The third annual Oktoberfest Pittsburgh will return with a new identity: Prostburgh.
Organizers unveiled the new “celebration concept” Thursday morning during a preview of the German-inspired festival, which returns to Downtown Pittsburgh Oct. 1-11.
Created by the Gatesman agency with organizers Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions, Prostburgh is intended to better capture the convergence of present-day Pittsburgh and Munich’s Oktoberfest — the world’s largest folk festival and a 191-year-old German tradition.
Shannon Baker, board chair and creative partner at Gatesman, explained that “prost” translates roughly to “cheers” or “be well” in German.
“But the origins are actually from the Latin word ‘prosit,’ which translates to ‘may it be beneficial,’” Baker said. “And nothing is more beneficial than connection. We hope all of you agree that Prostburgh captures that feeling.”
Organizers hope the new identity helps establish the relatively young festival as a Pittsburgh tradition.
“We’ve been doing some research on Oktoberfest, and we have some fun things to really cement this as the Oktoberfest for Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato issued a proclamation Thursday declaring Prostburgh the official 2026 Oktoberfest celebration of Allegheny County. She said the festival is also developing as a Pittsburgh family tradition.
“I think that this event is getting on families’ calendars,” she said. “That’s why I love events like this: We can celebrate traditions from halfway around the world and really make it uniquely Pittsburgh.”
Returning Oktoberfest attractions include the fan-favorite 60-foot Ferris wheel on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, along with carnival-style games.
Stein-holding competitions and dachshund races hosted by the YaJagoff! Podcast will take place Saturdays and Sundays in Market Square. A dedicated “kinderplay” area curated by the Children’s Museum, axe throwing and various crafts will also fill the square. Live music ranges from traditional polka bands, including Pittsburgh’s Polkamaniacs, to contemporary acts.
German food and beer again round out the festivities. Imported German beers include a “bright” helles lager, dark (dunkel) wheat beer and traditional Festbier, part of a lineup of 10 beers on draft. Brew Gentlemen in Braddock will also offer a local Oktoberfest beer.
A Bavarian menu will include bratwurst and knockwurst sandwiches, potato pancakes, warm pretzels and desserts, along with food from Primanti Bros., Cocky’s Coop and City Works.
“Honestly, there really is something for everybody,” said Flyspace senior hospitality director Brian Steen, who showed off selections Thursday wearing lederhosen beneath a tent decorated with inflatable pretzels.
Thursday’s preview ended with event organizers and local officials trying their hand at a stein-holding competition.
Innamorato, who announced her pregnancy in July, still managed nearly three minutes. Pittsburgh City Councilman Bobby Wilson, a former champion, reclaimed bragging rights after holding up a five-pound stein for four-and-a-half minutes.
Oktoberfest Pittsburgh’s information and event schedule is available at oktpgh.com.