Bock, Tap, Celebrate
If there’s one thing Cincinnati knows how to do, it’s brew beer and throw a party for it—and Bockfest is proof of that. Now in its 33rd year, Bockfest stands as a beloved tradition that brings together history, community, and (of course) some seriously good bock beer. And this year’s festivities are starting off strong with the "Get Your Bock On Happy Hour" Keg Tapping at Moerlein Lager House on Friday, March 7, at noon.
Keg Tapping: A Tradition Worth Toasting
This isn’t just any keg tapping—it’s the official launch of Bockfest weekend and a tribute to Cincinnati’s deep-rooted brewing legacy. Moerlein Lager House, a staple on the riverfront and a true Bockfest Hall, is hosting the ceremonial tapping of the Bockfest Brewing Champion’s Bock Beer. This year’s winner? Tim McKee, a two-time champion homebrewer and president of the Cincinnati Malt Infusers, who has been perfecting his craft for nearly two decades.
McKee’s award-winning bock was brewed on-site at Moerlein Lager House, mirroring the way Christian Moerlein introduced his own Bock Beer over 30 years ago—a nod to the past, poured fresh for the present.
Want to meet the mastermind behind the brew? McKee will be there, along with Bockfest Organizer Lisa French, ready to share stories, insights, and perhaps even some brewing secrets.
A Beer Lover’s Dream Happy Hour
If beer at noon on a Friday isn’t enough to get you in the door, how about $5 pints of Bock Beer from 12 PM to 6 PM? The Moerlein Lager House knows how to celebrate properly, and this happy hour is a must for any beer enthusiast. Whether you're a bock beer aficionado or just here for the fun, this is the perfect way to kick off a weekend of malty goodness.
Why Bock Beer? A Cincinnati Tradition Steeped in History
For the uninitiated, bock beer is no ordinary brew. This rich, strong lager dates back to 14th-century Germany, where monks brewed it as liquid sustenance during fasting seasons. Cincinnati’s German immigrants carried on this tradition, helping establish the city’s once-dominant brewing industry.
Fast-forward to 1993, and Bockfest was born—not just as a celebration of beer, but as a way to showcase Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and its brewing past. Today, the festival is a full-blown city-wide spectacle, complete with a parade featuring a beer-pulling goat, historic tours, live music, and of course, lots and lots of bock beer.
The Venue: Moerlein Lager House, A Cincinnati Brewing Icon
There’s no better place to launch Bockfest than Moerlein Lager House. Nestled in Smale Riverfront Park, this microbrewery and gastropub pays homage to Cincinnati’s brewing heyday while offering sweeping views of the Ohio River, Great American Ball Park, and Paycor Stadium. With its top-notch craft brews, locally inspired menu, and a deep commitment to Cincinnati’s beer culture, the Moerlein Lager House is more than a restaurant—it’s a destination.
Get Ready to Raise a Glass
This Friday, the taps will flow, the beer will pour, and the city will come alive as Bockfest officially begins. Whether you're a Cincinnati native or just visiting for the weekend, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.
So grab a pint, soak in the history, and "Get Your Bock On" at Moerlein Lager House—because in Cincinnati, every sip comes with a story.
Event Details:
📍 Moerlein Lager House – 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH
📅 Friday, March 7 | 🕛 Noon – 6 PM
🍺 $5 Bock Beer Happy Hour
🎉 Meet Bockfest Brewing Champion Tim McKee and Bockfest Organizer Lisa French
🔗 For full Bockfest details, visit www.bockfest.com