Oktoberfest Nation Chicago event image
Oktoberfest Nation – Fulton Market, Fulton Market, Downtown, the Loop & West Loop

Oktoberfest Nation Chicago

A Fulton Market Oktoberfest with imported Hofbräu beer, carnival rides and stein-holding contests.

Photo: ajay_suresh · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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The organizer bills this as Chicago's largest Oktoberfest. It pours Hofbräu München beer imported from Germany and adds carnival-style extras such as the Devil's Wheel and stein-holding contests. It is in the middle of Fulton Market's restaurant strip, so it pairs easily with dinner in the West Loop. It is also open to all ages, which most of the city's beer-garden Oktoberfests are not.

What to expect

A fenced festival ground with oompah bands and DJs, giant pretzels, bratwurst and other Bavarian food, plus carnival games. Your ticket time is your entry window; once inside you can stay as long as you like. The site is fully cashless, and dirndls and lederhosen are sold on site.

Good to know

  • Tickets are sold for specific dates and entry times; buy ahead, since door prices may be higher and dates can sell out.
  • The last ticket for entry is sold 90 minutes before closing.
  • Enter at 171 N. Peoria St.; the Morgan stop on the Green and Pink lines is nearby.
  • The site is cashless, and all ticket sales are final, though tickets can be exchanged once for another date.

Common questions

Do I need a ticket?

Yes. The organizer says every guest needs a ticket, and each ticket has an entry time.

Can kids come?

Yes. It is all ages; guests 21 and over with a valid ID can drink.