Back in Munich, about 6 million people are expected to raise their mugs in celebration of the two-week festival of Oktoberfest. While the turnout may be more modest here in town, there are still plenty of ways to participate remotely — right here in Chicago — in the beer-focused fest that’s billed as the world’s largest fair. O’zapft is!
Forest Park Oktoberfest
4 p.m.-midnight Fri., noon-midnight Sat.; $2-$3, free for kids 11 and under. St. Bernadine Parish, 815 Elgin Ave., Forest Park; 708-366-0839. Tuck into traditional eats, and enjoy German beer and wine, martinis, live music and activities for the kids.
Oktoberfest at Lincoln and Southport Avenues
Sept. 28-30; $5. Lincoln and Southport Avenues; 773-665-4682. Known as the St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest in a former life, celebrate one of the city’s oldest churches’ German roots with a few days of brats, beer and dancing to the tune of live bands — from rock to oompah.
Passport to the World of Beers
7-9 p.m. Thu.; $20. The House of Glunz, 1206 N. Wells St.; 312-642-3000. Glunz Beer manager Anthony Norkus will be on hand at this tasting of German beers that includes samples and snacks along with a discussion with Norkus.
Rocktoberfest at Rockit
11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Mon.-Sept. 28, 30, 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Sept. 29; prices vary. Rockit Bar and Grill, 22 W. Hubbard St.; 312-645-6000. Daily food specials, such as warm pretzels with mustard sauce and mini bratwursts, and $4 Summit Oktoberfest beers are what’s in store for revelers at Rockit.
Oktoberfest beer tasting at Cantigny Park
7-10 p.m. Fri.; $40. Cantigny Park, 1 S. 151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton; 630-260-8194. Sample German beers and wines paired with apps and a buffet dinner.
