If you are looking for a true Oktoberfest experience, but can’t make it out to Munich, Germany, there’s no reason to be bummed out. There are plenty of cities all over the world that celebrate Oktoberfest in their own way. One of those cities is Chicago.

You really can’t go wrong when celebrating Oktoberfest in a happening city like Chicago. You can be sure there will be tons of fun things to see and do. Read on to find out what Oktoberfest Chicago has to Offer.

About Chicago Oktoberfest

Chicago Oktoberfest takes place at the Alphonsus Church in Chicago’s West Lakeview area. It happens on the last weekend of September. 2022 dates are Sept. 23-25. Hours are as follows:

• Friday: 5-10 PM

• Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM

• Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM

Admission is $10 on Friday, $5 on Saturday before 5 PM, $10 after 5 PM, and $5 on Sunday. Military members can get in free with a guest. They also offer a VIP package which comes with tons of extras.

Events and Activities

Here are some events and activities you can enjoy while you’re at the festival.

Live Music: The event features live music every day. A variety of bands perform playing polka music, rock, pop and more. You can watch bands on the Parking Lot Stage or the Southport Stage.

Craft Beer Tasting Nights: Craft beer tasting nights take place on Friday from 6-9 PM and Saturday from 4-7 PM. The event is limited to 700 tasters. It costs $40 in advance and $50 at the door. It includes:

• 15 tastings

• A souvenir tasting glass

• Admission to the festival

You must be 21 or over to participate.

Vendors: Vendors will be selling a variety of items including German foods and souvenirs.

Kids Kinderfest: Kids Kinderfest happens from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. It offers a variety of activities including arts and crafts, polka dance parties, face painting and more.

German Foods: Guests can enjoy a variety of German foods and beer.

Things to Do in Chicago

In a happening city like Chicago, you are bound to find tons of fun things to do when you are not at Oktoberfest. Here are some you will want to check out.

• Art Institute of Chicago: The Art Institute is a great place to check out masterpieces of every era.

• Garfield Park Conservatory: The Conservatory offers eight indoor gardens and 10 acres of outdoor landscaping.

• The Green Mill: The Green Mill is a jazz club that dates to Prohibition times.

• The Morton Salt Building: The Morton Salt Building is one of Chicago’s newest music venues. Find out what’s going on there when you’re in town.

• Chicago Water Taxi: The water taxi ferries people across town during rush hour but also makes relaxing weekend trips.

• The Museum of Science and Industry: The Museum of Science and industry offers a variety of exhibitions including recreations of classic works of art.

• Chicago Beaches: You may not think of Chicago as a beachy area, but its Montrose Beach and South Shore Beach will tell you differently.

• Paddle Along the Chicago River: Kayak Chicago offers kayaks that you can rent to paddle and glide along the Chicago River.

• The Field Museum: The Field Museum is full of historical artifacts.

• The Chicago Cultural Center: The cultural center offers programs and exhibitions set against a stunning architectural setting.

If you are looking for an Oktoberfest closer to home, Chicago Oktoberfest just may be your answer. It offers so many exciting things to see and do. Will you be booking a trip for the coming season?

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