Rosemont’s first Oktoberfest starts Sept. 13

Hofbräuhaus Chicago kicks off Rosemont’s first Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 13 at 5500 Park Place in MB Financial Park at Rosemont entertainment district.

Festivities run through Oct. 31 and will include authentic Bavarian entertainment, celebrity keg-tapping ceremonies, and a freshly brewed “Oktoberfestbier” inspired by the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany.

During the 48-day celebration, Hofbräuhaus — the only German microbrewery, beer hall and restaurant in the Chicago area — will serve up traditional Bavarian specialties by Dirndl-wearing waitresses and feature nightly live entertainment, including a German bugle corps, an authentic Austrian “Oompah” band, and traditional German dancers.

All beers are brewed on-site led by a brewmaster trained in the 400-year-old recipes and techniques needed for the production of Hofbräuhaus beer.

On Friday and Saturday nights during Oktoberfest, patrons can participate in a Masskrugstemmen contest — a Bavarian one liter stein-holding competition. The goal is to hold a filled stein parallel to the floor using one arm only. The person who holds it out the longest is the winner.

Every Friday Hofbräuhaus will host traditional keg-tapping ceremonies with a new celebrity guest each week.

Free parking is available in adjacent lots or in the nearby parking garage (free with validation.) For more information, call (847) 671-2739 or visit hofbrauhauschicago.com.