Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
Mocktoberfest: Chicago’s N/A Oktoberfest October 10, 2026
CHICAGO AF PRESENTS MOCKTOBERFEST 2026:
GOOD TIMES. ZERO PROOF.
Non-alcoholic Oktoberfest comes to Palmhouse on October 10
Tickets now on sale ($35-$50)
CHICAGO, Ill., July 7, 2026 — Chicago AF, the Chicagoland community for alcohol-free living and socializing, today announced Mocktoberfest 2026, a zero-proof Oktoberfest celebration coming to the North Side’s Palmhouse on Saturday, October 10, from 12–6 p.m. Tickets are now available at mocktoberfestchi.org.
Palmhouse, an airy, warm, industrial-style venue at 619 N. Howard St, just off the Howard Red Line, is owned and operated by Chicago-native queer women and provides the perfect backdrop for a festival built around inclusivity and community. Guests can sample non-alcoholic beers, mocktails, and more while mingling among Oktoberfest-style seating and programs, a local vendor market, live music, and roaming performers.
The event meets a growing demand for alcohol-free things to do. According to a 2025 Gallup poll, just 54 percent of American adults now drink alcohol — a record low — and for the first time, a majority (53 percent) say drinking is bad for one’s health.
“People avoid alcohol for all kinds of reasons: they might be sober or sober-curious, taking a short- or long-term break, or just done with hangovers,” said Carrie May, founder of Chicago AF. “We also hear from members that many are curious how not drinking might affect or improve their health. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen those health benefits first-hand, and having produced zero-proof gatherings for more than five years in Chicago, we know how hungry this community is for events like this. With this event falling the day before the Chicago Marathon, we’re excited to offer an alcohol-free space that excites those who live a sober lifestyle every day, or just want to see what our incredible city has to offer when they are taking a temporary break from alcohol.”
Mocktoberfest 2026 is ages 18+, queer-friendly, sober-friendly, and welcoming to all.Tickets are available at mocktoberfestchi.org. Early bird pricing starts at $35. Full price tickets are $50.
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH YOUR TICKET:
- Unlimited 3-oz samples of NA beers (including limited-edition Oktoberfest drops), mocktails, teas, and more
- Oktoberfest-style seating, décor, and table games
- A curated local vendor market
- Live music, DJs, and a bit of polka
- Interactive demos, learning sessions and roaming performers
Elevated food including curry brats, German beet-stained eggs, Bavarian pretzels, and full-size signature mocktails with housmade ingredients like the Persimmon Shrub or Lavender Limeade will be available for purchase. Some samples may contain less than 0.5% ABV.
ABOUT CHICAGO AF
Chicago AF (Chicago Alcohol-Free) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization dedicated to creating vibrant, inclusive, alcohol-free social spaces for Chicagoland residents. Founded by Carrie May, Chicago AF connects the sober, sober-curious, and mindful-drinking community through events, resources, and programming. Learn more at chicagoafcommunity.com.
