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 Friday, September 27 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.
Rheinmaiden Alphorns - Crafted from spruce and rattan, alphorns were once used by shepherds in the Alps. The Rhinemaidens bring these majestic instruments to life.
Schuhplattler Verein Edelweiss - Founded in 1914, this historic group keeps Bavarian and Austrian traditions alive with Schuhplattler, Volkstänze (folk dances), and songs—all performed in traditional Tracht.

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.

Review Table Package Options

Purchase a Table Package

Sponsorships

Introduce your brand to 200+ 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 excited to partner with 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.

As a special perk for our DANK Haus community, you’ll receive 10% off your Rare Dirndl order with code DANKHAUSFEST. Even better—10% of those sales will be donated back to DANK Haus, helping support our cultural and educational programming.

It’s a win–win

Save on authentic, stylish dirndls and accessories
Support DANK Haus and help keep our traditions thriving

Don’t wait—offer ends September 28, 2025!
Shop now at Rare Dirndl and use code DANKHAUSFEST at checkout.

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.

Made of spruce and rattan, an alphorn was used by Shepards for conversions in the Alps. The Rhinemaidens and their alphorns are not only mesmerizing to listen to but inspire absolute awe and amazement to see this majestic instrument in action.

Schuhplattler Verein Edelweiss was founded in 1914 by 26 Schuhplattler and Trachtler from the “old country.” The mission of the club is to preserve and perpetuate the Bavarian and Austrian culture through the performance of authentic Schuhplattler and Volkstaenze (folk dances) and songs, while wearing traditional costume (Tracht).