CINCINNATI (WXIX) - America’s largest German heritage festival is back in the heart of downtown Cincinnati.

Kegs start flowing Thursday at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati as the annual four-day event returns to Fifth Street

More than 700,000 people attend each year, organizers say.

To celebrate the return to Fifth Street, all the fun, food, dancing and beer will begin one day earlier with expanded entertainment and activities - and an extra hour on Sunday.

Festivities will include fan-favorite events like the Running of the Wieners and Stein Hoist Challenge as well as a Bengals pep rally and viewing party on “Game Dey Sunday.”

Part of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s big claim to fame is the “World’s Largest Chicken Dance.”

Celebrity grand marshals lead it each year.

On Saturday, Cincinnati firefighters will have that honor.

Fire Captain Eric Tombragel will be front and center.

He is working his last event after more than 30 years with the Cincinnati Fire Department and seven years as the fire captain for special events.

“The Cincinnati Fire Department is integral to what makes events like Oktoberfest Zinzinnati happen,” Oktoberfest Zinzinnati said in a news release. “Behind the scenes, these hometown heroes ensure the safety of every attendee at events like Oktoberfest every year.”

Everything you need to know before you go:

There is no fee to attend Oktoberfest (free entry!)

No dogs allowed

All beer and Pepsi booths will accept cash and cards.

Some vendors may only accept cash, but ATMs are near the event.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati days, hours

Thursday: 4 p.m. -10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Scheduled events

Opening Ceremonies and G-Games: 4-5 p.m. Thursday on the Main Stage

Running of the Wieners: 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Friday on the Main Stage (Registration is closed)

Stein Hoist Challenge 5:30-6 p.m Friday on the Main Stage and Zinzinnati FestHalle – Register

Best Dressed Oktoberfest: 7-7:30 p.m. Friday at Zinzinnati FestHalle

GACL Oktoberfest Processional: 11:00 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Main Stage

Chicken Dance: 4-4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Main Stage

Bengals Pep Rally: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Main Stage

Bengals Game Viewing Party: 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Sports Zone

Street Closings

The following streets are closed until 5 a.m. Monday:

Fifth Street: between Walnut Street and Columbia Parkway
Columbia Parkway: between Downtown and the Sixth Street ramp
Sycamore Street: between Sixth and Fourth streets (access maintained to garages)
Broadway Street: closed between Fourth and Sixth streets
Broadway Street has been converted to a temporary 2-way traffic pattern between Seventh and Sixth streets
Sentinel Street
Lawrence Street
Main Street: between Fourth and Sixth streets

Parking

Fountain Square — 520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Fountain Square South — 416 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
3CDC Public Parking — 400-434 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
SP+ Parking — 410 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Ampco System Parking — 418 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
LAZ Parking Garage — 150 E 3rd St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
SP+ Parking — 100 E 3rd St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Park Place Lot #31 — Park Place Parking, 500 Eggleston Ave #45202, Cincinnati, OH 45202
7th & Culvert Street Lots — ABM Parking
Park Place Parking — 7th Street, 237 East 7th Street
902 Eggleston Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45202
301 Eggleston Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (surface lot only)
486 Culvert St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Lot 5-E)

For more information, visit Oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.

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