Prost! Many Oktoberfest events are happening around Champaign-Urbana this fall
Great food, great music and yes, beer, can be found at area family-friendly Oktoberfest events
Oktoberfest events in the Champaign-Urbana area have certainly increased in number in recent years. And there’s good reason too! Our community knows how to put on a German celebration, so even if you find yourself without lederhosen, you will certainly be welcomed at these family-friendly happenings this fall.
While generally called “Oktoberfest,” events often happen in September and wrap up by early October. Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Germany since the early 1800s or so. Here in the U.S., Oktoberfest events are unique in their own ways, but some commonalities exist — festive music, bratwurst, pretzels and yes, beer.
In Champaign-Urbana, we have a number of events that are family-friendly in nature. Your kids will certainly enjoy the upbeat atmosphere that comes along with Oktoberfest events. Be warned that Oktoberfest is closely tied to drinking large amounts of German beer for many (but not all) festival-goers.
Our list of Oktoberfest events in or near Champaign-Urbana:
Friday, September 13, 2024
Barntoberfest 2024
Emancipation Brewing Company, Time: 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Prost! Head to Fairbury for an Oktoberfest celebration at Emancipation Brewing! 7 German-Inspired Beers, different food vendors each day, Live Accordion music, the ever-popular stein hoisting competition, and more!
Oktoberfest Weekend at Destihl
Destihl – Normal, Time: 4:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Get ready to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and get hyped for this annual Oktoberfest weekend at the Beer Hall! This celebration will be jam-packed with Live Music, Activities, and a mouthwatering array of German-themed food.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Oktoberfest Weekend at Destihl
Destihl – Normal, Time: 10:00 am - 9:30 pm
Get ready to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and get hyped for this annual Oktoberfest weekend at the Beer Hall! This celebration will be jam-packed with Live Music, Activities, and a mouthwatering array of German-themed food.
Barntoberfest 2024
Emancipation Brewing Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Prost! Head to Fairbury for an Oktoberfest celebration at Emancipation Brewing! 7 German-Inspired Beers, different food vendors each day, Live Accordion music, the ever-popular stein hoisting competition, and more!
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Oktoberfest Weekend at Destihl
Destihl – Normal, Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Get ready to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and get hyped for this annual Oktoberfest weekend at the Beer Hall! This celebration will be jam-packed with Live Music, Activities, and a mouthwatering array of German-themed food.
Barntoberfest 2024
Emancipation Brewing Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Prost! Head to Fairbury for an Oktoberfest celebration at Emancipation Brewing! 7 German-Inspired Beers, different food vendors each day, Live Accordion music, the ever-popular stein hoisting competition, and more!
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Riggs Oktoberfest is a true “Festbier” style, which is crafted to emulate the beers that are served at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Check the schedule for music, food trucks and more Oktoberfest fun.
Friday, September 20, 2024
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 19 - Sunday, September 22 More details to follow soon! This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information.
Artesia 2024 Oktoberfest
Artesia Brewing, Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Head to Thawville, IL the weekend of September 20-21 for a true German folk festival! Come for the special-release, German-style beers and stay for live polka music and delicious German dishes.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Artesia 2024 Oktoberfest
Artesia Brewing, Time: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Head to Thawville, IL the weekend of September 20-21 for a true German folk festival! Come for the special-release, German-style beers and stay for live polka music and delicious German dishes.
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 19 - Sunday, September 22 More details to follow soon! This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 19 - Sunday, September 22 More details to follow soon! This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
St. Matthew Oktoberfest
St. Matthew Catholic Church, Time: 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Mark your calendar now and plan to come out for this family friendly event. 4:30 p.m. Mass (outside in the tent) 6-6:45pm dinner 6-8pm children's activities 6-10pm beer sales
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Sausage and Beer Party
Triptych Brewing, Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 29 12-5pm Tripytch Brewing presents: Sausage and Beer Party Featuring a variety of Oktoberfest beers from all over, and a new seasonally appropriate Triptych release. Plus a festive food menu from Watson's Chicken (including a vegetarian option)
Do you know of more family-friendly Oktoberfest events near Champaign-Urbana? Submit them here for our event calendar.