Oktober-festivities
What’s an Oktoberfest without some fest? Technically, it’s just Oktober… but we wanted to make sure it’s way more than that, so we’ve designed some delightful activities, scratch that — make it Oktober-festivities — for you and yours to partake in. Fun!
Daily Happenings at Oktoberfest
Free Games
Spielplatz & Biergartens
Our Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without a smattering of whimsical games that you probably wouldn’t play anywhere but at an Oktoberfest! Check your inhibitions at the door and celebrate the harvest with our crazy fun games and challenges! Games are FREE to play.
- Steinholding – Held for the first 30 minutes of every hour throughout the festival, you can test your strength by seeing how long you can hold a full stein of beer in front of you!
If you think you’ve got what it takes to participate in the The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship, presented in partnership with the US Steinholding Association, then you should register for our Qualifier Competition by filling out the form here. The Qualifier Competition will be held on Oct. 4 at 6pm and the Championships are Oct. 11 at 6 pm; our champions will win $500 each!
Artists Market
Künstler Markt
Künstler Markt features different vendors showcasing German-themed merchandise, as well as more eclectic offerings from around the country.
Glassblowing Demonstrations & Hot Glass Experiences
Visit the talented artists of the ArtsQuest Glass Studio as they demonstrate how to transform molten glass into amazing art. Beautiful, hand-blown glass pumpkins, seasonal decorative glass items and other works of art are also available for purchase. Try your hand at making your own solid glass pumpkin ($80 each). Pre-registration is suggested; visit artsquest.org to reserve your spot.
Oktoberfest Hot Glass Experience
Fridays | 5-9 p.m.
Saturdays | 12-8 p.m.
Sundays | 12-4 p.m.
The ArtsQuest Glass Studio is excited to present a new Hot Glass Experience at Oktoberfest 2025… The Sleeping Cat! The classic solid pumpkin will also be available.
At Oktoberfest 2025, The ArtsQuest Glass Studio offers Hot Glass Experiences, located next to the Visitor Center at SteelStacks. Work one on one with an ArtsQuest hot glass instructor to create your own piece of art from molten glass. One ticket available per time slot. Ages 6 and up, no experience necessary.
Pieces need 48 hours to cool. Participants will have to return to the festival to pick up their work or pay an extra charge for shipping.
Friday, October 3
The Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney
Presented by Yuengling
Friday, October 3 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Games are FREE to watch but registration is required to play.
Oktoberfest Arena
Only one person from your duo needs to register
Grab a buddy and come play the blown-up version of your favorite party game! We’ll have 55 gallon “cups”, two dodgeballs and two (2) $100 ArtsQuest gift cards for the duo that wins the tournament!
Oktoberfest Karaoke
Fri, Oct. 3 & Oct. 10 | 9-11 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena at PNC Plaza
Don’t miss the karaoke fun at the Oktoberfest Arena. You can sing your heart out on Friday, October 3 and Friday, October 10 at 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Music
Hofbräu Biergarten
6:30-8 p.m. | Zaire
8:30 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten
5-6:30 p.m. | All The Kings Men: A Jolly Joe Timmer Tribute
8-10 p.m. | Rock Steady
Spaten Biergarten
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Honey & Nutz
7 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
8-9:30 p.m. | Tavern Tan
Yuengling Biergarten
6:30-8 p.m. | Fritz’s Polka Band
Saturday, October 4
Oktoberfest Pup Parade
Saturday, October 4 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 12:15 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 5:00 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
Pups of all kinds are invited to don their favorite costume or simply trot as they are for the chance to be elected President or Chancellor of the Oktoberfest Pup Parade! There will be prizes and there will be adorableness. The parade is free to participate, and no pre-registration is required. You can sign up your dog on the day of the parade beginning at 12pm at the Oktoberfest Arena.
*Sunday, October 12 will start at 5 p.m. with check in beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races
Saturday, October 4 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
On your bark! Get set! Register! The annual running of the wiener dogs is back at Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Join in the festivities at the Oktoberfest Arena by registering your fast, four-legged friends in the unforgettable Wiener Dog Races! Race registration fee is $15 per dachshund
Purebreds, Dachshund mixes and wiener dogs at heart under 25 lbs. are welcome.
Saturday, October 4
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 5
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Saturday, October 11
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 12
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Yuengling Beer Dinner
Saturday, October 4 | 5:00 p.m.
Fowler Blast Furnace Room
This is an 21+ event.
