Not everyone can make it out to the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Fortunately, cities around the world host similar events that bring the celebration of German culture closer to home.
One Oktoberfest you won’t want to miss happens in Glendale Heights, Ill. Read on to find out what’s involved.
About Glendale Heights Oktoberfest
2022 will mark the 10th annual Glendale Heights Oktoberfest. It will be happening from Sept. 15-25 at Camera Park. Hours are as follows:
• Mondays- Thursdays 5-10 PM
• Fridays: 5 PM – midnight
• Saturdays: noon – midnight
• Sundays: noon to 10 PM
Admission is $5. Children 16 and under get in free. Parking is also free.
The festival offers live entertainment including ‘oompah’ entertainers that perform under an authentic festival tent. German food and drink will be served, and vendors will be selling souvenirs, hats, steins, and more.
The event is rain or shine.
Live Music
The event offers live music every day of the festival. Performers represent a wide range of genres including rock, pop, big band, traditional German music, jazz, and more.
Menu Items
A variety of German food will be served at the festival. You must purchase a $1 ticket to buy food. You must redeem a certain number of tickets for each item.
The selection includes:
• German pretzels (with or without cheese sauce)
• Pork shank with sauerkraut
• Roasted chicken
• Schnitzel sandwich with grilled onions
• German bratwurst with roll
• Footlong frankfurter Wurstchen with roll
• Homemade bread dumpling with gravy
• German potato salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Sauerkraut
Beverages
A variety of beers will be served. You can purchase:
• Liter beer with souvenir stein and liter refill
• ½ liter beer with souvenir stein and ½ liter refill
The beer purchases automatically enter you in a chance to win a trip to Germany.
Soft drinks and water are available as well.
VIP Experience
You can also purchase VIP tickets that include the following:
• Festival admission
• Seating at a VIP box that accommodates ten and offers premium views of the festivities
• VIP parking
• An appetizer platter that includes pretzels and other German treats
• A meal voucher
• Two drink vouchers
• Meals served on China plates with silverware and glassware
• Private servers
• Option to use credit cards
• Option to get specialty items such as steins and t-shirts designed with your company logo
The VIP experience must be reserved in advance. Its costs $80 per person Sunday through Thursday and $100 per person Friday and Saturday.
Things to Do in Glendale Heights
Here are some things you can do in Glendale Heights when you’re not out enjoying Oktoberfest:
• Camera Park: Camera Park is an event venue that also offers a nature trail for walking, jogging, and biking.
• Bowlero: This bowling alley chain offers over 30 lanes, an arcade, a pro shop, and a sports bar.
• East Branch Forest Preserve: This 520-acre nature area features lakes and wetland areas.
• Cosley Zoo: Cosley Zoo sits on the grounds of a historic train station and showcases wildlife and domestic animals.
• DuPage County Off-Leash Dog Park: Set on the southeast corner of East Branch Forest Preserve, this park offers nature areas for dog owners and non-dog owners alike.
• Vertical Endeavors: Vertical Endeavors is an indoor climbing gym that offers quite a workout.
• Glendale Lakes Golf Club: The perfect destination for a relaxing day on the green.
• Center Ice of Dupage: This ice-skating rink offers facilities for ice skating and hockey. It’s open year-round.
• K1 Speed: K1 Speed is the ideal destination for go-karting enthusiasts.
• Glendale Heights Sports Hub: This recreational facility offers workout equipment, a soccer arena, an indoor playground, two fitness studios, two dance studios, and more.
If you are unable to make it out to Munich for this year’s Oktoberfest, Glendale Heights offers the perfect alternative. It’s a terrific place to enjoy food, fun, and entertainment. Will you be making plans for this year’s trip?
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