10-06-2026 12:17am

WARREN COUNTY GOES GERMAN THE WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 10TH

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Although Springboro starts off the Oktoberfest season in September, the really BIG German weekend might be considered this coming weekend.

On Friday and Saturday (October 9th and 10th), the 13th Annual Oktoberfest happens in Lebanon presented by Molson Coors, and On Saturday and Sunday (October 10th and 11th), the 56th Annual Sauerkraut Festival takes place in Waynesville.

Oktoberfest in Lebanon

Held on Oct., 9-10 in Downtown Lebanon on Mulberry St. 45036

Festive music, from 6 PM to 9 PM on Friday night and then again from 11 AM to 9:30 PM on Saturday, will fill the air with numerous German bands in the band shell.

There is something for everyone...

German Style Food Vendors with items like sausage and pretzels will be sold both days.
A Kid’s Zone an area with play activities for children.
Festive Music will fill the air with numerous German bands in the band shell
- Friday night: 6 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM to 9:30 PM

And, what would a German festival be without beer? Local and international beers will be available to wash down those delicious German foods.

While this is a smaller and less crowded Oktoberfest than those that are held in the "big" cities around us, this is one of the festivals main features for it is very family friendly, closer to home and parking is easy to find and free.

The 56th Annual Sauerkraut Festival

Held on Oct., 10 - 11 in Downtown Waynesville 45068

The 56th Annual Sauerkraut Festival is another great family outing. Many booths line the streets, which can include over 460 crafter vendors each year. Musical entertainment of all kinds goes on throughout the festival and is not necessarily German as the music is in Lebanon.

The main food fare includes Sauerkraut in all forms. A highlight every year are the old fashioned cabbage rolls made by the folks at St. Augustine Church in Waynesville and the “famous” Sauerkraut Sundaes made by the American Legion. There is of course Sauerkraut pizza, Sauerkraut cake and more!

RECIPE FOR SAUERKRAUT SUNDAE:

Mashed Potatoes topped with:
Sauerkraut,
Sour Cream,
Melted Cheddar Cheese,
Sprinkle with Bacon Bits and
Top with a green olive

TIPS AND INFO:

Both Festivals are FREE ADMISSION however parking for the Sauerkraut Festival can be around $10.00 cash.

Oktoberfest will be less crowded compared to the Sauerkraut Festival, which attracts large numbers from Ohio and even surrounding states. Plan to go early.

Try the food! This is a great opportunity to try some German foods and of course try different foods using sauerkraut which are truly unique !

Wear comfortable shoes to both events, and if you have them pull out your German LEDERHOSEN or DRINDLS!