BETHLEHEM, Pa. – With wiener dogs, pierogis and lots of beer, ArtsQuest’s Oktoberfest celebration returned this weekend to the SteelStacks campus in south Bethlehem.
The 12th annual event, which continues next weekend, features brews, German food, live music, local vendors and activities such as wiener dog races, a David Hasselhoff competition and a drag performance called Dragtoberfest.
- Oktoberfest is back at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem, featuring German food, crafts, music, biergartens and activities such as wiener dog races, a barrel-rolling competition and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship.
- Admission is free, but some activities require a fee to participate.
- The festivities will continue from 5-10 p.m. Oct. 7, and noon-10 p.m. Oct. 8 and noon-6 p.m. Oct. 9.
Shannon Keith, director of communications for ArtsQuest, said the organization puts on the event because Bethlehem was founded by the Moravians, who are of German heritage.
“It's a way to celebrate and pay homage to that heritage and to also carry on the tradition of [celebrating] the end of season harvest,” Keith said.
Admission is free, but some events require a fee to participate.
Wiener dog competitions
Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs, took center stage at multiple Oktoberfest events.
The free Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Parades featured wiener dogs with and without costumes. On Saturday, 4-month-old Mac won the day. He was crowned the president of the parade, and his owner got free movie passes.
The hotdog-shaped dogs also faced off in a contest to see who could run to their owner the fastest. The winner of Saturday’s race was Ovi, who ran toward his beloved lamb toy while sporting a Batman costume.
The races will continue at noon Oct. 8-9 in the Oktoberfest Arena. Registration is $15 per dachshund; $13 for dachshunds of ArtsQuest members. Check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to race start time and end 10 minutes before race start time.
Pierogipalooza
Pierogipalooza returned, following its sold-out debut in 2021. While many pierogis are filled with mashed potatoes or meat, participants will get to sample some unconventional flavors, including apple pie, stuffed mac and cheese, loaded baked potato, stuffed cabbage and dill pickle.
The event will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 throughout the SteelStacks campus. Passports cost $22 in advance and $29 the day of the event. Passport holders will get a total of six pierogis and can choose any combination of flavors.
Competitions
This year, the Oktoberfest will hold its first annual Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 9. In the Steinholding event, contestants compete to see who can hold a full stein of beer in front of them the longest. The man and woman with the best time at the contest will each win $500.
The Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney will be from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 7. Kong Pong is like beer pong, but with 55-gallon cups and two dodgeballs. Duos will compete for a chance to win a $250 check. Registration is $10 or $8 for ArtsQuest members.
Dragtoberfest
Some of the Lehigh Valley’s top drag queens performed in an Oktoberfest-themed show filled with dancing, ballads and comedy. The show was directed by Elektra Fierce St. James, and featured Golden Girls Drag Shop castmates Sharon Ann Husbands and Georgia Versace Couture. The performance will return at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 8.
For more information about the festivities, visit the SteelStacks Oktoberfest page.
