Top 2019 Oktoberfest Parties, Celebrations In Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — The first day of fall brings with it many familiar sights and sounds: pumpkin spice lattes, leaves changing color, and boisterous "oompah" music emanating from local Oktoberfests. This fall, you can find a ton of Oktoberfests in Illinois to sate your taste for stein-hoisting, brat-eating, and lederhosen-sporting goodness.

Here's a look at some of our favorite Oktoberfest events in and around Illinois!

North Shore of Chicago

Downtown Evanston Oktoberfest

Downtown Evanston will host its Oktoberfest on Sept. 29 at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue. Festival goers can expect 18 different breweries serving up craft beer, live music, and a Maker's Market spotlighting more than 50 local artists.

St. John's Wilmette Oktoberfest

Sept. 21 marks the day for the annual St. John's Wilmette Oktoberfest. The celebration, which goes from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1235 Wilmette Ave., will bring Zier's bratwurst, a cash bar, and live music from Curt Morrison and Jim Dossa.

Bounce houses will help keep the little ones entertained throughout the fest.

Cook County

Oaktoberfest in Oak Park

The cleverly named Oaktoberfest will take over downtown Oak Park on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21.Head to the intersection of Marion Street and North Boulevard to get in on the fun. Food vendors include Poke Burrito, Firecakes Donuts, Mancini's, and more.

Grownups can quench their thirst at beer and wine tents that serve up Revolution Anti-hero, Kinslahger Oktoberfest, and other craft brews. The kids can even enjoy their own Root Beer Garden!

Palatine Oktoberfest

A large tent just steps from the Palatine Metra station will be home to the Palatine Rotary Club's 2019 Oktoberfest Sept. 20, 21, and 22. German bier and wine, bratwurst and leberkaese sandwiches are available for savory eats. The mouth-watering seasonal dessert selection includes cider spice donuts, Michigan Jonathan caramel apples, and funnel cake with ice cream and pumpkin sauce.

DuPage County

Chuck's Oktoberfest Weekend in Darien

Chuck's Cafe will its 3rd Oktoberfest weekend in Darien. The fun kicks off on Sept. 27 and lasts through Sept. 29, bringing Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), schnitzel, and beer brat sandwiches. The three-day festivities will also feature imported German beer in addition to the restaurant's usual selection.

Glendale Heights Oktoberfest

Glendale Heights goes all out for its annual Oktoberfest, which runs from Sept. 12 through Sept. 22. Nosh on brats from Schnitzel Platz Restaurant and then sip beer from one of the oldest breweries in the world.

There will be a pumpkin patch for kids, just in time for the first day of fall.

Naperville Oktoberfest

It's the 10-year anniversary of Naperville's Oktoberfest, so they're pulling out all the stops. The Oct. 4 celebration includes stein-holding contests, German music from the Polkaholics, and a pretzel-eating contest.

Have any fun Oktoberfest events we missed? Let us know in the comments.