Oktoberfests in full swing around the suburbs
The weather is starting to cool, but before you break out your coat you can still have some outdoor fun at local Oktoberfest celebrations. The suburbs' big German population means there are plenty of places where you can enjoy sausage, beer, games and music and celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Schnitzel Platz, 729 North Ave., Glendale Heights, (630) 942-9900, schnitzelplatz.com: The German restaurant offers a special Oktoberfest menu through Nov. 2 that includes sauerkraut balls, goulash and spit-roasted pork with German potato salad. The menu also features plenty of combo plates, so you can feast on variety. You'll find live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with plenty of audience interaction including singalongs, dancing and giveaways.
Hofbrauhaus Chicago, 5500 Park Place, Rosemont, (847) 671-2739, hofbrauhauschicago.com: The massive German restaurant is celebrating through Oct. 31, starting with a keg tapping with WTMX's Eric and Kathy Friday, Sept. 12. You can try Oktoberfestbier brewed on site, see how long you can hold up a one-liter stein on Friday and Saturday nights, and feast on daily specials from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, including stuffed cabbage and braised pork roast. Thursdays through Sundays the space will be filled with the smell of fresh-made cinnamon sugar-roasted nuts.
Platzkonzert Germanfest, Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, (847) 781-2669, platzkonzertgermanfest.com: The fifth annual bash celebrates the village's roots with live music from Centerfold, the Johnny Wagner Band and Walter Flechsig, plus Hofbrau beer and German food. Adults can compete in wiener-eating and stein-holding competitions while kids can enjoy inflatables, games, painting and a climbing wall. This year's event also features a 5K race Saturday. Festivities run from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.
Downers Grove Oktoberfest, Burlington Avenue and Main Street, Downers Grove, lemontreegrocer.com: Running from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, the bash features a brat-eating contest, carnival games, face painting, a bounce house and music from Evolution, Frank âKâ Duo, DJ Dan and Rock Academy. Tickets cost $5-$15 and kids younger than 14 get in free.
Oktoberfest at Topgolf, 699 W. Thorndale Ave., Wood Dale, (630) 595-4653, topgolf.com: For $35 you'll get grilled brats and tots, a souvenir shot glass and 3-ounce samples of your choice of eight of more than 20 brews from around the world. The inaugural bash runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.
Palatine Oktoberfest, 137 W. Wood St., Palatine, palatinerotary.com: Heybeck's Meat Market, Tre Amici Pizza, Morkes Chocolates, Mudslingers Cafe and Edelweiss provide food for the Rotary Club's tent party, which also features music from Phenix, Die Musikmeisters and Jimmy's Bavarians, kids' activities and a raffle. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 19; noon to midnight Saturday, Sept. 20; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.
Oak Brook Park District Oktoberfest, Central Park, 1450 Forest Gate Road, (630) 990-4233, obparks.org: Compete in a soccer or softball tournament at the fourth annual bash from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, which features barbecue and German food from Sweet Baby Ray's and beer from Two Brothers Brewery. You can also catch live music from 7th Heaven and the kids will be entertained with crafts and pony rides.
Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org: The annual event features German folk and polka music from The Polkaholics, Freeze Dried, The Happy Wanderers, Jimmy's Bavarians and Alpine Thunder. Tickets cost $5-$15 and include admission to the outdoor history museum. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.