From German-style marzens to autumn-inspired pumpkin ales, the hand-crafted beers of the Keystone State’s award-winning craft breweries take center stage as the Brewers’ Village at Oktoberfest returns for its third year Sept. 30-Oct. 1 & Oct. 7-8. Tickets for the two-hour tasting sessions, where attendees can sample more than 25 different beers, are $25 ($20 for ArtsQuest Members) are on sale at www.steelstacks/oktoberfest and 610-332-3378. Proceeds from ticket sales go to support the free programming at Oktoberfest, as well as the programs of the nonprofit Brewers of Pennsylvania.

At the Brewers Village, guests enjoy a diverse array of Oktoberfests, limited-edition and seasonal offerings. Tasting sessions take place Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. All attendees receive a commemorative sampling mug, enjoy complimentary snacks by Wegmans and have the opportunity to meet the breweries’ staff and brewers, as well as enjoy the delicious food, fun and games of Oktoberfest, now in its 6^th year. The first weekend of the Brewers’ Village also coincides with the 2^nd-annual Mid-Atlantic Brewers’ Symposium, hosted by the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) Sept. 30 at SteelStacks.

“Having our Mid-Atlantic Brewers’ Symposium alongside Octoberfest’s Brewers’ Village is a natural fit as both events will spotlight leading brewers within Pennsylvania’s thriving craft beer industry,” says Dan LaBert, Executive Director of the Brewers of Pennsylvania. “As an organization dedicated to promoting brewing in the state, and the positive economic impact Pennsylvania brewers have on the Commonwealth, we’re thrilled to be once again involved with such a well-run, popular festival. Octoberfest will feature many BOP members sampling their unique beers with attendees having the opportunity to experience products that rival any beers brewed anywhere in the world.”

Breweries confirmed so far for the 2016 Brewers’ Village include (please see www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest for each weekend’s list of participants:

Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg
Cave Brewing Company, Bethlehem
D.G. Yuengling & Son, Pottsville
HiJinx Brewing Company, Allentown
Lost Tavern Brewing, Hellertown
North Country Brewing Company, Slippery Rock
Old Forge Brewing Company, Danville
Saint Benjamin Brewing Company, Kensington
Samuel Adams Brewery, Breinigsville
Saucony Creek Craft Brewery, Kutztown
SlyFox Brewing Company, Pottstown & Phoenixville
Stoudt’s Brewing Company, Adamstown
Susquehanna Brewing Company, Pittston
The Lion Brewery, Wilkes-Barre
Thirsty Fish Brewing Company, Allentown
Traveler Beer Company, Breinigsville
Tröegs, Hershey
Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown
Weyerbacher Brewing Company, Easton
Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia

Oktoberfest at SteelStacks is a free-admission festival that features German food, beer and live music, as well as attractions such as the popular dachshund races, the Great Lakes Timber Show and more. Festival hours are Fridays, 5-10 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-10 p.m.; and Sundays, noon-8 p.m. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/oktoberfest.