Chicago’s top Oktoberfests bring beer, bratwurst, polka & stein-hoisting contests to the city

Chicago’s fall festival calendar is packed with the best Oktoberfest celebrations, from riverfront beer gardens to neighborhood block parties and a zoo outing. The events run across late September and mix German-style beer, food, music, and games, giving locals several ways to celebrate the season.

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Beer, bratwurst and music

The Northman Beer & Cider Garden on the Chicago Riverwalk is hosting weekend festivities from Friday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 4, with Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier, Maplewood Festbier, Dovetail Festweizen and Athletic Brewing’s nonalcoholic Oktoberfest served in commemorative steins, according to the Chicago Tribune. The menu reportedly includes wild boar brats with jalapeño cheddar and cheese-stuffed pork sausage.

The Northman is also adding stein-hoisting contests, a nail-driving game, DIY pretzel necklaces and live polka music at 233 E. Riverwalk, according to their event calendar.

In Old Town, the neighborhood’s German roots take center stage with beer, bratwurst with sauerkraut, soft pretzels and Malort-filled truffles at the Old Town Oktoberfest. The event is set for 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19; and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, on Wells Street. Old Town Oktoberfest will include a stein-holding contest, its first-ever dog parade, and live music.

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From Fulton Market to the zoo

Chicago’s largest Oktoberfest, Fulton Market’s Oktoberfest Nation pop-up, runs Thursday, Sept. 17, through Monday, Oct. 26 at 171 N. Peoria St. and features authentic Hofbräu München beer, sausage, giant pretzels, live German music and games. 

At Guinness Open Gate Brewery, guests can find a Bavarian-inspired menu with giant pretzels and sausages paired with Helles Lager and Festbier served in souvenir steins, according to OpenTable. The event runs from Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago will be rescheduling its Oktoberfest party, which was originally set to be held from Saturday, Sept. 19, to Sunday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event expects to have themed giveaways, games, Oktoberfest beer, bratwurst, and pretzels with cheese available for purchase. Stay tuned to their website and social media for further updates.