3CDC Newsletter 03.06.25
You’ve goat plans this week downtown! Bockfest, Cincinnati’s annual celebration of spring, Over-the-Rhine's brewing heritage, and Bock Beer, is marching into its 33rd year this weekend! The community-centered festival features unique, and at times eccentric, experiences Friday through Sunday in and around Over-the-Rhine’s historic brewery district. Festivities officially kick off on Friday at 6PM when the Queen City’s funkiest and most entertaining parade steps off from Arnold’s Bar and Grill and heads north along Sycamore and Main streets. Traditionally, a goat pulling a keg leads the Bockfest Parade, while the reigning Sausage Queen and the official parade marshal follow. This isn’t your average marching band and firetruck-focused shindig! In the past, participants have included faux monks pulling a Trojan goat, GoatBusters, German beer bands, keg men, and goats on segways—just to name a few!
After the parade, keep on bocking and rolling at one of the four official Bockfest Halls: Moerlein Lager House, Northern Row, Rhinegeist, and Rosedale OTR! As the newest Hall on the list, Rosedale is out to make a memorable mark for us revelers with special Bockfest events happening every day of the weekend, including the biggest bash of all on Saturday, Bock the Block! From 3 - 11PM, they’re turning 12th & Main streets into a full-blown bock block party with a stage, beer, music, and more! Entertainment includes live music from The Polka Warriors and LunchBox as well as a stein hoisting competition. Check out the full lineup of fun on Rosedale’s website, and remember that convenient and secure parking is just around the corner at Ziegler Park parking garage!
More funky Bockfest-ivities include the Goat Calling Competition on Friday night at Moerlein Lager House, the return of the Beard Baron Competition on Saturday at Northern Row, and the Voices on Tap: Bockfest Singalong with The May Festival Chorus and Young Professionals Choral Collective on Sunday at Rhinegeist! Outside of the Halls, many of your favorite Over-The-Rhine spots are getting in on the celebrations too. Stop by and see the goats at Washington Park, taste the best of Bockfest cuisine at Findlay Market, and indulge in The Lubecker’s authentic German grub at Queen City Radio!
Between the cheersing and (beer) cheesing, there are plenty of chances to get your heart pumping too! The annual Bockfest 5K starts Saturday morning at 10AM at The Banks and follows a downtown course ending in a party near Moerlein Lager House! Each registered participant will receive a shirt, two drink tickets, and a Skyline Chili Cheese Coney. If 3.1 miles feels a little too ambitious, save what strength you have for Sunday’s .05K Fun "Run" at Northern Row. If you can make it 164 feet, you will be rewarded with a limited-edition T-shirt, bottle opener medal, and a beer! Register online today. Prost!
