Live German Music 5-Midnight on Friday, 3:30-Midnight on Saturday, and Noon to 6 on Sunday
Friday September 15
5:00PM - 8:30PM Die Musikmeisters
8:45PM - Midnight The Polkaholics
Saturday September 16
3:30PM - 6:00PM Die Kellerknaben Trio
7:00PM - Midnight Phenix
Sunday September 17
12:00PM - 3:00PM Die Musikmeisters
3:00PM Rhinemaidens (alphorn demonstration)
3:15PM - 6:00PM Phenix
Phenix Popular 5-member German Band with a modern flair! Playing German classics and your favorite oldies with fun audience participation.Website.
Die Musikmeisters German Band plays a rousing blend of traditional German music for Oktoberfest or German themed events. Their extensive musical repertoire includes a variety of traditional German vocal and instrumental favorites, as well as Polish and American favorites. The band dresses in authentic German lederhosen. Website.
The Polkaholics THE POLKAHOLICS are a Chicago band that plays a high-speed collision of polka and rock 'n roll! Website.
Die Kellerknaben Trio From the beer halls of Münich to the taverns of Chicago, Die Kellerknaben has its roots deep in the heart of polka. ! Website.
Beer, wine, and seltzer are available for 6 tickets each. Beer is also available in a large collectable mug for 15 tickets with 12 ticket refills
Krombacher Pils: Our Imported German Pilsner beer (4.8% ABV). If you like traditional American lager style beer, you'll love this!
Drawn from beautiful natural surroundings, the pure Felsquellwasser (mountain spring water) used in Krombacher provides the essence of purity that is captured in the unmistakable taste adventure that Krombacher Pils brings us. The taste of our beer is quite decisively characterized by the water it is brewed with. With Krombacher Pils you enjoy a distinctive, finely bitter taste and a full-flavoured aroma, this is a genuine premium pilsner beer. Our modern production processes enhance the traditional recipe while complimenting the natural products that have been used for generations to create the unique brew that is Krombacher Pils. "Every 10th Pils consumed in Germany comes from Krombach. In Germany each second 60 glasses of Krombacher Pils are enjoyed."
Half Acre Hefeweizen: Classic and refreshing wheat beer that encapsulates the spirit of traditional German brewing with a modern twist (5.0% ABV).
With its roots in the Bavarian tradition, this Hefeweizen pours a hazy, golden straw color that immediately catches the eye. As you raise the glass, a fluffy and inviting white head crowns the beer, releasing subtle aromas of banana, clove, and a touch of citrus. The banana and clove notes sensed in the aroma carry over to the taste, creating a harmonious interplay of fruity and spicy flavors. These flavors are complemented by a hint of bubblegum sweetness, adding depth to the profile. The medium body provides a satisfying balance between light drinkability and a substantial presence that beckons you back for another sip.
Half Acre "Lager Town" Oktoberfest Beer: An Octoberfest that lives in the malty bosom of Munich’s storied tradition. Take a drive through Lager Town. (5.8% ABV).
In comparison to a light Bavarian beer, the traditional Märzen style is characterized by a fuller body, and a sweeter and often less hoppy flavour. It is bright copper amber in colour, the body and flavour balance. Oktoberfest, or Märzen style, is the most popular beer style among the beers in Austria. Brewed by Chicago's own Half Acre Beer Company.
Some beer description and history adapted from Wikipedia.
Pino Grigio: A light-bodied classic with a crisp, bright finish, Pinot Grigio offers all the flavors of tart green apples with fresh, white peaches.
Merlot: Merlot is a luscious wine with alluring flavors of boysenberry and split cherries followed by hints of silky chocolate for a decadent finish.
Wines are available at Wine & Liquors • 1252 E. Dundee Rd, Palatine, IL
White Claw Black Cherry: White Claw's most popular flavor, Black Cherry seamlessly balances the tartness and sweetness of a ripe summer cherry. It's the perfect introduction to the crisp, refreshing taste of White Claw® Hard Seltzer.
White Claw Seltzer is available at Wine & Liquors • 1252 E. Dundee Rd, Palatine, IL
Tickets are available at the ticket booth, for $1 per ticket. We accept cash and credit cards. Note that there is a fast-pass line for full sheets of 20 tickets, cash only. For fastest service, bring $20s! Please note that since proceeds go to charity, all tickets are non-refundable.
Opening Ceremonies: Oktoberfest starts at 5:00 on Friday evening! We'll take a few moments (time TBD) for a blessing of the event and tapping of a ceremonial keg in front of the main stage, along with remarks from local dignitaries.
Saturday is Family Day! While parents are welcome to bring their children to every part of Oktoberfest, we have set aside a special time for families to enjoy the festive spirit of this classic German cultural fest. Family Day is held on Saturday beginning at noon and lasting until about 3:30 p.m. In addition to all the enjoyable foods and beverages available throughout the fest, special programming and activities for children are provided during this time.
Musical performances featuring students from local school groups and Palatine-based youth organizations highlight the afternoon's events on the main stage. Adjacent to Oktoberfest in Palatine's Towne Square Park there will be face painting and a variety of children's games .
Family Day kicks off with an Oktoberfest Casual Family-Paced Bike Ride. Meet at 10:30AM at Towne Square (at the corner of Smith & Slade Streets) for registration, and start the ride at about 11. Both 8 mile and 15 mile rides are available. Registration is free! Bike racks will be provided. Children under 14 will need an adult chaperone. Helmets are required. Remember to bring a lock to secure your ride while you enjoy a sandwich and a beverage after the ride. You can register now at https://bikepalatine.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=280102&item_id=2029369 If you change your mind, registration can be cancelled until Friday, September 15 at 5PM. Visit www.bikepalatine.com for more information.
Family Day Schedule:
Check out our Raffle tent near the back of the Main tent. Themed baskets including Red Wine, Rum/Cordial, Scotch, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey, White and Red Wine, and more! Plus Wheelbarrows of Beer, TVs, and a Weber Grill. You don't need to be present to win, but should be able to pick up your winnings Sunday afternoon. Tickets are available in the Raffle tent, and the drawings will start at 4:00 on Sunday.
pounds of compost diverted from trash at Oktoberfest 2023
Children getting clean water through our current clean water project
Exchange Students so far!
145 Days until Oktoberfest 2024
It's just a parking lot now, but on the third weekend in September it will be Oktoberfest Central! With a large heated tent, beer tent, food tents, and large open air gathering area with tables and chairs, it's a great way to relax in German Beer Garden style! Need an address for your GPS? Try 170 W Slade St, Palatine, IL.
Close to Metra, and lots of free parking at the 5-story municipal parking deck and several other nearby lots. Lots are free after 5PM Friday and on Saturday and Sunday, though overnight parking is not allowed.