Cheers to beers, bratwurst and celebrating Bavarian German culture as Oktoberfest celebrations are brewing throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Inspired by Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest beer festival, most Americans are surprised to learn that Oktoberfest kicks off in September, not October, and the 2024 Oktoberfest in Munich runs from Sept. 21 to Oct. 6.
The first Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildurghausen.
The newlyweds were so impressed by the week-long celebration enjoyed by all that they decided to make the same type of festival an annual occurrence.
Oktoberfest was originally celebrated every October, but its start date was pushed back to September to take advantage of milder weather in Germany.
Germans were among the first to settle in Western Pennsylvania and three major periods saw an influx of Germans to the state — 1683, 1709 and 1727, according to The Western Pennsylvania Historical Magazine.
The same magazine noted today, more than 3.5 million Pennsylvanians have German ancestry, the largest population of German-Americans in the U.S., no doubt lending to the popularity of Oktoberfest statewide celebrations.
Mark your calendars for these German-themed gatherings bringing Oktoberfest fun to Western Pa.
Saltsburg Oktoberfest
Noon-9 p.m., Sept. 14
Canal Park, High Street, Saltsburg (suggested GPS is 117 Point St., Saltsburg)
Saltsburg Borough organizers have scheduled a day of German-themed fun along the Kiskiminetas River in Canal Park.
More than seven live music acts are scheduled, including Three Good Reasons, oldies tribute artists Julie and Joe, variety dance band Krazy Kat Daddies and Black Ridge.
There will be beer from Conny Creek Brewing Co. and Noble Stein Brewing Co. and moonshine and brandy from Salem Spirits.
Food options will include bratwurst, pierogies, pulled pork, brisket, wings, fried dough and more.
A free kids area open from 2-6 p.m. will offer free face paining, fall crafts and more.
More than 35 crafting booths will showcase handmade crafters and a beer stein holding contest is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest
Sept. 20-22
East Pike Street, Canonsburg
Upcoming Local Events
Downtown Canonsburg goes big for Oktoberfest every year with German-inspired family-approved entertainment.
This year’s Oktoberfest event celebrates 25 years.
Don your lederhosen and prepare to enjoy carnival rides, games, beer, American and German-themed cuisine and two stages featuring German and contemporary live music.
More than 60,000 visitors attend annually and the event draws folks from cities as far away as Atlanta.
Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery
Sept. 20-22, 27-29 and Oct. 4-6
800 Vinial St., North Side
German brews served outside and indoors allow for festival revelry for the whole family, until 8 p.m. when the event transitions to a 21 and older event.
Seating is first-come, first-served and expect music, food and lots of beer.
After a VIP-only party to kick off Octoberfest on Sept. 19, Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery opens to the public on Sept. 20 offering free admission and parking.
Scheduled family-friendly activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, airbrush face-painting, balloon artistry and various Bavarian bands.
The festivities take place on four floors and 2024 Oktoberfest brews include Penn Pilsner, Penn Gold, Oktoberfest, Penn Dark, Pumpkin Roll Ale, Lem Shandy and Penn Pumpkin Cider.
Downtown Indiana Oktoberfest
Sept. 21
N. 8th St., Indiana
Celebrating its 13th year hosting Oktoberfest, S&T Bank sponsors the festivities that include food tastings, more than 20 local and regional breweries, two food vendors and a DJ to keep the party poppin’ in downtown Indiana.
The celebration is held at the S&T Bank auxiliary parking lot.
VIP tickets are $60 and general admission tickets are $35.
Pittsburgh Brewing Oktoberfest
Sept. 27-28
150 Ferry St., East Deer
Pittsburgh Brewing Company hosts a two-day Oktoberfest event with a line-up of bands, limited-release beers and authentic German food.
The festival will bring the return of Hefeweizen and Herman’s Best Oktoberfest beers.
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This year, the festival will be held on the expansive grassy area along the Allegheny River behind the brewery.
All ages are welcome to the rain-or-shine event.
Adult tickets are $15 each and include admission, a stein, live music and entertainment.
Vandergrift Oktoberfest
11 a.m.-9 p.m, Sept. 28
Grant Ave., Vandergrift
The third annual Vandergrift Oktoberfest is co-sponsored by Allusion Brewing Co. and the Vandergrift Business Association.
Grant Avenue will be closed for the daylong festivities on Sept 28.
New this year are four different German beers on tap from Allusion Brewing and an access-controlled VIP tent.
VIP tickets are $100 each and include access to the private VIP tent, a custom ceramic stein, an event T-shirt, drink tokens for beer and a food voucher for a German sausage platter and free snacks.
Allusion Brewing co-owner Robert Buchanan said the fun surrounding Oktoberfest appeals to all ages and organizers have ramped up food options this year.
“This year we have 10 food trucks,” Buchanan said. “We started this because people asked for it. People want them because it’s nothing more than dancing, food, beer and it’s just fun.”
VOktoberfest-Vegan Oktoberfest
2-6 p.m., Sept. 29
Velum Fermentation, 2120 Jane St., South Side
Skip the sausages and nosh on vegan food and beer by Velum amid live music and a Skeeball competition at this departure from the traditional Oktoberfest celebration.
The event returns after launching last year and admission is free.
Dog and family-friendly, the vegan celebration is hosted by Pittsburgh Vegan Expo & Kimmy Addison.
Authentic German entertainment is provided by Brady Collins.
Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
Oct. 3-13
Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Flyspace Productions and Riverlife will work to transform Market Square into an Oktoberfest destination.
Celebrations will include German foods, authentic beers and live music, but look to the Roberto Clemente Bridge for the star attraction — a 60-foot Ferris wheel, a festival first for Downtown Pittsburgh.
General admission is free, but certain activities will require purchasing tickets.
The 11-day festival will feature a biergarten (beer garden) and scheduled activities include feats of strength competitions and a Kinderplay family area.
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To purchase tickets for the Ferris Wheel ($5 each) online visit oktphg.com.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com