It's easy to see why Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest is a current nominee for Best Oktoberfest in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll. In fact, it's easy to think of more than 30,000 reasons: They all attended last year's festival.
Each year, tens of thousands of people gravitate to the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds for the celebration hosted by the Schmidt family — a name synonymous with German culture and cuisine in Columbus.
The festival, which is up against 19 other Oktoberfest events in the USA Today poll, returns this weekend for three days of live music and dancing, food, shopping, children's activities and other attractions.
Columbus Oktoberfest began in October 1967 as a "street party" in German Village's Schiller Park and has relocated to several sites over the years, including the fairgrounds, multiple sites in German Village and the Arena District.
It looked as if Oktoberfest would become a thing of the past in 2009, when German Village residents nixed plans to bring it back to the village. Fortunately, the Schmidts came to the rescue, partnering with the Cox family to return the festival to the Ohio Expo Center.
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The expo center's facilities resembling authentic German beer halls provide the perfect backdrop to imbibe a Bavarian brew and enjoy a few of the 15-plus live bands scheduled to perform at the 58th annual Oktoberfest. Plus, you'll be quaffing for a cause: A portion of the proceeds from the celebration will be go to several local charities.
If you're heading to the festivities, there's some information below you'll need to know. Also, before you start posin' in your lederhosen and humming "Edelweiss," you might want to go to bit.ly/3M8PWlP and cast your vote for Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest in the USA Today poll. Ballots close at 11:59 Monday, Sept. 9.
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Where and when is Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest?
The festival will be at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave., from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
How much is admission?
Admission is free but parking costs $15.
What will be the first big event at Oktoberfest?
The traditional kickoff to Oktoberfest, the Meiler Vier race, is set to begin at 6:15 p.m. Friday. Some participants don their favorite German apparel to run or walk the four-mile loop around the fairgrounds.
If you'd like to join the race, registration is $50 at bit.ly/3AK8arv. The event is limited to 600 people.
Participants receive a free sausage and noncraft beer, plus free parking. To get a free parking pass, runners must pick up their race packets at Fleet Feet Sports, 1270 E. Powell Road, Lewis Center, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday or from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
What’s the entertainment?
Three stages will feature folk dancing, plus German and contemporary music. Monday will offer an all-tribute lineup with salutes to classic-rock icons, Steely Dan, Billy Joel and Elton John.
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What's for chow?
Schmidt's famous bratwursts will be on the menu, along with its German potato salad, sauerkraut and more. Also, a bevy of food trucks will offer everything from common festival fare (e.g., nachos and lemon shake-ups) to uncustomary sandwiches like Limburger cheese and a deep-fried Reuben.
Vendors cannot accept cash or tickets. Cash can be converted to a Fest Card at the souvenir stand in Heidelberg Hall.
Will we see strength competitions this year?
Absolutely! The Gemütlichkeit Games will include events such as the Húsafell carry (carrying a 410-pound stone around a 112-foot perimeter), the keg press (lifting a loaded keg weighing 175-225 pounds) and the steinheben (lifting a 508-pound stone with a handle attached). There also will be a keg toss and steintossen (stone throw) for amateurs, as well as a strongman competition.
What about contests for us regular folks?
The German Games are for you! Activities will include cream-puff eating, yodeling contests and masskrugstemmen (beer-stein holding). Columbus Oktoberfest is a qualifying venue for the U.S. Steinholding Association State Championship Tournament and the winner will go to the state finals in Cincinnati on Oct. 12.
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Is Oktoberfest kid-friendly?
There’s a whole area for them! The Kinderplatz will offer free bounce rides, crafts, face-painting and visits from representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
What’s a shopaholic to do at Oktoberfest?
Visit the Marktplatz Pavilion, home of the Art & Craft Marktplatz, where you can browse a broad selection of jewelry, stoneware, fabric items, candles, wall and yard art, soaps and lotions, pet accessories and much more.
The Merchant Market, also in the Marktplatz Pavilion, is designated for small businesses and service vendors. Visitors will find the latest trends, newest options and special offers from home-based business representatives.
For more information about Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest, visit columbusoktoberfest.com.
bpaschal@dispatch.com
