The Ferris wheel is coming back to the Roberto Clemente Bridge for Pittsburgh's second annual Oktoberfest celebration.

The 10-day celebration of Bavarian culture kicks off Thursday, Oct. 2, with a ceremonial keg tapping. The highlight is Ferris wheel, which, for $7 a pop, gives riders sweeping views of the city's skyline.  

There will be authentic German fare, Karneval-style games and, of course, beer. Guests can test their strength in a stein holding contest, and on Oct. 4-5, daschunds will compete in a series of races. 

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership CEO and president Jeremy Waldrup said the ride really served as an anchor at their inaugural event in what they believe was the first and only time a Ferris wheel has sat on a bridge in North America.

"One of the biggest things we heard was how much fun they had on the Ferris wheel," Waldrup said.

They wanted to make sure to bring it back and continue to honor fellow Pittsburgher George Ferris, who invented the Ferris wheel. 

"It's great to see his invention and arguably one of the most famous rides in the world come to our city," Waldrup said.

Also, on the bridge, new this year, they're teaming up with Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix for a display of the country's only vintage street race cars.

Waldrup expects more than 80,000 visitors to come to the festival like last time, and he anticipates they'll attract sports fans from the Pitt and Steelers games both weekends.

"We're excited to welcome those fans and hopefully get them out and exploring more of Downtown Pittsburgh than they might have on their own," Waldrup said.

The Ferris wheel and Biergarten will be open Oct. 2-12 from noon to 8 p.m., staying open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.