Watch CBS News

Guide To 2017 Oktoberfest Events In Chicago

By Jacqueline Runice

No need to cross an ocean to reach a Teutonic fall fete because there are plenty of prospects in Chicago. You'll be locking arms with fraus and herrs, swaying to the tune of "Edelweiss" and ooom-pah-pahing from now through Halloween. Hoist a hearty brew, get the gemütlichkeit going and entertain your inner Arnold Oktoberfest-style.

Berghoff Oktoberfest 2017
The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 427-3170
www.theberghoff.com

Date: Sept. 12 through Oct. 6, 2017

The great tradition of Berghoff beer began in1882  and the restaurant celebrates its 120th anniversary this coming January (1898-2018). Party in the heart of Chicago's Loop with completion of the historic eatery's restoration,  live music  every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. until Oct. 6 while perusing the special Oktoberfest menu consisting of classic dishes beyond the brat such as Schlachteplatte, sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel and creamed herring plus just baked bread and the famous Berghoff creamed spinach.  Sip Metropolitan's Afterburner, an Oktoberfest/Märzen style draft bier amid Oktoberfest decor and Chicago history.

Dusek's 3rd Annual Blocktoberfest
Corner of Allport and 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 526-3851
www.dusekschicago.com

Date: Oct. 1, 2017 at noon

Dusek's 3rd Annual Blocktoberfest commemorates the changing of the seasons, beer, the community and the Pilsen spot's own anniversary.  The free admission festival outside of Thalia Hall promises hearty food, lots of beer, Dusek's famous punch, a variety of music and plenty of kinder activities to keep young Dagmar and Dieter Junior doing the chicken dance for the duration.

Oktoberfest Chicago
1429 W Wellington Ave.
Chicago IL 60657
(773) 868-3010
www.chicagoevents.com/events/oktoberfestchicago

Date: Sept. 29 through Oct.1, 2017 at 5 p.m.

Chicagoans have had a yodeling good time for 17 straight autumns at Oktoberfest Chicago held at West Lakeview's St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church. This particular Germanic rite of fall includes rock and cover bands as well as tuba tuneage, the ubiquitous scent of bratwurst and kraut wafting thru the bracing air,  craft beer tasting sessions indoors in an German inspired beer hall and a "Kinderfest" especially for families. Admission is $5-$10 and the craft beer tasting requires an additional fee.

Related: Best Breweries Near Chicago

The Duck Inn
2701 S. Eleanor St.
Chicago IL 60608
(312) 724-8811
www.theduckinnchicago.com/events/oktoberfest

Date: Sept. 21, 2017 at 6 p.m.

Named one of the best places to stop in before a White Sox game, the Duck Inn's Bohemian charm will also shine in autumn (despite the Sox performance) during its jolly Oktoberfest celebration. Conde Naste Traveler, which named Chicago "the best restaurant city in America right now," placed The Duck Inn in the number two spot in its list of best restaurants so you know the Bavarian-inspired items like sauerkraut, potato salad, house made pretzels with mustard, cabbage caraway slaw and suckling pig seasoned with traditional bratwurst spices will be "wunderbar." Attendance at the backyard Oktoberfest party requires a $35 ticket available at the web site.

Palatine Oktoberfest
150 W. Slade St.
Palatine, IL. 60008
(847) 925-8048
www.palatinerotary.com/Oktoberfest

Date: Sept. 15 through Sept. 17, 2017 at 5 p.m.

Although the steins may not be as colossal as the vessels in Munich, you'll likely tip a few so consider the fact that the Palatine Oktoberfest takes place right across from the Metra train station. It launches with the tapping of a ceremonial keg on Friday and continues all weekend with bratwurst, Leberkase sandwiches, pig platters, Landjaegers (Hunter's sausages), sauerkraut and German beer and wine. Die Musikmeisters, decked out in lederhosen, Phenix, the Paloma Band and Johnny Wagner Band provide rousing traditional German music and bring little Hans and Heidi on Saturday for family day activities. Admission is free!

Related: Top Spots Near Chicago To Say Goodbye To Summer

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.