Oktoberfest 2026: Lederhosen Lunch
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.
About Oktoberfest
The DAI Oktoberfest features all the things the community has come to love about the festival and some new additions for 2026! The celebration kicks off on Friday, September 25, 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.
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.
2026 volunteer roles will be available closer to the dates of Oktoberfest. Be sure to check back! For questions or concerns, contact Alexandra Torres at atorres@daytonart.org.
Upcoming Events
View Calendar
25
September 25, 2026
Friday
11:00 am - 1:30 pm
25
September 25, 2026
Friday
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Oktoberfest 2026: Preview Party
26
September 26, 2026
Saturday
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Oktoberfest 2026: Saturday
A Dayton tradition established in 1971, DAI’s Oktoberfest is southwest Ohio’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration and the museum’s largest annual fundraiser.
27
September 27, 2026
Sunday
12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Oktoberfest 2026: Sunday
27
September 27, 2026
Sunday
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Oktoberfest 2026: Steinholding Competition
Test Your Strength in the Oktoberfest Steinholding Competition, presented by Pella Windows & Doors of Dayton!
Artisan and Food Vendor Applications
The DAI is pleased to announce an open call for artisans and food vendors for its annual Oktoberfest. Looking to apply? Please see below! Questions? Contact Audrey Starr, at astarr@daytonart.org.
**Artisan Applications Closed May 1, 2026
Photo Galleries
Did we spot you at the 53rd anniversary Oktoberfest? Take a look and find out!