The Berghoff’s outdoor party has been a staple of Chicago’s Oktoberfest observations — the annual celebration of Bavarian culture, cuisine and beer — for more than 30 years, but this year, for the first time since 2004, the restaurant will not host its festival outside. A change in ownership earlier this year — from Carlyn Berghoff to brother Pete — precipitated the change.
“So that (ownership transition) happened July 1 officially … and there just was not enough time to execute an event of that scale and caliber, to get the permits and everything,” the Berghoff’s HR generalist Wesley Faulkenberg said. “It just wasn’t feasible.”
Instead, the Berghoff has moved its Oktoberfest from the familiar setting at Federal Plaza in the Loop to inside the restaurant (17 W. Adams St., 312-427-3170) for a monthlong celebration. Daily through Oct. 8, the restaurant is offering special menus for lunch and dinner, pouring its Oktoberfest brew and bringing in live music.
“We’re trying to make it a little more special after moving it indoors,” Faulkenberg said. “Having the daily Oktoberfest dinner specials is something we didn’t have before, and then we’re having live music as well: German trios and duos.”

As for the future of the outdoor festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015 and has only been moved inside twice in that run, Faulkenberg said a decision “has not been made whether or not it’s going to continue.”
“Speaking for myself, I hope we do start it up again. I helped with the festivals for four years, and it’s exhuasting, but I know people enjoy it,” he said. “It’s worthwhile, all the effort and time.”
More Oktoberfest celebrations
Here are 12 other festivals and events to celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago and the suburbs, including lots of polka music, stein-holding contests and beer.
The Dawson
Anyone can join the Dawson’s celebration and enjoy its standard dining menu at normal cost, but to sample the celebratory Bavarian buffet, guests must purchase a $25 ticket. They’ll also have Revolution Oktoberfest and German sparkling wines flowing, accompanied by live music from The Polkaholics. $25 for buffet, tickets sold on-site. 2-5 p.m., Saturday; 730 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-8955, www.the-dawson.com.
Dusek’s Blocktoberfest
Families can enjoy Dusek’s second annual Blocktoberfest at Thalia Hall, with bocce ball, face painting, games and live DJs. Rest assured, there will also be plenty of food and a beer tent for the adults as well, although pricing has not been determined. Free admission. Noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 25; 1807 S. Allport St., 312-526-3851, dusekschicago.com
Glenview Haus Oktoberfest Tent Party
Under a massive tent, attendees can get festive with liters ($12) and half-liters ($7) of Munich’s Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Weis and Sam Adams Oktoberfest. German food selections include brats, pretzels and German plates, each for less than $9. Face painting and a bounce house will be available for kids. Die Musikmeisters will provide a traditional polka accompaniment to the festival. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 1843 Glenview Road, Glenview, 847-724-0692.
Hofbrauhaus Chicago Oktoberfest
Perhaps the longest celebration in the city, Hofbrauhaus Chicago will honor Oktoberfest for 38 days, pouring its signature Oktoberfesbier and hosting stein-holding competitions Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant will offer a special Bavarian Oktoberfest menu with daily specials during the hours listed, as well as regular live music and other entertainment. Starts Friday and runs through Oct. 23; special menu served 4 p.m. to closing Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m. to closing Saturdays and Sundays. 5500 Park Place, Rosemont, 847-671-2739, www.hbchicago.com.
Oaktoberfest
Oaktoberfest brings the German celebration to downtown Oak Park, with two days of live music, craft beer, seasonal food and something for the kids. Drink tickets are $7 each or three for $20; food vendors are cash-only. Meanwhile, children can have their own good time on Saturday in the root beer garden, which offers a host of activities. Free admission. 4-10 p.m. Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Marion Street and North Boulevard, South of Lake Street, 708-383-4145, www.oaktoberfest.net.
Oktoberfeast
The eighth annual Oktoberfeast showcases the offerings of its River North setting. A ticket allows attendees to choose one of eight restaurant routes (first come, first served), each featuring a tasting tour of food and drink from five restaurants around the neighborhood. Patrons can attend an after-party at Untitled Supper Club following the tours. $75. 5-10 p.m. Oct. 4; 504 N. Wells St., 312-645-1047. For tickets and to choose a route, go to www.octoberfeastchicago.com.
Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus
Now in its 15th year, this Oktoberfest has added a 5K run/walk on the Thursday before the festival. The rest of the celebration kicks off Friday with German food, beer and music. For food and beer, tickets must be purchased to exchange for the Bavarian fare. There’s also a separate craft beer tasting 6-9 p.m. Sept. 23-24 (additional ticket required) and a Kinderfest with children’s activities 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24-25. $5 admission, $40 craft beer garden tickets ($45 at gate), $40 run tickets. 5-10 p.m. Sept. 23; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 24; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 25. 1429 W. Wellington Ave., 773-868-3010. For tickets, or to sign up for the run, go to www.oktoberfestchicago.org.
Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement
This two-day fest has everything under one (heated) tent: classic German food, beer and live music. During the first half of the day Oct. 1, the Naper Settlement historic buildings will be open for touring, and a variety of children’s activities will be offered. Advance: $12 adult, $8 youth (4-12 years old, free for kids under 4). Day of festival: $15 adult, $10 youth. 5-10 p.m. Sept. 30; noon to 10 p.m. Oct 1. 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 630-420-6010. For advance tickets, go to www.napersettlement.org.
Oktoberfest Beer, Brats and Boats Celebration
For those looking to enjoy Oktoberfest offshore, Shoreline Sightseeing offers an evening boat party complete with a German dinner, festive brews, live music from Paloma Band, and a souvenir stein to take home. A cash bar will also be available for thirsty folks. Advance: $59, tickets sold online only, 21+ only. 7-9 p.m. Oct. 7 (boarding begins at 6:45). 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-222-9328, www.shorelinesightseeing.com.
Revolution Oktoberfest Party 2016
Revolution Brewing’s celebration will come in three parts this year, with special beers — including its Oktoberfest brew, among others — being poured at each session. German food will also be served, and merchandise will be available. All items require ticket purchase. Drink tickets cost five for $20 (one ticket equals one beer), while food and merchandise ticket costs have not been determined. Cash is recommended. $10 admission. Session 1: 6-9 p.m. Sept. 23; Session 2: 1-4 p.m. Sept. 24; Session 3: 6-9 p.m. Sept. 24. 3340 N. Kedzie Ave., 773-227-2739. Tickets are sold online only, at www.revbrew.com.
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Schnitzelfest
To honor Oktoberfest, Bohemian House restaurant will host its Schnitzelfest for the second consecutive year. The celebration offers a lower-key take on Oktoberfest festivities: three dinners, one per evening for three days, each featuring a different chef’s take on classic German dishes. Executive chef Rob Sidor will be joined by guest chefs Patrick Cloud, head chef of Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, and Mark Steuer, chef de cuisine and partner at El Che Bar. Each chef will handle his own dinner. Traditional German beer pairings will be offered with each meal. A special flight of German beer will also be available to all diners until Oct. 3. Reservations required. 5-10 p.m., Sept. 19-21. 11 W. Illinois St., 312-955-0439, www.bohochicago.com.
Two Brothers Oktoberfest
Two Brothers Brewing will host a celebration at its Roundhouse location in Aurora, with live German music from The Happy Wanderers and Jimmy’s Bavarians headlining the festivities. There will also be contests and, of course, special German menu items and steins of Atom Smasher, Two Brothers’ oak-aged Oktoberfest-style lager. Free admission. Noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 18. 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, 630-264-2739, www.twobrothersbrewing.com.
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