FAQs

What are the times of the festival?
Friday, Sept. 1st, 2023: 4:00p.m. to midnight
Saturday, Sept. 2nd, 2023: 12:00p.m. to midnight
Sunday, Sept. 3rd, 2023: 12:00p.m. to midnight
Monday, Sept. 4th, 2023: 12:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.
Friday, Sept. 8th, 2023: 4:00p.m. to midnight
Saturday, Sept. 9th, 2023: 12:00p.m. to midnight
Are there military or other discounts available?

Discounted tickets may be purchased online through the Cleveland Oktoberfest website. To help families find affordable entertainment, children under 12 gain free admittance throughout the Oktoberfest. Additionally, Labor Day is Military Monday – Show Your Military I.D. on Labor Day and Get in Free (Box Office Walk-Up Only).

Are dogs allowed at Oktoberfest?

If you want to bring your four-legged friend to Oktoberfest, you can, but there are rules. Enforcement of these rules is at the complete discretion of ownership, and failure to obey these rules may result in you and your furry buddy being shown an early exit:

  • You must pick up after your dog.
  • Dogs must be on leashes at all times.
  • Owners must be able to control their dogs (A 98lb owner being towed like a water-skier behind a 250lb mastiff can present problems, even if the dog is friendly).
  • Dogs must be well-socialized. If your dog behaves in a threatening manner, or is otherwise perceived to present a danger to patrons or other dogs, you may be asked to leave.

Given that Cleveland Oktoberfest plays host to the Wiener Dog Races, doxies may be exempt from the “threatening manner” bit, as they tend to behave in a threatening manner toward everything. If you plan on bringing a non-doxie, bear in mind that your dog will be yapped at by lots of doxies, so only bring your pup if they can remain calm in a sometimes frenzied environment. It can also get hot at Oktoberfest, so please make provisions to keep your dog cool and well-hydrated.

How do I get there?

The Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds (a.k.a. The Berea Fairgounds) are located approximately 1 mile west of I-71 at the Bagley Road Interchange (Exit 235). Please see the Directions/Maps page for more details.

How much is parking?

Parking is FREE courtesy of Joyce Buick GMS and Northern Ohio Buick GMC Dealers!

What time is a particular performer playing?

The full Entertainment Schedule will be posted here. Times are subject to change, so check back often.

What kind of food is available?

There is a wide range of fare available, from schnitzel, sausage, potato pancakes, and German potato salad, to hot dogs, strudel, funnel cakes and many other delicacies. Click here to view the full menu.

Is there stuff for kids?

We have lots of activities for children in our Children’s Area, including inflatables, the Frisch Marionette Show, games and more! For detailed info click here.

How do I apply to show artwork or stage a performance at the festival?

You can contact Brian Roggenburk at broggenburk@usa-expo.com.

What charities benefit from the festival?

The mission of Cleveland Oktoberfest is to promote and support the arts by conducting live musical and artistic cultural performances for the general public. This serves to preserve, promote and perpetuate European Heritage within the Cleveland area, while at once advancing and fostering education and general awareness. Numerous charitable groups and organizations benefit from Cleveland Oktoberfest, including:

  1. Civic groups such as the Berea Kiwanis, Berea Rotary Foundation, and MCE Boosters
  2. Many charitable children & adult cultural dance and musical groups
  3. Rainbow Babies Children’s Hospital main campus & St. John’s Westshore Hospital’s new Rainbow Babies Unit
  4. Special needs youth groups including the Camp Imagine, and the Children’s Achievement Center


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