Raise a Glass, Oktoberfest is Here!
Photo credit: Jeff Auger
Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) takes place during the weekends of Oct. 6-8 & 13-15!
Bethlehem, PA, September 20, 2023 – ArtsQuest is excited to announce the 13th year of Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). The German-inspired festival kicks off on Friday, Oct. 6 and continues through Sunday, Oct. 8. The second weekend is set to take place from Friday, Oct.13 through Sunday, Oct.15. This free festival features brews, food, live music, local artisans and fan favorites such as Brewer’s Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild and PierogiPalooza!
“ArtsQuest is thrilled to continue the tradition of Oktoberfest with our partners at Lehigh Valley International Airport,” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “From the annual Yuengling 5K to the Brewer’s Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild, to the live music, food and fun, there’s something for everyone to come out and be a part of. Oktoberfest is a wonderful way to enjoy German heritage with a twist here in the Lehigh Valley.”
“We’re anxiously awaiting the takeoff of Oktoberfest, and your neighborhood airport is always a proud partner with the amazing team at ArtsQuest. Their hard work and dedication help to bring a recognizable energy to this free event. Whether it’s the delicious food, music, or cultural entertainment, Oktoberfest is a must-visit destination every year in the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley International Airport.
EVENTS
Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k
In partnership with Run Lehigh Valley, Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k is back! The ninth annual Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K will take place at 10:30 a.m. at 101 Founders Way Bethlehem, PA and loop throughout Historic Bethlehem. Registration is $55 until Sept. 30 and moves to $60 on Oct. 1 until the day of the race. Runners and walkers can register here.
Wiener Dog Races & Parade
The Wiener Dog Races take place on Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15 and specific race times can be found here. Registration is $15 per dog and you can register your wiener dog here. Dogs will race bracket style until there are three final dogs for winners at 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Wiener Dog Parades are back and take place on the same day as the races. Pups can don their favorite costume or simply as they come. This free event begins at noon for check-in and the parade begins at 12:15 p.m. Come show off your pup at this year’s Oktoberfest!
The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship presented by Samuel Adams
ArtsQuest is partnering with the US Steinholding Association to host the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championships once again presented by Samuel Adams! The State Championship Qualifier Competition will take place on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Oktoberfest Arena and you can register here! It is free to participate and the participants with the best time will advance to the championship on Oct. 14.
Oktoberfest Fashion Contest
On Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Oktoberfest Arena, our take on a traditional beauty contest has contestants showing off their Oktoberfest-inspired fashion sense all while answering questions from the hosts and showcase of a special talent! Two awards will be given: the President of Pizazz and the Chancellor of Charisma and both will be awarded $100. Interested in competing? This fashion contest is free, and you can sign up here! You must be 18+ to sign up.
The Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney presented by Yuengling
On Oct. 6, The Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tournament presented by Yuengling will kick off at 7 p.m. Grab a partner and play a fan-favorite party game! There will be 55-gallon cups, two dodgeballs and a $100 check for the pair that wins the tournament along with a Yuengling hat and cooler. Registration is $8 for ArtsQuest Members and $10 for the general public. You can register here or day of the event! Make sure you register at least 15 minutes before the event starts and only one person from your duo needs to register!
To view additional events, visit the SteelStacks website!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
A Taste of Austria
ArtsQuest has partnered with Levy Restaurants and Easton-based Imported Enrichment to put together a delightful culinary experience around liquor and wine imported directly from Austria! On Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center, you will be able to enjoy this four-course cuisine and drinks. This event is 21+. Tickets are $79 and are available here!
Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild
In its seventh year, Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild will be on Oct. 14 in the Musikfest Café, featuring two sessions. This event offers over 30 brews all from award-winning craft breweries. From German-style marzens to autumn-inspired pumpkin ales, you can purchase your tickets here!
Oktoberfest PierogiPalooza
Fan favorite, PierogiPalooza is back for its third year on Oct. 7 and 14! Featuring savory and sweet perogies. Tickets are available for purchase now and are $24 and $29 the day of PierogiPalooza. With the purchase of the passport, you can taste pierogis and travel around the SteelStacks to eat! You can purchase tickets here!
The Oktoberfest Riesling Tasting
A brand-new addition to Oktoberfest is a Riesling Tasting on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room. Join ArtsQuest, Levy Restaurants and Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain as we celebrate Germany’s leading grape variety! There will be four different Rieslings from various German wine-growing regions, and they have been paired with some light bites that also pay homage to the home of Oktoberfest. This event is 21+ and tickets to the event are $45. You can purchase tickets and learn more about the Riesling Tasting here!
ENTERTAINMENT
What’s Oktoberfest without great live music and entertainment for all to enjoy! Live music will be playing throughout the festival on both weekends of Oktoberfest. Bands such as Hunkajunk, Polkadelphia, GTV Almrausch Schuhplatters and more will be performing during Oktoberfest. These live performances will be happening on five stages including Hofbräu Biergarten, Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten, Brewmaster’s Biergarten, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network and more. To view the full musical lineup, you can visit SteelStacks.org.
Come to Oktoberfest and get a taste of Germany this fall here at the SteelStacks!
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.
