The weather is cooling down and fall festivals are returning – and Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh is returning, too. Grab your beer stein, your flannel (and probably a cup of spiked cider), and head out to these Oktoberfest (and other autumn) celebrations across the city.
Oktoberfest at the National Aviary
Thursday, September 7
The National Aviary on the North Side is celebrating Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh with an authentic German affair. There will be live music by Mädel Jäger, and, of course, Oktoberfest and German-Style brews from Straub. Guests are also welcome to the explore The National Aviary’s bird habitats, which will be open until 9:00 pm.
This event is 21+, and drinks are not included. Tickets can be purchased online.
Oktoberfest at Teutonia Männerchor on the North Side
Friday, September 8-10
Located in the heart of Deutschtown, Teutonia Männerchor is a German cultural center that was built in 1888. Last year, they opened their doors to the public for the very first time, and promised to host “the most authentic Oktoberfest in the region.” Guests will enjoy great German beer, food, dancing, and live music! Festivities will be held in a big tent. Hours are Friday: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Find out more online.
Zoo Brew: Oktoberfest
Friday, September 8
The zoo just got a lot more boozy. Celebrate Oktoberfest like a party animal, viewing exotic tigers, Amur leopards, giraffes, and siamangs while sipping on craft beers. Tickets includes over 60 breweries, delicious bites, live entertainment, and a tasting mug.
Rocktoberfest Special Olympics Party
Wednesday, September 13
“Rocktoberfest” is coming to Sing Sing in the Waterfront, and this year’s celebration is benefiting the Special Olympics. Live music will be provided by the Fabulous Booze Brothers and The Grkman Duo. Tickets also include a complimentary buffet, and beer on tap from eight local breweries, including: Rock Bottom, Spoonwood Brewing Co, East End Brewing, Penn Brewery, Hofbrauhaus, Mindful Brewing Co., Wilson McGinley, and Galli Beer Distributing. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Penn Brewery Oktoberfest
Friday, September 15-17 and September 22-24
It is almost time for one of Pittsburgh’s most-loved Oktoberfest celebrations. No need to travel to Germany because Penn Brewery is bringing Oktoberfest to Pittsburgh. Don your lederhosen and get ready to party. Expect tons of food, live music and an endless supply of German-inspired beer. It wouldn’t be fall in Pittsburgh without Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery.
Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest in Canonsburg
Friday, September 15-17
For the 18th year in a row, Downtown Canonsburg is transforming into a giant Oktoberfest celebration. This party has even been named one of the top ten Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation! Each year, tens of thousands of people visit this event. Celebrations will (of course) include German food, beer, and live music. The Canonsburg Oktoberfest also includes a Name the Brew contest, Carnival games, vendors, and amusement rides.
Oktoberfest Stein Hoisting Contest at CityWorks
Thursday, September 21
Test your arm strength – and enjoy some delicious beer – this Oktoberfest season. What is Stein Hoisting? Competitors are required to hold a one-liter glass stein filled with Samuel Adams OctoberFest, with a straight arm, for as long as possible. If you sip, spill, or bend your arm, you’re out!
Head to Cityworks in Market Square on September 21 for the competition. The winner of CityWorks’ contest will compete at the regional finals. Then, winners of regional finals will compete in the national finals in Boston on October 27. Male and female winners of the national finals will appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated (!) and attend the Sportsman of the Year Gala 2017.
Additionally, from September 16 – October 3 CityWorks will be serving Oktoberfest-themed specials like Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, Smoked Potato Croquettes, and Spätzle Stroganoff.
More information can be found online.
Oktoberfest at The Commoner Biergarten
Sunday, September 17
The only thing better than a Oktoberfest party? A rooftop Oktoberfest party Downtown. For the third year in a row, the Commoner will be serving German food and beer during their Oktoberfest celebration. There will also be live music by Madel Jager, contests and more! Tickets can be purchased online.
Pumkingfest at Southern Tier
Saturday, September 23
Southern Tier is traveling to up to Lakewood, New York, for the brand’s second annual celebration for their Imperial Pumpkin beers – PUMKINGFEST! Festivities include Pumking and Warlock beer floats, gourd bowling, seasonally-inspired cuisine, live music and more! Some spots still remain on the bus, which will leave and return on the 23rd of September. More information can be found online.
Renaissance Fair Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 23 & 24
King Henry and Queen Katherine are ringing out the Pittsburgh Renaissance Fair season with an Oktoberfest celebration. There will be traditional German favorites like bratwurst and pretzels. There will also be stein lugging contests, German music, dancing, lederhosen and tavern wenches.
Ok-TEA-beerfest at Tupelo Honey Teas
Saturday, September 29
Tupelo Honey Teas has partnered with local home brewers to create a wide range of beers featuring tea in honor of the Oktoberfest season. For $10, guests can sample innovative and experimental beers that might be too risky for a commercial brewery. Cider, snacks, and full sized pours will also be on sale. Tickets can be purchased online.
Hoptoberfest at Hop Farm Brewing
Sunday, October 1
Hoptoberfest is returning to Hop Farm Brewing this October for the fourth year in a row. In the past, this event has featured between 22 and 25 food and beer pairings from local restaurants, culinary experts, and local and national breweries. Additionally, all of the proceeds have benefited Camp Chihopi, an annual summer camp for children who have undergone a transplant at Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital. Follow Hop Farm on Facebook for their official announcement of 2017 Hoptoberfest.
Erntedankfest: A Harvest Festival at Old Economy Village
Saturday, October 7-8
Celebrate the fall harvest with traditional cooking, baking and demonstrations at Old Economy Village. There will also be seasonal music, food and activities for the whole family.
Hough’s Dunkin’ Pumpkin’ Beer Festival
Saturday, October 7
If you love pumpkin beer, you’re gonna love Hough’s Dunkin’ Pumpkin’ Beer Festival. In the past, tickets to the event have included all-you-can-drink samples of over 25 pumpkin beers, light snacks in a ‘Trick or Treat’ bag, and a voucher to fill a 32oz to-go can with a pumpkin beer draft. Tickets can be purchased online.
Smoketoberfest from Roundabout Brewing
Sunday, October 8
For this year’s Smoketoberfest at Roundabout Brewing, guests can expect live music, smoked dishes from local vendors, and even smoked beer! Also expect your favorite Roundabout drafts and maybe a guest beer from another brewery. Follow Roundabout on Facebook for an official announcement and information on ticket sales.
Pumpkinfest 6 from Blue Dust
Saturday, October 14
Blue Dust in Homestead is bringing Pittsburgh another pumpkin beer extravaganza. In the past, this event has featured live music, pumpkin beers, food trucks, and infused cocktails! Follow the Facebook event page for updates on Pumpkinfest 6.
GUTS Pittsburgh 2017
Sunday, October 22
AIGA Pittsburgh is hosting a friendly pumpkin carving competition by Spirit. The goal of this event is to unify the creative community and raise money for Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. There will be pumpkin carving, a silent auction, food, drinks and merch sold at the event. This event is free to attend, but there is a charge to carve a pumpkin.
Oktoberfest Wine & Beer Cruise
Thursday, October 26
Cruise down one of the three rivers and celebrate Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh. Drink delicious Bavarian beers and wines, and sample some authentic Oktoberfest food. Tickets include a one-hour cocktail hour, followed by a two-hour cruise of the rivers. Guests will be served four wine or microbrew food pairings. There will be a cash bar available throughout the event.
Did we miss any? Share them in the comments below.
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