The DAI's Oktoberfest Steinholding contest is an official U.S. Steinholding Association qualifying event! Steinholding is a traditional Bavarian strength contest in which competitors hold a full one-liter beer stein (or Masskrug in German) out in front of their bodies with a straight arm parallel to the ground. You hold as long as you can, and the last person holding with good form is the winner.

Our Steinholding competition will be held on Sunday, September 27 at 2 PM. The women’s category will compete first, followed by the men’s category. Those interested in competing can sign up for the men's category or women's category here!

Sunday, September 27
Time: 2 PM
Location: At food court stage
Admission: $10 per registrant and valid admission to Oktoberfest to compete

HOW TO COMPETE

1. If you have not already, you must purchase your Oktoberfest general admission ticket (either a Weekend Pass or a Sunday single-day ticket)
2. Register in advance for the competition here.
3. Meet us at the food court stage at 1:45 PM on Sunday to check in for the competition.

Winners get all the steinholding bragging rights–plus get to keep their steins, along with a DAI prize pack. And they’ll qualify for the U.S. Steinholding Association Ohio State Championships, happening on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Cincinnati Lager Hous.

For more info, see: https://www.daytonartinstitute.org/upcoming-events/special-events/oktoberfest/

All tickets purchased online will be delivered via email as a digital ticket. After completing your purchase, you will receive a receipt for your order with a digital ticket containing your admission barcode. All tickets in your order are under that single barcode. If anyone in your party is arriving separately, you will need to forward the email with the barcode to them for check in. 

Event held rain or shine. All sales final. No refunds for any reason. 

Must be 21 with a valid ID to purchase or consume alcohol. Remember to bring your ID with you to check-in at the gate. Ohio liquor laws require us to wristband all patrons over the age of 21, regardless of their intended beverage consumption. Thank you for helping us stay in compliance with these important state regulations.

If you receive complimentary tickets as part of your membership benefits, those will be mailed to you.

If you have questions or need assistance creating or accessing your online account, please call 937-223-4278 during regular museum hours.