Buy TicketsArtsQuest, Levy Restaurants and D. G. Yuengling & Son have partnered to put together another delicious beer dinner! We have four courses paired with 6oz pours of four different Yuengling beers. A Yuengling brewer will be talking about the brewing process and each beer as we go through the dinner. And, each patron will get a special Yuengling pint glass to take home!
The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship Qualifier Competition
Presented by Samuel Adams
Qualifier: Oct. 4, 6 p.m.
Finals: Oct. 11, 6 p.m.
ArtsQuest is partnering with the US Steinholding Association to once again host the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championships!
Our winners in the men’s and women’s competitions will win $500 each, along with an official stein and the glory of being able to say they’re Pennsylvania’s best.
How do you get to the finals? There are two ways:
- Participate in our State Championship Qualifier Competition on October 4 at 6 p.m. in the Oktoberfest Arena. The participants with the top times will move on to the finals!
You must register in advance to participate in the Qualifier Competition. To do so, please fill out the form here. - The US Steinholding Assocation has partnered with breweries, bars, and festivals across the commonwealth to host qualifier competitions. The list of venues doing so is here.
While we’ll have a lot of fun, steinholding is serious business with a set of rules we’d recommend you brush up on before participating. Prost!
You must be 21+ to compete.
DRAGTOBERFEST
Saturday, October 4 & 11 | 8:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
This is an 18+ event.
Former Miss Gay Pennsylvania Elektra Fearce St. James – who recently became the first drag queen to perform at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion – is back to direct one of our most enduring Oktoberfest traditions: Dragtoberfest! She’ll have a cast full of the region’s most talented queens ready to serve you with jaw-dropping performances on the Oktoberfest Arena stage.
This free show fills up quickly, so come early to grab your spot!
Music
Hofbräu Biergarten
12-1:30 p.m. | Littlebird Duo
2:30-4 p.m. | Kendal Conrad
4:30-5:30 p.m. | ABE Idol: Adeline Csontos
7-8 p.m. | Dylan Zangwill Band
9-10 p.m. | The Wonton Soups
Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten
12 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
1 p.m. | G.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler Schuhplattlers
2-3 p.m. | Jason Ager Duo
6-7 p.m. | Polkadelphia
8-9:30 p.m. | Cunningham & Associates
Spaten Biergarten
1:30 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
2-3 p.m. | Pentley Holmes
3:30 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
4:30 p.m. | G.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler Schuhplattlers
6-7 p.m. | Chasing Stars
8-9 p.m. | Civilian
Yuengling Biergarten
12-1:30 p.m. | Joe Kroboth Quartet
2 p.m. | G.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler Schuhplattlers
3-4 p.m. | Polkadelphia
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polkadelphia
7-8 p.m. | Hannah Noel Band
Sunday, October 5
Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K
Sunday, October 5 | 10:30 a.m.
The Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K is back and better than ever! The 5K Run/Walk event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and will start and end at First Street and Founders Way in front of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
Oktoberfest Pup Parade
Saturday, October 4 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 12:15 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 5:00 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
Beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the Oktoberfest Arena at the PNC Plaza each Saturday and Sunday, pups donning their favorite costume or simply trotting as they are could be elected President or Chancellor of the parade! There will be prizes and there will be adorableness. The parade is free to participate, and no pre-registration is required. You can sign up your dog on the day of the parade beginning at 12pm at the Oktoberfest Arena. All dogs welcome.
*Sunday, October 12 will start at 5:00pm with check in beginning at 4:30 pm.
THE OKTOBERFEST WIENER DOG RACES
Saturday, October 4 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
On your bark! Get set! Register! The annual running of the wiener dogs is back at Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Join in the festivities at the Oktoberfest Arena by registering your fast, four-legged friends in the unforgettable Wiener Dog Races! Race registration fee is $15 per dachshund
Purebreds, Dachshund mixes and wiener dogs at heart under 25 lbs. are welcome.
Saturday, October 4
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 5
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Saturday, October 11
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 12
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Oktoberfest Pretzel Toss
Sunday, October 5
Price: Free
Oktoberfest Arena
Join us for the first ever SteelStacks Oktoberfest Pretzel Toss! Partners will take turns tossing soft pretzels to one another, increasing their distance from one another with each throw. We will be conducting this competition in heats, so teams who win the first round will compete again in the final round.
Registration is free and will take place in person at the Oktoberfest Arena beginning at 4:30 p.m. Spots are limited. First come, first served.
