2026 OXtoberfest
Celebrate the Bavarian spirit in the heart of Uptown Oxford at the fifth annual OXtoberfest. Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 1 to 8 p.m., this family-friendly festival transforms the Uptown Parks at Main and High streets into a bustling autumn playground. The event features German and other craft brews, hearty seasonal fare, local artisans and vendors, live music and competitive stein-holding challenges. Kid-friendly highlights include a bounce house, bumper cars, inflatable games and more.
Live Music
1-1:30 p.m. – Jadghornblasergruppe Cincinnati
1:30-3 p.m. – Miles and Company
4-5:30 p.m. – Traditional Ukrainian Performances
5:30-6 p.m. – Jadghornblasergruppe Cincinnati
6-8 p.m. – The Uberland Band
Steinholding Contest
How long can you hold a filled beer stein? Test your strength and endurance in the classic Masskrugstemmen (MAHSS-kroog-stem-men) competition, with two sessions at 2:30 and 6 p.m. For the first time in our history, OXtoberfest is an official qualifying site for the 2026 U.S. Steinholding Association State Championships.
The top man and woman from each session will receive a gift card and beer stein. After both sessions, the man and woman with the longest overall times will be invited to compete in the state championship at Cincinnati Lager House in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Organizers will also record the name, time, email address and phone number of the top five men and top five women across both sessions, so alternates can be contacted if either of the overall winners is unable to compete.
The men’s and women’s state champions will each receive a new pair of lederhosen or a dirndl from BavariaTrachten.com. They will also be invited to represent Ohio at the U.S. Steinholding Association National Championship at Cincinnati Lager House on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, and will receive up to $500 in travel reimbursement and a two-night hotel stay. The national champions in the men’s and women’s divisions will each win a $4,000 cash prize.
Contest Registration
Participants must be 21 or older and can register in person at the Ticket & Info Booth on the day of the event. A certified judge will officiate both sessions and determine who advances to the state championship, so you’ll want to review the official steinholding rules before competing.
Additional Festivities
Beer Academy Tastings: Oxford Seniors presents guided beer tastings featuring beer education and history, four samples of Germany’s oldest brews and a special gift — all for just $25. Purchase tickets at the beer ticket sales booth. Tastings begin at 2, 5 and 7 p.m. Each session lasts about 40 minutes. Space is limited, so get there early to secure your spot!
Flag-Raising Ceremony: Join us at the flag pole in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park for the raising of our nation’s flag, our state flag and a special commemorative flag honoring our sister city of Dubno, Ukraine at 3:00 pm.
RedHawk Corner: Watch the Miami University RedHawks take on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats in the Battle for the Victory Bell at 3:30 pm. Television viewing stations will be set up at 14 West Park Place, by Left Field Tavern and Enjoy Oxford.
Kids Corner: Kids Corner features a bouncy house, bumper cars, inflatable games, foosball and air hockey. Kids can also decorate a pumpkin for free at the City of Oxford Info Tent!
2026 OXtoberfest Biergarten
Grab a pint from Sonder Brewing out of Mason, Ohio, or Oxford’s own Misrule Brewing. To purchase beer, you’ll need tickets, which are available at the beer sales tent. Explore the 2026 Biergarten lineup below:
Sonder Brewing
German-Style Beers:
- Voss: Kölsch — 4.8% ABV
- Hefeweizen: German-Style Wheat Ale — 5.4% ABV
- Nocturnal: Schwarzbier/Dark Lager — 5.6% ABV
- Festbier: German-Style Lager — 5.5% ABV
Non-German Offerings:
- You Betcha!: New England IPA — 6.5% ABV
- Blood Orange Eagle Light: Blood Orange American Light Lager — 4.1% ABV
Misrule Brewing
- Cradle of Kölsches: Kölsch — 4.5% ABV
- Festbier: German-Style Lager — 5.8% ABV
Shademakers’ Secret Garden
Explore Shademakers’ charming autumn garden, featuring vibrant mums and rich seasonal colors. Browse the selection of fall blooms or stop by their scenic backdrop to snap a picture-perfect photo.
Fall Eats and Handmade Treasures
Enjoy autumn-inspired dishes from local restaurants and food trucks while browsing a variety of seasonal offerings from participating artisans, organizations and vendors.
Food Trucks
- Cousins Maine Lobster
- Godfather Concessions
- Loaded Goat
- Marty’s Waffles
- Minton’s Ducking Good BBQ
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
Local Restaurants
- Steinkeller Beer Hall & Restaurant
- Sorriso Osteria & Bar
Community Organizations
- League of Women Voters of Oxford Area
- Oxford Free Press
- Oxford Seniors
Local Artisans & Vendors
- All Occasions 3D
- Art by Jo
- Be Someone’s Person
- Bobbiscraftycorner
- Cozy Creations
- Design Works
- Four Rivers Skincare
- Fourth One Down
- Hannah’s Sublimtion & more!
- Kraftsjust4you
- Kristyn’s Kozy Korner
- Lavender Trail Boutique
- One Weird Lady LLC
- Rachel Henry
- Renewal by Andersen
- Rooted+Wilder
- Shademakers Garden Center
- Sweet Creek Honey Bees
- The Chunky Bee
- The Pink Patch Bar
- Twisted Sisters Bakery
- Unwavering Hope Boutique
A Special Welcome to the Delegates from Our Sister City!
Please extend a warm greeting to the delegation visiting from Oxford’s sister city of Dubno, Ukraine. Funded in part by a grant through the Congressional Office for International Leadership, this group—including five delegates and one facilitator—will be visiting our area from September 18-26, 2026. During their stay, they will be attending OXtoberfest to engage with the community and experience the festivities firsthand.
Special Room Rate
The Sleep Inn (5190 College Corner Pike) is offering a special room rate. Guests attending OXtoberfest can purchase a room for $199 + tax. This is a great way to enjoy the event while staying close by!
