Octoberfest photo by Ken Duh provided courtesy of ArtsQuest
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. October 15, 2026 – Guests filled the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks to enjoy a lively celebration of all things German for the 16th annual Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). From brats and brews to live music and local artisans, fan-favorite activities, including the dachshund races and steinholding competitions, kept the energy high, while classic Oktoberfest traditions created a festive atmosphere that brought the community together in true Bavarian spirit.
“Through the dedicated efforts of ArtsQuest, this year’s Oktoberfest created more unforgettable memories for our Lehigh Valley communities. Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) will continue to proudly support this free event that delivers a high energy environment of delicious food, music and cultural entertainment for families to enjoy,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, ABE.
The 16th annual Oktoberfest welcomed approximately 52,500 attendees and 190 volunteers during the two-weekend festival. Patrons of all ages enjoyed the traditional German faire, four biergartens with 38 varieties of lagers, ales, IPAs and more for the 21+ crowd to enjoy in their mugs, competing in games like Fliplehem, listening to live traditional and rock music and more.
“Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is a growing celebration of community, tradition and the experiences that bring people together at the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks,” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “This year’s festival delivered some incredible milestones, including our highest attended Saturday in Oktoberfest history. That success speaks to the enthusiasm of our festivalgoers and the dedication of our volunteers, vendors, performers and partners who make Oktoberfest such a special tradition in the Lehigh Valley. We can’t wait to expand the festival’s footprint with the addition of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop in 2027.”
Competition Results
The stands at the Wiener dog races and parades were filled to capacity and, with the new Oktoberfest Arena on the Levitt Lawn, everyone had an opportunity to watch the action! There were 8 races and 116 puppy participants over the two weekends. The parades saw hundreds of pups dressed in lederhosen and dirndl.
There were 1,162 participants at this year’s Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k in partnership with Run Lehigh Valley; Fliplehem: Oktoberfest Flip Cup Competition presented by D.G. Yuengling & Son welcomed 16 teams and 16 women and 11 men competed in the Pennsylvania State Stein Hoisting Championship presented by Samuel Adams in partnership with the U.S. Stein Hoisting Association.
Fliplehem: Oktoberfest Flip Cup Competition presented by D.G. Yuengling & Son winners are:
Weekend one: PBurg Squad
Weekend two: CharDee MacDennis
Pennsylvania State Stein Hoisting Competition presented by Samuel Adams’ winners are:
Women’s Competition: Jill Matthews
Men’s Competition: Jim Thompson
Food and Fun
Festivalgoers enjoyed live performances from 44 bands and 24 Schuhplattler/dance performances by three different Schuhplattler groups: GTV Almrausch, GTEV D’Lustigen and Almrausch Altoona, during both Oktoberfest weekends. Fan favorites included Polkadelphia, Rock Steady, Schützengiggles Oompah Band, Stefanie Johnson Band and Grammy award winning duo ARKAI.
Aside from Karl Ehmer Quality Meats (crowd favorite), MMG Concessions, Heaven on a Bun, Heidi’s Strudel, Bacon on a Stick, Aw Shucks, Dinky’s Ice Cream, Island Expressions, Humpty’s Dumplings and Slide on By kept everyone well fed in between all the festivies and competitions.
New this year, ArtsQuest partnered with Matthew Peters, certified Bourbon Steward, and Levy Restaurants to present an elevated bourbon tasting. The Oktoberfest Bourbon Tasting welcomed 46 attendees sampling eight uncommon and unique bourbons, focusing on cask strength bourbons, paired with delicious bites from Levy Restaurants Executive Chef, Julie Marble.
Fabulous tasting opportunities were also available at the third annual Yuengling Beer Dinner, with 70 attendees enjoying 6 oz. pours of four different Yuengling beers paired with a four-course menu.
“Delivering an event of this scale takes months of planning and incredible coordination across our staff, volunteers, vendors and community partners,” said Eric Bauder, ArtsQuest Director of Event Operations. “From expanding the Oktoberfest Arena to welcoming thousands of guests across two weekends, our focus was on creating a safe, seamless and memorable experience. We’re grateful to everyone whose hard work and flexibility made this year’s festival such a success.”
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.
Media Contact
Information provided to TVL by:
Bryn Keeney
