Chicken dance, running of the weiners and more

Get ready for four days of German-inspired beer, food and fun, because Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is back. 

Organizers for the largest Oktoberfest in the U.S. recently released the schedule of events for the festival, which is beginning a day earlier and staying open one hour longer this year. 

The full dates and hours are:

• Thursday, Sept. 16: 5 p.m.-midnight
• Friday, Sept. 17: 11 a.m.-midnight
• Saturday, Sept. 18: 11 a.m.-midnight
• Sunday, Sept. 19: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

“There will be plenty to enjoy during Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s expanded day and hours,” Cynthia Oxley, director of the event said.

Event schedule

Thursday, Sept. 16

• Noon: The USA Today Sports+ Running of the Wieners, Freedom Way at The Banks
• 5 p.m.-midnight: America's Oktoberfest, Second and Third streets

Friday, Sept. 17

• Noon: The Gemütlichkeit Games (G-Games), Main Stage at Second and Elm streets
• 7 p.m.: Frocktoberfest/Socktoberfest Pageant, Main Stage at Second and Elm streets

Saturday, Sept. 18

• Noon: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Offizielle Zeremonien (official ceremonies), Main Stage at Second and Elm streets
• 4 p.m.: The World's Largest Chicken Dance, all Oktoberfest Zinzinnati stages

Sunday, Sept. 19

• 2 p.m.: Samuel Adams Stein Hoist Championship, Main Stage at Second and Elm streets
• 4 p.m.: The World Brat Eating Championship featuring Joey Chestnut, Braxton Stage at Third and Walnut streets