Top Oktoberfest Celebrations in Chicago

We may just be a week into September, but it’s time to start talking about Oktober.  Because Chicago has tons of events that pay homage to the German festival Oktoberfest.  The keg may not get tapped in Munich until the 22^nd, but we in Chicago get to start off the celebrating as early as next week! Here’s a list of a couple events:

• Berghoff Oktoberfest where the John C. Kluczynski Federal Plaza will be full of brats, beer and bands.  Admission is free, and the event runs from 11 am to 9 pm.  Over 80,000 people showed up last year and enjoyed traditional German music and fun activities for all ages.

• If you can’t even wait that long to whip out your lederhosen, Berhoff Restaurant is also doing specials at their restaurant from now until October 6^th.  They’re having special events through out the month including a beer and brats tasting.   This first-time ever event will of course include German favs like pretzels and sauerkraut too.

• Later in the month is Oktoberfest Chicago at Southport and Lincoln with tons of live music.  It’s September 28th-30th and will have two different stages with a mix of traditional bands and popular cover bands. This 12^th annual fest is free admission and benefits St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church.

P.S.  The Steuben Parade was mentioned in this week’s ‘What’s on Dec’ list, too.  No, it’s not really Oktoberfest, but you can still get your Bavarian on.  Now where did I put my beer wench costume….

–Grace Sweeney