Shauna Steigerwald, and Polly Campbell

Cincinnati

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a big move – literally.

The event, set for Sept. 16-18 this year, will move to Second and Third streets between Walnut and Elm Streets, Downtown, event producer the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber announced Tuesday. In recent years, the event was held on Fifth Street, between Vine Street and Sentinel.

“Moving to Second and Third streets enables Oktoberfest Zinzinnati to expand and allows for more opportunities to highlight all the assets that make the Cincinnati region great,” Jill Meyer, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, said in a news release. “Without question, this site is an improvement. There’s more room for fest tents, more room for stages, Cincinnati’s streetcar will be up and running and the new location provides a one-of-a-kind view of Cincinnati.”

City officials said in March that they planned to shut down the streetcar during major events Downtown, prompting criticism from streetcar supporters on City Council. At that time, Chamber officials said they would study relocating both Taste of Cincinnati and Oktoberfest's locations so the streetcar could run unimpeded. An Enquirer review of streetcar operations in other cities found streetcar shutdowns for cultural events to be rare.

During the Oktoberfest weekend, the Cincinnati Reds will be hosting four games, including a doubleheader on Saturday. The team will participate in the festivities with Friday night fireworks, and German heritage night with a stein giveaway.

"This is the front door of the city, and it makes sense to welcome people to our city here," said Phil Castellini, chief operating officer of the Reds. "It will be a great connector for Downtown and the riverfront."

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It will be the second weekend of the new streetcar's operation. Meyer said that not having to stop streetcar operations for the event was a consideration in the move. "It's important to show where we're heading as a city, and this event that celebrates the city can showcase an important addition to the city's core." There is a streetcar stop at Second and Walnut streets that can drop fest-goers at one end of the event.

Many decisions about fitting into the new space have not yet been made. There is room for many more activities, fest booths and tents, and attendees, but organizers haven't yet decided specifics on how to expand the event. Nor have they yet chosen a location for the fest's centerpiece, the world's largest chicken dance. Street closings and traffic re-routing strategies are being worked on.

"In its 40th anniversary year, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is one of Cincinnati’s greatest local traditions,” Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley said in a news release. “I am confident that this site will allow the event to grow into an even greater asset to our community.”