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The Best Chicago Beer Fests are Just West of the City: Check Them Out

 

Cheers to Chicago’s craft beer scene! With more than 160 breweries and counting, you’ll find a brewery, taproom, brewpub, or beer garden in every corner of the city—and a calendar packed with beer fests. But did you know some of the best beer fests are happening just west of Chicago? You don’t have to fight the crowds or navigate city neighborhoods to enjoy excellent brews and festive vibes.

 

From Oak Park to Riverside, the western suburbs are home to some of the most entertaining, community-driven beer fests around Chicagoland. Whether you’re into classic Oktoberfest vibes or something a little more (dare we say?) crafted, there's a beer fest for you.

 

Let’s look at four standout beer festivals in the western suburbs, each offering a unique spin on celebrating great beer and great communities.

 

 

Oaktoberfest | Downtown Oak Park | September 13 & 14

 

For over three decades, the Village of Oak Park has celebrated the arrival of fall with pumpkin spice, lederhosen, and beer—lots and lots of beer—at Oaktoberfest. This annual event launches downtown Oak Park into autumn with seasonal favorites, including fall craft beer and ciders from breweries like Kinslahger, Revolution, and Obscurity, great local eats, and live music. Come enjoy this free-to-enter community celebration held on Marion Street between North Boulevard and Lake Street on September 13 from 4 pm to 10 pm and 12 pm to 10 pm on September 14.

 

What to Expect

 

Join friends and neighbors in the beer garden where you can enjoy a diverse selection of beers, from Kinslahger Oktoberfest Marzen and Oktoberfest Festbier (brewed in Oak Park) to Chicago’s Revolution Brewery’s Anti Hero and Cold Time. Other popular beers include Leinenkugel’s traditional Märzen-style Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA, Pilsner Urquel, Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest, and Athletic Brewery’s Upside Dawn non-alcoholic brew.

 

Local restaurants bring out their best, from Café Cubano’s Cuban sandwich and beef empanadas to Q BBQ’s pulled pork sandwich, Publican Quality Bread’s braised beef sandwich, and Tre Sorelle’s pizza by the slice. Look for dumplings from Katy’s Dumplings & Sushi House, steamed buns with roasted pork from Sweet Dim Sum, and tacos and churros from Tacos El Tio.

 

Many vendors offer options (vegan, gluten-free, no sugar added, etc.) and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to suit various dietary needs.

 

Music lovers will enjoy headliners like Bette Smith on Friday at 8:30 pm and the alt-rock band Cracker on Saturday night. Smith is a sultry soul, rock, and R&B singer, and Cracker has multiple gold records and hit songs currently playing on radio stations around the world. Other featured performers include The Staleys, a rock & roll band from Chicago; Nasty Snacks, a funky R&B-style 10-piece “funkestra”; Reilly Downes, an Americana singer-songwriter from Texas; Finom, an experimental rock duo; and Altered Five Blues Band. Students from the School of Rock Oak Park will also perform, making Oaktoberfest a must-visit for music enthusiasts.

 

Activities

 

Oaktoberfest offers one of the best kids’ fests in the Chicago area. The Root Beer Garden on Marion Street was created with the whole family in mind, with lots of activities sponsored by local organizations. Highlights include free train rides, free face painting and balloon twisting, dance performances by TranscenDance Studios, root beer floats, and the most anticipated event of Oaktoberfest, the annual Root Beer Garden Zucchini Car Races! The Root Beer Garden will be open on Saturday, September 14, from 12 pm to 5 pm, ensuring a fun-filled day for the entire family. Yes, you can bring your furry family members to the party, too, but please keep all dogs on a leash!

 

Why it Stands Out

 

Its focus on community and sustainability sets Oaktoberfest apart, making it more than just a beer fest—it’s a celebration of Oak Park's unique character and culture! For more information, visit oaktoberfest.net.



 

Oktoberfest | Brookfield Zoo Chicago | September 28

 

Get ready to raise your pint glasses and shout “Prost!” as we celebrate the season of lederhosen, polka music, bratwurst, and beer at Brookfield Zoo’s Oktoberfest. The beloved zoo’s East Mall transforms into Bavaria at the annual Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Oktoberfest, presented by Leinenkugel on Saturday, September 28, from 11 am to 5 pm.

 

What to Expect

 

Celebrate Oktoberfest in the wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with local craft beers, authentic German fare, and live polka music. At this festive event centered around the East Mall, while the zoo echoes with the oompah-pah-pah of live polka bands, partygoers enjoy a seasonal menu of bratwursts, sausages, pretzels with beer cheese, and plenty of German and local craft beer. Entry to Oktoberfest is free with general zoo admission.

 

Activities

 

During Oktoberfest, when the Brookfield Zoo Chicago East Mall becomes a Bavarian beer garden, zoo exhibits and family activities will be open, so you can stroll the park enjoying a unique blend of animals and ales—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+. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you won't want to miss. 

 

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 his nose at you? For more information, visit brookfieldzoo.org.

