Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
23rd Annual St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago
Put on your Dirndls and your Lederhosen and polka on down to St. AlphonsusOktoberfest in Chicago. It will be held Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 28 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 23rd year of seasonal revelry. In addition to the outdoor festival featuring authentic Bavarian cuisine and live entertainment, the new Munich-inspired Beer Hall will offer authentic German Beer Flights.
Hours are Friday from 5–10 p.m., Saturday from Noon –10 p.m. and Sunday from 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 141 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 (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.
Enjoy live music at two stages offers a combination of Chicago’s best festival bands featuring all music genres alongside lively polka music.
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 of course, this year’s commemorative Beer Stein, hand-made and imported from Germany!
In addition, on Sunday, September 28 there will be a family-friendly KinderFest featuring face painting, the Kinderfest train and kids’ games. 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 Admission Friday/Saturday
$5 Suggested Donation on Sunday
Entertainment
Southport Stage Entertainment
Friday
6:00pm – Fletcher Rockwell
8:00pm – Trippin Billies
Saturday
2:30pm – iPop (Two Sets)
5:45pm – Hello Weekend
8:15pm – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
Parking Lot Stage Entertainment
Friday
5:30pm – Run Forrest Run
8:00pm – Bratwurst Brothers
Saturday
2:30pm – School of Rock (Two Sets)
4:45pm – Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band
5:45pm – Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band
6:45pm – Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band
8:00pm – Bratwurst Brothers
“We are excited about the 23rd Annual Oktoberfest celebration,“ said Father Steven Bauer. “Thank you to everyone who attends and comes out to help support St. Alphonsus Church which continues to be the pillar in the community. Plus, there will be amazing food, drink and entertainment!”
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 Sundays
at 9 or 11 am, 12:30 in Spanish, or 5 pm to experience the incredible music of the St. Alphonsus choirs. For more information visit https://www.stalsoktoberfest.com
