Oktoberfest ready to kick off at Hofbrauhaus in Rosemont

Soon the leaves will be turning, the temperatures will be crisper — and those with an affinity for schnitzel, beer and oompa bands will be able to get their fill.

Preparations are underway at Hofbrauhaus Chicago in Rosemont for the restaurant and beer hall's second annual Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 12 to Oct. 31 featuring many of the same traditions as the real thing in Munich, Germany.

Nightly entertainment features a variety of performers, including authentic oompah bands from Europe, a German bugle corps, German dirndl fashion show and traditional German dancers.

Celebrity keg tapping ceremonies will be held on consecutive Friday nights starting Sept. 12. The celebrities expected to tap the kegs are Eric and Kathy from 101.9-FM The Mix (Sept. 12), Tim Smithe from Walter E. Smithe furniture (Sept. 19), radio personality Eddie Volkman (Sept. 26), Aly Bockler from WCIU-TV (Oct. 3), Pat Tomasulo from WGN Morning News (Oct. 10), Chicago Blackhawks radio commentator and former player Troy Murray (Oct. 17), and Janet Davies from ABC 7 Chicago (Oct. 25).

Stein holding competitions — called masskrugstemmen — will be held on Friday and Saturday nights. Contestants will try to see who can hold their one-liter stein of beer the longest with the use of only one arm.

The restaurant's on-site microbrewery is also producing a special “Oktoberfestbier” in honor of the celebration.

Eins, zwei, g'suffa!

Hofbrauhaus is located at 5500 Park Place in the MB Financial Park at Rosemont entertainment district.