Oktoberfest is known to many as the “beer-drinking festival,” but that’s not all it is. Here in Chicagoland, there are plenty of places to celebrate German culture with the whole family this fall.
You’ll be able to enjoy traditional cuisine, hear Polka music and dance the night away. We rounded up some of the most kid-friendly Oktoberfests in Chicago and the suburbs to try this year.
This article was recently updated on Aug. 30, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s audience development coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding Oktoberfests to ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best Oktoberfests for families in Chicagoland this month. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
German American Oktoberfest at Lincoln Square
Sept. 6-8, 2024
- Address: North Lincoln Avenue and West Leland Avenue, Chicago
- Cost: Free admission
The family-friendly festival features live bands, food, beer, wine, carnival games and more. The parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Itasca Oktoberfest at Washington Park
Sept. 6-7, 2024
- Address: 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca
- Cost: Free admission
Enjoy German food, drinks, live music and entertainment and more at Itasca Oktoberfest.
Platzkonzert Germanfest at Hideaway Brew Garden & Bar
Sept. 6-8, 2024
- Address: 5510 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
- Cost: Free
This annual Oktoberfest-style celebration features authentic German food, Hofbrau beer, live music, free kids activities and more.
Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park
Sept. 13-14, 2024
- Address: Between Marion Street and North Boulevard, south of Lake Street, Oak Park
- Cost: Free admission; fees for food
This annual fall festival features a premiere music lineup, specialty craft beers, delicious fall foods from local places and a Kids Root Beer Garden. The kids activities include root beer floats, zucchini races, face painting and more.
Berwyn Oktoberfest at Berwyn’s Depot District
Sept. 20-21, 2024
- Address: 3229 Grove Ave., Berwyn
- Cost: Free
The family-friendly festival includes an international food court, live music, beer garden and more.
Elk Grove Village Oktoberfest at Rotary Green
Sept. 20-21, 2024
- Address: 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village
- Cost: Free; purchase tickets for food and drinks
Enjoy traditional German food, games and activities, live music and more at this annual event.
Fall Festival/Oktoberfest
Sept. 20-21, 2024
- Address: Intersection of Emerson Street & Busse Avenue, Mount Prospect
- Cost: Free, fees for food
Oktoberfest features live entertainment with authentic German food and drinks. Plus, a kids portion for the fall fest on Saturday.
Tinley Park Oktoberfest at the 80th Avenue Metra Train Station
Sept. 20-22, 2024
- Address: 18001 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park
- Cost: Free, fees for food and drink and some activities
Resembles the traditional Oktoberfest held in Germany with food, drink, traditional dancing, a vendor fair, a carnival and more.
Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus Church
Sept. 27-29, 2024
- Address: 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10/suggested donation
Join in on the fun at one of Chicago’s most popular fall celebrations and all things Bavarian. There will be food, music and more.
Highland Park Oktoberfest at The Lot
Sept. 28, 2024
- Address: 523 Central Ave., Highland Park
- Cost: Free
This Oktoberfest includes music, family-focused activities, food, beverages and more.
Naper Settlement Oktoberfest
Oct. 4-5, 2024
- Address: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
- Cost: $20/adult, $15/ages 4-12, free/ages 3 and under
At this annual event, guests can enjoy German food, local and traditional Oktoberfest beer varieties, pop-polka music and more.
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