Music
Hofbräu Biergarten
12-1:30 | Coby Siegel Trio
1:30 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
3-4 p.m. | aGirl & aGuy Band
Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten
12 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
2-3 p.m. | Ceviche Duo
3 p.m. | G.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler Schuhplattlers
4 p.m. | G.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler Schuhplattlers
4:30-6 p.m. | Sam Houseal Band
Spaten Biergarten
12:30 p.m. | G.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler Schuhplattlers
2-3 p.m. | Joe Miralles Quartet
4 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
4:30-6 p.m. | The ColourSound
Yuengling Biergarten
10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | 5K: Schützengiggles Oompah Band
12-1:30 p.m. | Schützengiggles Oompah Band
2:30-4 p.m. | Steel Hemlock
Friday, October 10
Fliplehem: Oktoberfest Flip Cup Tournament
Friday, October 10
Games are FREE to watch but registration is required to play.
Oktoberfest Arena
Join us for the first ever Oktoberfest Flip Cup Tournament! Teams of four will compete in a bracket style tournament to determine a winner. This game will be played with water instead of beer.
Only one person needs to register your team. Teams will be of 4 players.
House rules and more information will be sent in the week of the event.
Participants must be 21+
Tickets: $11 per team
Prize: a $50 ArtsQuest gift card for each team member of the winning team
Oktoberfest Karaoke
Fri, Oct. 3 & Oct. 10 | 9-11 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena at PNC Plaza
Don’t miss the karaoke fun at the Oktoberfest Arena. You can sing your heart out on Friday, October 3 and Friday, October 10 at 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Music
Hofbräu Biergarten
6:30-8 p.m. | Hydraulic Lime
8:30 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten
5-6:30 p.m. | Steelworkers Polka Band
8-10 p.m. | Stefanie Johnson Band
Spaten Biergarten
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Regina Sayles
7 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
8-9:30 p.m. | RadioOne
Yuengling Biergarten
6:30-8 p.m. | The Castaway Band
Saturday, October 11
Oktoberfest Pup Parade
Saturday, October 4 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 12:15 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 5:00 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
Beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the Oktoberfest Arena at the PNC Plaza each Saturday and Sunday, pups donning their favorite costume or simply trotting as they are could be elected President or Chancellor of the parade! There will be prizes and there will be adorableness. The parade is free to participate, and no pre-registration is required. You can sign up your dog on the day of the parade beginning at 12pm at the Oktoberfest Arena. All dogs welcome.
*Sunday, October 12 will start at 5:00pm with check in beginning at 4:30 pm.
THE OKTOBERFEST WIENER DOG RACES
Saturday, October 4 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
On your bark! Get set! Register! The annual running of the wiener dogs is back at Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Join in the festivities at the Oktoberfest Arena by registering your fast, four-legged friends in the unforgettable Wiener Dog Races! Race registration fee is $15 per dachshund
Purebreds, Dachshund mixes and wiener dogs at heart under 25 lbs. are welcome.
Saturday, October 4
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 5
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Saturday, October 11
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 12
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Brewers’ Village (Ages 21+)
Presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild
Musikfest Cafe
Saturday, October 12 | 2 & 5 p.m.
From German-style marzens to autumn-inspired pumpkin ales, the hand-crafted beers of Pennsylvania’s award-winning craft breweries take center stage as the Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by the Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild returns for its eighth year.
Guests will enjoy a variety of Oktoberfests, limited-edition, and seasonal offerings. All attendees receive a commemorative sampling mug and have the opportunity to meet the breweries’ staff and brewers, as well as enjoy the delicious food, fun and games of Oktoberfest, now in its 15th year.
VIP ticketholders will enjoy exclusive access to the event from 1-2PM, but are welcome to stay for all of Session 1. They will also receive a voucher for a complimentary savory snack, and an exclusive VIP beer fridge sticker to take home!
Confirmed participants include members of the Lehigh Valley Brewer’s Guild, the Lehigh Valley Homebrewers, Yuengling, Samuel Adams and many more to be announced. (All participants must be 21 and older).
The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship
Presented by Samuel Adams
Qualifier: Oct. 4, 6 p.m.
Finals: Oct. 11, 6 p.m.
ArtsQuest is partnering with the US Steinholding Association to once again host the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championships!
Our winners in the men’s and women’s competitions will win $500 each, along with an official stein and the glory of being able to say they’re Pennsylvania’s best.
