Enjoy family fun, puppy parades, football watch parties,
an Oktoberfest edition of Paint & Sip, and more!
“PROST” BURGH (Sept. 17, 2026) – As Oktoberfest transforms Pittsburgh into PROSTBURGH (Oct. 1-11), celebration-goers can maximize their Bavarian experience with free, unique, and exciting special events. The line-up includes Family Day, Pup Day presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, an Oktoberfest edition of the Paint & Sip series, Steelers and University of Pittsburgh football watch parties, and discounted nights for community groups.
Presented by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) and Flyspace Productions, Oktoberfest Pittsburgh kicks off with an iconic Keg Tapping at noon on opening day and will bring 11 days of German-inspired cheer to the Steel City for everyone to get it on the action!
“Oktoberfest is all about community, and this year we’re embracing that spirit more than ever with curated special events that will bring even more people together, ” says PDP President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup. “Bring your favorite furry friend to Pup Day for a costume parade, grab the kiddos and unleash your inner child at Family Day, or cheer on your favorite football team with a cold authentic German brew!”
“Edgar Snyder & Associates is proud to support the PDP as they continue to curate events that are embedded into the fabric of our city,” said Edgar Snyder & Associates Client Engagement Manager Keri Rudberg McCann. “We are so excited to bring people AND their pups together during Oktoberfest for what is sure to be an adorable day of festive and furry fun!”
Save the Date for Oktoberfest Pittsburgh Special Events
Family Day | Saturday, October 3
Prepare for a day filled with jam-packed family fun and enjoy face painting, participate in Pittsburgh’s biggest chicken dance gathering, marvel at classic Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix German cars, and explore endless games and activities, provided by the Children’s Museum, in the Kinderplay area.
Pup Day presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates | Sunday, October 4
Bring on the pups! Take out the doggie lederhosen and get ready for an adorable pup costume parade in the heart of Market Square. Have a wiener dog? Don’t forget to sign them up for a one-of-a-kind Dachshund race starting at 4 pm.
Oktoberfest Pittsburgh Paint & Sip | Monday, October 5
Join instructor Nirvana Crystal for a guided painting lesson while creating an Oktoberfest-inspired artwork. Sip on a crisp brew while you paint, surrounded by the energy and charm of PROSTBURGH! Reserve a canvas here.
Tuettonia Männerchor Night | Tuesday, October 6
Members of Pittsburgh’s oldest and most authentic German club receive $1 off brews upon showing their membership card!
College Night | Friday, October 9
“Last call” for university students! Receive $1 off bites, beer, and 5 free Karneval tickets for every 10 tickets purchased, upon showing student ID.
Football Watch Parties | Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11
Cheer on the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Steelers during a weekend of live watch parties in Market Square! Revel in the action on a large projector screen and Prost to good times!
Make Way for the PROSTBURGH Experience
FEATURED FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS
Ferris Wheel and Karneval Games | Roberto Clemente Bridge
Returning this year, the iconic Ferris wheel on the 6th Street (Roberto Clemente) Bridge. The 60-ft wheel offers sweeping skyline views for a 10-minute ride at just $7 per ticket. While on the bridge, festivalgoers can also enjoy Karneval-style games, family-friendly activities, and unique merchandise to commemorate the event. Reserve Ferris Wheel tickets here. Those who purchase before Oct. 1 will be entered into an early bird drawing for a chance to win a $250 Oktoberfest Pittsburgh prize package!
Stein Holding and Dachshund Races | Market Square
Held on Saturdays and Sundays in Market Square during the festivities; both competitions will be hosted by John and Rachael of the YaJagoff podcast. Contestants can test their strength and skills while holding a five-pound Stein full of golden brew or sign up their Weiner-shaped pup for an Oktoberfest tradition: the Dachshund race! Learn more at oktpgh.com.
Kinderplay Area presented by the Children’s Museum | Market Square
Explore German Heritage-themed and Oktoberfest crafts, make-and-takes, and games, provided by the Children’s Museum, for young “kinder” in the Kinderplay area in Market Square.
Entertainment, Bites and Brews, and More! | Market Square
Try a hand at Axe Throwing or take a ride on the Devil’s Wheel (think Mechanical pickle but circular!) before indulging in classic Bavarian fun! Dance the days away while enjoying performances from an array of traditional polka and contemporary bands at the main stage, including No Bad Juju, Polkamaniacs, The Barons, and The Dreadnaughts. View the full entertainment schedule here.
Satisfy those Deutsch cravings by enjoying bratwurst and knockwurst sandwiches, crispy potato pancakes, warm pretzels, sweet treats, and more. Plus, enjoy bites from featured restaurant partners, Cocky’s Coop, and Moes!
Wash it all down with a draft selection of German imported brews:
- Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen
- Weihenstephaner Helles Lager
- Weihenstephaner Festbier
- Weihenstephaner Dunkel
- Weihenstephaner Korbinian
- Reissdorf Kölsch
- Einbecker Pilsner
View the full Biergarten menu.
Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
October 1–11, 2026
Festival Hours:
- 12 – 8 pm Sunday through Thursday
- 12 – 10 pm Friday and Saturday
For more details as they come, stay tuned to www.oktpgh.com.
About Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
Oktoberfest Pittsburgh is a multi-day community event that offers a vibrant blend of Bavarian tradition and Steel City spirit, honoring the rich cultural traditions of Oktoberfest while showcasing the best of Pittsburgh’s local talent and businesses.
Oktoberfest Pittsburgh is presented by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions.
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About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The PDP is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations, and residents who provide energy, vision, and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, economic development, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.DowntownPittsburgh.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) at @downtownpitt.
About Flyspace Productions
Flyspace Productions is Pittsburgh’s one-stop shop for unforgettable events. Bringing the creative ideas, handling the planning, managing the talent, and running the show from start to finish, Flyspace is the force behind most of your favorite events in the region and creates shared experiences that bring people together. With a team of world-class producers, the largest fleet of Stageline units in the country, and a vast AV and event inventory expertly operated in-house, Flyspace makes big ideas happen. Learn more at flyspaceproductions.com.