After a successful first run a year ago, the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Oktoberfest returns to the village’s downtown from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday Sept. 9.
The event again will be based out of two separate locations — Burlington Plaza on North Prospect Avenue, near Village Hall; and the Sloan Triangle on South Prospect, at Park Avenue.
“One thing different we are doing this year is closing all of Prospect, from the railroad tracks to Park Avenue, because of the great turnout we had last year,” said Shannon McDonald, the Chamber’s event manager. “Last year, we only closed part of Prospect.”
Beer is a focus of Oktoberfest events everywhere, and Clarendon Hills has added a beer trailer this year, which will be serving Pollyanna Pils and an Oktoberfest beer, along with specialty cocktails.
In addition, local business, The Open Door Taproom & Bottle Shop, will offer 12 handles of traditional German style beers, freshly squeezed handcrafted cocktails, German-inspired wines by the glass, and slushies, including a collaboration with Black Horizon Brewing out of Willowbrook, Blue Raspberry Hard Seltzer, nonalcoholic Strawberry Ginger, and frozen rose.
Frank Spreitzer and Dillon Walentin, co-owners of The Open Door Tap Room & Bottle Shop, came up with the idea to start Oktoberfest last year in Clarendon Hills.
Another local business, Tierra Distilling, will be selling $6 drink tickets with one ticket being good for one beer and two tickets being worth one cocktail.
Also new to the Clarendon Hills Oktoberfest this year is a Bags Tournament, sponsored by Clarity Physical Therapy & Wellness Center in the village.
Additional activities include a photo booth and costume contest, sponsored by Meredith Lannert of Keller Williams Experience Realty and skill games booths, such as ballon darts, ring toss, and mini golf, sponsored by Clarendon Hills Public Library, Just Lift Fitness, and Dynamic Perception Dance Company.
“It’s really great to get as many of our businesses as possible involved in an event like this,” McDonald said. “The Chamber is really kind of a bridge between our businesses and the people. We want to bring people — residents and those from neighboring communities, into the village so they can see the wonderful things our businesses have to offer.”
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Ps5 Deals 2026
While beer is a focus of Oktoberfest, food won’t be forgotten.
The menu will include soft pretzels from I Want Candy, cinnamon and pumpkin ice cream from the Daily Scoop, burgers, bratwursts, and fries from a Tierra Distilling food truck.
“We’re also very excited to have two new restaurants, Thassos (Greek Restaurant) and Wasabi (Restaurant & Bar) — participating, after having opened since last year’s Oktoberfest,” McDonald said.
Thassos is offering a $7 Oktoberfest package, which includes three mini kebabs, one pita, french fries, and the Greek beer, Mythos, along with complimentary Loukoumades, a Greek honey puff doughnut.
While the eating and drinking take place, live music will include the Dan Peters Band on South Prospect at 7 p.m., Eddie Corosala Jr and the Boys from Illinois at Tierra Distilling and more music acts to be announced.
“We’re really looking forward to Oktoberfest again,” McDonald said. “Our community and neighbors are always looking for something new to do. This is a good opportunity for people to get together for a nice time and enjoy the small-town feel we have.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.