Event Information

Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati is the nation’s largest Oktoberfest, second in size only to the original Oktoberfest in Munich and showcases the rich German heritage of Southwestern Ohio. Downtown Cincinnati is transformed into a colorful Bavarian village serving up German-style food, music, and beer.

Event Dates

Thursday, September 14th, 5:00pm – 11:00 p.m.

Friday, September 15th, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 16th, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 17th, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

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Selection criteria in order of priority

1. German/Bavarian Restaurant or Food Vendor – German/Bavarian name, décor, menu items must be significantly German/Bavarian.
2. Restaurants or food vendors that will offer German/Bavarian inspired menu items.
3. Food variety and uniqueness.
4. Restaurants or food vendors must be in good standings with Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

Application Deadline

Deadline for applications – Friday, June 30th, 2023.

Procedure

Vendors will be selected based on the above criteria at the sole discretion of the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Selection Committee and will be notified via email if accepted within two weeks of application deadline. Due to continuous changes in the event layout, locations may change from previous years. Each vendor that is accepted will be assigned a booth number and booth location within the event parameters. 

Criteria for location placement area: Food variety by location, historical data, menu items, size of booth and event logistical requirements. Vendors accepted for participation in the 2023 Oktoberfest Zinzinnati must fill out a booth specification kit, including an event compliance agreement. You will be notified by July 14th if your application is accepted. There will be a mandatory meeting on August 15th at 2:00 p.m. for all vendors at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber offices, 3 East 4th Street, 45202. 

Booth Rental Fee

  • 10 X 60 booth – $4,500
  • 10 X 50 booth – $4,000
  • 10 X 40 booth – $3,400
  • 10 X 30 booth – $3,200
  • 10 X 20 booth – $3,000
  • Custom – TBD

Each booth includes:

  • Two (2) 120 volt/20 amp duplex receptacles
  • Access to city services including water and sanitation
  • Overnight roaming security
  • Mesh barrier that hangs in the back of the booth

Vendor Booth Guidelines

  • No removal of side boards without assistance from tenting company.
  • Adjustments must be made very carefully to the mesh barrier on the back of the booth.
  • Entrance to the back of the booth should be on the either side of the back, not center back
  • Cooking areas must not be in direct contact with mesh barrier.
  • Cooking areas must be protected from the public by lattice or similar barrier. 
  • Vendors are encouraged to create a theme and/or reusable facade for the booth. 
  • NO STAPLING, TAPING OR TAMPERING WITH THE BOOTH MATERIAL OR BOARDS. 

Operations / Signage / Compliance

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is a free event for the general public, thanks in part to our sponsors. Therefore, we must protect their investment. No recognition of any company or organization will be allowed on the event site, except as recognized in the booth name. Participating restaurants and food vendors may display their own logo. Display of any other brand names or logos on or within your booth is prohibited. No promotional materials may be handed out from the booth.

Questions – call or email Rob Weidle – 513.579.3198 or [email protected].

Certificate of Insurance 

A certificate of insurance must be submitted with your application.

The COI should name the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as additional insured, with coverage of $1,000,000. Minimum liability amounts are $1,000,000 per occurrence combined single limit general liability insurance.

Please email your COI to Rob Weidle at [email protected] or mail to 3 East 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, ATTN: Rob Weidle

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