Prost to Pittsburgh: 10 Oktoberfest Events Coming Up in 2023
As the leaves are starting to change colors and the air is becoming more crisp, a certain conclusion can be made — Oktoberfest is back.
With Germans being the largest ethnic group in Pittsburgh, Oktoberfest is not to be taken lightly. This year the Steel City has a multitude of activities and events to take part of for the whole fall season. From traditional food, beer, and buffets to baseball games and fall fests, Pittsburgh has it all. Here are ten honorable mentions for those who love a good time (with some good beer):
1.) Hofbrauhaus
September 22–23 and September 29–30
Hofbrauhaus is located in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Their Oktoberfest celebration is the biggest event for this establishment, causing great anticipation for their customers each year. During these weekends, there is live music, activities for the whole family, and a vast variety of drafts all emanating the Oktoberfest spirit. There is also a special Oktoberfest menu. Since it is still beautiful outside, Hofbrauhaus is the perfect restaurant to visit, since they have a huge outdoor patio overlooking the river and city.
2.) Pittsburgh Oktoberfest 2023
Saturday, September 30
The annual Oktoberfest bar crawl is arriving soon! This year, the event will start at Double Wide Grill in Southside. The event will go on for 6 hours and the tickets are only $9.99 each! For each establishment featured, there will be special Oktoberfest menus with local and imported beer, along with some traditional German cuisine, such as pretzels, sausages, schnitzels, and much more. The event starts at 4pm and each participant must be 21 years or older. Be ready to dance! You can purchase your tickets here.
3.) Penn Brewery
September 22–23
Located at the Troy Hill brewery, Penn Brewery’s Oktoberfest is a must. Will a plethora of German-style beers, a food tent with a variety of German dishes, and Bavarian music, what’s not to like? The event will be inside and outside. Children are welcome until 8pm.
4.) Fall Festival 2023
Saturday, October 7th (1:00 pm — 9:30 pm)
The Fall Festival is a one-day event that supports the Heidelberg VFD. There will be live music by Timothy Earl Band Mansfield 5 and SNPJ Button Box Club. There will also be carnival games, axe throwing, and food and drinks from local vendors. This is a great nonprofit event to attend that is great for all ages.
5.) Golden Age Beer
Friday, September 15 — Sunday, October 1
This brewery is tapping specialty beers curated specifically for Oktoberfest. At 4pm there will be ceremony in which the brewmasters hammer in faucets to the barrels of beer. There will be a limited-time Oktoberfest menu along with live music and entertainment. There will also be Oktoberfest glassware available for purchase, for those fans that want festivities to be year-round. Check out their website for more information!
6.) Eleventh Hour Brewing
September 22 — October 7 (Weekends)
Located in Lawrenceville, Eleventh Hour Brewing will be celebrating Oktoberfest with German food from Blue Sparrow, pretzels from Driftwood Oven, and their Oktoberfest beer, Festbier. They will also have a stein-holding competition and some Oktoberfest trivia. Make sure to stop by Lawrenceville and check out this secret German Village!
7.) Southern Tier Brewing Co.
September 29–30
Located in the North Shore, Southern Tier is a great destination for Oktoberfest. This brewery will be tapping their PGH Brew’d Oktoberfest brew and will have holiday-specific games (stein-holding being one of them). Put this on your schedule if you’re seeing a game that weekend!
8.) Necromancer Oktoberfest
September 29, September 30, and October 1
This is Necromancer’s first Oktoberfest! Tickets are $15 and include a free beer with a limited-edition stein to take with you as a souvenir. There will be a bar, food, and live music. Get your tickets before they’re gone!
9.) Oktoberfest Buffet
Thursday, September 21
This annual North Hills GOP Oktoberfest fundraiser will be happening at Teutonia Mannerchor from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. There is a German buffet and cash bar, along with contests and raffles. Tickets are $50 per person or $95 per couple. This event is a change of pace from the others on this list; this is a more upscale option for the Oktoberfest lovers!
10.) Oktoberfest with Pittsburgh’s Syria Shriners
Saturday, September 23
Founded in 1877, Syria Shriners is a fraternal organization that provides quality programs and services for its members. This group (the Barons) hosts various events to raise money for their philanthropy, the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Tickets for their Oktoberbest include live entertainment, an Oktoberfest dinner, and three Oktoberfest biers or other adult beverages (all for the price of $35 or $27 if you are not drinking). Some of the food items include: roast chicken, roast pork, bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato pancakes or German potato salad, Bavarian green beans, apple strudel, and plenty of pretzels to go around. Purchase your tickets today!
These ten events are just a taste of what Pittsburgh has to offer this fall season. Whether you are a local, a tourist, an adult, or a child, Pittsburgh’s miscellaneous Oktoberfest events has something for everyone. Go out and take part in the festivities. As one may say this Oktoberfest, “prost!”
