OKTOBERFEST BEER GARDEN IN MARKET SQUARE IN 2024. | PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is hosting its second Oktoberfest — this time with a few changes — after last year’s success in drawing crowds to Downtown for the German festival.

The festival will run from Oct. 2-12. General admission is free, with certain activities requiring ticket purchases.

Richard Hooper, vice president of marketing communications at the nonprofit partnership, promises an even bigger celebration for the community to fully immerse themselves in German-inspired activities.

Last year, the event was held in Market Square and attracted 80,000 attendees. A highlight of the inaugural event was a Ferris wheel on the Roberto Clemente Bridge that gave rides to 15,000 people. The partnership was mum about whether it would return this year.

What is confirmed so far are music performances in classic German styles, Bavarian cuisine, authentic merchandise and Karneval games.

GAMES SUCH AS A BEER-STEIN HOLDING CONTEST WILL BE AMONG SOME OF THE FESTIVITIES THIS YEAR AT OKTOBERFEST PITTSBURGH | PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

The event will be held on Fort Duquesne Boulevard, incorporating the westbound roadway from Stanwix Street to Seventh Street along the Allegheny River. A change in location was necessary for this year’s Oktoberfest because Market Square is under a major renovation to help prepare the city for the NFL Draft on April 23-25.

The partnership is hosting a preview of Oktoberfest at the Farmers Market in PPG Place Plaza on Sept. 4, where they will be joined by Brew Gentleman for beer sampling. Also at the preview, UFC Gym is presenting a Stein holding contest for visitors to try a traditional German strength competition and get a chance to win prizes.

In the coming weeks, more information will be revealed regarding event activities at Oktoberfest Pittsburgh’s website.