Family Fun at Kinderfest on Sunday!

Providing additional fun for families and children, this year’s Oktoberfest will feature a special Kinderfest area. Our Alphonsus Academy Band will kick things off with a special performance starting at Noon! Fun offerings will include face painting, games and activities, and a friendly Kinderfest meal available for them to enjoy, while parents can hang out and enjoy a beer, brat, or soft pretzel and watch the afternoon games on a Jumbotron. Kids (and guys wanting to impress their girls) should also keep an eye out for the adorable plush "oktoBEARfest” for sale at the Merchandise Tent.

Limited Edition Oktoberfest Merch

• Tyrolean & Oktoberfest hats
• Commemorative 2024 pins
• festival T-shirts
• Baseball caps
• Bottle opener keychains
• Plush oktoBEARfest teddy bears
• Can koozies
• rare & very limited supply of Commemorative 1L Stein
• and more!

Ceremonial Keg Tapping!

Just before the Friday headliner, Dancing Queen, takes the main stage, join us at 8 p.m. for the official Blessing of Beer and ceremonial keg-tapping of our legendary Golden Keg!  (Yes, the Catholic Church does actually have an official prayer for the blessing of beer... Maybe that's why Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.")  So arrive with your steins filled, vocal chords properly moistened, and hearts full of authentic Gemütlichkeit as our pastor, Fr. Bauer, blesses the Festbier and leads the crowds in singing the famous "Ein Prosit" song, just like in Munich! Prost! "

Stein Hoisting Competition

    Do you feel emboldened after drinking a liter of the Oktoberfest beer? Want to test your mettle & muscle? Do you risk being bested by a German barmaid?

Interested contestants should inquire at the Sam Adams tent in the Southport Avenue Biergarten on Friday or Saturday for more information. The Stein hoisting finals will be at 6 PM on Saturday at the Southport Stage, taking place between Fletcher Rockwell and Fearless.

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

1429 W. Wellington Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657