Everything You Need to Know About Oktoberfest in Palatine

 It’s that time of year again.

The Rotary Club of Palatine is hosting its Oktoberfest this weekend and we want to make sure you are prepared. Here is everything you need to know if you plan on stopping out:

• When and Where: The Rotary Club has three days of fun planned with opening ceremonies starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. The festivities will take place at 150 W. Slade Street, which is right across from the downtown Palatine Metra train station. Hours for the festival are 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 12 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
• What to Expect: Great German beer and wine, great German food, four bands providing live entertainment during five different sets, Scarecrows on parade, plenty of family activities on Saturday and more. A full schedule of events can be found on the Rotary Club of Palatine’s website.
• What can I expect during opening ceremonies?: Opening ceremonies will be held starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and will include a short parade and the tapping of a ceremonial keg on the main stage. The ceremonies will be performed by local dignitaries and will include the blessings of a priest.
• What bands will be performing?: Phenix, Die Musikmeisters, The Johnny Wagner Band and Paloma Band
• What is planned for Family Day?: Family Day activities will be held on Saturday from noon to 3:30 p.m. A highlight each year are musical and dance performances featuring local school groups or Palatine-based youth art organizations. This year, Family Day will kick off with an Oktoberfest Family Bike Ride sponsored by the Bike Palatine Club on Saturday morning at the corner of Smith & Slade Streets. Registration is $15 per rider, and will be held from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday. The ride starts at 11:30 a.m. There will be musical entertainment throughout the day, which includes face painting, balloon-art, a variety of children’s games and a soccer station. A full schedule of events can be found on the Rotary Club of Palatine’s website.
• Scarecrows on Parade: Scarecrows will be delivered to the Fireman’s Memorial between 12 and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Judging will start at noon with an awards ceremony held at 12:30 p.m. This event is hosted by the village of Palatine and full details and photos are available at the village website.
• What do proceeds from Oktoberfest support? Oktoberfest is the principal fund-raising event for the Rotary Club of Palatine. Over the last five years the Rotary Club raised funds that allowed the organization to give more than $120,000 to local charities and non-profits.
• For more information: Visit the Rotary Club’s website.

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