Fall is the time when the weather becomes tolerable as the temperatures cool down and we begin to layer up in our cozy sweaters. It is also known as the time to exchange cheers for prost!
Chicago Oktoberfest is here, bringing bratwursts, dancing, and plenty of brews. Here are all the ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago this year!
Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago This Year
Chicago German-American Oktoberfest
The arrival of fall is officially here, so of course, Oktoberfest will commence. Head to Lincoln Square for the Chicago German-American Oktoberfest for liters of beer, stacks of pretzels, and more German delicacies. The weekend also features a parade along Lincoln Avenue, live performances by four German bands, and carnival games for the kids.
📅 When: September 5-7
📍Address: 4521 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
Prost! In The Park At The Chicago Gourmet
The annual Chicago Gourmet Festival celebrates Chicago Oktoberfest with a Chicago-style event hosted by Monteverde chef Sarah Grueneberg. On the rooftop of the Harris Theater, this gourmet Oktoberfest will delight you with chefs’ takes on classic German delights, fun cocktails, and cold beers to raise high and toast ‘prost’!
📅 When: September 25-28, 2025
📍Address: Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
💵 Cost: Grab tickets to Prost! In the Park here
First-Ever Wrigley Field Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest with the Cubs will feature dozens of authentic beverage and food vendors, offering German-inspired eats like pretzels and brats as well as a wide selection of beers.
📅 When: September 19-21, 2025
📍Address: Gallagher Way
💵 Cost: $15 for a single-day pass, or weekend GA passes are available for $30
Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus Church
Looking for fall festivals in Chicago that celebrate Oktoberfest? We have a bunch! Oktoberfest Chicago will be held in and around Lakeview’s St. Alphonsus church. The Bavarian Fall Festival in Chicago will offer a variety of beers, bratwurst, and pretzels, as well as two stages featuring Bavarian music and cover bands. Additionally, a separately ticketed craft beer festival will take place on Friday and Saturday nights.
📅 When: September 26—28, 2025
📍Address: 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago
💰Cost: Free
OKTOBERFEST at Brookfield Zoo
Head to Oktoberfest at Brookfield Zoo, presented by Leinenkugel. This German-style event is free with general admission and takes place on the Zoo’s East Mall. Wear your lederhosen and enjoy live polka music from Happy Wanderers and Die Musikmeisters Band, as well as Oktoberfest seasonal menu items, including bratwurst, specialty beers, pretzels with cheese, and much more!
📅When: Saturday, September 28, 2025
💵 Cost: Free
Annual Oktoberfestiversary
The Annual Oktoberfestiversary returns! Join them in celebrating Chicago’s prettiest season and Begyle Brewing’s 12th anniversary with food trucks, live music, and, of course, lots of beer! The event will feature over 50+ beers, showcasing 15+ local bands, hosting nine food vendors, offering activities for all ages, and much more.
📅 When: Saturday, October 11—12, 2025
📍Address: 1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60613. Between Begyle and Dovetail, at the corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine Ave in the Ravenswood Corridor.
💵 Cost: Free
Head to the largest beer garden in Chicago
Head to Millennium Hall’s Double Clutch Beer Garden, Chicago’s largest beer garden. Situated under Millennium Park’s infamous Bean, sip on German beers, including Oktober Festbier and Märzen, and feast on authentic cuisines like Bratwurst, schnitzel, and Bavarian pretzels.
📍Address: 11 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602
📅 When: Every day
Get tipsy at a Chicago Brewery
Frequently recognized as one of the best beer cities in the country, nobody would dispute that Chicago knows a thing or two about beer. Our seasoned and inventive beer scene has produced many fantastic Chicago breweries. There are now over 200 Chicago breweries, big and small, across Chicagoland, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a finely crafted beer in whatever the Chicago fickle weather has in store.
📅 When: Every day
📍Address: Various locations
