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Best Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Pittsburgh

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Whether you're of German lineage or you simply appreciate a flavorful seasonal beer, Oktoberfest is a celebration so many Pittsburghers look forward to. Sure, Munich, Bavaria, Germany will always rule as host of the ultimate Oktoberfest festivities, but Pittsburgh is fast becoming a prime location for the region's many Bavarian bashes. From an authentic German biergarten to the region's annual fall festivals, there are plenty of Oktoberfest hot spots to check out this year, each bursting with the best food, drink and activities. Grab your favorite beer mug, slip into your lederhosen and get in the Bavarian spirit at these places considered the best to celebrate Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh.

16th Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest
Downtown
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 745-1812
www.canonchamber.com/Oktoberfest/index.htm

Dates: Sept.19-21, 2014

Canonsburg's annual Oktoberfest celebration is back and bigger than ever with another year of traditional German foods and fun. Now in its 16th year, the Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest has been named among the country's top 10 Bavarian festivals thanks to its commitment to providing an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere. Live entertainment on the German stage from acts like Alpen Schuhplattler and SNPJ Button Box sets the mood for this weekend filled with German beer, cuisine, vendors and games. The Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest is the collaborative effort of the Greater Canonsburg Chamber of Commerce and local sponsors.

Autumn Fest at Old Economy Village
Old Economy Village
270 16th St.
Ambridge, PA 15003
(724) 266-4500
www.oldeconomyvillage.org/plan-your-visit/calendar

Dates: Sept. 20, 2014

Old Economy Village is a stunning setting for its Autumn Fest celebration. This new autumn harvest event is geared toward both children and adults with a variety of 19th century activities and entertainment, including artisan demonstrations, hands-on butter churning, rope-making, musicians and crafts. For the over-21 crowd, a day-long Oktoberfest means plenty of Bavarian spiced cider and beer to enjoy in its German beer garden. Autumn Fest at Old Economy Village will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hofbrauhaus
2705 S. Water St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 224-2328
www.hofbrauhauspittsburgh.com

Hofbrauhas, Pittsburgh's first authentic restaurant and biergarten, certainly deserves a spot among one of the city's most unique places to celebrate Oktoberfest. Between its beer, fare and traditional German décor, Hofbrauhas has become a favorite for those looking to experience a genuine Bavarian party without leaving Pittsburgh. Indulge in conventional Bavarian meals like Kartofelsuppe, bratwurst and a schnitzel sandwich that pair perfectly with the bar's October beer Festbier 2014. Hofbrauhaus is located in the Southside Works in the city's South Side neighborhood.

Related: Best Ways To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Pittsburgh

Autumn Fest
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
777 Waterwheel Drive
Seven Springs, PA 15622
(800) 452-2223
www.7springs.com/autumnfest

Dates: Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, 2014

If you seek a more family-friendly Oktoberfest experience, pack up the family and head about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh to Seven Springs Mountain Resort for its annual AutumnFest weekends. Every Saturday and Sunday in October, the resort welcomes a variety of craft vendors and artisans as well as live entertainers for a weekend of food and fun, making Seven Springs the perfect place for a weekend getaway too. This year's theme weekends include apples and cider, pumpkins, chili and chocolate and kids' Halloween festivities. For a taste of Oktoberfest, the Ski Lodge will be set up with a buffet featuring German dishes like bratwurst with sauerkraut and seasonal desserts.

Oktoberfest: A Final Huzzah
Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
112 Renaissance Lane
West Newton, PA 15089
(724) 872-1670
www.pittsburghrenfest.com

Date: Sept. 27-28, 2014

The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival returns with another Oktoberfest-themed weekend on September 27 and 28. Its Final Huzzah is a memorable way to kick off your Oktoberfest weekend with a feast of traditional German entertainment, food and drinks fit for a king. Renaissance hosts King Henry and Queen Katherine are serving their guests a delectable dish of bratwurst and sauerkraut along with rich chocolates as a dessert. Bavarian music and dancing promise an afternoon filled with merriment and authentic Oktoberfest festivities. The Pittsburgh Renaissance is located in West Newton, roughly 40 minutes outside of downtown Pittsburgh.

Related: Best Brewpubs Serving Seasonal Beer In Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where she works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with todays generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for AXS.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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