Usher in fall with Elk Grove's Oktoberfest, parade
Elk Grove Village is gearing up for its popular Hometown Parade and Oktoberfest weekend. Festival hours are 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, and 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village.
"We are looking forward to bringing families and friends together for an event-filled weekend in Elk Grove Village," said Mayor Craig Johnson.
"Our Hometown Parade is packed with unique surprises that you won't want to miss. The parade will lead our guests directly to Rotary Green, where our Oktoberfest will provide plenty of activities, music, food, and drinks for all."
The annual Oktoberfest kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday. It is an outdoor fall celebration which includes German food, live music, games, and a variety of beer and beverage choices.
Both days of the fest will feature German bands - Paloma will perform from 6-10:30 p.m. Friday and Die Musikmeisters will take the stage from 6-10:30 p.m. Saturday. The event will also feature children's activities until 7 p.m. Saturday.
This year's Oktoberfest includes a larger tent for more guests to enjoy, expanded children's activities and the 2022 Souvenir Stein and merchandise items, which are available by purchase.
Festivities on Saturday, Sept. 17, begin with the village's Hometown Parade along Elk Grove Boulevard at 2 p.m. Residents can follow the parade to Rotary Green to enjoy the second day of Oktoberfest, which opens at 3 p.m. Saturday.
The theme of this year's Hometown Parade is "Falling into Oktoberfest." Floats will feature a collection of Oktoberfest attributes, music and more. New to this year's Hometown Parade will be two giant helium balloons, mascots, Percheron horses, and popular action characters.
There is no admission fee for the parade or fest. Food and beverage tickets are available to purchase at Oktoberfest. A book of 10 food/drink tickets is $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
A designated drop-off area will be available on Lions Drive for residents and visitors utilizing ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft.
Additional event details can be found at www.elkgrove.org/oktoberfest.