Cleveland Oktoberfest is stretching its annual beer-and-brat blowout across two weekends this year, with six days of music, food, craft beer and old-school festival spectacle. The event returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Middleburg Heights from September 4-7 and September 11-12. Expect wiener-dog races, fireworks, a giant glockenspiel and enough stein-holding drama to make hydration feel like a competitive sport.
The 2026 festival will feature Great Lakes Brewing Co. as its official craft beer sponsor, while the food lineup adds several first-time vendors. Cleveland.com reports that Danke Dips Hause, Guten Truck, Rust Belt Flatbreads, Pierogies R Us and Great Steak & Hoagies are among the newcomers.
German performers and tribute bands fill the schedule
The entertainment lineup leans heavily into both Bavarian tradition and familiar American singalongs. According to the Cleveland Oktoberfest organizers, Dorfrocker will return from Germany, while tribute acts include 7 Summers, a Morgan Wallen tribute; Rumors, a Fleetwood Mac tribute; and E5C4P3, a Journey tribute.
Other scheduled performers include Johnny Koenig, Old Skool, River Maps, Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups and DJ Kishka. The International Pavilion will add cultural performances from groups representing Polish, Irish, Chinese, Greek and other traditions, with performance times subject to change.
The festival runs from 4 p.m. to midnight on both Fridays, noon to midnight on both Saturdays and Sunday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 7. The event's official FAQ says parking is free, children under 12 are admitted free, and active-duty military members and veterans can receive complimentary admission on Labor Day with valid military identification at the box office.
Beer competitions, fireworks and plenty of side quests
Beyond the music, the festival will bring back its traditional microbrew competition on September 4, with 17 Northeast Ohio breweries competing for blind-judged and People's Choice honors. Cleveland.com also highlights the Great Lakes 5K Bier Run, classic car show, keg bowling, stein-holding competitions, Miss Oktoberfest contest, art market and Bavarian shopping village.
There will also be a dedicated nonalcoholic Verbena Garten serving mocktails, specialty sodas, wine and beer alternatives. Families can find children's activities, while the festival's wiener-dog races return with a best-dressed competition that may be the only runway show where the models are encouraged to sprint away.
The festival also supports local groups
Cleveland Oktoberfest is organized by Heritage Productions, which says the event supports civic organizations, cultural dance and music groups, children's charities and special-needs youth programs. The festival's official overview lists beneficiaries including Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital, St. John's Westshore Hospital's Rainbow Babies Unit, Camp Imagine and the Children's Achievement Center.
Tickets are available through the festival ticket site, with general admission and VIP options. Cleveland Oktoberfest will be held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights.
