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Photo Credit: Craig Roberts
Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), will take place over the course of two weekends, Fri., Oct. 1 through Sun., Oct. 3 and Fri., Oct. 8 through Sun., Oct. 10.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Oktoberfest, presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), will return to the SteelStacks campus Oct. 1 – 3 and Oct. 8 – 10, 2021. The festival, now in its 11th year, will feature brew samples, live music, local artisans as well as popular activities like the dachshund dog parade and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship.
“You know it’s officially fall at SteelStacks when Oktoberfest returns and we are excited to welcome the public back to this popular annual event,” Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO of ArtsQuest said. “None of this would be possible without the support of our corporate and community partners.”
ACTIVITIES
The popular Hasselhoff-off, where contestants show off their Hoff-like good looks in a hilarious costume and impersonation contest, will return on Fri., Oct. 1. The adorable Oktoberfest wiener dog parade and dachshund dog races will return on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival. Attendees can come play the blown-up version of a popular party game during the Oktoberfest Kong Pong Tourney, presented by Yuengling. For the first time ever, this year’s Oktoberfest will be the site of the official Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship, presented by Samuel Adams and produced in partnership with the US Steinholding Association. To qualify for the state championship on Oct. 10, competitors must first qualify for the semi-finals on Oct. 3 (or another qualifying competition held throughout the area).
BEER AND FOOD
It wouldn’t be an Oktoberfest without the brews and food. Attendees can sample seasonal craft beers from Yuengling, Hofbräu, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head and more. Second only to the beer is the food. Karl Ehmer, Heidi’s Strudel, Foodstuff and Heaven on a Bun will be returning. New this year will be Waffle De Lys and delicious dishes from Palette & Pour, the new full-service bar and quick-service kitchen located on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Festival goers can also shop from a variety of artisan crafters and retailers der Verkäufer (vendors).
ENTERTAINMENT
There will be live music and entertainment in seven different venues throughout the festival, including at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks on Friday and Saturday nights. Musical acts will include Boat House Row – A Yacht Rock Experience, The Discoteks and Renaissance Orchestra.
Festival favorites Polkadelphia will be playing daily, along with performances from a variety of Schuhplatters. Fire dance cabaret group Flame Nouveau will heat up the stage on Sat., Oct. 2. Then, join some of the Lehigh Valley’s favorite drag queens as they serve up Oktoberfest-themed performances during Dragtoberfest, presented by Jack Daniels, on Sat., Oct. 2 and 9.
“We are proud to be onboard once again as presenting sponsor for Oktoberfest in the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley International Airport. “This year’s event is set to deliver a fun-filled time for all with plenty of delicious food, music and cultural entertainment. Last year’s successful event overcame many pandemic challenges due to the hard work and dedication of our amazing partners at ArtsQuest. Your neighborhood airport is ready for the fun to takeoff in early October and we can’t wait to see everyone there.”
Additional information will be announced throughout the month of September, visit steelstacks.org/oktoberfest. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for more information.
About ArtQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.
Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, approximately 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. ArtsQuest is a proud member of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association and NATO, the National Association of Theatre Owners.
Information provided to TVL by:
Nicole Harrell
ArtsQuest Director of Communications
http://www.artsquest.org/
