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Home›Inside Scoop›Inside Scoop: Check out some of the fun-filled craft beer Oktoberfest celebrations happening the weekends of Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 26-28

Inside Scoop: Check out some of the fun-filled craft beer Oktoberfest celebrations happening the weekends of Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 26-28

By Trent Modglin
September 19, 2025
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Sketchbook Brewing Company

The following are some of the event listings from our special digital Oktoberfest issue. Check it out.

 

Sketchbook Brewing’s Oktoberfest Sept. 19-21

Sketchbook Brewing’s annual Oktoberfest celebration will take place Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 21 at both the Skokie and Evanston taprooms. The free event will have live music, stein hoisting and hammerschlagen competitions, loads of food including giant pretzels and, of course, lots of Oktoberfest beer.

Dates: Sept. 19-21

Location: 4901 Main Street in Skokie and 821 Chicago Ave. in Evanston

More info: SketchbookBrewing.com

Werk Force Brewing’s Werktoberfest Sept. 17-21

Lace up those dirndls and buckle up those lederhosen — this is gonna be one heck of a time at  Werktoberfest, Werk Force Brewing’s annual celebration of beer, music, food and community. Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with live German music 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday evening, stein-holding contests, limited-edition Werktoberfest merch and more. Come hungry, as our food partners will be serving up German-inspired eats alongside our drool-worthy suds. Admission is free and open to all.

Dates: Sept. 17-21

Location: Werk Force Brewing Co. — 14903 S. Center St. in Plainfield

More info: WerkForceBrewing.com

Roaring Table’s Festival of the Festbiers Sept. 19-21

Enjoy a curated flight of eight different interpretations of Oktoberfest-Märzen and festbier lagers, along with half-liter and liter mugs of your favorites from breweries like Art History, Ayinger, Brothership, Church Street, Phase Three, Riverlands, Roaring Table and Tighthead. We’ll have some German-inspired pies from Chef Mike, along with bratwurst, keep-the-mug specials, Pubtoberfest on cask, pretzel necklaces, bierstacheln caramelizing and German bands.

Dates: Sept. 19-21

Location: Roaring Table Brewery — 739 IL-22 in Lake Zurich

More info: RoaringTable.com

Sew Hop’d Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 19-21

Prost, friends! It’s that time of year again — Oktoberfest at Sew Hop’d is back and better than ever! Join us Sept. 19–21 for three days of festive fun, including stein-hoisting contests, seasonal brews and German-style favorites, food trucks and live music all weekend long. Dust off those lederhosen, grab your crew and get ready to raise a pint (or two!) with us. We can’t wait to celebrate Oktoberfest the Huntley hometown way — with great beer, great music and even better company.

Dates: Sept. 19-21

Location: Sew Hop’d Brewery — 1 Union Special Plaza, Suite 113 in Huntley

More info: SewHopd.com

Goebbert’s Farm Oktoberfest weekend Sept. 19-21

Goebbert’s Farm in west suburban Pingree Grove is hosting their annual Oktoberfest Sept. 19-22. Join us for bands, beer, friendly competitions and a great time! Friday, Sept. 19 is Family Night, where our annual fireworks are a tradition not to be missed. On Saturday, Sept. 20, bring the whole family for a day at the farm, and starting at  8 p.m., the farm is adults only until 11:30 p.m. We’ll have live music, traditional German music, food trucks and scratch-made giant pretzels all weekend long.

Dates: Sept. 19-21

Location: 42W813 Reinking Road in Pingree Grove, IL

Tickets and more info: Goebberts.com

Libertyville’s Oktoberfest at Mickey Finn’s Brewery Sept. 19-20

Dust off your lederhosen and say “Pretzel” because it’s Oktoberfest in Libertyville! Join us Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20 from 5-10 p.m. for Libertyville’s premiere Oktoberfest event. Plus, Saturday from 1-4 p.m. is family day. Bring your little ones as you enjoy some adult beverages with friends and the kids enjoy some children’s activities (kids are free with the purchase of a Saturday ticket). Libertyville’s Oktoberfest will be held in Mickey Finn’s back lot and includes live music, seasonal brews, food and traditional Bavarian bier sports such as Hammerschlagen and Masskrugstemmen. General admission tickets include a plastic stein and one beer ticket. VIP admission includes a beer ticket, a commemorative ceramic stein and a brewery tour with Mickey Finn’s head brewmaster.

Date: Sept. 19-20.

Location: Mickey Finn’s Brewery — 345 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville
Tickets and more info: MainStreetLibertyville.com

Brother Chimp Brewing’s sixth annual Oktoberfest Sept. 26-28

Get ready for three days of festive fun at Brother Chimp Brewing. First, the release of Schimpansenfest, our traditional Marzen-style Oktoberfest, brewed with 100 percent German malted barley and hops. We allow this beer to condition in our horizontal lagering tanks for almost two months for an optimally smooth, crisp celebration of German malty goodness. Also, expect plenty of live music, food trucks (Cousins Maine Lobster Friday, Le Truff Noir Saturday and Kitchen Ten Sunday), new merchandise, craft beer and fun.

