International
Oktoberfest In Lehigh Valley
German Food, Live Music, and Family Fun
Oct 4-6 & 11-13, 2024
PNC Plaza (645 E. First Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015)
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The oom-pahs and bratwurst are back! Now in its 14th year, Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport, will be held October 4-6 & 11-13, 2024 at SteelStacks. Bethlehem Oktoberfest 2024 features authentic German food and beer, live music, local artisans, as well as attractions like the popular (and very silly) dachshund parade, Dragtoberfest, a steinholding competition, and activities for kids. Gather at the Oktoberfest Arena at PNC Plaza and at four Biergartens featuring unique themes and entertainment.
Eats & Drinks
Sample beer at Biergartens across the festival featuring seasonal beers from Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head, Yuengling Biergarten. Try everything from your favorite Yuengling Lager and Dogfish Head.
Enjoy a variety of food like traditional German brats at Karl Ehmer with some Heidi's Strudel, or more contemporary creations from Foodstuff, Heaven on a Bun, and Palette & Pour.
Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Experience the Oktoberfest Brewers’ Village presented by The Lehigh Valley Brewers Guild. The Village features hand-crafted beers from award-winning craft breweries. Choose from a diverse array of seasonal offerings. Tickets required.
Wiener Dog Parade & Races
Saturdays & Sundays in the Oktoberfest Arena in PNC Plaza
Everyone loves the dachshunds at Oktoberfest. These loveable wiener dogs will strut their stuff in a parade, as well as run their behinds off in the highly anticipated Wiener dog races! So, dress up your short four-legged friend for the day's parade. And pre-register your pup for the races in the Oktoberfest Arena.
Weiner Dog Parades:
- Saturday, October 5 at 12:15 p.m.
- Sunday, October 6 at 12:15 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12 at 12:15 p.m.
- Sunday, October 13 at 12:15 p.m.
Weiner Dog Races:
- Saturday, October 5 at 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 6 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12 at 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 13 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The Pennsylvania State Stein Holding Championship
Qualifier: Saturday, October 5 at 6 p.m.
Finals: Saturday, October 12 at 6 p.m.
For the fourth year, ArtsQuest Oktoberfest is hosting the PA State Steinholding Championship Finals on Saturday October 12th. The winners will get $500 cash and be crowned the 2024 PA Steinholding State Champions.
Entertainment
Live music and entertainment will take place on multiple venues throughout the festival. Everyone’s favorite Schuhplattler groups will return with their authentic German dance traditions. New to the festival, Allentown-based Matt Ossiander will bring his Cyr Wheel, a large wheel built for eye-popping acrobatic feats.
Dragtoberfest
Saturday, October 5 and Saturday October 12, 2024
Directed by Elektra Fearce St. James, Dragtoberfest presented by Jack Daniels returns for its sixth year Saturday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 12. This show features the best queens from around the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia areas ready to electrify the festival audience.
Music (including Polka!)
Every day
Oktoberfest and Musikfest fan favorites like Polkadelphia, Fritz’s Polka Band, and John Stevens Polka Band will play at PNC Plaza. Check out performances by more local acts, The Wonton Soups, Pentley Holmes, and DJ Jamal Knight. The stage at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks will include performances by The Johnny Folsom 4- Ultimate Tribute to Johnny Cash, KC Makes Music & Serg, The Beautiful Distortion and Igor & The Red Elvises. View the full music schedule.