 

 

 

3rd Annual Honky Tonktoberfest hosted by Wild Earp at Fitzgerald’s | Berwyn | October 6

 

Only Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn’s legendary music venue, could turn a traditional Oktoberfest on its ear with a honky tonk twist. The 3rd Annual Honky Tonktoberfest promises a lively blend of country music, dancing, delicious food, and great beer all day on Sunday, October 6, beginning at 11:30 am. Doors open at 11:00 am, and this all-ages experience is free with an RSVP.

 

What to Expect

 

This event is exactly what it sounds like—a whole lot of Chicago honky tonk mixed with a little bit of Oktoberfest! Enjoy performances by the area’s finest traditional country music artists on two stages all day, tasty BBQ and German beer fest staples from Babygold Barbeque, a range of craft beers, and an outstanding Oktoberfest beer from Hacker-Pschorr, one of only six Munich breweries allowed to serve beer at the city’s Oktoberfest.

 

Activities

 

Wild Earp, a master of cowboy classics, hosts the event with performances by honky tonk favorites, including: 

 

  • The Dirndoll: an Alpine folk band made up of people of marginalized genders.

  • Billingsley & Earp: Michelle Billingsley joins host Wild Earp for some duets and old-time yodeling.

  • Meg and The Wheelers: a powerful throwback country western group influenced by Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, and Margo Price.

  • The Hoyle Brothers: genuine country music that melts your heart and makes your boots scoot.

  • The Lawrence Peters Outfit: a super-group of pickers playing heartbreakin', hard-drinkin', honky-tonk country.

  • Los Gallos: Chicago’s premier Mexi-Americana Roots band, that draws from traditional Latin and American vibes.

  • Goldenrods: a St. Louis trio that plays two steps, waltzes, and polkas—songs that are both happy and sad, silly and serious, sung in perfect harmonies.

  • Cory Grinder & The Playboy Scouts: original country tunes inspired by artists like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard for two-steppers and honky tonkers everywhere.

 

There is limited street parking, so we recommend arriving by public transportation, rideshare, or bicycle. 

 

Why it Stands Out

 

When honky tonk meets Oktoberfest, music lovers will be lining up for more than just two-stepping. Don’t miss Fitzgerald’s unique mix of genuine country music with craft beers, BBQ specialties, and Bavaria’s best. For more information, visit Fitzgerald's Night Club and reserve your spot now; space is limited!

 

 

 

Hop Stop | Riverside | September 28

 

Riverside’s Hop Stop is a beer lover’s paradise! Enjoy 50+ offerings from local brewers, cideries, and cocktail crafters, including Riverside’s own Quincy Street Distillery. There will be local food vendors, art activities for children, and live music at this annual beer fest at the Riverside Train Station and Guthrie Park from 3 pm to 6 pm on September 28. Take advantage of the free bicycle valet, bring a designated driver, or take the Metra, which drops you right outside the event.

 

What to Expect

 

A zero-waste, family-friendly festival sponsored by Riverside Foods, Hop Stop features tastings from over 30 breweries, cideries, and craft cocktail creators and food from Beach Avenue Barbecue, Carey Corn, and the all-new Riverside Foods Icicle Tricycle. A commemorative tasting glass is provided with each ticket sold, and 100% of the proceeds from Hop Stop go to the Olmsted Society to help foster a sustainable future in the Riverside community and celebrate the legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted.

 

Activities

 

Enjoy live performances that keep the energy flowing, such as music from the Hop Stop Horns and The Mammals, and activities for children (under 12 are admitted free with an adult ticket), including the Pocket Circus, a band of circus performers and magicians, who will provide entertainment for children and adults alike (for an additional $5 ticket price)!

 

Educational sessions will be available for those looking to learn more about the art of brewing and the differences between beers, ales, and ciders.

 

As one of the first planned communities in the country, Riverside is the realization of Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision for the ideal suburb. The village still features the original curved roads, village greens, and gas streetlights. Take a stroll in Riverside along picturesque streets named after botanists, landscape designers, authors, and others who influenced Olmsted’s work and landscape philosophy.

 

Why it Stands Out

Riverside’s Hop Stop is about more than beer; it brings the community together. Serving both the serious beer enthusiast and the casual drinker, this event supports the beautification of this historic village and the quality of the air while preserving Riverside’s physical and cultural heritage. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Riverside Hop Stop.

 

 

Beer Fests are Best in the Western Suburbs

 

Each of these fests is deeply connected to its local community. Offering more than just beer, they provide a unique opportunity for friends and neighbors to come together, celebrate, and support local businesses. Whether you want to pair your brew with line dancing or wild animals at the zoo, or simply sip on craft beer with friends, there’s a festival for everyone in the western suburbs.

 

Less than 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop, these charming villages are easy to get to, by car or public transportation, and are a perfect day trip or getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

Meet Us for a Beer West of the City

 

Whether you’re a fan of craft beer or just looking for a fun weekend activity this fall, take a look at the offerings at Oak Park’s Oaktoberfest (September 14&15), Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Oktoberfest (September 28), Fitzgerald’s Honky Tonktoberfest in Berwyn (October 6), and Riverside’s Hop Stop (September 28) for a unique take on Oktoberfest—the best way to celebrate the arrival of fall with friends, family, neighbors, and a pint (or two). Prost!