One of the Southport Corridor’s biggest fall traditions is back this weekend as St. Alphonsus hosts Oktoberfest Chicago from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27.
Now in its 24th year, Oktoberfest transforms the area around Southport, Lincoln and Wellington into a three-day celebration featuring live music, German food, beer, family activities and plenty of neighborhood fun. The festival takes place outside St. Alphonsus Church at 1429 W. Wellington Avenue.
Festival hours are Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10 on Friday and Saturday, with a $5 suggested donation on Sunday.
This year’s entertainment lineup includes some familiar Chicago favorites. Friday night features Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute at 6:00 p.m., followed by the ceremonial keg tapping and official blessing of the beer at 7:50 p.m. Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press take the Southport Stage at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday’s lineup begins with Viceroy at 2:00 p.m., followed by The Wild Chicago at 4:00 p.m. and Y2K at 6:00 p.m. The annual Sam Adams Stein Holding Competition takes place at 7:15 p.m., followed by 16 Candles at 8:00 p.m. Additional entertainment throughout the weekend includes Four Star Brass Band, The Divas, The Birkenrocks, School of Rock, Live Band Karaoke and Wedding Banned.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without German food and beer. St. Alphonsus will once again serve its special-recipe bratwurst, a recipe brought from Germany generations ago and passed down among parishioners. German potato salad, sauerkraut and Bienenstich, or German Bee Sting Cake, are also on the menu.
Sam Adams Octoberfest is the featured beer, while the German beer hall will offer additional selections including Krombacher Pils, Krombacher Weizen, Paulaner Märzen and Paulaner Hefe-Weizen. Commemorative German-made beer steins will also be available.
Sunday brings a more family-focused atmosphere with Kinderfest. Activities include a noon performance by the Alphonsus Academy children’s advanced band, bouncy games, kid-friendly meals and space for parents to enjoy the festival while catching the afternoon games on the big screen.
Oktoberfest Chicago
September 25–27, 2026
St. Alphonsus Church
1429 W. Wellington Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Friday: 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday: Noon–10:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–7:00 p.m.
With three days of music, food, beer and family activities, Oktoberfest remains one of the Southport Corridor’s signature fall weekends and a sure sign that autumn has arrived in the neighborhood.
