Oktoberfest Chicago 2024

Chicago German-American Oktoberfest is organized by the German Day Association to promote the German culture, language, and music in Chicago. Annually organized by the German Day Association, this event involves live music bands, traditional dancing groups, different carnival games, and a parade to entertain you and your family.

Festival Events

During the Oktoberfest Chicago, you have a great opportunity to experience well-known German hospitality and try authentic German food and beverages. The festival kicks off on Friday with an opening ceremony at 5 pm, continues at 2 pm on Saturday with an annual Steuben Parade, also known as the German-American parade, and spans well into Sunday evening.

Throughout the whole run of the celebration, food vendors offer traditional German fare alongside national dances and songs performed by Chicago-based ensembles and music bands. Four bands in total will entertain the crowd during the Oktoberfest Chicago. On Sunday, you can also attend a German Mass Service, meant to honor German ancestors.

German-American Parade (September 7, 2024)

The Steuben Parade, or German-American Parade, is an integral part of the festival, which celebrates German heritage through elaborately decorated floats, traditional costumes, and music. The procession moves along Lincoln Avenue: it sets off from Irving Park Road, continues north to Eastwood, then to Western Avenue, and finally stops at Lawrence Avenue near Lincoln Square. The event is also a treat for spectators, who line the streets of Chicago, cheering on the parade participants and enjoying the atmosphere. You can find the viewing stands at Western and Leland Avenue.

History of the Parade

First held in 1965, the German-American parade was dedicated to Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a famous figure in the American Revolutionary War, whose contribution played a significant role in the creation of a disciplined army. Nowadays, the procession doubles as a magnificent representation of German culture in all its forms, from music and dancing to traditional costumes worn by German communities and social clubs.

Schedule

The festivities run from 5 pm to 11 pm on Friday, with the opening ceremony starting later in the evening, at 8 pm. On Saturday, the festival spans from noon until 11 pm, with a parade at 2 pm. The final day of the event is set to take place from noon until 10 pm. German Mass Service unfolds at 11 am on Sunday.

Location & Admission

Chicago Oktoberfest takes place all throughout Lincoln Square, at the corner of Lincoln and Western. The parade route lies along Lincoln Avenue. What’s more, this gathering is absolutely free, making it possible for anyone to rejoice in the entertaining atmosphere.