2012 Oktoberfests in Chicago

September in Chicago means one thing: Oktoberfest time. These annual celebrations are a pretty big deal with the locals considering Chicago’s rich German heritage. Honestly, could you think of a better way to welcome the fall season than enjoying a beautiful Indian summer day with homemade bratwurst in one hand and a cold beer in the other? Check out just some of these local Oktoberfests and celebrate German heritage—Chicago style:

The Berghoff Oktoberfest
September 12 – 14, 2012
John C. Kluczynski Federal Plaza
At the corner of Adams and Dearborn

The 27^th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest is the largest and longest running Oktoberfest in Chicago. The festival will offer traditional German faire (bratwursts and beer, of course), traditional performances by Johnny Wagner Band and nightly performances by other local favorite bands. Take your picture with the official mascot, Herman the German, for a chance to win cool prizes, and watch the official Prince and Princess of Oktoberfest get crowned! With free admission and open to the public daily, there’s something in store for everyone!

Oktoberfest Chicago
September 28 – 30, 2012
St. Alphonsus Church
Lakeview – At the corner of Lincoln, Wellington and Southport

St. Alphonsus’s Oktoberfest ends Chicago’s outdoor festival season with traditional German flair. With $5 admission, locals and visitors alike can experience authentic German food, polka dance lessons, the “oom-pah” of German bands, the music of area headliner bands and tons of activities for kids (“Kinderfest”). Festival go-ers can also experience this Oktoberfest like a true Bavarian—by becoming a Brewmaster! For $100, each Brewmaster will receive a commemorative 2012 Oktoberfest stoneware stein; discount-priced stein refills; two free homemade bratwursts; four weekend passes to the festival; three complimentary beers; and more.

So whether you’re German or not, raise your stein, wear your favorite lederhosen and dance to German and Bavarian music! Celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago!

And don’t forget to book your stay with Broughton Hotels of Chicago – City Suites Hotel, The Majestic Hotel or The Willows Hotel!

The Berghoff Oktoberfest

The 25^th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest kicks off today! It will be held at John C. Kluczynski Federal Plaza, and offers classic German beer, food, and plenty of live music!

This year’s music performances include:

Johnny Wagner Band    11:30am-2pm Daily

Maggie Speaks             5-9pm Wed., Sept. 15

Sixteen Candles            5-9pm Thurs., Sept. 16

Sorry for Partying          5-9pm Fri., Sept. 17

The event will also host two raffles to benefit the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. Admission to the Oktoberfest is free, so support this cause for a chance to win a two-year lease on a 2011 Jaguar XF, or a weekend getaway including airfare and overnight accommodations.

Find out more about the Berghoff Oktoberfest, and make your plans today!