The historic state of Pennsylvania hosts some of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States. As Autumn rolls around, the Keystone State starts preparations for the Bavarian-themed beer festival to appreciate German culture and give the Deutsche community a sense of belonging. Every major city in Pennsylvania hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration attended by the locals and tourists in large numbers, with Philadelphia hosting the best events. Whether children or adults, the traditional Bavarian music, variety of beer, hearty cuisines, and carnival rides at Pennsylvania Oktoberfest won't let you get bored. Adorn your authentic Lederhosen or Dirndl outfits to blend in traditions of the crowd and enjoy a slice of German culture and heritage.
How Did Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania Begin?
Oktoberfest started as a Bavarian Royal Wedding in 1810 and has reached the status of a global festival. As the celebrations gained global recognition after the First World War, they travelled with the wind to every heart. The extensive German American community in Pennsylvania desired to celebrate and preserve their cultural traditions, making arrangements for smaller alternatives to the Munich Oktoberfest. Many Pittsburgh towns and communities initially held Oktoberfest celebrations in church halls and local beer gardens. As the popularity and attendance increased, the festival moved to larger venues that host it today.
Today, Oktoberfest celebrations are held in almost every city and town in Pennsylvania. Preparations begin around mid-September, at the start of Autumn, and the festivities begin on 20th-22nd September, lasting for nearly two weeks till early October. Festival dates vary across locations, so it is best to check before booking your tickets.
While the festival can’t serve authentic Bavarian beer, local sensations and traditional German styles add color to the celebrations.
Pennsylvania Oktoberfest Locations
Teutonia Männerchor Oktoberfest: 857 Phineas St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Oktoberfest at Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein: 9130 Academy Rd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oktoberfest at PhilaLandmarks: 321 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh Oktoberfest: 2705 S Water St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Penn Brewery Oktoberfest: 800 Vinial St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Bethlehem Oktoberfest: 645 E. First Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
SpringGate Oktoberfest: 5790 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Lancaster Liederkranz Oktoberfest: 722 S Chiques Rd, Manheim, PA 17545
Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest: 143 Spook Ln, Reading, PA 19606
Downtown Canonsburg Oktoberfest: 68 East Pike Street | Canonsburg, PA 15317
Major Oktoberfest Celebrations in Pennsylvania
Whether you’re a German living in Pennsylvania or a US national looking to enjoy the Oktoberfest celebrations, you don’t have to go far. Although not as majestic as the Bavarian Oktoberfest in Munich, every d'Wiesn celebration in Pennsylvania gives you an experience you’ll never forget.
Philadelphia Oktoberfest
The birthplace of the United States dips down in Bavarian colors as soon as the Oktoberfest season starts. The celebrations take place at three major locations in Philadelphia alongside other smaller events.
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Teutonia Männerchor Oktoberfest
The National Historic Landmark building of Teutonia Männerchor hosts the Bavarian Oktoberfest celebrations, offering German culture with three days of food, music, and fun activities. The event attracts a huge varying events each day to keep everyone busy without getting bored. The authentic German beer, cuisine, and live music are topped with beer stein contests, keg-tapping, a parade, and fun activities for kids, like face painting and a scavenger hunt.
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Oktoberfest at Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein
German-American social club Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein hosts the largest Oktoberfest celebration in Philadelphia, attracting thousands of visitors. The event occurs on two lively weekends in late September and early October for dancing, live tunes, and heaping plates of German classics like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and giant pretzels.
The club transforms its grounds into a mini Bavaria, complete with twinkly beer gardens, a buzzing bandstand, and enough checkered flags and alpine decor to make you feel like you’re in Munich. Wash it all down with authentic Bavarian brews—and save room for apple strudel or a slice of Black Forest cake, the stars of the dessert menu!
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Oktoberfest at PhilaLandmarks
What better way to enjoy a historic event than in another landmark place? PhilaLandmarks hosts Oktoberfest celebrations every year at the courtyard of the Powell House, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America. Guests can enjoy authentic German beer, food, and live music in a beautiful setting that touches every heart. The event seamlessly blends American favorites with Bavarian culture to give out a unique feel loved by everyone who visits.
Pittsburgh Oktoberfest
The city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosts some of the grandest Oktoberfest events from mid September to the first weekend of October.
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Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh Oktoberfest
A German-style brewery and restaurant, Hofbrauhaus hosts the celebrations with authentic foods, freshly brewed beer, and Bavarian vibes. The event starts with a notable personality tapping the first keg, resembling the original custom of the Munich Oktoberfest. So, if you're in Pittsburgh, do not miss the chance to dance to polkas and waltzes while holding a pretzel and raising a stein to the Bavarian culture.
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Penn Brewery Oktoberfest
Pittsburgh's oldest and largest brewery takes the honor of hosting one of the greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in Pennsylvania. The three day event in the mid of September attracts thousands of visitors, offering genuine German cuisines and the best beer. The beginning of Autumn season adds a beautiful touch to the Oktoberfest celebrations, attracting several locals each year.
