I still get goosebumps thinking about that first Maß of beer beneath Munich’s towering tents back in 2015—my new husband and I on our honeymoon, completely swept up in the swirl of dirndls, lederhosen, and oompah bands. We followed that magic through Germany, Austria, and Italy, then circled back to Oktoberfest in 2017 and 2018 without fail. So when autumn rolls around here, and Schaumburg-area communities bring a taste of Bavaria to town, you can bet we’ll be first in line—in full dirndl and lederhosen regalia.
Why Oktoberfest Really Kicks Off in September
Though the very first Oktoberfest in 1810 took place entirely in October to celebrate Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding, by the 1890s organizers moved the start into late September. This shift capitalized on milder weather and longer daylight hours—so visitors could linger in the beer gardens well into the evening—while still wrapping up on the first Sunday of October to honor its traditional namesake. History of Oktoberfest
Why We Love Dressing Up for Oktoberfest
- A single “Ein Prosit!” transports us straight back to Munich’s festive frenzy.
- Mini-dirndls and little lederhosen on our kids spark endless giggles (and adorable photo ops).
- Live oompah music, giant pretzels, and family zones mean fun for all ages.
Check out my go to looks!
Oktoberfest Celebration Lineup:
Visit the Events Calendar for More Details on Times and Locations
Tasty German Flavors Year-Round
Can’t wait until fall fests? Head to Renate’s German Restaurant in nearby Hanover Park for spaetzle, wienerschnitzel, and warm Apfelstrudel any day of the year. Their cozy dining room always feels like a mini-Munich escape—with table-side service that treats you like family. If you didn't already catch them at a number of events and markets over the summer, you'll definitely find them at one of these celebrations!
Authentic Dirndls Made Locally
Since 2017, my absolute favorite dirndls have come from Rare Dirndl Design Studio in Chicago’s Lincoln Square. From everyday styles to fully custom creations, their pieces marry traditional Bavarian charm with fresh, modern flair. They’re open by appointment only—so you get expert fittings and in-house tweaks to make your dirndl or women’s denim lederhosen fit like a dream. The accessories are fab too!
Tips for Oktoberfest Fun with Kids
- DIY Costume Night: Let each child add a felt flower or patch to their dirndl or lederhosen.
- Learn a German Toast: Practice “Zum Wohl!”, "Eins, Zwei, Drei, G’suffa!", and “Prost!” so everyone can cheer along.
- Pack Comfort: Comfy shoes, sunscreen, and a cozy blanket for park-bench breaks.
- Order a Kinder-Maß: Many events offer big steins of apple juice, lemonade, or root beer. (That's what I was sipping in 2018)
Printable Family Activity
We’ve designed a free, downloadable coloring-page stein and Bavarian flag craft to keep little hands busy before the big fest. Grab it right here, print at home, and let the pre-party fun begin!
Download your free Oktoberfest Coloring & Craft Printable
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Whether you’re reliving pre-kid days or creating brand-new family traditions, these community-wide Oktoberfest celebrations are sure to deliver oompah-filled fun. Don your dirndl or lederhosen, raise your stein, and let’s toast to fall, family, and the enduring draw of Bavarian culture. Prost!
We aim to cover all the best family-friendly events and things to do with kids around Arlington Heights, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg and Streamwood. Engage using the buttons below!
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