Ein Prosit! Oktoberfest Celebration Opens with Official ‘Keg Tapping’ in Market Square

Pittsburgh (Sept. 30, 2024) – The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions are thrilled to invite the community to the inaugural Oktoberfest Pittsburgh Keg Tapping Celebration, taking place in Market Square on Thursday, October 3, at 12 p.m. This time-honored tradition marks the official start of Oktoberfest Pittsburgh, a multi-day celebration of Bavarian culture in the heart of the Steel City.

Join us at Market Square for the ceremonial keg tapping, where local dignitaries and community leaders will come together to kick off the festivities. The event will feature lively traditional German music, delicious German-style beers and savory cuisine from some of Pittsburgh’s top local food vendors. Oktoberfest Pittsburgh is a family-friendly event, offering a vibrant blend of culture, entertainment and community spirit.

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh will run from October 3 through October 13, featuring live entertainment, authentic German beer and food and activities for all ages. Whether you plan to raise a stein, enjoy the music, indulge in tasty Bavarian treats, ride the Ferris wheel, or enjoy Karneval, there’s something for everyone at this year’s celebration.

KEG TAPPING EVENT

When: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Where: Market Square, Pittsburgh

Admission: Free and open to the public

The keg tapping kicks off a variety of key events that will generate fun and excitement throughout the entire Oktoberfest celebration. 

FERRIS WHEEL/KARNEVAL: 

History in the making, the PDP, Flyspace and Riverlife have partnered to bring the first-ever Ferris wheel to Downtown Pittsburgh’s Sister Bridges. The 60-foot Ferris wheel will be erected on the Sixth Street/Roberto Clemente Bridge and will include Karneval, a family-friendly zone with games, vendors and activities throughout the duration of Oktoberfest. Check out unique views of the city like never before by purchasing tickets here.

When: October 3-13, open noon to 10 p.m. daily

Where: Sixth Street/Roberto Clemente Bridge

Ferris wheel tickets: $5, timed for about a ten minute ride available here; riders must be 42 inches tall

Karneval tickets: Available to purchase at the box office.

DACHSHUND RACES:

Don’t miss the chance to have your adorable dachshund dash to victory! Register here for the Dachshund Races, sponsored by CLEAN Express Auto Wash, where your long-bodied speedster can compete in a fun, family-friendly event full of excitement and wagging tails. Whether your pup is a seasoned racer or a first timer, this is the perfect opportunity to show off their personality and athleticism. 

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6 and October 12-13 from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Market Square, Pittsburgh

Registration: Free, please bring vet vaccination records to registration

VETERANS NIGHT:

The Veterans Breakfast Club and veteran-owned AE Works is hosting a Veterans Oktoberfest Night in Market Square on October 7. Every person registered for the event through the Veterans Breakfast Club will receive one free bier, a second bier at half price and free parking in the Market Square Parking Garage (food available for purchase). At 6:30 p.m., there will be a one-hour storytelling program featuring Cold War veterans from those who served from 1945-1991, particularly in Germany. The program will commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. 

When: Monday, October 7 from 5:30-8 p.m.

Where: Market Square, Pittsburgh

Registration: Free on the Veterans Breakfast Club website here

FEATS OF STRENGTH:

The Feats of Strength series hosted in partnership with UFC Gym Market Square and YaJagoff Media will encourage individuals and teams to throw down the gauntlet and participate in a number traditional German games including barrel rolling, stein racing, keg lift racing and the official stein holding competition. For more information on heats, location, rules and prizes for each event, visit here. 

When: Primarily Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6 and October 12-13; check website for time and details

Where: Market Square, Pittsburgh

Registration: Click here for more details

PDP wishes to thank its full list of sponsors for bringing Bavarian fun to Pittsburgh. The list includes: Riverlife, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Lottery, Edgar Snyder & Associates, Primanti Bros., The Original Oyster House, ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages, Gatesman, Henderson Brothers, AE Works, Veterans Breakfast Club, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Company, Clean Express Auto Wash, German American Chamber of Commerce (Pittsburgh),Teutonia Männerchor, Pittsburgh’s Q92.9 FM and 96.9 BOB FM.

For more information about Oktoberfest Pittsburgh and a full schedule of events, please visit www.OKTPGH.com.