Oktoberfest Kickoff

Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich Germany, is one of the world's largest festivals, Oktoberfest, aka Weisn, celebrates Bavarian culture featuring a parade, music, dancing, carnival rides, games, classic Bavarian food, and of course...beer.

Oktoberfest is held over a two-week period starting in mid-September and ending on the first Sunday in October. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

Unfortunately for most of us, we can’t quickly hop a flight to Germany to celebrate. Fortunately, we here in the US have been celebrating Oktoberfest for years, and local versions have sprung up all over the country! With the surge in craft breweries across the US, Oktoberfest celebrations have grown exponentially. These days, you don't need to travel far to enjoy a bit of German life.

While one expects to see beer being consumed at these events, there is much more to enjoy.. Food & music is a huge part of Oktoberfest. You can expect to see foods such as sausages, cheese, roasted chicken, pretzels, potato pancakes and a favorite German food, Sauerkraut!

You can get your dance on as well. As beer splashes from your glass, you can groove out to variety of tunes, most from polka or folk bands. If your legs don't move like Jagger, you still have at least one dance you should be able to tackle, the Chicken Dance (or “Der Ententanz" in German). That’s right, a beloved childhood dance you knew and loved is now available with beer!

Whether this is your first or 51st Oktoberfest, new adventures await. Keep you eye on this blog, our Facebook & Instagram pages, our event calendar and our Facebook Group "Chicago & Illinois Brewery Events" for info on all the Oktoberfest fun you can enjoy right here in Illinois! We will be highlighting fests and breweries throughout the month.