Oktoberfest 2026 guide: 28 Chicagoland celebrations

Chicago Tribune / by Samantha Nelson / September 16, 2026

Summer might be Chicago’s biggest festival season, but the city also goes all out in early fall to celebrate Oktoberfest. The area’s strong German heritage means you’ll find plenty of communities hosting huge parties with live music and traditional fun like stein-holding competitions, while breweries put their own spins on Oktoberfest beers on tap and restaurants add specials like bratwurst and schnitzel to their menus. Bring an appetite and prepare to shout “Prost!” — the German word for cheers — a lot when you head to one of these 28 Oktoberfest celebrations. Read More Here.