Oktoberfest Pittsburgh: Honoring the authentic German recipe for a good time Oct. 3 - Oct. 13, 2024
Prost! Pittsburgh is officially joining the global Oktoberfest celebrations with Oktoberfest Pittsburgh, a free signature event organized by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions. Taking place in Market Square from October 3 to October 13, this festive, family-friendly event will deliver an immersive experience that celebrates both cultural heritage and local pride in Downtown Pittsburgh.
“We want this to be a celebration of community and cultural fusion that emphasizes Pittsburgh's unique character and Oktoberfest's traditional roots,” said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Mixing our own Pittsburgh pride with some Bavarian heritage will create a fun, unique experience that we hope becomes a highly anticipated annual tradition.”
Market Square – the heart of the city – will be transformed with booths, banners and traditional Oktoberfest decorations. A beer tent styled after Munich's famous beer halls will anchor the event, providing ample seating for guests to enjoy a wide selection of craft brews from local and German breweries, as well as traditional German food favorites like bratwurst, pretzels and strudel. Primanti Bros. and the Original Oyster House are on tap to provide classic Bavarian food. Live music will offer energetic performances by Bavarian-style bands, with accordion melodies and lively polka tunes.
“Pittsburgh has a distinctive cultural heritage that includes deep German roots,” said Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive. “Having a formal celebration recognized by the city and the county will allow us to offer an unforgettable experience that honors tradition, community and the vibrant cultural tapestry that makes this city what it is.”
Pittsburgh dignitaries, PDP leaders and partners backstage at the launch of Oktoberfest Pittsburgh (Left to Right: Shannon Baker, Gatesman; Lucas Piatt, UFC Gym & Piatt Companies; Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive; Jeremy Waldrup, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership; Matt Galluzzo, Riverlife; and Jen Owen, Flyspace Productions)
A Karneval will find its home on the Roberto Clemente Bridge and will deliver a wide range of games and activities. Innamorato announced that a Ferris wheel will anchor the Karneval at the crest of the bridge, providing scenic views of the Allegheny, Point and Downtown. The Ferris wheel is co-produced with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Riverlife, a local nonprofit that conserves Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, and Flyspace Productions. Tickets for the Ferris wheel will cost $5 and will be available to purchase early next week.
From brezel werfen (pretzel toss) and hammerschlagen (hammer striking), the Karneval element of Oktoberfest Pittsburgh will ensure the experience is suitable for attendees of all ages. UFC Gym is sponsoring Oktoberfest Pittsburgh’s “Feats of Strength” competition, which will include events like stein holding, keg races and other team or individual events.
PDP sponsors and local dignitaries participate in a Masskrugstemmen (stein holding competition during the Oktoberfest Pittsburgh announcement)
Between Oct. 3-13, the Market Square Biergarten will be open daily at specific times:
- Weekdays: Noon to 8 p.m.
- Weekends: Noon to 10 p.m.
The Sixth Street Karneval will also be open daily from noon to 10 p.m., and open until midnight on Sunday, June 6, after the Pittsburgh Steelers game.
For email updates, activity tickets and event details, visit www.oktpgh.com.
Additional sponsors include: The City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Lottery, Edgar Snyder & Associates, Gatesman, Henderson Brothers, AE Works, Veterans Breakfast Club, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Company, German American Chamber of Commerce (Pittsburgh) and Teutonia Männerchor.
