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Cincinnati police are deploying officers, drones, K-9s, SWAT and the Civil Disturbance Response Team for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s 50th anniversary. The festival is expected to attract about 800,000 people to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove from Sept. 17-20. Police say drones can help monitor crowds and communicate instructions during emergencies.
The city is gearing up for the 50th anniversary of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
Cincinnati police are deploying additional resources, including drones, K-9 officers and specialized response teams.
The city said that hundreds of thousands of visitors were expected downtown.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is expected to draw about 800,000 people during the four-day celebration at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove. Cincinnati Police lists an estimated crowd of 800,000 for the 2026 event.
The festival runs through Sunday, Sept. 20, with expanded hours for its 50th anniversary.
Cincinnati police prepare for large Oktoberfest crowds
The Cincinnati police are positioning officers throughout the city to manage traffic, crowds and potential emergencies during the festival.
Capt. David Schofield, commander of the Central Business District, told FOX19 that officers will be assigned to traffic posts and bike patrols.
Police will also have K-9 officers, the Civil Disturbance Response Team and SWAT available during the event.
The scale of the festival is a major factor in the department’s preparations. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati drew a record 808,300 attendees in 2025, according to the festival’s website.
Drones give police another tool
Police will also have drones available during the festival.
Schofield said drones can help officers monitor large crowds and communicate information during an emergency. Officers could use them to provide instructions if an area needs to be closed or if festivalgoers need to move to another location.
The drones provide another way for police to observe conditions across a large event area without relying solely on officers on the ground.
Police are also asking festivalgoers to report anything concerning they see to authorities.
Oktoberfest runs through Sunday
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year after first being held in Cincinnati in 1976. The festival has grown into one of the city’s largest annual events and is billed as America’s largest Oktoberfest.
The 2026 festival schedule is:
- Thursday, Sept. 17: 4–10 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 18: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 20: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Admission to the festival is free. The event features German food, beer, live entertainment and activities across the riverfront festival grounds.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected, police say their preparations are focused on keeping the large crowds moving safely and responding quickly if an emergency occurs.
How Cincinnati police will use drones
Cincinnati police will use drones as another tool for monitoring conditions and communicating with large crowds during Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. Capt. David Schofield said drones can provide updates about crowd conditions and help officers give instructions during an emergency, including directing people away from a closed area.
The department recently launched its Drones as First Responders program, which provides real-time aerial visibility during dispatched calls.
CPD says officers do not use the program for random surveillance or general patrol. FAA-certified operators who have completed public-safety training operate the drones, and the system stores video securely through Axon Evidence.
CPD has not publicly specified how long it will retain any Oktoberfest drone footage. The department logs and reviews drone operations and requires officers to follow applicable laws and department policies.
From a 1976 festival to 800,000 visitors
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati began in 1976 as Cincinnati prepared for the nation’s Bicentennial. The first festival was held around Fountain Square and Government Square before the event grew into the large riverfront celebration held today.
The festival recorded its largest attendance yet in 2025, when organizers said 808,300 people attended.
For its 50th anniversary in 2026, the festival is returning to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove with expanded space, entertainment and hours.
FAQs
When is Oktoberfest Zinzinnati open?
The festival runs Sept. 17-20. It is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Where is Oktoberfest Zinzinnati being held in 2026?
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is taking place at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove along Cincinnati’s riverfront. The 2026 festival runs from Sept. 17 through Sept. 20.
How many people attended Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in 2025?
Organizers reported 808,300 attendees in 2025, setting a new attendance record. Cincinnati Police estimates about 800,000 people for the 2026 festival.
Is admission to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati free?
Yes. General admission to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is free, although individual food, drinks and other festival activities may have costs.
