Oktoberfest is one of fall’s favorite festivals, and not just because of the beer.
The September celebration — which originated in Munich, Germany, to toast the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria — also typically includes traditional German foods, music and other entertainment, with fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to simply sip on a seasonal brew or join in on the folk dancing, here are Oktoberfest celebrations in and around the city in the coming weeks.
Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh’s Oktoberfest kicked off Sept. 7 with a keg tapping at the South Side restaurant, but not to worry: The revelry continues the weekends of Sept. 16-18 and 23-25. There will be live music from throughout, in the Bier Hall and Biergarten, including Steve Grkman, Alpen Glow Trio and more. Festivities start at 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays.
2705 S. Water St., South Side; hofbrauhauspittsburgh.com
How good is the Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest of Canonsburg? Well, this will be the 24th year for the popular fest, which includes entertainment on two stages, a food court with German and other eats, amusement rides and games, craft vendors, fireworks (Friday at 10:40 p.m.) and a wide variety of beers — in other words, something for everyone. Running Sept. 16-18, festivities are 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Beer fans will want to take note of daily happy hours, which offer $3 draft beers, 5-6 p.m. Friday, 4-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-1 p.m. Sunday.
Pike Street, downtown Canonsburg; canonsburgboro.com
Penn Brewery’s Oktoberfest will include numerous bands, performing both inside and out, and a variety of German beers, including the brewery’s own Oktoberfest beer. Head to the tent for a special menu including rotisserie chicken, sausage baguettes, hot pretzels and more. Entry is free, though VIP packages with guaranteed seating are available for purchase ($65-$85). Note that the festival is cash only and will have apparel for sale, as well. It will take place Sept. 16-18 and 23-25, from 5-11:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and noon-9 p.m. Sundays. Adults only after 8 p.m.
800 Vinial St., Troy Hill; pennbrew.com/oktoberfest-2022
Love a moving party? Oktoberfest Bar Crawl LIVE includes stops at Foxtail Nightclub, Local Bar, Dough Bar and others in the South Side. General admission starts at $15, and a “buy 3, get 1 free” deal is also available. The price includes waived door cover charges and discounts on food and drinks. You’ll want to wear your lederhosen: The festivities also include a costume contest. The crawl takes place 3-10 p.m. Sept. 17, with registration, including wristband pickup, from 3-5 p.m
South Side; eventbrite.com
Necromancer Brewing is celebrating Oktoberfest across two days, with festivities running 7-10 p.m. Sept. 23-24. At $38 per person, you’ll get a meal ticket for eats from Love Rocks Cafe and two beers, plus a beer stein, live music and games.
2257 Babcock Blvd., Ross; necromancer.beer
Two events have merged to bring us Beers of the Burgh Rocktoberfest, set for noon-10 p.m. Sept. 17. Bands are still being announced, but the lineup includes NASH.V.ILL, Stone Throwers and The Moat Rats. Beer and ciders will be available for purchase from Golden Age Beer, Mindful Brewing Company, Cinderlands and Arsenal Cider, among others; the same goes for food, with Black Dog Wood Fired Pizza, Veggies n’At and Brisketburgh among your options. Advance tickets are $15; add $5 at the door.
SouthSide Works, South Side; showclix.com
An Oktoberfest Trail all takes place at Nova Destinations in Pulaski, Lawrence County, with vendors including Knockin Noggin’, The Orchard, Brew 32 Craft Brewery and more. The $45 ticket price includes a flight and food pairing from each, and there will be specialty food and drinks available for purchase; a $15 designated driver ticket includes food and a nonalcoholic beverage at each stop. The event runs 3-10 p.m. Sept. 16 and 23, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 17 and 24.
1479 State Route 208, Pulaski; nova.wine
Cobblehaus Brewing taps its Oktoberhaus and Festhaus biers, which can go into the steinholding competition for its Oktoberfest Sept. 16, 17 and 18.
1021 Fifth Ave., Coraopolis; cobblehaus.com
Cinderlands Beer Co. is holding its annual Cinderfest at the Warehouse 4-9 p.m. Oct. 6, featuring German foods (bratwurst, knockwurst and cheesy spaetzle among them), music from the Grkmn Duo, games such as cornhole and giant beer pong, a costume contest, and, at 7 p.m., a stein-hoisting competition. Tickets are $15 and $25.
2601 Smallman St., Strip District; cinderlands.com
Sarah Gallogly: sgallogly@post-gazette.com.
First Published: September 12, 2022, 10:00 a.m.
Updated: September 12, 2022, 4:16 p.m.