In Pennsylvania the Grand Groundhog himself, Punxsutawney Phil, announces the coming of Spring with a glance at his shadow.  In Cincinnati, it’s beer of course with our own celebration of Spring’s coming…BOCKFEST!!!

Photo by Jim Effler

First a bit of background for those new to Bockfest.  Bock-Fest comes from a celebration of Bock beer…a rich and complex lager beer.  Back in Cincinnati’s hay day of brewing in the 1800s, the more than 18 local breweries started a tradition of releasing all their Bock beer on the same day.  This day marked the end of Winter and coming of Spring and soon became Bockfest as we know it today.  Now onto the beer.

Over-the-Rhine’s Bockfest begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday.  Festivities kick off on Friday evening around 6 with the Bockfest Parade on Main Street, followed by the Blessing of the Bock Beer in front of Bockfest Hall (located this year in a portion of the Kauffman Brewery at 1621 Moore Street).  A free, continuous shuttle bus will take you all throughout Over-the-Rhine to the many great participating Bockfest bars including Arnold’s, Mr. Pitiful’s and Milton’s.

On Saturday the good times continue with the Prohibition Resistance Tours.  It’s a great way to learn about Cincinnati’s brewing past while exploring some of the actual historic brewing buildings.  Saturday culminates with the crowning of the Bockfest Sausage Queen at 8 PM.  The free shuttle also continues all day and night Saturday from 10 AM to 1 AM.

On Sunday a good ticket is the Historic Church Tour which begins at 2 PM at Bockfest Hall and runs about two hours.  Music and more beer continues all day at Arnolds.

To learn even more about Bockfest and purchase tickets to the many fun events visit www.BockFest.com.

Tags:   Beer · Bockfest · Cincinnati Events