After the 2020 Oktoberfest was canceled due to COVID, Oktoberfest executive director Karla Eppler expected record attendance at last year’s event. did.
It reopened after a year off and had a blast, but just before the 2021 festival, COVID-19 mask mandates were reinstated, although mask wearing was not mandatory at the fairgrounds.
The 2022 festival is set to begin on Friday, and Epler is looking forward to a festival without restrictions.
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“On Oktoberfest day, Mayor (Andrew) Ginther reinstated mask mandates, which dampened our attendance a bit,” Eppler said. We expect it to be a significant number.People are feeling COVID fatigue, they are getting vaccinated and a lot has changed.”
Epler said that when people return to Oktoberfest this year, they will see a festival that stands out from the rest for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason is the authenticity of the event. Decorated like a Munich festival.
“It’s different from Cleveland or Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest. It’s a very different feel and a very different atmosphere,” Eppler said.
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The festival is also weatherproof, so it’s rain or shine as it’s held at the Expo Center under 100,000 square feet of covered space. There’s a lot to look forward to at this year’s Oktoberfest, with kids’ areas, entertainment, drinks and atmosphere. It has all the information you need.
What time does Oktoberfest start each day?
The festival runs from 5pm to midnight on Fridays. Saturday noon to midnight. Sunday noon to 8pm.
Where will the event take place?
Ohio Expo Center, Interstate 71, East 17th Avenue, North Commercial, South Commercial, in the Rabbit/Poultry Building.
What kind of entertainment will be created?
Regardless of age, there is plenty of entertainment to enjoy throughout Oktoberfest.
Music first. He has two stages, the Heidelberg Stage and the Hofbräuhaus Prosthalle, both of which he performs for three days each. One of the headliners will be Columbus’ rock his band RockHouse, playing Saturday at 9 p.m. at the Hofbrauhaus Prosthalle.
One performer in Columbus who has never taken the stage is Jasmine Kane. The award-winning singer will perform at 5:00 pm on Sundays at the Hofbrauhaus Prost Hall.
There will also be 25 athletes participating in various competitions throughout the weekend. One game of his that Epler raves about is barrel toss. This is like pole vaulting in athletics, where the “player” appears to grab a barrel and throw it over the bar. The bar gets higher with each round.
“It’s a lot of fun to watch,” Eppler said.
What is fun for children?
There is a children’s area called Kinderplatz, which offers a variety of arts, crafts and educational opportunities. Kids can build jeweled crows or fly around with the inflatable ones. Play polka with a strolling accordionist, or watch a juggling show on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sunday is also the Festival’s Family and Children’s Day.
For more information on the Kinderplatz area, visit www.columbusoktoberfest.com/kids.
How many restaurants have you opened?
The festival features eight stalls, led by the popular stall Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. Who can resist Bahama Mama, German Potato Salad, or Jumbo Cream Puffs?
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The festival will also feature DK Diner, Steak on a Stick, Kinder Haus, Neffy Concessions, Cox Concessions, Philly Pretzel Factory and Mauger’s Mini Donuts.
And then there’s one of the most important parts of festivals: beer. This year’s Oktoberfest will pour bubbles from Paulaner Munich Beer, Tufts Brewing Company, Hofbrauhaus, Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, Saucy Brewers, Lost Coast Brewery, Sideswipe Brewing, Mackenzies and Homestead Beer Company. .
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Admission to the festival is free. You only pay for parking and for drinks and food on the Expo Center grounds.
What is the parking fee?
Parking is $10 and there are plenty of spaces around the Expo Center. Also worth noting is the Fall Dispatch Home & Garden Show this weekend as well. Visitors can also enjoy the show for free, and shuttles are available for transportation to and from the Oktoberfest home show.
[email protected]; Twitter: @cj_ teague