Pittsburgh Brewing Co. preps for 3rd Oktoberfest celebration

The tents are set up, the chairs are out and the stage is in place. The only thing left to do is put on some dancing shoes.

Pittsburgh Brewing Co., known for regional classics such as Iron City and IC Light, is bringing back its Oktoberfest celebration for the third consecutive year. The event will be held on two Saturdays this month on the lawn of the brewery.

According to Rebecca McCormick, the brewery’s event coordinator, Oktoberfest will bring between 3,000 and 4,000 people to the East Deer brewery between its two dates.

The first is scheduled for noon Saturday. The second will be two weeks later on Sept. 27. That’s a change from last year’s Friday and Saturday back-to-back celebrations.

“(We’re hosting) both Saturdays instead of Friday due to Friday night football and to give people more opportunity if they have other events going on,” McCormick said in an email.

The event is open to all ages and will feature live music on both dates. Local band Barons will perform both days followed by Polka Maniacs on the first day, and 56 East Band playing a mix of German music on the following Saturday.

Food, craft vendors and, of course, beer will be available for purchase. Drink selections will include exclusive beer releases, including the return of the limited-edition Herman’s Best Oktoberfest Lager.

McCormick said some new activities will be featured at the event, including axe throwing, keg rolling, a petting zoo and a tattoo artist. A cornhole tournament supporting Southern Armstrong K-9 unit will be hosted during the Sept. 13 celebration.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit pittsburghbrewing.com.