The following is a paid promotional opportunity from the fall issue of Illinois Brewing, which is out now and available at more than 400 locations across the state.

Sketchbook’s annual Oktoberfest Sept. 20-22

Think tradition — with a few twists! Local food, fun games, contests and live music all three days make for one of Chicagoland’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations. And don’t forget Sketchbook’s own relaxed take on Hammerschlagen. Celebrate in Sketchbook’s spacious Skokie taproom and beer garden or their more intimate taproom in Evanston. Four German beers (Märzen, hefeweizen, pilsner and a helles lager) will be ready to fill your steins, plus a wide range of other styles.

Date: Sept. 20-22
Location: 4901 Main Street in Skokie. 821 Chicago Avenue in Evanston.
More info: SketchbookBrewing.com/Oktoberfest-2024

Sew Hop’d Brewery’s fifth annual Oktoberfest Sept. 20-22

Sew Hop’d Brewery’s fifth annual Oktoberfest will be held Sept. 20-22, featuring music, food and games in their south parking lot. The fest takes place during normal business hours, families are always welcome and pets are allowed on the patio. Bands include the Cheryl Rodey Band on Friday, solo artist Lara Bell and the Pino Farina Duo on Saturday, and the Matt Keen Band on Sunday. Most food trucks will present special menus featuring German fare. The festival also features the Sew Hop’d collection of German-style beers including the GABF gold medal-winning Alt 140 (Dusseldorf-style altbier), pilsner, helles lager, Berliner weisse, Märzen, hefeweizen and new Festbier lager.

Date: Sept. 20-22
Location: 1 Union Special Plaza, Suite 113 in Huntley
Time: Noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday
More info: SewHopd.com

Goebbert’s Farm Oktoberfest Sept. 20-22

Oktoberfest at Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove is a beloved annual authentic German celebration. This year, Oktoberfest is September 20-22, with Friday the 20th being Family Night — an evening full of fun, food, music and spectacular fireworks! Saturday night is adults only after 8 p.m. with more bands, games and tons of food and drink offerings. Get your fill of authentic German food, beer and activities all weekend long!

Date: Sept. 20-22
Location: 42W813 Reinking Road in Pingree Grove
More info and pre-purchased tickets: Goebberts.com

Oktoberfest at Noon Whistle Brewing’s Lombard brewpub Sept. 21

Join Noon Whistle Brewing on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. for a full day of Oktoberfest fun at their Lombard taproom. They’ll be serving up fresh, seasonal beers alongside delicious German-style food options that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Bavaria. To top it all off, they’ve got a live Bavarian band bringing authentic tunes and festive vibes all day. Grab your steins, don your lederhosen, and get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest in style. Prost!

Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Location: 800 E. Roosevelt Road in Lombard
More info: NoonWhistleBrewing.com

Brother Chimp Brewing’s Oktoberfest Sept. 27-29

Brother Chimp Brewing in North Aurora is having their fifth annual Oktoberfest celebration with a full weekend of music, food, beer, new merch and more! You won’t want to miss this epic celebration. Live music provided by Michael Rawls Trio (Friday), Noah Gabriel (Saturday) and Cheryl Rodey (Sunday), and they’ll have plenty of Schimpansenfest, their traditional Marzen-style Oktoberfest beer that’s brewed with 100-percent German malted barley and hops and conditioned in horizontal lagering tanks for almost two months for an optimally smooth, crisp celebration of Germany.

Date: Sept. 27-29
Time: 12-10 p.m. Friday, 12-10 p.m. Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Sunday
Location: 1059 West Orchard Road in North Aurora
More info: BrotherChimpBrewing.com

Midwest Coast Brewing’s 5th anniversary party Sept. 28

Midwest Coast Brewing is thrilled to announce its fifth anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 28. To commemorate this milestone, the brewery is hosting a day-long extravaganza filled with live music, delicious food and, of course, an incredible lineup of beers. Since its inception in 2019, Midwest Coast Brewing Company has been dedicated to crafting exceptional beers inspired by the spirit of the Midwest, with inspiration from around the globe. This anniversary party is an opportunity for the brewery to thank its loyal customers and celebrate its growth within the local community.