Bethlehem Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest lovers in Bethlehem adorn themselves with authentic Bavarian Lederhosen and Dirndl every year during Oktoberfest season to enjoy the celebrations their city hosts. The historic city takes a party break IN Autumn to indulge in authentic celebrations with a variety of German food, plenty of beer, and music, as well as arts and crafts vendors, a petting zoo, and carnival games and rides. Several locals and visitors participate in the Beer Stein Olympics, taking the event to new heights of popularity each year.
SpringGate Oktoberfest
The capital city of Pennsylvania holds its own Oktoberfest celebrations in the first week of October at SpringGate Vineyard. The event features a variety of wines, beers, slushies, cider, and cocktails alongside food trucks, games, and live Bavarian music to dance on. There are no tickets to join the celebrations and many fun competitions like Barrel Roll, Keg Toss, and Stein Holding competition to keep you busy.
Lancaster Liederkranz Oktoberfest
Celebrating Bavarian culture for over 60 years, the Lancaster Liederkranz German Club is an expert in this art. The celebrations are held in Lancaster over two weekends in September and are open to the public. Thousands of people from across the state and country join to raise a stein to authentic Bavarian traditions and enjoy food, drinks, music, and dance. Attendees can enjoy bratwursts, sauerkraut, and apple strudel while sampling popular German beers.
Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest
The Reading Liederkranz Club in Berks County hosts one of the most authentic German festivals in the U.S. The event showcases authentic Bavarian traditions through live music, folk dancing, German artisan vendors, and an impressive selection of German food and beer. This five-day celebration in late September or early October draws locals and visitors alike.
Downtown Canonsburg Oktoberfest
One of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in Pennsylvania is held in Downtown Canonsburg, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country. The event, known as Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest, features the most authentic Bavarian beer, carnival, games, and cuisine to make your visit worthwhile. The three-day event in the middle of September starts with an opening parade featuring marching bands, floats, and costumed entertainers, much like the Munich Oktoberfest. Another special spotlight is the beer tent, adorned with Bavarian flags, where people can dine in, drink, and dance to live music.
Pennsylvania Oktoberfest Dates & Duration
Teutonia Männerchor Oktoberfest: 30th August - 1st September
Oktoberfest at Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein: September’s last and October’s first weekend
Oktoberfest at PhilaLandmarks: Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh Oktoberfest: Starts alongside Munich Oktoberfest and lasts till the end of September or start of October.
Penn Brewery Oktoberfest: Last two weekends of September and the First weekend of October.
Bethlehem Oktoberfest: The first two weekends of October.
SpringGate Oktoberfest: Starts on the first Friday of October and lasts for 3 days.
Lancaster Liederkranz Oktoberfest: September 20th, 21st and 22nd - 3 days.
Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest: In the first week of October | Varying Dates Annually.
Downtown Canonsburg Oktoberfest: September 20th, 21st and 22nd - 3 days.
Pennsylvania Oktoberfest Dress Code
There’s no official dress code for Oktoberfest events outside Munich, but if you're paying respects to German culture, the best way is to dress just as they do. Authentic Lederhosen for men and Dirndl for women are the official Oktoberfest outfits, which you can adorn with matching dress shirts and Bavarian shoes. Men generally accessorize with a feathered hat, while women can enhance their looks with matching jewelry.
Pennsylvania Oktoberfest Tickets & Booking
Most of the Oktoberfest celebrations in Pennsylvania are free of cost for public visits and require no prior booking. Only selective events may require pre-booking and minor fees, which you can find on their official websites. You can visit the website or social profiles of the location you wish to visit this year, a few weeks prior to Oktoberfest, to check if any booking is required. Also, check out closely for special events like opening parades, Keg Tapping, and beer hall opening to ensure you’re there on time.
Pennsylvania Oktoberfest Highlights & Activities
Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania bursts with exciting activities that bring people together for games, tasty treats, lively music, and family fun.
Craft Beers and Traditional Drinks
Sip on fresh craft beers, classic German brews like Weißbier and Märzen, or try local wines, fruity slushies, crisp cider, and creative cocktails.
German Cuisine
Fill your plate with classic German dishes like bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, crispy schnitzel, and soft pretzels. Many festivals also serve local favorites and sweet treats like apple strudel or rich Black Forest cake.
Family Fun Activities
Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania welcomes the whole family! Kids love carnival rides and games, while adults join in exciting contests like Barrel Roll races, Keg Toss challenges, or Stein Holding competitions to test their strength.
Live Music
Dance to lively tunes played by popular German bands like Alpenlaenders, Polkadelphia, or the Alex Meixner Band. You’ll also hear groups like Hot Tatters, East Side Dave, and the Red Elvises rocking stages across the state.
Carnival Rides
Almost every significant Oktoberfest celebration in the state features amusement rides temporarily set up for the festival, offering thrilling experiences for attendees of all ages.
Essential Tips for Attending Oktoberfest Pennsylvania
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Visit the official websites for every location weeks before the event to find reservation details and the schedule of special performances.
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If you're moving out of town, book your hotel accommodations in advance near the event site.
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Drink water between beers to stay hydrated.
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Arrive early to secure the best places and enjoy activities in a family-friendly environment.
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Check the weather forecast for your location to dress up accordingly.
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Learn and follow the specific event rules to maintain a good festive environment.
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Use public transport to arrive at the events as it will save you from parking hassles.