Dates: Sept. 26-28

Location: 1059 W. Orchard Road in North Aurora

More info: BrotherChimpBrewing.com

Oak Park’s Oaktoberfest Sept. 26-27

This year marks the 33rd anniversary of downtown Oak Park’s Oaktoberfest two-day festival, celebrating the fall season with great music, beer and food. The event will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 27 from noon-10 p.m. The festival is located in downtown Oak Park, south of Lake Street on Marion Street & North Boulevard. Admission is free.

Dates: Sept. 26-27

Location: Downtown Oak Park — Marion Street & North Boulevard

More info: Oaktoberfest.net

Woodridge Oktoberfest Sept. 26-27

Get your fill of German food, music and beer at the sixth annual Woodridge Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27 from 5-10:30 pm in the Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park parking lot. The 21+ fest is jam packed with live music, food vendors, a variety of beers featuring several local breweries, a photo booth and fun activities like a stein-holding contest, pretzel toss and more. Early-bird tickets are on sale via Eventbrite for $15, which includes one drink ticket, through September 25, and $20 day-of tickets will be sold at the gate.

Date: Sept. 26-27

Location: Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park — 8301 Janes Ave. in Woodridge

More info: WoodridgeParks.org

Bushel of Apples Fall Fest with Phase Three Brewing and Streetz Artz Alliance in Lake Zurich Sept. 26-27

Mark your calendars: Lake Zurich’s favorite autumn celebration is back. The Bushel of Apples Fall Fest takes over Paulus Park on Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, September 27, offering two days of fall fun for the whole family. From live music and delicious food to festive activities for kids and the seasonal flavors of Phase Three Brewing’s craft beer, this event is all about celebrating community, friendship and the best of the season.

This year’s fest is extra special with returning partners Affy Tapple and GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield, with a portion of the proceeds supporting GiGi’s mission to empower individuals with Down syndrome. Plus, festivalgoers can look forward to an exciting new partnership with Jack O’Lantern World.

On Saturday, the celebration grows even bigger, as the Streetz Artz Alliance brings a curated artisan market to Paulus Park, featuring up to 15 local makers and artists. Stroll the scenic park path, discover unique handmade treasures and enjoy the family-friendly festival atmosphere that makes this weekend a local favorite year after year.

Paulus Park offers plenty of free parking, public restrooms and picnic areas, and welcomes leashed dogs, so bring the whole family and don’t miss this year’s best fall kickoff.

Dates: Sept. 26-27

Location: Paulus Park — 200 S. Rand Road in Lake Zurich

More info: VisitLakeCounty.org

CHAOS Brew Club’s Oktoberfest Sept. 27

Raise a stein at CHAOS Brew Club’s Oktoberfest in Chicago. Join us Saturday, September 27 from 2–7 p.m. at 2417 W. Hubbard Street for unlimited pours of 20-plus German-style beers, Bavarian food, live music, stein-hoisting and a cornhole tournament. Entry is included with a $35 trial membership — your ticket to Chicago’s most authentic homebrew Oktoberfest. CHAOS Brew Club is Chicago’s premier homebrew club — a vibrant, hands-on community of brewers, beer lovers and fermentation fans. Our Oktoberfest is a celebration of everything we love: great beer, great people and great tradition.Get your membership today at chaosbrewclub.org/membership/trial and celebrate like Munich, right here in the city. Prost!

Date: Saturday, Sept. 27

Time: 2-7 p.m.

Location: 2417 W. Hubbard Street in Chicago

More info: ChaosBrewClub.org

TagsArt History BrewingAyingerBrother Chimp BrewingBrothership BrewingBushel of Apples Fall FestChaos Brew ClubChurch Street BrewingGoebbert's FarmIllinois BrewingIllinois OktoberfestLibertyville OktoberfestMickey Finn's BreweryOak Park OaktoberfestPhase ThreePhase Three BrewingRiverlands BrewingRoaring TableSew Hop'dSketchbook BrewingStreetz Artz AllianceTighthead BrewingWerk Force BrewingWerktoberfestWoodridge Oktoberfest
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Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Illinois Brewing is printed and distributed quarterly (early January, April, July and October) to more than 250 breweries across the state as well as more than 100 craft beer-focused bars, restaurants and stores. Each member of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s IMBIBE club also receives the magazine in the mail. 

Publisher/owner: Trent Modglin
Trent@IllinoisBrewing.com

Art director: Brian Hertel
Brian@IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that's launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that`s launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

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It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

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From our current fall issue...

Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub 

Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our current fall issue...

Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub

Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

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When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

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From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives...

Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany 

Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago 

I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home." 

— @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives...

Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany

Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago

I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home."

— @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

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Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

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From our big fall issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

“Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz 

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big fall issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

“Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

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Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany 

Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany

Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

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One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

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Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

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