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Cheers to Chicago’s craft beer scene! Did you know that some of the best beer festivals are happening just west of Chicago, where you don’t have to fight the crowds or navigate city neighborhoods to enjoy excellent brews and festive vibes?
Let’s explore four top beer festivals in the near western suburbs, each providing a fun way to celebrate great beer and vibrant communities.
Oaktoberfest | Downtown Oak Park | September 25-26, 2026
For more than 30 years, the Village of Oak Park has celebrated fall with pumpkin spice and beer—lots and lots of beer—at Oaktoberfest. This annual downtown Oak Park event kicks off autumn with seasonal favorites, including fall craft beers and ciders from local breweries such as Revolution, Right Bee, plus Hacker-Pschorr imported from Germany. The event also features wine, great local food, and live music. Join this free community celebration, held at Marion Street and North Boulevard, south of Lake Street, on Friday, September 25, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, September 26, from noon to 10 p.m.
What to Expect
Join friends and neighbors in the beer garden, where you'll enjoy a wide selection of beers, including Riggs Beer (brewed in Urbana, IL), Anti-Hero from Chicago’s Revolution Brewing. Other popular choices include Leinenkugel’s Märzen-style Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA, and selection of wine and an Arancia Spritz.
Food
Local restaurants really shine too! Enjoy Q BBQ’s hearty pulled pork sandwich, and Tre Sorelle’s pizza by the slice. Don’t miss the incredible poke bowls from Poke Burrito, popcorn chicken and pork bao from Kyuramen, and tasty tacos and churros from Tacos El Tio. Many vendors offer options (vegan, gluten-free, no sugar added) and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to suit various dietary needs.
Live Music
Friday night’s headliner is Shinyribs, a soul/funk band out of Austin; Saturday’s is The Resolvers who define "Big Band Reggae" by combining classic Jamaican roots and lively New Orleans stylings. !Esso! Afrojam Funkbeat starts at 6:30 pm. They are known for showcasing a unique blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Latin dance, slam poetry, jazz, and psychedelic rock.
Visit Oaktoberfest Music for the eclectic mix of performers and a schedule of the live music lineup.
Family-Focused Activities
Oaktoberfest offers one of Chicagoland’s favorite kids’ festivals. The Kids’ Root Beer Garden on Marion Street features family-friendly artistic, educational, and hands-on activities sponsored by local organizations, plus the annual Root Beer Garden Zucchini Car Races! The Root Beer Garden will be open on Saturday, September 26, from noon to 5 p.m. New this year at the Kids' Root Beer Garden! After you race your zucchini car, you can race a buddy through our Little Sprouts Corn Quest obstacle course!
Yes, your furry family members are welcome to join the fun, but please keep them on a leash!
Why It Stands Out
Oaktoberfest is distinguished among local fests because of its emphasis on community. More than just a beer festival, it’s a celebration of Oak Park's unique character and culture!
For more details, visit oaktoberfest.net.
Riverside Hop Stop Community Beer Festival | Riverside Train Station | Saturday, September 26, 2026
Riverside's Hop Stop is a beer lover's paradise! Enjoy samples from more than 20 local breweries, cideries, and cocktail makers, including Riverside’s own Quincy Street Distillery, and local food vendors, including Carey Corn, Abil Foods - a charcuterie cart and Riverside Foods, on September 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Riverside Train Station and Guthrie Park. Each adult ticket sold includes a commemorative tasting glass, and all proceeds support the Olmsted Society of Riverside's efforts for a sustainable future. Make use of the free bicycle valet, bring a designated driver, or take the Metra, which drops you right outside. There will be art activities for children (under 12 are admitted free with ticket), and music to round out a wonderful outdoor family friendly setting.
Activities
Live performances from Goldmember, High & Lonesome, and others keep the energy flowing, and Pocket Circus, a band of circus performers and magicians, will keep the kids entertained. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult.
Why It Stands Out
Beyond its celebration of craft brewing, Riverside’s Hop Stop Community Beer Festival brings the community together. The event supports the beautification of this historic village while protecting Riverside’s sustainable future. Take advantage of the free bicycle valet, bring a designated driver, or take the Metra, which drops you right outside the event.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit Riverside Hop Stop.
Oktoberfest | Brookfield Zoo Chicago |September 19 - 20, 2026
Prost! to Oktoberfest at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with family-friendly fun music, games, giveaways and more. This German-style event will feature a special seasonal menu with bratwursts, specialty beers, pretzels with cheese and more available for purchase. Experience Brookfield Zoo Chicago transform into Bavaria at the annual Brookfield Zoo Chicago Oktoberfest, sponsored by Leinenkugel, September 19 - 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What to Expect
Enjoy live polka bands, a delicious seasonal menu that includes bratwursts, sausages, and pretzels with beer cheese, and a selection of German and local craft beers. Best of all, entry to Oktoberfest at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is included with your general zoo admission, making it an easy and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Activities
During Oktoberfest, zoo exhibits and family activities will be open, giving this fest a wild twist. Be on the lookout for the Leinie’s mobile PolkaPedi cruising around the zoo, offering complimentary swag to zoogoers aged 21+.
