Sept 20–22 Befitting the city’s German heritage, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati on Fifth Street downtown is billed as one of the largest celebrations of its kind, annually drawing half a million people to sample the wursts, drink beer and do the chicken dance. Free, Sept 20, noon-12am (Fountain Square); Sept 21, 11am12am, Sept 22, 11am-10pm, oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.
Newport Oktoberfest Sept 27–29 Head to Newport Festival Park for the most authentic Oktoberfest in the area. Put on your lederhosen and enjoy food, beer and music in the Munich Oktoberfest style of large festival tents sponsored by German Beer Breweries. Participating restaurants include Wertheim’s and others. There will also be continuous live German entertainment. Free (rain or shine), Fri 5-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon9pm, Newport Festival Park - Newport on the Levee, Newport, KY, 513-477-3320, oktoberfestnewport.com. 4
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