Where to park at Oktoberfest
Where to park for Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute.
Where to park at Oktoberfest
It’s almost time for Dayton’s favorite fall festival, Oktoberfest, taking place this weekend, September 21–23, on the grounds of The Dayton Art Institute.
A Dayton tradition since 1972, Oktoberfest is the museum’s largest annual fundraising event. Oktoberfest typically draws more than 25,000 people to the museum grounds during the weekend. Setup for the event, as well as its large size, limits parking and museum access in the days leading up to and during the festival; The Dayton Art Institute offers some tips and advice for navigating Oktoberfest.
Friday: Lederhosen Lunch & Preview Party
On Friday, September 21, parking will only be available on the museum’s front drive and on the surrounding neighborhood streets; very limited handicap accessible parking will be available at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. During the Lederhosen Lunch on September 21, RTA will provide free shuttles from downtown Dayton to The DAI from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. RTA shuttle riders may board and exit shuttles at any stop along the route that runs from the Oregon District, west along Fifth Street, north on Main Street, Second Street, Wilkinson Street and Monument Avenue to the Lederhosen Lunch.
Patrons needing special assistance or access during this time may call the museum’s Guest Services Desk, at 937-223-4ART (4278).
Please Note: According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Main Street bridge (SR 48 between Monument Avenue and Riverview Avenue) will be closed from September 21 at 8 p.m. through September 24 at 6 a.m., due to construction.
During the Oktoberfest Preview Party, 7–11 p.m. on Friday, September 21, shuttle service will be offered from the University of Dayton parking lot behind the Marriott, just off Patterson Boulevard.
Saturday & Sunday: The 47th Oktoberfest
During Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, the museum’s collection galleries, Leo Bistro, and The Museum Store will be open noon–5 p.m. each day. Those visiting the museum collection galleries on September 22–23 must also pay Oktoberfest admission.
Please allow extra time for travel and parking if visiting the museum during Oktoberfest weekend. Street parking around The Dayton Art Institute will be very limited on September 22–23. Limited handicap accessible parking will be available in the Dayton Masonic Center and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church lots during Oktoberfest, strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
The easiest way of getting to and from the museum during Oktoberfest is by using the free shuttle services. Look for the Oktoberfest signs and park for free at the University of Dayton lot behind the Marriott, just off Patterson Boulevard, and take free shuttles directly to and from Oktoberfest. On September 22–23, you may also park downtown and take a free RTA Oktoberfest shuttle, with stops along Monument Avenue, Wilkinson Street, Second Street, Main Street, and Fifth Street. Bicycle racks will be available near the main festival entrance at Belmonte Park and Riverview Avenue on Saturday and Sunday, noon–7 p.m. each day. The Uber and Lyft pick-up/drop-off area will be at the festival entrance gate by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
