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 getting to and from Oktoberfest.
🅿️PARKING RULES
There is no parking on the levy across from the museum or in McKinley Park during any Oktoberfest events. Please park only in approved locations.
Riverview Avenue is closed at North Main Street due to reconstruction of the Main Street bridge.
Limited street parking is available in the neighborhoods surrounding The DAI on Saturday and Sunday, but event organizers encourage attendees to use the free shuttles.
🚌PREVIEW PARTY SHUTTLES
During Friday night’s Preview Party, a free shuttle service will run from the University of Dayton parking lot on River Park Drive. The lot is located between the Dayton Marriott and Cox Media Group building, and River Park Drive may be accessed from either Main Street or Patterson Boulevard. Look for the shuttle signs, and take the free shuttle directly to and from the Preview Party.
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🚌SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SHUTTLES
During the main festival hours on Saturday and Sunday, park for free at the University of Dayton parking lot on River Park Drive. The lot is located between the Dayton Marriott and the Cox Media Group building. River Park Drive may be accessed from either Main Street or Patterson Boulevard. From there, take the free shuttle directly to and from Oktoberfest.
On Saturday, shuttles will run continuously from 11:30 a.m. - midnight. On Sunday, shuttles will run continuously from 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
You may also park downtown and catch a free RTA shuttle to and from Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday. RTA shuttles will run directly to the event from stops along Monument Avenue, Wilkinson Street, Second Street, Main Street, and Fifth Street.
Look for the RTA shuttles with Oktoberfest destination signs and board at any stop along this route. There is no charge for the RTA shuttle ride. RTA shuttles will run from 11 a.m. - midnight on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Sunday.
🚴PRO TIP
Ride a bike and completely avoid the parking fiasco. There will be free on-site parking from noon to 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to drink and ride responsibly!
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