Press photos by Dana GrubbOktoberfest 2026 kicked off at SteelStacks Oct. 2 with the promise of beverages, food, music, dancing, games, and wiener dog races over two weekends. Beautiful autumn weather on the first full day of Oct. 3 brought thousands of people to the biergartens and Oktoberfest Arena, while others enjoyed views from the Hoover-Mason Trestle above. Oktoberfest is presented by ArtsQuest. Above: Spectators head into the Octoberfest Arena to watch the wiener dog races.

Wiener dog race spectators watch from on high and at arena side. 2: Wiener dog race spectators watch from on high and at arena side.

Rosco speeds into the lead to defeat Duncan in the first wiener dog race.

Dalton gives ax throwing a try. He is from Palmer Township.

Chris Reali performs at the Yuengling Biergarten. He lives in Warwick, NY.

Attendees enjoyed Oktoberfest in picture perfect weather Oct. 3.

Carly Musco from Conshohocken and Olivia Pena from Perkasie raise a toast to Oktoberfest 2026. Photo coverage continues on A2, A4.

Allentownians Travis Steele and Emily Flanagan enjoy their beverages and a Bavarian pretzel.

George Sobetsky watches his son TJ throw during their game of quoits.

The singing of “Ein Prosit” has Dee Sobetsky of Bethlehem in a celebratory mood.

Retired Bethlehem police officers Dave Strawn, Jim Zarzecki and Bill Dosedlo said they’re “living the dream.”

Reading resident Scott brought 5 year old Izzy to compete in the wiener dog races.

Dancers from IG.T.E.V. D’Lustigen Isartaler in Pittsburgh perform at the Krombacher Biergarten.

These cousins from Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey said they were “fluent in all the German drinking songs.”