Beer? Check. Brats? Yep. Games and other antics? Illinois' got you! Find these and more at Oktoberfest celebrations around Illinois.
German lessons, genealogy searches and Bavarian apparel for sale put a serious cultural spin on this party hosted by the German American Central Society. But it’s fun, too: Watch arm-strength contestants try to hold their steins and enjoy the hearty food and drink.
No need to train for the 0.2K Beer and Brat Dash (it’s about two city blocks). Sample craft beers and tour tunnels and caverns at Dick Brothers Brewery. Take part in an Abendbrot, a traditional German communal dinner.
Dogs have their day at this annual event, with three wiener-dog races on tap. Learn how to dance the polka and balance a beer stein. Kids get in on the fun, too, with a bounce house and pumpkin decorating.
West Lakeview’s iconic church hosts a bash with brats and bands on two stages. Adults can sample 20 craft beers; admission includes a souvenir glass and pretzel necklace.
A sweet sweepstakes is the big draw, typically with a $10,000 grand prize and several four-figure awards. And if the live music, brews and brats don’t win you over, indulge in German cookies, Bavarian cream puffs and Apfelkuchen (apple cake).
Feast on schnitzel and spaetzle, drink Hacker-Pschorr (a traditional Oktoberfest beer) and dance to live music under a a big heated tent. Expect good food, good beer, good music, and lots of family friendly festival type things to do.
A wiener-eating contest, live tunes and a Munich-style beer garden highlight this suburban Chicago celebration. Pair Bavarian brews with giant pretzels slathered in mustard or cheese.
Besides brews, wiener-dog races, food and tunes, compete in the washers and bags tournament. It all happens at the Morgan County Fairgrounds west of Springfield.
Pride of Chicago
in
Arts & Culture,
Chicago
Home to the first officially recognized gay village in the United States and one...
Celebrating the Year of Chicago Music
in
Arts & Culture
After wonderful year-long celebrations of Chicago theater, public art, and creat...
A Winter Weekend Getaway in Shawnee National Forest
in
Road Trips,
Activities
From the rustic tree houses to stay in and the unparalleled outdoor adventures, ...
Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season.
Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map.
Order Print VersionRead Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas around Illinois.
View it Online Download PDFGet inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.
Order a Copy!