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Pittsburgh's Oktoberfest kicked off Thursday. Here's what to know.

Pittsburgh's Oktoberfest events got underway Thursday afternoon. Here's what to know about the 10-day festival. 

Oktoberfest, which is returning to Pittsburgh for a second year, kicked off at 12 p.m. along Fort Duquesne Boulevard with a ceremonial beer keg tapping

"Pittsburghers love a party, and as most Yinzers will tell you, there are deep German roots here in our city," said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.

Starting Thursday and running through Oct. 12, a beer garden on Fort Duquesne Boulevard between Stanwix Street and 7th Street will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. with extended hours through 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It's a new location this year because of construction in Market Square.  

Throughout the 10-day festival, the Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to traffic as the Ferris wheel, which made its debut last year, is back for a second go-round.

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Oktoberfest is returning to Pittsburgh for a second year including a large Ferris wheel on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which was a big hit during last year's inaugural festival. KDKA Drone Team

Admission to the Ferris wheel costs $7 for a ride that lasts approximately 10 minutes.

The Clemente Bridge will also be the site of food vendors and carnival-style games. 

A number of special events will be taking place this weekend during the festival, including a German car show, dachshund races, and stein holding competitions.

More information about the festival can be found on Oktoberfest's website.

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