Oktoberfest
DAYTON’S FAVORITE FALL FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2026!
Raise your glass for the return of Oktoberfest, presented by Miller Lite, taking place September 25-27, 2026, 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.
Annual Oktoberfest Steinholding Competition!
We are excited to bring the longstanding sport of Masskrugstemmen, or beer Steinholding, to the Dayton Art Institute’s Oktoberfest as an official U.S. Steinholding Association qualifying event! Register to compete today!
Oktoberfest Needs Volunteers!
Oktoberfest wouldn’t be possible without the support of more than 1,000 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.
2025 volunteer roles will be available closer to the dates of Oktoberfest. Be sure to check back! For questions or concerns, contact Andrea Deskins at adeskins@daytonart.org
About Oktoberfest
The DAI Oktoberfest features all the things the community has come to love about the festival and some new additions for 2025! The celebration kicks off on Friday, September 26, with the Lederhosen Lunch from 11 am to 1:30 pm and the Preview Party from 7 to 11 pm, followed by two full days of Oktoberfest fun, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 and noon to 7 pm on Sunday, September 27.
Remember to bring your ID with you to check-in at the gate. Ohio liquor laws require us to wristband all patrons over the age of 21, regardless of their intended beverage consumption. Thank you for helping us stay in compliance with these important state regulations.
Photo Galleries
Did we spot you at the 53rd anniversary Oktoberfest? Take a look and find out!
Thank You to Our Generous 2025 Oktoberfest Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Preview Party
PNC
Main Stage
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
Vehicle Sponsor
White-Allen Family Companies
FamilyFest
ACCO Brands
Lederhosen Lunch
Bladecutter’s, Inc.
Kid’s Passport
Dayton Children’s Hospital
Steinholding Competition
Pella Windows & Doors of Dayton
Patron
NRG Home
Supporting
Enterprise Roofing
Greater Dayton RTA
Johnson Investment Counsel
Messer Construction
Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
Rumpke
Surdyk Dowd & Turner
Taft/
Warped Wing Brewing Company
William Grant & Sons
Mugs & Tees
Fully Promoted of Centerville
Universal Changing Trailer
United Rehabilitation Services
Additional Support
DANIS
Progressive Printers
Sponsors as of September 4, 2025