This U.S. City Celebrates Oktoberfest Like Munich—With Beer, Lederhosen, and Carnival Rides

You might go to Munich for the final word Oktoberfest expertise, however you don’t need to. Simply head to Chicago, a metropolis with German roots so deep you could really feel such as you’re celebrating in Bavaria. Whether or not you are on the lookout for a family-friendly, dog-friendly, or beer-forward sort of Oktoberfest, you may discover it right here—full with imported German beer, lederhosen, and carnival rides.

When you’re already pondering forward to subsequent 12 months, remember: Chicago’s Oktoberfest season kicks off in September. You possibly can hold the spirit alive-year-round at native German-inspired bars and eating places like Edelweiss, Kaiser Tiger, and The Berghoff. And if you happen to’re on the lookout for inspiration this 12 months, listed here are some enjoyable occasions to mark in your calendar.

Enjoyable for Adults

At Oktoberfest Nation, you possibly can chow down on large pretzels, feast on bratwursts, and sip Hofbräu München beer, similar to I did at Oktoberfest in Munich in 2012. The band in Munich performed the Soiled Dancing soundtrack that evening, however in Chicago, count on conventional German people music carried out by Oompah bands flown in for the town’s largest Oktoberfest celebration. Like in Munich, there are additionally carnival rides and crowd-pleasers like stein-carrying races. Don’t have a dirndl or lederhosen? Don’t fear—you should buy them right here. Oktoberfest Nation is held at Fulton Market and runs by means of Oct. 19.

​Household-friendly

Since 1996, St. Benedict Parish has hosted one among Chicago’s oldest and most healthful Oktoberfest celebrations. Each October, the parish courtyard fills with stay music, carnival rides, video games, and German meals. This 12 months, St. Benedict is holding its Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 3-5.

Canine-friendly

Deliver your canine to Barktoberfest, arguably probably the most cute Oktoberfest celebration within the metropolis. Held at Cody’s, a comfy Lakeview pub, this dog-friendly fest encompasses a German buffet (sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, brats), $6 beers, and $6 Jagermeister photographs. People can enter a stein-holding contest, whereas canines can compete in a pup cup-holding problem. You would possibly even meet your subsequent furry member of the family, as rescue canine can be on web site. Barktoberfest is scheduled for Oct. 5, and a portion of drink gross sales advantages Chicago Canine Rescue.

For Native Beer

Head to Malt Row for a celebration that doubles as a celebration for one among Chicago’s favourite microbreweries: Begyle Brewing. Every fall, Begyle companions with Dovetail Brewery to host Oktoberfestiversary within the Ravenswood Hall, the center of Chicago’s microbrewery scene. Count on stay music, meals vans, and particular beer tappings. This 12 months’s Oktoberfestiversary is scheduled for Oct. 11-12.