by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Did you attend Loveland’s First Oktoberfest? If not well do we have an early Halloween treat for you! 

I of course went to both days of Loveland’s Oktoberfest on September 24th and 25th and wow was it an absolute showstopper! Not only did all of the Downtown Loveland area transform into a place filled with German food, drinks, and activities, Nisbet Park located right off the Loveland Bike Trail successfully turned into a traditional Biergarten!

A Look Around Nisbet Park’s Oktoberfest Biergarten

The Nisbet Biergarten was home to the Warsteiner Beer Emporium, the Stein Slide, live entertainment, the Wiener Dog Race, local vendors like Kona Ice, Dolph’s Dog’s, Epic Picnics, Right Stuff Grill, and Cincy Shirts (sold custom Loveland Oktoberfest T-shirts), the Stein Hoisting finals, the Tapping of the Keg, and beautifully decorated picnic tables surrounded by lights for families and friends to sit down and take in the atmosphere! Those that attended were able to grab beer tickets or buy a Loveland Oktoberfest keepsake mug to fill with traditional Oktoberfest Warsteiner Beer.

  • The Warsteiner Beer Emporium in Nisbet Park’s Biergarten
  • The Stein Slide
  • Cincy Shirts set-up in Nisbet Park’s Biergarten
  • Epic Picnic’s Owner Amanda provided the Biergarten with a German themed picnic where you could have your photo taken
  • New local business Dolph’s Dogs served up some delicious sausages, hot dogs, and bratwursts in the Biergarten
  • Owner Dolph in action
  • Dolph’s Dog’s traditional Hot Dogs
  • Dolph’s Dog’s Bratwurst loaded up with peppers and onions
  • Kona Ice served up mouthwatering Ice creations in the Biergarten
A Stein Slide Challenge

The local Downtown Loveland restaurants also participated in the Oktoberfest magic by providing traditional German food specials and hosting the prelims of the Stein Hoisting a.k.a “The Masskrugen Challenge!” 

The streets of Loveland were filled with people wearing their finest German Lederhosen’s or Dirndl’s, in which Bishop’s Quarter’s held a costume competition for those wanting to show off their attire!

The Wiener Dog Race was the star of the festival as 15 Wiener Dogs competed for a Tara’s Pet Boutique Gift Card in front of a sea of people. Although the race itself was tight, my very own Dorkie (Dachshund Yorkie Mix) Dean took the first place finish! I decided to donate the gift card to the 2nd place Wiener Dog who was also a very impressive competitor! 

A Look Around The Wiener Dog Race
  • The Starting Line for the Wiener Dog Race that was held in Nisbet Park
  • I was in charge of making the Wiener Dog Race a success!
  • Thanks to all those who helped with the race!
  • Myself and the Wiener Dog Champion, my dog Dean!
  • Fox19 covering Loveland’s Oktoberfest
  • The Keg Procession Crew!

One of the most traditional Oktoberfest moments was the Keg Procession that then led into the Tapping of the Keg! I was proud to be a part of the Keg Procession that included many cherished Loveland community members including LMRCA President Cee Cee Collins, LMRCA Board President Doug Portman, and Mayor Kathy Bailey. Once we arrived at the Main Stage located in the Biergarten both Mayor Bailey and Portman tapped the keg which led to an explosion of cheers and beer chugging from the crowd. What a wonderful moment of celebration it was for the city of Loveland!

Check out the videos below of The Wiener Dog Race, The Keg Procession, and the Tapping of the Keg!

Loveland’s 1st Oktoberfest turned out better than anyone could have imagined! We would like to say thank you to all those who came out to celebrate Oktoberfest! Your support for the city of Loveland and its local businesses means the world to us! We would also like to say thank you to Loveland’s Oktoberfest sponsors, The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, Besl and Baden, Coldwell Banker Realty, The Christy Jones Team, Historic Loveland on the Bike Trail, Synergy, Duke Energy, Ramsey’s Trailside, Paxton’s Grill, Dale Robertson Custom Jewelry, Suzi Cree from Keller Williams Realty, PRMG, and Warsteiner. 

For those who didn’t attend Loveland’s 1st Oktoberfest, we hope to see you all next year!

For more Loveland event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland. She is the Co-Owner, Associate Editor, and Director of Marketing of Loveland Magazine. Contact Cassie if you are interested in promoting your event or business in Loveland Magazine. Cassie also Emcee’s events so feel free to reach out if you are in need of an Emcee for your next event, fundraiser, or sports-related competition.