Local Oktoberfest celebrations have fun for the whole family on tap this fall
When September hits, Oktoberfest isn’t far behind. The famed fall festival originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Ludwig, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The celebration, open to the entire city, included horse races and a feast fit for a (future) king.
The inaugural Oktoberfest ran for five days in mid-October and was such a success that the royal couple made it an annual event. Today, Oktoberfest – which draws international crowds of approximately 6 million per year – typically begins on the first Saturday after September 15 and ends the first Sunday of October.
You don’t have to travel to Germany to partake in the Bavarian bier festival this fall, though. Just don your dirndl or lederhosen and head to one of these local breweries and many others around the area like Black Horizon Brewing Co. and Miskatonic Brewing for a host of fun-filled festivities. Prost!
Alter Brewing Co.
Visit Alter’s Downers Grove Taproom, or Oak Brook or St. Charles Brewery + Kitchen, to try August-October. Alter’s Festbier is a tribute to the classic German-style lager beer fans enjoy each Oktoberfest season. You won’t want to miss Alter Fest – the brewery’s annual Oktoberfest event – either!
When: Saturday, September 14
Where: The parking lot of Alter’s Downers Grove location (2300 Wisconsin Ave., Downers Grove)
Highlights: Live music, food, and a wide variety of Alter beers from
across all the brewery’s three locations. The event doubles as Alter’s de facto anniversary party and celebrates all the people who have supported the business through the years.
Goldfinger Brewing Company
Goldfinger’s Fifth Annual Oktoberfest will mark the release of the brewery’s traditionally brewed, six-month lagered Oktoberfest Ur-Marzen and Festbier.
When: Saturday, September 14
(12 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
Where: 513 Rogers St., Downers Grove
Highlights: German Gravity keg tappings, stein-hoisting contests, a bags tournament, and scratch-made German food and live music all day.
Ike & Oak Brewing Co.
For two weeks, this brewpub will be hosting the aptly named Iketoberfest. Head west to Woodridge but feel like you stepped into the Bavarian region of Germany.
When: Friday, September 20 – Sunday, October 6
Where: 6315 Main St., Woodridge
Highlights: The brewpub will be decorated like a traditional Oktoberfest beer hall and will be offering a few specialty German brews and serving up dishes from a German-inspired Oktoberfest menu.
Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling
Pollyanna’s 2024 Oktoberfest is a large-scale event held at The Forge: Lemont Quarries’ concert venue and features fall fun for all ages.
When: Saturday, September 21
(1 p.m. – 11 p.m.) with a September 28 rain date
Where: The Forge: Lemont Quarries (227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont)
Highlights: In addition to beer, vodka seltzer, and wine, there will be food from Weber Grill Restaurant in Lombard, a craft fair, family activities, and a full day of live music. The $15 entry fee (ages 21+) includes a souvenir stein while supplies last. Free shuttle transportation is available from the Lemont Metra and Pollyanna parking lots.
Tierra Distilling Co. & Cafe
As part of the broader Clarendon Hills Oktoberfest event, Tierra is hosting its own version of the favorite fall festival. Look for the tent outside their venue!
When: Saturday, September 14
(3 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Where: 211 Burlington Ave., Clarendon Hills
Highlights: Oktoberfest beer from Millstream Brewing plus German- themed cocktails and schnapps, a food truck, music, and games (including Hammerschlagen, a game in which players compete to drive nails into wood).
Downers Grove Oktoberfest
In addition to the brewery-based celebrations, consider attending the 11th annual Downers Grove Oktoberfest hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58. All proceeds go directly to District 58’s schools.
When: Friday, September 13 (3 p.m. – 11 p.m.) and Saturday, September 14 (11 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
Where: Main Street and Burlington Avenue in downtown Downers Grove
Highlights: Authentic German fare, beer tent, Friday night headliner G Love and Special Sauce, various other bands and DJs, plus Kids Zone activities, a brat-eating contest, and “Battle of the Bands” event on Saturday.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dgoktoberfest.org.
