Weiner Dog Races, Hasselhoff-Off, Beer-Lympics, New Oktubafest & More Highlight 9th Oktoberfest at SteelStacks Oct. 4-6 & 11-13

Kong Pong Tournament and Karaoke with Bruno Von Bruno also coming to free festival presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)

BETHLEHEM, PA—The 3rd annual Beer-Lympics, annual Weiner Dog Parade & Races and inaugural “Oktubafest” are among the many highlights guests can enjoy when they attend the 9th Annual Oktoberfest at SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Oct. 4-6 & 11-13. Other features include German food, beer and live music, local artisans and more! Hours are Fridays, 6-11 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-10 p.m.; and Sundays, noon-6 p.m.

Hasselhoff-Off
Kicking off the first weekend of Oktoberfest is the popular Hasselhoff-Off! Starting at 8 p.m., Hasselhoff-Off contestants show off their Hoff-like good looks in this hilarious costume and impersonation contest. The event starts with a Baywatch-inspired slow-motion running competition before moving on to other Hoff-like challenges. The contest winner takes home a prize pack that includes, among other things, a pair of red swim trunks.

Weiner Dog Parades & Races
Calling all dachshund lovers! Catch the 2nd annual Weiner Dog Parades Oct. 5-6 & 12-13, 2 p.m., starting at the Oktoberfest Arena. Your pup can don their (or let’s be real, your) favorite costume or simply come as they are. Just like traditional Munich Oktoberfest, a queen and king will be crowned. Additionally, we’ll give out other prizes for costumes, cuteness and so much more. Following the parade, we release the dachshunds for the annual Weiner Dog Races! Enter your dachshund in the Weiner Dog Parade by going to steelstacks.org/festivals/oktoberfest/. Registration fee is $15 per dog and includes registration to both the parade and race on the day they register for.

Oktoberfest Biergartens
This year, Oktoberfest will feature five biergartens featuring beer by D.G. Yuengling & Son, Samuel Adams Brewery, Weyerbacher Brewing Company, Hofbräu, Goose Island and more. Each biergarten features its own unique theme and entertainment, with guests greeted by the welcoming sounds of Polka bands, schuhplattlers, or alp horns and fun games like cornhole or Kong Pong.

Karaoke with Bruno Von Bruno
New this year, try karaoke with a German twist! Both Saturdays of the festival, enjoy Karaoke with Bruno Von Bruno. All the hits you expect will be ready for you to belt out on the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on Air Products Town Square. There’s a challenge, if you’re up to it: those who dare to pick from Bruno’s list of 50 English-language hits translated to German will get two passes to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas and two tickets to an ArtsQuest comedy show of their choice should they make it through the song!

Kong Pong Tournament
Grab a partner and play the blown up version of your favorite party game at the all new Kong Pong Tourney presented by Molly’s Irish Grille and Sports Pub. The game takes place Oct. 11 at 8:30 p.m., and feature 55 gallon “cups” and two dodgeballs. The winning duo will receive a $250 check plus a $100 gift card to Molly’s! Email Anthony DeSanctis at adesanctis@artsquest.org to register your 2-person team.

3rd Annual Beer-Lympics
Compete for the gold at the 3rd Annual Beer-Lympics event, presented by Lehigh Valley Sports Leagues, Oct. 5, starting at 12 p.m. Teams of five participate in games of barrel rolling, Kong Pong, speed quarters and more! All teams must be pre-registered through the Lehigh Valley Sports Leagues’ website. This all-day event begins with team check-in in the early afternoon and concludes with the final event taking place at the Levitt Stage from 8-10 p.m. Players must be 21 or older; $125 per five-member team. Register online by Sept. 27 here http://www.lehighvalleyleagues.com/leagues/bar-games/1199419-19fall—beer-lympics-at-oktoberfest-oct-5th.

Oktubafest
A new closing night tradition, Oktubafest will take place starting in the Oktoberfest Arena on Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. Check out feature brass players from the Lehigh Valley’s high schools, colleges and elsewhere as they lead a parade around the festival grounds playing German favorites!

The Karl Ehmer Bratwurst Eating Competition
Both Saturdays of the festival starting at 6 p.m., contestants will be given 15 Karl Ehmer brats (no buns) and the first to finish all 15 will receive a $250 cash prize! There is no cost to participate; email John Wrigley at jwrigley@artsquest.org to register for a spot in the competition.

Other Oktoberfest highlights include Brewers’ Village presented by Wegmans where attendees can sample a diverse array of beers crafted by Pennsylvania’s award-winning breweries Oct. 11-12; two dance performances by Schoen Movement Company; Dragtoberfest Oct. 11; and the Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K Oct. 6, 10:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.