BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It's October at SteelStacks, which means the return of the German-themed festival.
Oktoberfest, a two-weekend celebration, will feature four biergartens and new competitions Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4-6 and Friday through Sunday, Oct. 11-13.
This year's event includes a human foosball tournament, a bratwurst-eating contest, a 5K run, dog race, drag show, beirgartens, and a bratwurst toss.
The fall spectacle, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley International Airport, is in its 14th year.
Human foosball, bratwurst eating competition
The human foosball tournament, a new event, will occur from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4.
How it works: Teams of six will compete for a chance to win two $50 ArtsQuest gift cards.
All players will have to keep their hands on a pool noodle that can slide right or left on a rope tied across the Oktoberfest arena. Games will last 10 minutes, and each team will play at least two games.
Registration costs $40 per team.
For something a little more daring, the Karl Ehmer bratwurst-eating competition will take place 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13.
The first person to consume 10 Karl Ehmer sausages (eaters must keep them down for two minutes after their last chew) will win $250. In addition to the cash prize, the winner will also get a $100 gift card from Karl Ehmer.
All contestants must be 18 or older.
Registration costs $10 and can be completed here.
Steinholding championship
Beer holders can test their strength at the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship, presented by Samuel Adams.
The event begins with the qualifier at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.
Each contestant will have to hold a stein containing one liter of beer.
The championship (winner will receive $500) will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14.
To register, click here.
Bratwurst toss, hot glass demos, kong pong
In another range of motion contest, the bratwurst toss will occur at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Take turns tossing synthetic bratwurst with a partner, increasing distance from them with each throw.
Winners of the first round will advance to the final competition for a chance to win two $50 ArtsQuest gift cards.
Enter in the Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney that kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.
There will be 55-gallon cups, two dodgeballs and a $100 prize for the team that wins the tournament.
Registration is $8 for ArtsQuest Members and $10 for non-members.
5K, wiener dog races
The annual running of the weiner dogs returns on both weekends.
All Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes (25 pounds and under) can register ($15 per dog) for the four-legged race.
Following the four-legged contest, there will be a wiener dog parade when pups will sport their Oktoberfest and other colorful costumes.
One lucky dog will be crowned the President or Chancellor of the parade, plus prizes will be awarded.
The parade is free to participate in, and no pre-registration is required.
For a schedule and more info, click here.
Another type of run also returns this year.
The Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K will start at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6.
The race begins at the SteelStacks Campus, 101 Founders Way.
Registration costs $60 and includes free gifts (T-shirt, beer mug, race bibs, and race medals (for the first 1,000 people to register).
For info, click here.
Culinary experiences
Beer devotees won't want to miss the Brewer's Village on Saturday, on Sunday, Oct. 13 at Musikfest Café.
From pumpkin ales to German marzens, there will be more than 30 types of buzzy drinks to sample from regional craft breweries.
Attendees will receive a commemorative sampling mug and have the chance to mingle with breweries' staff.
Tickets start at $30 for ArtsQuest members, $35 for non-members.
Two culinary experiences are also coming back this year.
The Taste of Austria dinner features liquor and wine imported from Austria paired with a four-course meal by Easton-based Imported Enrichment and Levy Restaurants.
The culinary event will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room.
Tickets are $84.
Additionally, ArtsQuest, Levy Restaurants and D.G. Yuengling & Sons have teamed up to hold a four-course dinner paired with four Yuengling beers. Each guest receives a special Yuengling glass.
Dinner costs $69 per person, $129 per couple, and four seats for $249.
New food vendors, local artisans
New food vendors have joined the festivities.
Options include eats from Heaven on a Bun; MMG Concessions; Heidi's Strudel; Island Expressions; the Taste Smokers; Karl Ehmer Quality Meats; Dinky's Snack Shack; Bacon on a Stick and Take a Taco (Sunday, Oct. 12 only).
There will also be four biergartens with beer selections by
Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head, Spaten and Yuengling.
For some retail therapy, local artisans scheduled to appear include Sage Advice Candle; Pittston Popcorn; Peppers of Key West; Keystone Farms Cheese; Holy Smoke!; Chocolate Moonshine Company; True Honey Teas; Ernst Licht Embroidery and Imports; Laura Lippay; Fairy Fox Design and the General Store.
Dragtober, karaoke
Former Miss Gay Pennsylvania Elektra Fearce St. James will host Dragtoberfest at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 and Saturday Oct. 12.
Attendees must be 18 years or older.
Additionally, local singer Royal Rehrig will host two hours of karaoke at the Oktoberfest arena at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 and Friday, Oct. 11.
For some traditional German tunes, local bands
Stefanie Johnson Band, 3 Varks, GTV Almrausch Schuhplattlers, Fritz’s Polka Band, The Wonton Soups, and Stacy Gabel are scheduled to perform in the four biergartens.
For the entertainment lineup, click here.
