About the Event

❤️ Why It Matters ❤️

When you raise a stein at our DANK Haus Oktoberfest, you are doing more than celebrating--you are giving back. Every brat, every stein, and every ticket helps fund our non-profit mission to preserve German culture, language, and traditions while supporting programs and events that enrich the Chicago community.

For years, the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center has been home to Chicago's most authentic Oktoberfest! Join us in our historic Marunde Ballroom on Saturday, September 19th from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM for a night filled with tradition, community, and gemütlichkeit.

Brats, Leberkäse & Bavarian Bites
From hearty Leberkäse dinners with sauerkraut & potato salad to juicy bratwursts, smoky Thüringer, and Halbes Hendl (1/2 chicken) — plus sweet treats like delicious Apfelstrudel and Bienenstich. Every bite is the real deal, made to keep you fueled for the fest!

Steins, Sips & German Spirits
Raise your glass with authentic imports: Hofbräu Oktoberfest, Würzburger Hofbräu, Julius Echter Weissbier, Stiegl Radler, and Bitburger NA options. Not into beer? Enjoy a selection of German red and white wine, Aval Blanc cider, or a round of schnapps to keep the night spirited!

Musik & Entertainment

No Oktoberfest is complete without lively tunes and cultural performances:

Alpine Thunder - A lively, interactive, German band bringing folk and pop music with authentic instruments, German/English vocals, yodeling, and alpine folk instruments such as tuned cowbells and alphorns.
Additional entertainment TBA

Festive Fun & Friendly Competition

Celebrate Oktoberfest with high-energy Bavarian games like our famous Yodeling Contest and Stein-Holding Challenge! Dance to lively German tunes, cheer on friends, and join in the excitement of the ceremonial keg tapping!

RSVP Today

Table Packages

Enjoy an evening out with friends, family, colleagues, or clients by reserving one of our table packages. Choose from our Prinzentisch or Königstisch packages for parties of 4 or 8.

Interested in reserving a table? Contact samantha.lundeen@dankhaus.com.

Sponsorships

Introduce your brand to 300+ guests who are globally minded and locally involved, demonstrate your company's commitment to the German-American and local community, and support the DANK Haus's programs including the German Language Program, Multicultural Art Gallery, and more.

Become a Sponsor

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordion - Specs at a Glance

What should I wear?

Break out your Trachten - get into the Oktoberfest spirit in your Dirndl or Lederhosen! No Trachten? No problem - festive casual wear works just fine too!

Where is the event being hosted?

Our Oktoberfest celebration takes place in the Marunde Ballroom at the DANK Haus at 4740 N Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60625.

Where can I park?

Limited parking is available at 5/3 Bank at Western and Gunnison. There is also paid street parking throughout the neighborhood.

What is the price for entrance?

We are asking for a suggested $5 donation at the door. This donation helps to offset the cost of entertainment and supports our nonprofit. The entrance donation is included in the fee for guests purchasing table packages.

Can I bring my children?

Our Oktoberfest is family friendly, but parents should be aware that there will be alcohol present as well as loud music.

How can I pay for entrance, drinks, food, etc?

The DANK Haus accepts payment by cash or card. We are also equipped with tap to pay options such as Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.

How can I get involved and help?

Oktoberfest is organized by our Programming Committee and run by volunteers! To join the committee, please contact Nicole Donoso at Nicole.Donoso@dankhaus.com. Sign up to volunteer at Oktoberfest here.

Celebrate in style with rare dirndl

Looking to stand out this Oktoberfest season? We’re happy to recommend Rare Dirndl, Chicago’s own dirndl brand, known for their bold designs, vibrant colors, and impeccable craftsmanship. Whether you're dancing in the fest tent, raising a stein, or just embracing your Bavarian roots, Rare Dirndl has the perfect look to make every moment memorable.

Entertainment

Alpine Thunder is a lively, fun, interactive German band performing German folk/pop music with authentic instrumentation and sound, German/English vocals, yodeling, and other alpine folk instruments such as tuned cow bells and alphorns.