How do you get to the finals? There are two ways:
- Participate in our State Championship Qualifier Competition on October 4 at 6 p.m. in the Oktoberfest Arena. The participants with the top times will move on to the finals!
You must register in advance to participate in the Qualifier Competition. To do so, please fill out the form here. - The US Steinholding Assocation has partnered with breweries, bars, and festivals across the commonwealth to host qualifier competitions. The list of venues doing so is here.
While we’ll have a lot of fun, steinholding is serious business with a set of rules we’d recommend you brush up on before participating. Prost!
DRAGTOBERFEST
Saturday, October 4 & 11 | 8:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
This is an 18+ event.
Former Miss Gay Pennsylvania Elektra Fearce St. James – who recently became the first drag queen to perform at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion – is back to direct one of our most enduring Oktoberfest traditions: Dragtoberfest! She’ll have a cast full of the region’s most talented queens ready to serve you with jaw-dropping performances on the Oktoberfest Arena stage.
This free show fills up quickly, so come early to grab your spot!
Music
Hofbräu Biergarten
12-1:30 p.m. | Brian Davies
2 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
3-4 p.m. | Polkadelphia
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Melody Cruz
7-8 p.m. | Littlebird and the Bad Eggs
9-10 p.m. | Starting Tomorrow
Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten
12 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
1:30-3 p.m. | Stacy Gabel Band
3 p.m. | Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers
4:30 p.m. | Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers
5:30 p.m. | Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers
6-7 p.m. | Polkadelphia
8-9 p.m. | John Bloys & The Boogie Stew
Spaten Biergarten
1 p.m. | Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers
2-3 p.m. | Ted Donatelli
3:30 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
6-7 p.m. | Twisted Times
8-9 p.m. | Mosey Beat
Yuengling Biergarten
12-1:30 p.m. | Wood ‘N’ Strings
3-4 p.m. | Pepperwine
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polkadelphia
7-8 p.m. | Acoustic Kitty Project
Sunday, October 12
The Karl Ehmer Bratwurst Eating Competition
Sunday, October 12
Oktoberfest Arena
The Karl Ehmer Bratwurst Eating Competition makes its return to Oktoberfest in 2025!
You could win $250 if you’re the first person to eat 10 Karl Ehmer brats. The rules are simple:
- each contestant will have 10 Karl Ehmer brats (no buns) in front of them
- the first contestant to finish all 10 – and keep them down for two minutes after finishing – wins!
All contestants must be 18 or older on the day of the competition.
Registrations are $10 and can be completed here.
Oktoberfest Pup Parade
Saturday, October 4 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 12:15 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 5:00 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
Beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the Oktoberfest Arena at the PNC Plaza each Saturday and Sunday, pups donning their favorite costume or simply trotting as they are could be elected President or Chancellor of the parade! There will be prizes and there will be adorableness. The parade is free to participate, and no pre-registration is required. You can sign up your dog on the day of the parade beginning at 12pm at the Oktoberfest Arena. All dogs welcome.
*Sunday, October 12 will start at 5:00pm with check in beginning at 4:30 pm.
THE OKTOBERFEST WIENER DOG RACES
Saturday, October 4 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 1:30, 3, and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 | 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Oktoberfest Arena
On your bark! Get set! Register! The annual running of the wiener dogs is back at Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Join in the festivities at the Oktoberfest Arena by registering your fast, four-legged friends in the unforgettable Wiener Dog Races! Race registration fee is $15 per dachshund
Purebreds, Dachshund mixes and wiener dogs at heart under 25 lbs. are welcome.
Saturday, October 4
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 5
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Saturday, October 11
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m. . 4:30 p.m.Sunday, October 12
1:30 p.m. . 3:00 p.m.Music
Hofbräu Biergarten
12-1:30 p.m. | John Stevens’ Doubleshot
3 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
3:30-5 p.m. | The Three Lelicas
Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten
12 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
1 p.m. | GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers
1:30-3 p.m. | Dina Hall Band
3:30 p.m. | Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers
4:30-6 p.m. | Melody Cruz & The Keystones
Spaten Biergarten
12:30 p.m. | Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers
2-3:30 p.m. | Bavarian Kings
4:30-6 p.m. | Bavarian Kings
Yuengling Biergarten
12-1:30 p.m. | Daytime Disco
2 p.m. | Almrausch Altoona Schuplattlers
3-4:30 p.m. | Van Gordon
