Bust out your dirndl and lederhosen because Octoberfest is coming to Time Out Market Chicago!
From October 7-9, folks can head to the Market for a weekend of family-friendly festivities and plenty of beer from partner Sam Adams. Oktoberfest, the annual festival held in Munich, Germany, is a celebration of Bavarian culture that attracts millions of attendees. But if you weren’t among those who made the trip across the Atlantic this year, don’t let FOMO get you down. Octoberfest at the Market is bringing the fun to Chicago.
The event will kick off on Friday, October 7 with a stein hoisting competition. Each competitor will be tasked with holding a stein of beer, with their arm straight out and parallel to the ground. The person who is able to maintain the pose the longest will be declared the winner and receive a prize. For those who would rather drink than test their strength and endurance, there will be a pop-up bar selling $15 commemorative glass steins of Sam Adams Octoberfest. The mugs can be refilled throughout the weekend for $6.
All the drinking is bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, one of Chicago’s best German-inspired restaurants, Funkenhausen, will also be popping up to help feed hungry stomachs. Chef Mark Steuer draws on his German and Southern background to create the imaginative menu at his West Town eatery, and for Octoberfest he’s come up with an appetizing spread of both classic and original bites. You’ll be able to dip a big pretzel in Alabama white barbecue sauce and pimento beer cheese, or devour a brat dressed with sauerkraut and mustard. Other options will include pillowy ricotta dumplings with pork confit, a “Nashville Not” schnitzel sandwich and an all-important side—potato salad.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without music so we’ve enlisted performers to provide some tunes. On Saturday, local group Die Musikmeisters will set the mood with lively traditional German songs, while Sunday plays host to a jazz band. And get ready to show off your best dance moves because DJs will be spinning hits all three days.
Kids don’t have to miss out on Octoberfest, either. They can get their faces painted, enjoy a twisty sculpture from a balloon artist or sit down to a storytelling session.
For the full schedule of activities and to RSVP (encouraged, but not required), click here.