Fifteen Oktoberfest celebrations featuring traditional German food, beer, live polka music, stein-holding contests and hammerschlagen are coming to the Chicago suburbs starting this weekend. Here’s where to join in on the merrymaking.
iHeartRadio is loading its 2026 holiday tour with some starry acts, including performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Charlie Puth, Raye, Katseye, Jonas Brothers, Alex Warren, Hilary Duff, Sombr, OneRepublic, Ludacris, Teddy Swims and Sienna Spiro.
The celebration ended months ago, but the feel-good magic of back-to-back state championships by the Libertyville High School baseball team lingers as the backdrop of a short film its director hopes can translate into a full-length production.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre delivers an emotional, vocally impressive revival of the cult musical “Ride the Cyclone,” directed by Lillian Castillo, who originated the role of Constance in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s 2015 U.S. premiere.
The Morton Arboretum, Sonny Acres Farms, Cantigny and the Village of Rosemont host family-friendly festivals, and Emily Rohm, who originated the role of Jane Doe in CST’s “Ride the Cyclone,” brings her cabaret show to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, whose “Cyclone” revival runs through Oct. 25.
Mark your calendar for the Long Grove Apple Fest, Cary Main Street Fest, Huntley Fall Fest, Meadows Fest in Rolling Meadows, Cantigny Fall Fest and more.
Diners who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, or at least a little sticky, can learn the art of making gnocchi and then enjoy a four-course meal afterward on Sept. 30 and Oct. 20 and 21 at Labriola Ristorante in Oak Brook. “People always leave saying what a great time they had,” said Chris Favero, who frequently leads the classes.