Sturdy Shelter Brewing Announces Plans For 4th Annual Oktoberfest

BATAVIA, IL — Fall is almost upon the Chicagoland area, and as the air begins to crisp up, Sturdy Shelter Brewing released details about its fourth annual Oktoberfest.

The German-style event is happening Sept. 10-13 at the downtown Batavia brewery off the shores of the Fox River.

Oktoberfest will feature live music in the form of traditional Bavarian tunes, dancing and a sing-along, and German food, including warm pretzels. Guests will also have the chance to compete in the state-qualifying stein-holding contest as well as a costume contest.

Take a look at what's planned on each of the four days:

Thursday, Sept. 10

• Brewery hours: 1-10 p.m.
• Part of Sturdy Shelter's speaker series, Rene Swidenbank, a longtime German teacher at Geneva School District 304, will discuss the history and songs that make Oktoberfest what it is. The event will run from 7-8 p.m. Tickets cost $10, with proceeds from the lecture benefitting the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.
• Release of the Shelterfest Munich-Style Fest Bier. Slightly bigger than a Munich Helles, this golden, malt-forward lager is bready, with hints of light toast in both aroma and flavor. The flavor is clean, crisp and well-balanced.

Friday, Sept. 11

• Hours: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Burn'n Bull BBQ will pop up from 4-8 p.m. with a Bavarian menu.

Saturday, Sept. 12

• Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Stadium Street Eats will pop up from noon to 8 p.m. with a Bavarian menu.
• The Happy Wanderers Band will perform traditional Bavarian music from 3-6 p.m. Sing-alongs and dancing are planned.

Sunday, Sept. 13

• Hours: Noon to 7 p.m.
• Burn'n Bull BBQ will be back from noon to 6 p.m.
• The stein-holding competition will ensue at 1:30 p.m. in the men's and women's categories.