You could go to Munich for the ultimate Oktoberfest experience, but you don’t have to. Just head to Chicago, a city with German roots so deep you may feel like you’re celebrating in Bavaria. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly, dog-friendly, or beer-forward kind of Oktoberfest, you’ll find it here—complete with imported German beer, lederhosen, and carnival rides.
If you’re already thinking ahead to next year, keep in mind: Chicago’s Oktoberfest season kicks off in September. You can keep the spirit alive-year-round at local German-inspired bars and restaurants like Edelweiss, Kaiser Tiger, and The Berghoff. And if you’re looking for inspiration this year, here are some fun events to mark on your calendar.
Fun for Adults
At Oktoberfest Nation, you can chow down on giant pretzels, feast on bratwursts, and sip Hofbräu München beer, just like I did at Oktoberfest in Munich in 2012. The band in Munich played the Dirty Dancing soundtrack that night, but in Chicago, expect traditional German folk music performed by Oompah bands flown in for the city’s largest Oktoberfest celebration. Like in Munich, there are also carnival rides and crowd-pleasers like stein-carrying races. Don’t have a dirndl or lederhosen? Don’t worry—you can buy them here. Oktoberfest Nation is held at Fulton Market and runs through Oct. 19.
Family-friendly
Since 1996, St. Benedict Parish has hosted one of Chicago’s oldest and most wholesome Oktoberfest celebrations. Every October, the parish courtyard fills with live music, carnival rides, games, and German food. This year, St. Benedict is holding its Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 3-5.
Dog-friendly
Bring your dog to Barktoberfest, arguably the most adorable Oktoberfest celebration in the city. Held at Cody’s, a cozy Lakeview pub, this dog-friendly fest features a German buffet (sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, brats), $6 beers, and $6 Jagermeister shots. Humans can enter a stein-holding contest, while canines can compete in a pup cup-holding challenge. You might even meet your next furry family member, as rescue dogs will be on site. Barktoberfest is scheduled for Oct. 5, and a portion of drink sales benefits Chicago Canine Rescue.
For Local Beer
Head to Malt Row for a celebration that doubles as a birthday party for one of Chicago’s favorite microbreweries: Begyle Brewing. Each fall, Begyle partners with Dovetail Brewery to host Oktoberfestiversary in the Ravenswood Corridor, the heart of Chicago’s microbrewery scene. Expect live music, food trucks, and special beer tappings. This year’s Oktoberfestiversary is scheduled for Oct. 11-12.
