The first full weekend of every March, the city of Cincinnati holds Bockfest, a celebration of the city’s brewing heritage, the coming of Spring, and bock beer.
In its 25th year, the three-day event involves a number of different events, but it all kicks off with a parade. Starting at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in town and traveling to the Bockfest Hall where the traditional blessing of the beer is held, the parade is a true celebration of everything bock (which means “goat” in german).
We were on hand for this year’s celebrations and fell in love with Schnitzel, the goat that has been kicking the parade off for the past 14 years with a keg harnessed to his back. Behind him were dozens of other bock-themed floats and groups, including a group of zombies that called themselves “The Bocking Dead,” and even a musician, aptly named “Bock Dylan.”
Check out the gallery, above, for a look at some of the parade. This is one you’re going to have to see to believe.
1 of 39
![]()
Arnold's is a popular bar in Cincinnati, and where the parade starts each year. This bathtub sprayed bubbles on the parade crowd as it rolled by.
2 of 39
![]()
Shnitzel the goat is the second "float" in the parade. He's toting a keg down the street. 2017 was Shnitzel's 14th year in the parade.
3 of 39
![]()
Shnitzel was accompanied down the street (obviously) by two monks.
4 of 39
![]()
Bockfest is a city-wide celebration. Almost everywhere you go you see posters advertising the event.
5 of 39
![]()
6 of 39
![]()
Trojan goat, anyone?
7 of 39
![]()
8 of 39
![]()
9 of 39
![]()
I mean, of course, goats play the accordion.
10 of 39
![]()
These parade-goers were holding large Trump tweets, all Bockfest-themed, of course.