For more than five decades, the Dayton Art Institute’s annual, weekend-long Oktoberfest event has been a pinnacle fall celebration in the region.
It takes place on the museum grounds and is considered southwest Ohio’s longest-running Oktoberfest, according to organizers.
"DAI’s Oktoberfest is a tradition that brings our community together year after year," said DAI Interim Director and President Mark Shaker. "From incredible food and entertainment to unique artisan finds and family activities, this event offers something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming guests back to the museum grounds for another unforgettable weekend celebrating community, culture and the arts."
The event was established by the DAI Associate Board in 1971, with the first full public festival conducted in 1972. More than 1 million people have attended one of the annual festivals with an average of 20,000 people in attendance annually.
The event is one of two locally well-known fundraisers for the museum; the other is the Art Ball. This year’s Oktoberfest planning has been led by 2026 chairs Briana Snyder and Max Spang and co-chairs Randi Salyer-Frazier and Tyler Frazier.
The goal is to get locals to dis...