Why It Stands Out
Where else can you enjoy a pint of German beer and dance to a polka band while a giraffe looks down its nose at you? This is a one-of-a-kind experience you won't want to miss.
For more information, visit brookfieldzoo.org.
Honky Tonktoberfest Hosted by Wild Earp | FitzGerald’s in Berwyn | Sunday, October 11, 2026
Only FitzGerald’s, Berwyn’s legendary music venue, could turn a traditional Oktoberfest on its ear with a honky-tonk twist. The 5th Annual Honky Tonktoberfest promises a lively mix of country music, dancing, and great food and beer on Sunday, October 11, beginning at noon, with doors opening at 11 a.m. This all-ages event is free with an RSVP.
What to Expect
This event is exactly what it sounds like: a whole lot of Chicago honky-tonk mixed in with a little bit of Oktoberfest! Enjoy performances by traditional country music artists on two stages all day long, along with tasty BBQ and German festival staples from Babygold Barbecue, a selection of craft beers, and an outstanding Oktoberfest beer from Hacker-Pschorr.
There is limited street parking; we recommend arriving by public transportation, rideshare, or bicycle.
Live Music
Wild Earp, a master of cowboy classics, hosts this event with performances by honky-tonk favorites. The lineup is still being finalized but, check back here for more info!
Why It Stands Out
When honky-tonk meets Oktoberfest at FitzGerald’s, toes will be tapping for a unique blend of country music, craft beers, BBQ specialties, and German brews.
For more information, visit FitzGerald's and reserve your spot now; space is limited!
Oktoberfest | La Grange | September 25-27, 2026
The inaugural La Grange Oktoberfest brings together local restaurants, live entertainment, family activities, and community spirit for a weekend celebration in Downtown La Grange. Built around local businesses and designed to encourage visitors to explore the entire downtown, Oktoberfest celebrates both Bavarian traditions and everything that makes La Grange special. Friday, September 25: 5pm – 10pm & Saturday, September 26, 12pm – 10pm & Sunday, September 27: 12pm – 9pm
Oktoberfest would take place on Calendar Avenue, between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue.
Food and Drink
Milk Money Brewing’s seasonal Oktoberfest beer will help bring an authentic taste of the season to the celebration. Brewed locally and inspired by traditional German Oktoberfest flavors, it’s the perfect pint to enjoy while taking in the music, food, and festive atmosphere.
A great sampling of La Grange restaurants will be on hand, so be sure to come hungry. Restaurants include: Fourteensixteen, GP Italiano, Oliveceto and Wooden Paddle.
Live Music
On Friday from 7:00pm - 10:00pm enjoy the Ed Wagner Brass Band. Led by renowned bandleader Ed Wagner, the Ed Wagner Brass Band delivers the rich, unmistakable sound of a traditional German brass ensemble, bringing authentic Bavarian charm to every performance.
Saturday from 3:00pm - 6:00pm catch Euro Express Band Expect festive favorites, traditional tunes, polkas, and crowd-pleasing sounds that help create the warm, community atmosphere Oktoberfest is known for. Stick around on Saturday to hear Prost from 7:00pm to 10:00 pm. Prost is one of the area’s premier Oktoberfest bands, delivering an energetic mix of German, Slovenian, American, and polka favorites.
Sunday features three musical acts starting with The Happy Wanderers from noon to 3:00pm. Their crowd-pleasing repertoire includes fun polkas, traditional German marches and waltzes, and drinking songs with vocals in both German and English. From 4:00pm - 6:00pm you won’t want to miss LiveStream, see them perform music from the 80s and 90s. End the weekend with Evil Burrito, who will perform from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. They are a power-pop rock cover band that delivers energetic, hook-laden, guitar-driven music from the 70’s through today. From Pink, Kelly Clarkson, and Olivia Rodrigo, to Led Zeppelin.
Why It Stands Out
Cornhole Championship - qualify throughout the weekend by participating in our Cornhole Challenge, then battle for the Cup on Sunday! Stein Hoist - what’s an Oktoberfest without a Stein Hoist? Qualify throughout the weekend to earn your place in the Sunday finals!
For more details, visit lgba.com/oktoberfest/.
Beer Fests Are Best Just Due West!
Each of these festivals is closely tied to its local community, saluting and supporting local businesses while celebrating Oktoberfest. Whether you prefer a bit of BBQ and a German beer while two-stepping, enjoying wild animals at the zoo, or relaxing while listening to live music, the near western suburbs offer the best way to celebrate the arrival of fall with friends, family, neighbors, and a pint—or two. Prost!
Less than 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop, these charming villages are easily accessible by car or public transportation. A perfect day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a romantic weekend getaway, a family adventure, a deep dive into Chicago history: The suburbs just due west of Chicago offer all that and more.
Learn more about Chicago's fun next-door neighbors at oakparkandbeyond.org.