Columbus Oktoberfest

There are several elements to the Octoberfest. First, and in opinion, foremost, is the food and BEER (lots of beer). Then there is entertainment on 2 stages. Thirdly, there are the Gemutlickeit games (games of strength). And finally, there is a wide range of merchandise for sale - ranging from arts and crafts to food items, clothing, etc. There is also a kids area but not having kids, I don't know much about that area.

We were here in run in a four mile race. Parking was good on a Friday night and it looked like a rocking good time as we toured it, twice, on foot. Lots of food, beer, and German heritage being celebrated.

What a cool experience...First time to the Columbus Oktoberfest and wifie and I had a blast. There was a lot to see and do... Bands, dancing, strong man competitions, kids shows, big steins of beer, German food, and shopping. Schmidt's food is always delicious. The pumpkin cream puff is a must try... Just saying.

We've come to this festival multiple times over the years, mainly as volunteers with the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. It's fun watching the festivities, but I've noticed as the years go on, there are less German-inspired activities; This year someone was singing Taylor Swift songs.The food is good but way overpriced. Save yourself the money and get a cream puff at Schmidt's. The one at the fest is much smaller and you pay $9 which is ridiculous. For a fun time and large portions, head over to Hofbrauhaus and bring your stein.

We had a fun time! There was a ton to explore and taste... the beer selection was decent and had a cool cider on tap. Loved the entertainment and feel, definitely family friendly and worth checking out!

Food & beer is way overpriced. I was told that it is okay because admission is free. Parking is $10 that is too much also. $4 for potato salad & $7 for a cream puff. Craft beer is also $7. But it is all about hanging out and getting drunk while listening to music.

It's gets better every year folks!I do love this festival - it's a great mix of young, old, families, hipsters, yp's - you name it! It's my favorite autumn festival.Well spread out, you can escape the crowds easily and peruse the lovely children's area or wander among the vendors. True, many of the vendors are not focused on German goods, though I felt there were far more here this time around that had more fun stuff (hand knitted scarves, pottery, iron work, jewelry and more) than services or flea market type stuff. I picked up some nice charms for my pandora bracelet.It's true, food and beer is ridiculously expensive - the food more so than the beer. $6 for 16 oz import isn't too bad at a festival (go to a sporting event and it's $8 or $9). I just spring for the litre and take my time sipping it. The souvenir mug is plastic, but I guess it has to be when people are drinking heavily.We skipped food entirely this year. One of Schmidt's frankefurters (hot dog) was I think $6 or $7? A plate was $12. Way too much - we just toddled over to Schmidt's the real restaurant afterward that weekend. About a 10-12 oz serving size of cabbage and noodles was $8 or $9. Instead, we put our money to the beer. It was great!Love the oompah bands and I agree with another poster - more oompah, less rock. But, you have to make it appealing to many different people. That said, there are two large main stages, so there really is something for everyone.What impresses me the most is how the livestock halls of the Ohio State Fair are magically transformed into bier gartens! I mean, it's really beautiful and fun filled with mums, pumpkin, bunting and ceiling fixtures. It takes you away from Columbus for an evening!

Food and drink are handled through tickets which are generally $1 per ticket. Some ticket booths are cash only while others take credit cards. There are a few ATMs available. Restrooms are available near the entrance or there are portable ones on the other side of the pavilions. The first pavilion has food vendors and a stage for entertainment. The second one is the marketplace which has both craft and merchandise vendors. The third has more food vendors and another entertainment area.There is a kid's area with bouncy houses, face painting and balloon animals.

I'll admit I was skeptical the first year it was moved, but now this festival has become what it should be. It is reminiscent of many small Village festivals in Germany. The volunteers are so friendly and only have bigger plans for next year.The food is great! Thumbs up to Mozart's schnitzel and bratwurst. And hofbrau bier! For the little ones, the kinderplatz is amazing. This year a bounce house, bounce slide, bounce obstacle. Pig races (we sadly kept missing). Great arts and crafts. And a puppet show, too! The dinner time dance floor in one of the tents had lots of kids running and dancing and parents trying to keep up.Free entrance (nice). Yes, parking is $8. Food is more expensive, but it's a festival. It's more quality than your avg event. As they say, living ain't cheap.

This is my favorite festival in Columbus. It's not too crowded. The attendees and staff are jovial. Great beer selection, amazing food, and great music! I looked online for other Midwestern Oktoberfests to attend, but none of them looked nearly as fun as this one. The weather has been great each time I've attended.There isn't a whole lot to do besides drink, eat, dance, and people watch, but that's plenty of fun for me. If you're not enjoying yourself at Oktoberfest then it's probably some fluke or just you. From their facebook page, "Don't be a Sauer Kraut. Be a happy German. Holy Schmidt, look at those cream puffs!" Prost und guten appetite!