The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, in partnership with Outdoor Pursuits, and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the second annual Knox County Biketoberfest (KCBO), taking place from October 2 to October 4, 2026. This premier weekend celebration seamlessly blends the crisp autumn beauty of Knox County’s multi-use trail systems with the vibrant, festive community energy of historic Mount Vernon.
While cyclists spend the days exploring the downtown and scenic countryside, the weekend shifts into high gear on Saturday evening, October 3, as the Knox County Chamber of Commerce hosts its signature beer and wine tasting event, Kegs + Corks, at Ariel-Foundation Park’s iconic Schnormeier Event Center.
A Collaborative Celebration of Local Community and Commerce
Biketoberfest is designed to showcase the region's incredible outdoor infrastructure while driving economic vitality directly into the local business community. "We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Outdoor Pursuits and our community partners to deliver a weekend that highlights the very best of our county," said Olivia Toth, Executive Director of the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Bringing together regional outdoor recreation and our local business community creates an unforgettable weekend experience for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a serious cyclist, moto enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy a weekend, there is an adventure here for you."
Friday Kick-Off: On Friday, October 2, Outdoor Pursuits will offer a community ride for participants along the trail and throughout historic Mount Vernon. Attendees and community members are encouraged to join in at Happy Street Brü Werks from 4PM-6PM for a Welcome reception.
Saturday Evening: Kegs + Corks Presented by Knox County Chamber of Commerce and Koorsen Fire & Security
On Saturday, October 3, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (with exclusive VIP early access starting at 4:00 PM), the Schnormeier Event Center will transform into a buzzing hub of local and regional flavor. Proudly presented by corporate title sponsor Koorsen Fire & Security, the Chamber's Kegs + Corks tastings will feature over 20 local and regional craft breweries and wineries, a premier lineup of local food trucks, and live entertainment.
Sunday Finale: The Junction Moto Show and Food Truck Festival
The excitement continues into Sunday, October 4, as the focus moves to Mount Vernon’s historic Public Square. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, downtown will host the Junction Moto Show and Food Truck Festival. This free, family-friendly event brings together motorcycle enthusiasts from across the state to showcase custom, vintage, and rare bikes. The square will be lined with a diverse lineup of food trucks, live music, and local vendors, making it the perfect final stop for cyclists, weekend travelers and local families alike.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Flexible Ticketing Options Available
Organizers want to ensure that the weekend is fully accessible to everyone, offering distinct ticketing paths depending on how you prefer to enjoy Biketoberfest:
The Full Weekend Cycling Pass: Perfect for riders of all skill levels, this pass grants access to fully supported road and trail routes (including the historic Kokosing Gap Trail and the Heart of Ohio Trail) across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Bonus: Full weekend cycling registration automatically includes admission to Saturday evening’s Kegs + Corks tasting event.
The Stand-Alone Kegs + Corks Tasting Ticket: For those who prefer pouring to pedaling, you can skip the bicycle entirely. Individual tickets are available for purchase exclusively for Saturday night's craft beer and wine tasting at the park.
"With the help of all of our generous sponsors, we’re able to elevate Kegs + Corks into a local favorite and true regional destination event," said Stephanie Blanchard of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. "By anchoring our event within Biketoberfest weekend at Ariel-Foundation Park, we generate more visitors staying in Knox County, which means more customers supporting our local shops, restaurants, and establishments, and that kind of foot traffic strengthens our community's economy.”
To register for a full weekend of riding, purchase individual Saturday evening tasting tickets, or view the complete weekend schedule, visit the official event page at https://visitknoxohio.org/events/knox-county-biketober-fest-2026
