The Greater Pittsburgh Oktoberfest — which was scheduled to be held at the Big Butler Fairgrounds — has been canceled.

The local celebration of German heritage was planned for Oct. 28 to 30.

The event's website posted a statement about its cancellation on Wednesday that was echoed by its partner, the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau.

“Oktoberfest 2019 has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, but see you in Autumn 2020 in a new exciting location,” the website stated.

Jack Cohen, president of the tourism bureau, said a volunteer group of organizers was running behind schedule and past the point of being able to catch up.

“They're going to regroup and try to get it going again next year,” Cohen said.

Cohen said he does not know if the festival will return to the fairgrounds or the county.

This would have been the festival's second year. Similar to many Oktoberfests, the event planned to have authentic German food, music and dancers as well as a variety of beer.

Wiener dog races, a pet costume contest and a stein hoisting challenge also were planned.

Cohen said if the group wants to come back to Butler County, the tourism bureau will continue to support the fall event.

“I think Oktoberfest is always fun,” Cohen said.