St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest
Put a little oomph into Oktoberfest with live music by “oom-pah” bands, Ross Bon of The Mighty Blue Kings, Bumpus and The Bandoleros. Chow down on traditional German grub, including bratwurst and beer. 6-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; $5; $10 after 8 p.m. St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave. 773-525-0709.
World Music Festival
This annual festival hosts music from Algeria, Brazil, China, Guinea, Ireland, Macedonia and more, but there’s only two days left! A free Open House concert wraps up the fest at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St. 312-744-6630). Find a complete schedule on metromix.com. 312-742-1938.
Northcenter Oktoberfest
Expect traditional Oktoberfest food and beer, plus German and contemporary music. Catch the Polkaholics on Friday, Mike & Joe on Saturday and Freeze Dried on Sunday. 5-11 p.m. Friday; 3-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-7 p.m. Sunday. $5. 4100 N. Lincoln Ave. at Lincoln and Belle Plaine Avenues, 773-868-3010.
Hideout Block Party
Hightail it to Bucktown for one of the biggest block parties of the year. Catch live performances by 25 local, national and international acts, including The Changes (Saturday) and Devil in A Woodpile (Sunday). Grab $4 pints of Goose Island and Warsteiner and nosh on eats from Whole Foods and The Twisted Lizard. Shows start at 5 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. $10 donation. 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433.
Naperville Wine Festival
Sample 120 domestic and international wines and champagnes at this suburban soiree. Chicago chef Jimmy Bannos (from Heaven on Seven) will be present for cooking demonstrations and food tastings. Or just kick back in the Oktoberfest beer garden and enjoy live music. 1-9 p.m. Saturday; 1-7 p.m. Sunday. $10-$20. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 847-382-1480.
United German Societies Oktoberfest
The oldest and most authentic Bavarian fest in the Midwest is worth the trip to Wisconsin. Fuel up on spanferkel (spit-roasted pig), potato salad, rollbraten (sliced roasted pork on a kaiser roll), bratwurst and more. And don’t forget the beer! Burn off calories by jigging to the music from live German brass bands or exercise your vocal cords with a good old-fashioned yodeling session. 5 p.m.-midnight Friday; 4 p.m.-midnight Saturday; 1-7 p.m. Sunday. $3-$4. Heidelberg Park, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., 414-462-9147.
P.J. Clarke’s Oktoberfest
A special menu of German fare (prices vary) and pints of Beck’s Oktoberfest brew will be available from Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 6. 1204 N. State St. 312-312-664-1650.