Date: Saturday, September 28
Time: 12-10 p.m.
Location: 2137 W. Walnut in Chicago
RSVP: posh.vip/e/midwest-coast-5th-anniversary-party

Open Outcry Brewing Company’s third annual Oktoberfest Oct. 5

Open Outcry’s third annual Oktoberfest is on, and it’s bigger and better than ever this year! On Saturday, Oct. 5, come out to Open Outcry Brewing Company in Chicago’s charming Beverly neighborhood, where they’ll have big bands, great beer, an authentic German food menu (created by a German chef friend), dancing, games, lederhosen (and other costumes) and a ton of fun! Save the date, grab your friends and join Open Outcry for a day of celebration. 

Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Location: 10934 S. Western Ave. in Chicago
Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
More info: OpenOutcryBrewing.com

Oktoberfest at Noon Whistle Brewing’s Naperville taproom Oct. 5

Get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 5, from noon-11 p.m. at Noon Whistle’s Naperville tasting room! They’ve got fresh, seasonal beers flowing and some of the best German-style eats served up by awesome food trucks. To keep the festive spirit alive, a full Bavarian band will be providing live music all day long. Whether you’re interested in the brews, the bites, or the beats, this is one Oktoberfest you won’t want to miss!

Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: Noon-11 p.m.
Location: 1748 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville
More info: NoonWhistleBrewing.com

Frankforter Oktoberfest in downtown Frankfort Oct. 5

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of community at the Frankfort Restaurant Association’s Frankforter Oktoberfest on October 5 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort. Enjoy a day packed with live music, delicious food, craft beer and endless fun. Participate in exciting contests like hotdog eating, Hammerschlagen and stein holding, while kids can delight in special activities during the day. This event is a perfect blend of tradition and entertainment for all ages. Don’t miss this unforgettable day of festivities! For more information, visit FrankfortRA.com

Begyle & Dovetail Brewery’s Oktoberfestiversary Oct. 12-13

The folks at Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery know how to throw a party, and on the weekend of Oct. 12-13, they’ll again be co-hosting their annual Oktoberfestiversary, which is equal parts Oktoberfest and anniversary party. There will be special tappings, live music and food trucks galore in the heart of Ravenswood. Proceeds benefit the Friendship Center to help feed those in need. To date, they’ve raised $250,000 together for the cause. 

Date: Oct. 12-13
Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
Location: Corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine in Chicago
More info: BegyleBrewing.com

Will Run for Beer 5K race and brewfest Oct. 26

The Will Run for Beer Chicago 5K is back on October 26 in Lincoln Park! Join fellow beer lovers out on the beautiful course as you enjoy a taste of the Chicago lakefront and skyline by foot. After you cross the finish line, celebrate at the Brewfest with beer tastings from local Chicago breweries, great food and music. Plus, all registrants will take home a commemorative t-shirt and medal! Learn more and register at WillRunForBeerChicago.com

Time: Race is at 3 p.m. Briefest begins at 2 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Park, grove 2 (northeast of LaSalle Dr. and N. Stockton Dr.)

Streetz Artz Alliance upcoming shows

Each event from this group is free to attend, expertly created and includes a variety of handmade artists to shop from while enjoying a craft beverage.

October 5 — Oddities & Dark Arts Market at Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park. 12-5 p.m. Indoor & outdoor with kitchen.
October 19 — Artisan Market at Church Street Brewing in Itasca. 12-5 p.m. Indoor with kitchen.
October 27 — Curiosities Market at Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale.  12-5 p.m. Outdoor with kitchen.
November 16 — Kris Kringle Market at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield. 12-5 p.m. Indoor.
November 17 — Artisan Market at Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard.  12-5 p.m. Indoor with kitchen.
November 23 — Kris Kringle Market at Imperial Oak Brewing in Willow Springs. 12-5 p.m. Indoor & outdoor.
For more information, follow Streetz Artz Alliance on Facebook.