Ohio Sauerkraut Festival 2024

The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, a beloved annual event, is set to return to the historic town of Waynesville. Known for its rich traditions and vibrant community spirit, the festival draws an impressive crowd of approximately 350,000 visitors each year. With over 460 craft vendors and a wide array of sauerkraut-themed dishes, the festival promises a unique experience for attendees.

Activities and Attractions

As one of Ohio's most anticipated events, the Sauerkraut Festival offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. Visitors can explore more than 450 craft booths featuring handmade goods from over 25 states, offering everything from jewelry and pottery to home decor and textiles. The festival also boasts nearly 60 food stalls, each serving dishes that creatively incorporate sauerkraut. Popular items include sauerkraut pizza, sauerkraut balls, and even sauerkraut ice cream. In addition to shopping and dining, the festival hosts various entertainment options. Attendees can enjoy live performances by German folk dancers and musicians, participate in checkers and spelling bee contests, and witness an antique car parade. The event also includes a contest for the best homemade sauerkraut and a cabbage contest, celebrating the festival's namesake ingredient.

Schedule and Program

The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival takes place over two days, with festivities kicking off at 9 am on both Saturday and Sunday. The event concludes at 8 am on Saturday and 6 pm on Sunday. While the entertainment schedule is still being finalized, organizers promise a lineup of engaging performances and activities throughout the weekend.

Ticket Prices and Parking

Admission to the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival is free, making it accessible to a wide audience. For those driving to the event, parking is available at various locations surrounding the festival grounds. Shuttle bus parking is provided by the Waynesville Athlete Boosters at Wayne Local High School on Dayton Road, with a cost of $5 per car. Visitors are advised to follow shuttle parking signs and note that parking is at their own risk, as it is not operated or sanctioned by the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce or the festival organizers.

Location and Infrastructure

The festival is held in downtown Waynesville, a charming town located approximately 30 miles (50km) southeast of Dayton, Ohio. Known for its historic architecture and quaint shops, Waynesville provides a picturesque setting for the event. The town is easily accessible via major highways, and accommodations are available in nearby areas for those wishing to extend their visit.

History of the Festival

The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival began in 1970 as a sidewalk sale organized by the Waynesville Retail Merchants. Initially offering entertainment like antique car parades, German folk dances, and food booths with unique items such as sauerkraut ice cream, the festival quickly gained popularity. By 1976, it drew over 40,000 attendees and continued to expand in the 1980s, with visitor numbers reaching 100,000. Today, the festival serves 7 tons of sauerkraut to about 350,000 visitors annually and features over 450 craft booths. Waynesville, known as the "Antique Capital of the Midwest," hosts this event, which has become a major attraction, bringing vendors from across the U.S.