Let’s face it, not everyone can make it out to the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Especially if you’re overseas. Not many people can spend a lot of time off work to make the trip, and some don’t have the money to spend on the plane tickets.
Well, don’t be too bummed if you can’t make it to the Munich Oktoberfest. There are tons of cities that celebrate the event closer to home. One is Champaign, IL.
Champaign’s Discover Self Community hosts a can’t miss Oktoberfest that rivals the Munich event. Here’s what they have to offer.
About C-U Oktoberfest
The 2022 Oktoberfest will be happening on Sept. 24 from 3-10 PM in downtown Champaign in the parking lot at Neil and Washington St. It marks the 9th year of the event. It will include great food, beer, and entertainment.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Discover Self Community Organization which is devoted to enriching life in the area.
Ticketing
There are a variety of tickets that can be purchased online before the event and at the door. These include:
• General Admission: General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
• Reserved Table: You can reserve a table that seats 8 for $250. Only a limited number of tables are available.
Raffle: The organizers are hosting a raffle for a chance to win $5000. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the event for $10 each or 3 for $25. You can purchase as many as you like. You must be 18 or over and an Illinois resident to participate.
Bundles and Souvenirs: You can also purchase bundles and souvenirs for the event. These include:
• Oktoberfest Blue Bundle ($20): The Blue Bundle comes with a t-shirt, a Commemorative Stein, and a bandana.
• Oktoberfest White Bundle ($30): The White Bundle includes a baseball ¾ sleeve t-shirt, a commemorative stein, and a bandana.
You can also order any items in the bundle separately. The short-sleeved t-shirt is $10, the ¾ sleeve baseball tee is $20, the bandana is $8, and the commemorative stein is $5.
Events and Activities
Events and activities at C-U Oktoberfest include:
• Live Music: The Die Musikmeisters will be playing polkas, waltzes, and traditional German music.
• Kids Zone: The Kids Zone will be open from 3-6 PM. It will be offering all sorts of fun kids’ activities.
• Come in Costume: Guests are encouraged to come in traditional German costume and dance the night away.
Food and Drink
There will be a variety of beers available c/o favorite local brewers like Blind Pig, Riggs Beer Company, and Triptych Brewing. A wide selection of German beers will be served as well.
German style food will be served from C-U’s most sought-after food trucks including Smith Burger and Watson’s Shack & Rail. You can also enjoy Bavarian pretzels brought to you by Martinelli’s Market.
Things to Do in Champaign
Here are some things to do in Champaign when you are not out enjoying Oktoberfest:
• Krannert Art Museum: This fine art museum is a great place to view Asian, African, and Pre-Columbian art.
• Virginia Theater: The Virginia Theater doubles as a movie theater and a performing arts center. Find out what it has to offer when you’re in town.
• Spurlock Museum: The Spurlock Museum offers over 50,000 objects dedicated to ethnography including wood carvings and handwritten letters that date back thousands of years.
• Hessel Park: Hessel Park offers 22 acres of nature, picnic areas, and tree varieties.
• University of Illinois Arboretum: The Arboretum is located on the Uol Campous and features a Japan House, a tree alley, and all forms of plant life.
If you are looking for an Oktoberfest experience closer to home, Champaign’s got you covered. Their CU Oktoberfest is the perfect event for making memories. Will you be making plans to visit in the coming season?
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