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Origins of Oktoberfest
On October 12, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities and celebrate the happy royal couple. 40,000 people showed up to enjoy the events in the fields in front of the city gates. The celebrations took place over five days and horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event. The decision to repeat the horse races the following year gave rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest. Today, Munich’s Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world with over 6 million annual visitors.
Celebrate German Heritage, Chicago Style!
Bring on autumn and pull out the lederhosen! One of Chicago’s most popular celebrations of fall and all things Bavarian — Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus — returns for its 19th year of seasonal revelry. Oktoberfest at St. Alphonsus has grown tremendously since its inception, expanding from a parking lot in West Lakeview into Southport and neighboring streets for 3 days of beer, brats, bands, and all things Bavarian. Two stages host some of Chicago’s favorite festival bands including 16 Candles, Polkaholics, and School of Rock.