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Top Beer Festivals to Attend in Pittsburgh this Fall
Cheers to this amazing lineup of beer festivals coming to Pittsburgh this fall!
Upcoming Events
The Steel City Big Pour
Date: Saturday, Oct. 16 Location: Construction Junction
Cheers to craft brewing and fundraising for a great cause! The Steel City Big Pour is a craft beer event with the goal of raising funds for Construction Junction, a non-profit warehouse supplying surplus construction materials & appliances at reduced prices. The day-long event features samples from more than 20 craft breweries and a meadery with bites from local food vendors. Learn more about the event and purchase your ticket today!
All Star Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival
POSTPONED UNTIL 2022
Sip on samples of more than 200 craft beer, wine and cocktail options during the All Star Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival! Returning for its third year in Pittsburgh, the festival will feature plenty of fun all day long. Guests will receive unlimited drink samples, as well as free tickets to a Pirates games and a keepsake sampling glass. Plus, they can enjoy live music and entertainment, yard games, giveaways and more. VIP and Ultra VIP tickets are available and include early admission, custom gifts and exclusive access to lounge areas with premium samples.
Credit: All Star Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival
Celebrate your love for local beers at the Beers of the Burgh Festival! Enjoy beers from more than 50 local breweries. Taste test ales, ciders, seltzers, mead, lagers and plenty more from brewers unique to the Three Rivers regional area. The event also will feature live music and some of Pittsburgh’s best food trucks including Pittsburgh Smokehouse, Pittsburgh Sandwich Society and Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream.
A portion of all ticket sales will benefit the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation and its mission to promote resource conservation and development. Visit the event website for a full list of participating vendors and to purchase tickets.
Barrel & Flow Fest
Date: Sept. 10-12 Location: South Side Works
Previously known as Fresh Fest Beer Fest, Barrel & Flow Fest returns for a new year, a new perspective and a new normal. Recognized as the nation’s first Black Beer Festival, and one of the top beer festivals in the country via USA Today’s 10Best List, the celebratory event embraces and uplifts Black artists, musicians, chefs and brewers around the country.
Barrel & Flow Fest will feature exclusive collaborations, live music from DJs and bands and a uniquely curated collection of vendors and opportunities to learn more about brewing. This year’s event also will feature special events throughout the weekend including a Friday Evening Bottle Share and a Sunday Brewer’s Brunch. Check out the event website to purchase festival tickets and to view a full list of Barrels (brewers) and Flow (performers).
Credit: Barrel & Flow Fest
Oktoberfest
Date: Sept. 17-19 & 24-26 Location: Penn Brewery
Experience Pittsburgh’s authentic Oktoberfest celebration! The festive celebration will take place over two weekends at the brewery’s mid-19th-century building and biergarten. Enjoy classic German style bier, delicious food, traditional Bavarian music and plenty of fun at Pittsburgh’s oldest brewery.
Looking for an enhanced Oktoberfest experience? Be sure to check out Penn Brewery’s VIP packages, offering reserved seating and additional benefits. Visit the Penn Brewery website for more details on this year’s celebration, including the tent menu, beer selections, VIP packages and band schedule.
Penn Brewery | Credit: Jody Mader Photography
Three Rivers Beer Week
Date: Oct. 6-10 Location: Virtual and In-person
Join the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild for a celebration of all things local craft beer! The week-long festival will include a range of in-person and virtual beer-related activities and events. Bonus – a collaboration beer between the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild and Asheville Brewers Alliance, featuring ingredients from Pennsylvania and North Carolina, will be a featured element.
Visit threeriversbeerweek.com for the latest festival news and to sign up for email updates.
Pro Tips
Headed out for a beer-filled day? Be sure to remember these tips to make the most of your festival experience!
Don’t forget to eat Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is never a good idea! Stay hydrated Even though these festivals are taking place in the fall, it can still be hot and humid in Pittsburgh. Hydration can lead to serious health issues, so make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day!
Try something new We all have our go-to drinks and favorite types of beers, but don’t forget to have an open mind while attending these festivals. This is your chance to try all new types of beers. You never know what your next new favorite can be!
Plan a ride home Finding a parking spot can be a challenge, and you certainly shouldn’t plan on driving after a day of drinking. Make sure to have a ride scheduled in advance to get home safely.
Pace yourself and HAVE FUN! Beer festivals are exciting and filled with plenty of diverse beverages to drink. Know your limit, and make sure you pace yourself, in addition to drinking water and eating food, throughout the day. Most importantly, remember to have fun and look out for you and your crew.
