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!
1. 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 up Lincoln Avenue, live enactments from four German bands, and carnival games for the kids.
📅 When: September 6-8
📍Address: 4521 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
2. Celebrate with a beer tasting at the Pilot Project
Head to the Pilot Project, a brewery incubator, tasting room, and cafe in Logan Square. Modeled after the music industry, Pilot serves as a launch pad for start-up breweries, offering assistance with fine-tuning recipes, production, business development, marketing, distribution, and more—the perfect place to commence Oktoberfest. Pick from 24 taps to make your perfect beer flight, and prost the night away!
📅 When: Monday – Thursday
📍Address: 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
💵 Cost: Grab your tickets to Pilot Project Tasting Room here
3. Party at West Loop Bavarian Block Party
It is one of our favorite Chicago festivals that merge Oktoberfest celebrations. The Bavarian Block Party will center on an authentic celebration of German culture, complete with popular German foods such as bratwurst, pretzels, and traditional American fare. The Bavarian Block Party will similarly feature live music, including a mix of German polka bands and local rock and pop groups. This Chicago Oktoberfest festival benefits the Haymarket Center, a rehabilitation center in Chicago.
📅 When: Saturday, September 20, 5 – 10 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 11 – 10 p.m.
📍Address: W Washington Blvd & N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607
💵 Cost: Suggested 10-dollar donation
4. 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 chef takes on classic German delights, fun cocktails, and cold beers to raise high and toast prost!
📅 When: September 21-29, 2024
📍Address: Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
💵 Cost: Grab tickets to Prost! In the Park here
5. 12th Annual Oktoberfestiversary
The 12th Annual Oktoberfestiversary returns and Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery are hosting their annual Fall party! 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! Taking place on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2024, the party anticipates featuring over 50+ beers, showcasing 15+ local bands, hosting nine food vendors, offering activities for all ages, and much more.
📅 When: Saturday, October 12 & Sunday, October 13, 2024
📍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
6. Oktoberfest at Hard Rock Cafe
On October 17th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Hard Rock Cafe Chicago will be hosting a Beer Stein Hoisting Competition sponsored by Sam Adams. This free event challenges participants to test their strength and endurance by seeing who can hold a beer stein the longest. Additionally, from September 18th through October 6th, Hard Rock Cafe will be offering a special Octoberfest menu, which includes a Jumbo Soft Pretzel, bratwurst, Schnitzel Sandwich, Sam Adams Octoberfest, and more.
📅 When: October 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m
📍Address: 63 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
💵 Cost: Free
7. Grab a drink at LAUREL’s beer garden
LAUREL, located at The Talbott Hotel, is converting its patio into a Beer Garden to celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago. From October 1 through 31, guests can enjoy an expanded selection of beers, including exclusive and limited-edition Oktoberfest and seasonal brews from local breweries in partnership with Glunz Beer.
Additionally, from 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday in October, brewery guest speakers will be available to discuss their beers, offer free samples, and give away swag to attendees. With patio heaters, flannels, and great company, it’s the perfect setting to fully embrace the Oktoberfest spirit on LAUREL’s patio.
8. 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: Everyday
9. 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: Everyday
📍Address: Various locations
10. Keep the tradition going at Berghoff’s
The Berghoff has been hosting Oktoberfest Chicago celebrations since 1984. Known for its German-American fare, this year, the celebration continues inside Adam Street Brewery, the recently renovated bar and in-house brewery. Enjoy live entertainment and try the Brat, Knockwurst, or the Sous Vide Pork Shank. Whether you enjoy a traditional Märzen-style Oktoberfest Bier or go for a Liter Stein to wash it all down, you will surely have a ball celebrating with friends.
📅 When: Everyday
📍Address: 17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603
11. Grab beer flights on the Chicago Riverwalk
As we head into the fall, we can take in the cool, windy breeze as the sun’s heat subsides. While the Chicago Riverwalk is a notable summer activity, it’s just as pleasant in the fall—and a perfect way to celebrate Chicago Oktoberfest. Head to Northman Beer & Cider Garden, a European-style beer garden where you can request beer flights while listening to German folk artists or other music beats.
📅 When: Everyday
📍Address: 233 East Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
12. Head to Hannah’s Bretzel for mouthwatering bites
There’s nowhere better to celebrate Oktoberfest than at Chicago’s iconic sandwich shop known for celebrating its German roots. This year, Hannah’s is taking Oktoberfest up a notch, introducing an expanded Oktüberfest Menu of three specialty menu items available until October 31st. The menu includes an Oktüberfest Sandwich, Bratwurst, Kale soup, and their world-famous bretzels.
📅 When: Every day until October 31st
📍Address: LaSalle & Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60654
📍Monroe & Franklin, Chicago, IL 60606
📍66 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601
13. Celebrate at Old Town Pour House
The foliage has begun to bleed orange, red, and yellow, so what does that mean? It’s time to dust off your lederhosen and dirndls and celebrate the beginning of Oktoberfest at Old Town Pour House. They will be showcasing a variety of German beers and festive dishes that capture the essence of the season.
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Oktoberfest Beer Flights: Patrons can build their own flight from a selection of authentic German beers, perfectly complemented by pretzel bites.
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Oktoberfest Pairings: Guests can discover a unique pairing experience by matching German beers with both traditional and non-traditional German foods, offering a creative take on Oktoberfest celebrations.
It’s the perfect evening filled with German-inspired bites, festive beers, and lively music that will transport guests directly to Munich!
📅 When: Everday
📍Address: 1419 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Chicago is 4529 miles from Munich, a long way from the Hofbrauhaus. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have some German fun of our own. This list is the best way to celebrate Oktoberfest Chicago!