Oktoberfest
DAYTON’S FAVORITE FALL FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER 22-24!
Raise your glass for the return of Oktoberfest, presented by Miller Lite, taking place September 22-24 on the museum grounds.
A Dayton tradition established in 1971, DAI’s Oktoberfest is southwest Ohio’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration, and the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. Money raised by Oktoberfest helps support everything we do at the Dayton Art Institute.
Oktoberfest Needs Volunteers!
Oktoberfest wouldn’t be possible without the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Many different volunteer opportunities are available at Oktoberfest, including selling mugs, t-shirts, soft drinks and water, as well as staffing admission gates.
Those interested in volunteering must register through our Oktoberfest Volunteer Hub. Follow the link below and either sign-in to your existing Volunteer Hub account (returning volunteers) or create an account (first-time volunteers) to view volunteer opportunities.
About Oktoberfest
The DAI Oktoberfest features all the things the community has come to love about the festival, as well as some new additions for 2023! The celebration kicks off on Friday, September 22, with the Lederhosen Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the Preview Party from 7 to 11 p.m., followed by two full days of Oktoberfest fun, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 23 and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 24.
Get Your Tickets Early & Save!
Saturday/Sunday General Admission
Advance Tickets: $8 adults; $5 seniors (60+) & youth (7-18)
Tickets at the Gate: $10 adults; $7 seniors (60+) & youth (7-18)
Children 6 & under admitted free
Presale General Admission tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available at the following Dayton-area locations (through the close of business on Friday, September 22): Dorothy Lane Market in Oakwood, Washington Square and Springboro; Arrow Wine on Far Hills and Lyons Road; Ghostlight Coffee on Patterson and Wayne; Coffee Hub in Xenia, Centerville and Beavercreek; Ray’s Wine – Spirits – Grill on N. Main; and Old Scratch Pizza in Beavercreek, Downtown Dayton and Washington Township. Presale tickets may also be purchased at the Dayton Art Institute during regular museum hours.
Photo Galleries
Did we spot you at last year’s 50th anniversary Oktoberfest? Take a look and find out!
How To Go
Festival Hours
Lederhosen Lunch – Friday: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Preview Party – Friday: 7-11 p.m.
Oktoberfest – Saturday: Noon-11:00 p.m.
Oktoberfest – Sunday: Noon-7 p.m.
Shuttles & Parking
Park for free at the University of Dayton parking lot on River Park Drive, between Patterson Blvd & Main St, behind the Dayton Marriott. From the lot, catch the free Oktoberfest shuttle directly to the event. The shuttle runs Friday evening for Preview Party and all day Saturday and Sunday for Oktoberfest.
Greater Dayton RTA will also provide free shuttles from downtown Dayton to Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday, as well as to Friday’s Lederhosen Lunch.
Parking is available but very limited in the neighborhood surrounding the DAI. Bicycle racks will also be available near the River Gate entrance to Oktoberfest.
Important Parking Note: There is no parking on the levy across from the museum or in McKinley Park during any Oktoberfest events. Please park only in approved locations.
Admission
Lederhosen Lunch, presented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty – The Sharp Group:
Free admission; food & drink available for purchase
Preview Party:
Advance Tickets: $55 members, $75 non-members
At the Gate: $95
Oktoberfest General Admission (Saturday & Sunday):
Advance Tickets: $8 adults; $5 seniors (60+) & youth (7-18)
At the Gate: $10 adults; $7 seniors & youth
Children 6 and under admitted free
Presale General Admission tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available at the following Dayton-area locations (through the close of business on Friday, September 23): Dorothy Lane Market in Oakwood, Washington Square and Springboro; Arrow Wine on Far Hills and Lyons Road; Ghostlight Coffee on Patterson, Wayne and at the Second Street Market; Coffee Hub in Xenia and Beavercreek; and Old Scratch Pizza in Beavercreek, Downtown Dayton and Washington Township. Presale General Admission tickets may also be purchased at the Dayton Art Institute during regular museum hours.
Tag It, Tweet It, Post It!
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for photos, videos and updates from Oktoberfest. Tag your posts and photos with #OktoberfestDayton & #OKTDAI to join the celebration!
Please Note These Oktoberfest Policies:
The Dayton Art Institute does not allow the following at Oktoberfest: pets (except service dogs), backpacks and large bags, firearms or other weapons.
Thank You to Our Generous 2023 Oktoberfest Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Preview Party
PNC
Craft Beer
Cavalier Distributing
Vehicle Sponsor
White-Allen Family of Dealerships
Benefactor Sponsor
NRG
Patron
Dayton Children’s Hospital
Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Supporting
Bladecutters Inc.
Enterprise Roofing & Sheet Metal
Hollywood Gaming
Dayton Raceway
Messer Construction
Old Scratch Pizza
RTA
Media Partners
ABC22 & FOX45
Dayton Daily News
iHeartMedia Dayton
Key-Ads, Inc.
Family Art
ACCO Brands
Lederhosen Lunch
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Professional Realty – The Sharp
Group
Mugs & Tees
Fully Promoted of Centerville
Additional Support
HarborLink Network
Sponsors as of July 12, 2023