‘Prostburgh’: Oktoberfest will return to Downtown Pittsburgh for its 3rd year

PITTSBURGH — Oktoberfest Pittsburgh will return to Downtown Pittsburgh for its third year, featuring the official proclamation of “Prostburgh.”

The 11-day festival will take place from Oct. 1-11.

The annual German-inspired celebration will center around Market Square and the Roberto Clemente Bridge in the Golden Triangle. Organizers and county officials created the “Prostburgh” theme to combine traditional Bavarian elements with local community traditions.

Attractions on the 6th Street (Roberto Clemente) Bridge include an iconic 60-foot Ferris wheel, offering 10-minute rides with skyline views for $7 per ticket. Visitors on the bridge will also find Karneval-style games, family-friendly activities and event merchandise.

Market Square will host Axe Throwing, the Devil’s Wheel ride and games in the Kinderplay area. The main stage in Market Square will feature live traditional polka and contemporary bands, while food and drink vendors will serve draft German brews, bratwurst, knockwurst, potato pancakes and pretzels. Featured local food partners include Primanti’s, Cocky’s Coop and City Works.

The festival will also bring back its annual Stein Holding and Dachshund Races on Saturdays and Sundays in Market Square. John and Rachael of the YaJagoff podcast will host both competitions, where participants test their strength holding a five-pound stein of beer or enter their dogs in the racing track.

Shannon Baker, PDP Board Chair and President of the Gatesman Agency, discussed the origin of the new concept for the festival.

“In simple terms, the word Prost translates to ‘may it be beneficial’ in English and nothing is truly more beneficial than connection,” Baker said. “As our team worked on this new concept for Oktoberfest Pittsburgh alongside the PDP, we wanted to find a way to capture that feeling and therefore PROSTBURGH, was born!”

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato noted the impact of the festival on the local economy and culture.

“Oktoberfest Pittsburgh has quickly become one of the city’s favorite fall traditions,” Innamorato said. “This festival supports our city through all cylinders, bringing people Downtown to enjoy music, food, family-friendly activities, local businesses and of course a little Bavarian cheer. But this year we are making the event even more Pittsburgh with the official proclamation of PROSTBURGH!”

Registration for the Stein Holding and Dachshund Racing contests is currently open online. Advance ticket reservations are also available for the Ferris wheel, Axe Throwing and the Devil’s Wheel ride at www.oktpgh.com.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW