A keg-full of enjoyable: ArtsQuest’s Oktoberfest has one other record-breaking yr

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest’s annual Oktoberfest competition appears to have tapped right into a formulation to maintain file attendance flowing.

The fifteenth annual German-themed competition, which ran Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 10-12 on the SteelStacks campus, had record-breaking attendance for the second straight yr, ArtsQuest has introduced.

About 48,500 folks attended the competition over its two weekends, ArtsQuest mentioned in a launch.

That edges out the 48,000 who attended in 2024, ArtsQuest mentioned.

That was up about 10,000 attendees from 2023, when wet climate hampered attendance, and up 6,500 – 13.5% over the 42,000 who attended in 2021, the yr when the competition roared again after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Because the competition is free to attend and never gated, attendance numbers are estimates.

“We are thrilled to see the community come together once again to celebrate Oktoberfest at SteelStacks,” ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert said.

“The energy and enthusiasm from attendees of all ages was incredible. This festival is a true testament to the Lehigh Valley’s love of tradition, fun and great food and drink, and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us.”

‘Opportunity to observe the motion’

Patrons had a big number of conventional German fare, 4 biergartens with 38 forms of lagers, ales, IPAs and extra, with stay conventional and rock music.

There have been 58 bands and 28 Schuhplattler/dance performances over the 2 weekends.

There have been 1,219 individuals at this yr’s Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k — up 3% over final yr, in response to ArtsQuest.

Spectator stands on the Wiener canine races and parade have been “filled to capacity and with a big screen TV located outside the arena, everyone had an opportunity to watch the action,” ArtsQuest mentioned.

There have been 10 races and greater than 160 pet individuals — up 14.3% — over the 2 Oktoberfest weekends.

The parades noticed a whole bunch of pups wearing lederhosen and dirndl and have been even joined by three kitty individuals (the primary ever) for the final Sunday of the competition.

Contest winners

Attendees additionally competed in video games resembling Kong Pong, the first-ever Fliplehem: Oktoberfest Flip Cup Competition and the bratwurst-eating competitors.

Fliplehem welcomed 10 groups, Kong Pong welcomed 16 groups, the Oktoberfest Pretzel Toss welcomed greater than 10 pairs of opponents, ArtsQuest mentioned.

Twenty-three folks competed within the Pennsylvania State Stein Hoisting Championship in partnership with the U.S. Stein Hoisting Association, ArtsQuest mentioned.

Winners have been:

Women’s Competition: Jill Matthews — 5:57.

Men’s Competition: Jim Thompson — 14:07.

The bratwurst-eating competitors had eight opponents who ate as many brats as they might. Rob M. gained with 10 bratwursts in 3 minutes and 15 seconds.

“We are thrilled with the festive energy, live music and delicious flavors that made this year’s Oktoberfest a success,” mentioned Thomas R. Stoudt, government director of title sponsor Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Stoudt mentioned the airport “proudly supports ArtsQuest initiatives that celebrate our Lehigh Valley community through free events and cultural entertainment.”