German-American Fest

This festival has wrapped for 2026 — it typically returns September 2027.

German-American Oktoberfest returns Sept. 11-13, 2026, with free admission, a new Western & Lincoln footprint, two tents, German food/beer/wine, four bands, amusement games, and the Von Steuben Parade Saturday at 2 p.m.

  • Dates: September 11–13, 2026
  • Where: Western Ave & Lincoln Ave, Lincoln Square
  • Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
  • Cost: Free

How it was

This year's edition is over — the schedule and practical notes below are kept as the record of 2026.

Schedule

  1. Sept. 11 — Friday: 5-10 p.m.; opening ceremony at 8 p.m.
  2. Sept. 12 — Saturday: Noon-10 p.m.; Von Steuben Parade at 2 p.m. on Lincoln Avenue from Irving Park Road north to Western Avenue.
  3. Sept. 13 — Sunday: Noon-10 p.m.; German Mass service at 11 a.m.; traditional singing and dancing groups perform Sunday at 2 p.m.

What to expect

Chicago German-American Oktoberfest at Lincoln Square (Lincoln & Leland), September 4–6, 2026 — earlier in September than the suburban Oktoberfests. Note: official source shows September 4–6 with Von Steuben Parade Saturday (some sources say Sept 11–13; confirm at germanday.com). Bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, plus full Oktoberfest beer pours from German breweries (Spaten, Paulaner, Hofbräu) in steins. Polka and brass-band stages, the Von Steuben Parade Saturday celebrating German-American heritage, kids' carnival, lederhosen optional but encouraged.

Transit

Brown Line to Western is one block — same access as Maifest at the same location. The 49 Western and 11 Lincoln buses both stop in front. Driving is rough; Lincoln Square street parking is permit-restricted during the fest.

Bag policy

Visual at gates; ID required at all beer vendors.

Family-friendly

Multi-generational German-American family event. Carnival rides, games, kid-friendly food (the bratwurst-and-pretzel combo is a 6-year-old's dream), and the Von Steuben Parade Saturday is a parade-loving kid's highlight. Stroller-friendly on Lincoln Ave. Indoor restrooms at the Old Town School and Merz Apothecary.

Local tips

  1. Use the new-location language prominently. Locals may remember older Lincoln/Leland footprints; 2026 says Western & Lincoln.
  2. The parade is the culture anchor. Arrive before 2 p.m. Saturday and watch Lincoln Avenue before settling into the tents.
  3. Free admission is real here; budget for beer, brats, steins, and snacks rather than a gate ticket.
  4. If someone says Oktoberfest Chicago, ask which one. St. Alphonsus is Sept. 25-27 in Lakeview and has different admission rules.
  5. Wear the dirndl or lederhosen if you have it. Lincoln Square will understand the assignment.

Frequently asked questions

When is German-American Fest 2026?

Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Where is the 2026 location?

The official page says new location: Lincoln Square at Western & Lincoln.

Is admission free?

Yes. The official page says free admission. Food, beer, wine, and purchases are separate.

When is the Von Steuben Parade?

Saturday at 2 p.m. on Lincoln Avenue, from Irving Park Road north to Western Avenue.

Is this the same as St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago?

No. German-American Fest is the Sept. 11-13 Lincoln Square event. St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago is Sept. 25-27 at Wellington/Lincoln/Southport.

Official festival information