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Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
21st Annual Oktoberfest Chicago
CHICAGO (September 2023)—Pull on your Dirndls and your Lederhosen and polka on down to Oktoberfest Chicago, Friday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 24 in and around St. Alphonsus church in West Lakeview. One of Chicago’s most popular celebrations of fall and all things Bavarian, Oktoberfest Chicago returns for its 21st year of seasonal revelry. In addition to the outdoor festival featuring authentic Bavarian cuisine and live entertainment and the popular Craft Beer Tasting nights held on September 22 & 23 inside the church.
Hours are Friday from 5–10 p.m., Saturday from 12 noon –10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon –7 p.m. St. Alphonsus Catholic Church is located at 1429 W. Wellington Ave in Chicago.
At the corner of Wellington, Lincoln, and Southport Avenues, St. Alphonsus church has been the center of Chicago’s vibrant German community for 140 years since its founding in 1882. Throughout the 20th century German immigrants settled in Lakeview and found community at St. Alphonsus. St. Alphonsus shares its rich cultural history with all of Chicago during Oktoberfest.
The star of the fest is the three B’s of Bavarian cuisine: Beer, Brats, and Bretzeln (the German for pretzels). Enjoy homemade bratwurst and pretzels made from centuries old recipes passed down by the German immigrants who founded St. Alphonsus church. Then, wash it down with a stein-full of Sam Adams beer. A variety of Sam Adams beers will be on tap including fall favorites like Oktoberfest.
Live music at two stages features a combination of Chicago’s best festival bands featuring all music genres alongside lively polka music.
Beer fans can enjoy Craft Beer Tasting Nights at the festival. On Friday, September 22 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and on Saturday, September 23 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., fest goers are welcomed inside the church to the historic basement beerhall for a celebration of craft beer. Included in the cost of the ticket are 15 tastings and a souvenir tasting glass, Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door and can be purchased at https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/Dashboard/Overview/4321
Fest goers should be sure to check out the merchandise tent near the entrance to get official Oktoberfest shirts, Bavarian hats, commemorative pins, bottle openers, an oktoBEARfest teddy bear, and more!
In addition, on Sunday, September 24 there will be a family-friendly KinderFest featuring face painting and inflatables. Plus, there will be a variety of food options and craft merchants throughout the weekend.
For more information visit chicagoevents.com/events/oktoberfest-chicago/
$10 Suggested donation
Entertainment
Main Stage on Southport
Friday
6:00pm – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
8:00pm – Trippin Billies
Saturday
2:00pm – Fletcher Rockwell
4:00pm – The Gingers
6:00pm – Hello Weekend
8:00pm – 16 Candles
Parking Lot Stage
Friday
5:30pm – Leslie Hunt Band
8:00pm – Stache
Saturday
2:00pm – School of Rock
4:00pm – The 77 Solution
6:00pm – Ipop
8:00pm – The Polkaholics
Located in the South Lakeview neighborhood, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church was founded by German immigrants in 1882 and continues to recognize its German roots by celebrating an authentic Oktoberfest every September. Visitors are encouraged to join us for Mass on Sunday at 9:00 a.m (between October through Corpus Christi) to experience the incredible music of the St. Alphonsus Choir. For more information visit https://www.stalphonsuschicago.org/.
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