Several men in lederhosen clink plastic cups of beer seated at a picnic table while while onlookers chat among themselves
Photograph: Courtesy St. Alphonsus Church
Photograph: Courtesy St. Alphonsus Church

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago

Raise a stein at these Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the city.

Shannon Shreibak
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The annual Oktoberfest celebrations mark the arrival of fall, but even if you can't make it to Munich, plenty of Chicago institutions are throwing bustling, German-themed parties to ring in a new season. From special tappings at Chicago breweries to carnival rides outside neighborhood churches, we've gathered some of the best parties and events during Oktoberfest in Chicago, taking place at amazing restaurants, food halls and even zoos. Break out those dirndls and lederhosen and prepare to say "Prost"!

What is Oktoberfest? 

Oktoberfest is a multi-week beer festival and fair held in Munich, Germany. Originally conceived to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in 1810, the festival has since evolved into a public event and one of the most important cultural symbols in Bavaria, drawing millions of attendees from across the world each year. 

When is Oktoberfest in Chicago?

Although Munich's Oktoberfest takes place this year from September 20–October 5, Chicago's celebrations generally take place anywhere from mid-September to mid-October.

Chicago Oktoberfest events

  • Things to do
  • Loop

Link up with the Revolution Brewing crew for an Oktoberfest bar crawl along the Riverwalk! The boozy quest begins at Brews and Bites and ends at Island Party Hut—with plenty of stops in between. All bars will be holding giveaways and offering Revolution branded steins for anyone who orders the brewery's Oktoberfest lager. 

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Wrigleyville

Oktoberfest is coming to the North Side this year thanks to the Chicago Cubs. “Oktoberfest with the Cubs” promises three days' worth of boozy brews, authentic food offerings, carnival attractions (ride tickets required), a stein-holding competition and much more. Pint-sized attendees can enjoy a Kinderfest, complete with kid-friendly crafts, balloon artists and family-friendly competitions.

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Lake View

Taking place in and around Lakeview’s St. Alphonsus Church, this autumn fête features the requisite selection of suds, brats, pretzels and two stages of Bavarian music (along with sets from cover bands). Activities include a stein-holding contest, polka dancing and a “Kinderfest” for the kiddos on Sunday. 

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Suburbs

Leinenkugel’s presents this annual Oktoberfest event at Brookfield Zoo's Carousel Plaza, where you can see some animals, sip a seasonal beer and dance as a polka band performs. Guests can enter festive giveaways and enjoy seasonal menu items including bratwurst, specialty beers and pretzels. Plus, for the first time in the event's history, the Zoo will also host a separate paid football tailgate event in their event space The Pavilions.” 

  • Things to do
  • Lake View

Chicagoans are invited to bring their pup and join the Chicago Canine Rescue Barktoberfest, a festive, dog-friendly event raising funds for Chicago Canine Rescue. Guests can take part in the Sam Adams Human Stein Hoisting Contest and cheer on their furry friends in the Dog Pup Cup Holding Contest. Other event highlights include raffles benefiting Chicago Canine Rescue, free pup cups for all dogs, a German-style buffet and drink specials.

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • North Center

Go for a spin on a carnival ride, catch a set from a local band, enjoy tasty German fare or sip brews in the St. Ben’s Parish courtyard at this family-friendly party. Admission is free, but you'll need to buy tickets for Bavarian food, beers and rides on the carnival attractions. Prost!

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • North Center

Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing Company team up for their annual fall bash in celebration of Oktoberfest. Taking place outside in the shared lot between both breweries, the event features special beer tappings (alongside favorites from Dovetail and Begyle), live music and delicious bites from food trucks, including Happy Lobster, Soul & Smoke and the Fat Shallot. A $5 suggested donation benefits local food pantry The Friendship Center.

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