Dust off those Lederhosen and raise a mug of your favorite ale, because it’s time for Oktoberfest! The German Day Association will hold its annual German-American Oktoberfest on September 6-8 in Lincoln Square.
Since 1920, the association has kept German culture alive in Chicago. This amazing fest even funds much of German Day’s education efforts. This year, attendees can enjoy traditional food and drink, live musical entertainment, carnival games and more. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming festival. Prost!
Steuben Parade
The Steuben Parade, sponsored by the United German American Societies of Greater Chicago, kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 4000 N. Lincoln Ave. From there, it will go through the Lincoln Square neighborhood and end at the festival area. Since 1965, the Steuben Parade has honored Friedrich Von Steuben, a Prussian military officer who fought in the Revolutionary War. Attendees can expect ethnic costumes, floats, music and members from local German-American organizations.
Festival Fun for All
The festival will take place Friday from 5-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12am-10pm. An opening ceremony will be held on Friday at 8pm, and a German mass service will be held on Sunday at 11am. Over the course of the three days, festival goers can enjoy German hospitality tents, authentic food and drink and live music from four different bands. Traditional singing and dancing groups from Chicago will also perform on Saturday after the parade, and Sunday at 2pm. If you’re bringing your kids, they can have a blast in the amusement section, where they can try their luck at various carnival games.
Oktoberfest Specials and Deals
If you can’t make the festival, you can still celebrate Oktoberfest all month long! Check out our list of Oktoberfest specials and deals happening in September across the city.
- Temperance Beer Co. (9/6) – Performance from Oompah band Jimmy’s Bavarians, special Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, special food menu from Peckish Pig
- Hard Rock Cafe Chicago (9/18-10/6) – Special Oktoberfest menu including Jumbo Soft Pretzel, Bratwurst, Schnitzel Sandwich, Sam Adams and Whiskey Apple Mule. Sam Adams Beer Stein Hoisting Competition on October 17
- Sketchbook Brewing Company (9/20-9/21) – A relaxed take on Hammerschlagen. German food vendors, live music, four different German beers
- Mac’s Wood Grilled (9/21-10/7) – Soft Pretzel Twists for $7, Smoked Bacon Cheddar Brat for $13, 3 Floyds Munsterfest Drafts for $8, Revolution Oktoberfest Drafts for $7
- Lark (9/20-10/6) – Free commemorative mug with HB drafts, beer flights, homemade German pretzels, German burgers, bratwurst, apple strudel
- Guinness Open Gate Brewery (9/27-9/29) – German-inspired cuisine and Chicago-brewed beers. $45 prix-fixe meal and $25 curated beer pairings with keepsake stein
