- Oktoberfest returns to SteelStacks on Friday, Oct.6
- The fall festival will feature a German-inspired fashion contest, steinholding competition, dog race, drag show and live polka music
- Admission is free, but some events are ticketed
BETHLEHEM, Pa. —Say "Prost!" to two weekends of German-inspired fun at SteelStacks.
ArtsQuest's Oktoberfest returns on Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8 and on Friday, Oct. 13 to Sunday, Oct. 15.
The event features music and eats, a dog racing contest, fashion show, a 5K run, Brewer's Village and a PierogiPalooza.
The fall celebration, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley International Airport, is now in its 13th year.
"There's something for everyone to come out and be a part of," said ArtsQuest's President and CEO Kassie Hilgert. "Oktoberfest is a wonderful way to enjoy German heritage with a twist here in the Lehigh Valley."
Here's what's on tap in 2023.
Strut your stuff
Come dressed to impress.
Organizers will host an inaugural fashion show/contest at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6.
Contestants can show off their Oktoberfest-themed outfits (think dirndl dresses and lederhosen overalls) while answering questions from the judges.
Two awards will be given at $100 each. It's free to sign up, by clicking here.
Puppy love
The annual running of the wiener dogs returns on both weekends.
All Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes (25 pounds and under) may register ($15 per dog) for the four-legged race.
While cheering for the pups, stick around for the wiener dog parade when doggies will be donning Oktoberfest and other colorful costumes.
For a schedule and more info, click here.
Arms of steel
Test your arm strength in the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship, presented by Samuel Adams.
The event begins with the qualifier on 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, and will conclude on Saturday, Oct. 14.
Contestants must register in advance to participate in the qualifier competition. To register, fill out the form here.
The Steinholding grand prize champion will receive $500.
Brewer's Village
Beer connoisseurs won't want to miss the Brewer's Village on Saturday, Oct. 14 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.
For a list of breweries and info, click here.
Fine food and wine
For wine lovers, their will be a Riesling tasting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 6.
Jay Nee of Juniper and Grain will celebrate Germany's leading wine variety with four different tastings (light bites will be provided).
Tickets cost $45.
ArtsQuest has also teamed up with Easton-based Imported Enrichment for a culinary dinner centered around wine and liquor imported from Austria.
The dinner will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.
Tickets are $79 per person.
For info, click here.
Polka, kong pong, drag show
There's plenty of new entertainment lined up this year.
Directed by Elektra Fearce St .James, Dragtoberfest returns on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 14.
This show will feature the best "queens" from around the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia areas.
To learn more,click here.
Enter in the Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney that kicks off 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6.
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.
For some traditional tunes, polka favorites Polkadelphia, Fritz’s Polka Band, and John Stevens Polka Band will play at PNC Plaza on both weekends.
Additionally, local bands the Wonton Soups, Pentley Holmes, and DJ Jamal Knight will perform at the Plaza.
Over at Levitt Pavilion, there will be live music by The Johnny Folsom 4's Ultimate Tribute to Johnny Cash, KC Makes Music and Serg, The Beautiful Distortion and Igor and The Red Elvises.
For the complete lineup, click here.
Jerk chicken, pumpkin pierogi
At the Pierogipalooza, try six different dumplings stuffed with unique ingredients such as jerk chicken, broccoli cheddar, pumpkin cream cheese with cinnamon, and the Cubano (roasted pork and potato).
The Pierogipalooza will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 and 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14.
Tickets cost $24 in advance or $27 day of the event.
5K walk or run
Burn off those beer calories at the Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K that begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8.
The race begins at SteelStacks, 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.
