Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, September 8, 2026 – ArtsQuest today announced Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) returns to SteelStacks for its 16th year, bringing two weekends of German-inspired food, brews, live music, family-friendly fun, and some of the festival’s most beloved—and unconventional—competitions.
The seasonal event kicks off on Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, and returns on Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11. From the official Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championships and fan-favorite wiener dog races to bratwurst eating and a brand new bourbon tasting experience, Oktoberfest offers plenty of opportunities to get in on the action.
“Oktoberfest remains a must-see event at SteelStacks, bringing our communities together to celebrate the traditions, flavors, and entertainment that make it such a special part of fall in the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). “ABE is extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with ArtsQuest. Now entering its 16th year, Oktoberfest is just one-example of ArtsQuest’s hard work and commitment to showcasing the people, culture, and experiences that make the Lehigh Valley an amazing place.”
ACTIVITIES:
Oktoberfest Bourbon Tasting with Matthew Peters
New this year, ArtsQuest is partnering with certified Bourbon Steward Matthew Peters and Levy Restaurants for an elevated bourbon tasting featuring eight uncommon and unique bourbons, with a focus on cask-strength selections, paired with delicious bites from Levy Restaurants Executive Chef Julie Marble. The 21+ experience will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fliplehem: Oktoberfest Flip Cup Tournament
Join us for the second annual Oktoberfest Flip Cup Tournament presented by D.G. Yuengling & Son on October 2 and again on October 9! Teams of four will compete in a bracket style tournament to determine a winner. Cups will be filled with water, not beer.
Only one person needs to register on behalf of your team of four. All participants must be 21+.
Winners take home a $50 ArtsQuest Gift Card for each team member!
The Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championships
ArtsQuest is partnering with the US Steinholding Association (USSA) to once again host the official Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championships presented by Samuel Adams on Saturday, October 10 at 6 p.m. This event is 21+. Men and women’s competitions will be held separately, with the champions taking home an official stein, the glory of being able to say they’re Pennsylvania’s best, and a trip to the 2026 Steinholding Nationals provided by the USSA.
The State Championship Qualifier Competition will take place on October 5 at 6 p.m. in the Oktoberfest Arena, and the participants with the top times will move on to the finals. Register for the free competition here.
Karl Ehmer Bratwurst Eating Competition
The Karl Ehmer Bratwurst Eating Competition will be on Sunday, October 11 at 5 p.m. in the Yuengling Tent. Contestants, ages 18 and up, will go head-to-head to see who can be the first to finish 10 Karl Ehmer brats (no buns) and keep them down for two minutes, with the winner taking home a $250 prize. Register here to become the next bratwurst eating champion.
Oktoberfest Hot Glass Experience
Work one on one with a hot glass instructor to create your own piece of art from molten glass – choose between a pumpkin or a sleeping kitty. Ages 6 and up, no experience necessary. Pieces need 48 hours to cool, and participants need to return to the festival to pick up their work or to have it shipped directly, pay a shipping charge.
20-minute time slots are available every day of Oktoberfest starting at 5 p.m. on Fridays and noon Saturdays and Sundays. Please arrive 10 minutes before your time slot. Register here.
The annual race for beer is on! The Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k, in partnership with Run Lehigh Valley, returns for the 12th year on Sunday, October 4 at 10:30 AM. Runners will be welcomed at the finish line with a 22 oz. mug of delicious Yuengling Oktoberfest or root beer Pre-registration is required.
On your bark! Get set! Register! The annual running of the wiener dogs is back at Oktoberfest. Join in the festivities at the Oktoberfest Arena by registering your fast, four-legged friends in the unforgettable Wiener Dog races. Purebreds, Dachshund mixes and wiener dogs at heart under 25 lbs. are welcome. Races are held both weekends, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays with an additional race on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Register your pup here!
The festival will host a parade every Saturday and Sunday. Pups of all kinds are invited to don their favorite costume or simply trot at they vie 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 in, and no pre-registration is required. You can sign your dog up on the day of the parade beginning at 12 p.m. at the Oktoberfest Arena.
SPECIALTY FOOD/BEVERAGE:
ArtsQuest, Levy Restaurants and D.G. Yuengling & Son have partnered to put together another delicious Oktoberfest beer dinner on Saturday, October 3 at 5 p.m. in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room in the ArtsQuest Center! This is a 21+ event. We have four courses paired with 6 oz. 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! Purchase your tickets here!
OKTOBERFEST FOOD VENDORS:
Enjoy a bite from some festival favorites! From German sausages and hand-rolled pretzels to smoked BBQ, sliders and ice cream, there are too many delicious options that you don’t want to miss.
Aw Shucks
Bacon on a Stick
Dinky’s
Karl Ehmer
Heaven on a Bun
MMG Concessions
Grumpy’s BBQ
Island Expressions / Heidi’s Strudel
Humpty’s Dumplings (10/3-10/4 only)
Slide On By (10/10-10/11 only)
Be sure to visit all four of our biergartens where you’ll find Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head, Spaten and Yuengling on tap and more. (Feel free to bring your Musikfest Mug or purchase an official Oktoberfest Mug).
RETAILERS/CRAFTERS:
Remi Threadz
Sunflower Trading Company
Scentsy
Peppers of Key West
Laura’s Raw Honey
Chocolate Moonshine Company
True Honey Teas
Pittston Popcorn Co.
Keystone Farms Cheese
Hillbillys Jerky
Hometown Spark Permanent Jewelry
Celtic Vibe
Whisker Biscuits
LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT:
It wouldn’t be an ArtsQuest event without live music! Between our four biergartens – Hofbräu Biergarten, Samuel Adams/Dogfish Head Biergarten, Spaten Biergarten and Yuengling Biergarten – we’re hosting can’t miss performances from bands Fritz’s Polka Band, Polkadelphia, South Penn Dixie Trio, Zaire, Sam Houseal Band, Bavarian Kings, Schützengiggles Oompah Band and many more. Not to mention the Schuhplattler performances by GTV Almrausch, GTEV D’Lustigen Isartaler and Almrausch Altoona. For a comprehensive lineup, visit Oktoberfest Biergarten Schedule – ArtsQuest
Oktoberfest Karaoke with Notorious S.Y.D
Don’t miss the karaoke fun at Oktoberfest! You can sing your heart out on Friday, October 2 and Friday, October 9 at 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. with the Notorious S.Y.D.!
This 18+ event is hosted by former Miss Gay Pennsylvania Elektra Fearce St. James, 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 both Saturdays, October 3 and October 10, from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This FREE show fills up quickly, so come early to grab your spot!
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.