Celebrate Palatine Oktoberfest Sept. 16 to 18

PALATINE, IL — Join friends and neighbors to celebrate Palatine Oktoberfest with good beer, delicious food, live music, and much more in heated tents right across from the Palatine Metra train station at 150 W. Slade St. from Sept. 16 to the 18.

The festivities kick off with a short parade and the tapping of a ceremonial keg at 5 p.m. on Friday. Chicago's Oktoberfest band, the Paloma Band, will play from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Then, the German band Phenix will take the main stage until midnight.

Saturday is Family Day from noon to 3:30 p.m. Along with all of the German food and beverage tents set up, there will be special programming and activities for children. Students from local school groups and Palatine-based youth organizations will perform on the main stage. There will also be face painting, balloon-art, and games.

Attendees can expect a variety of beer at Oktoberfest, from Radeberger to Schofferhofer Grapefruit. There will be traditional German food served, like white bratwurst, chicken schnitzel, and smoked cheddarwurst.

Additional German bands like Die Musikmeisters and The Johnny Wagner Band will perform throughout the weekend.

Palatine Oktoberfest is the main fundraising event for the Rotary Club of Palatine. Over the last five years, the Rotary Club has raised funds that allow them to support local charities and nonprofits with more than $120,000.

Photo courtesy of Ben30/Flickr