The Northman Beer & Cider Garden Celebrates Oktoberfest with Traditional Competitions, Giant Pretzels, Beer Steins, Live Music & More

Oktoberfest is nearly here, and The Northman Beer & Cider Garden is bringing three weekends of Bavarian-inspired revelry to Chicago’s Riverwalk. For its ninth annual Oktoberfest celebration, the riverfront biergarten, located in the heart of downtown Chicago just steps away from Michigan Avenue, will transform into a European-style festival with giant pretzels, German sausages, steins of beer, live polka music, competitions and more.

Taking place September 18-20, September 25-27 and October 2-4, the celebration will give Chicagoans and visitors alike plenty of opportunities to get into the Oktoberfest spirit, including:

• Steins & German brews: Guests can enjoy Oktoberfest favorites including Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier, Maplewood Festbier, Dovetail Festweizen and Athletic Brewing’s N/A Oktoberfest, all served in commemorative steins.
• Bavarian bites: Expect German-inspired fare including Käsekrainer, a cheese-stuffed pork sausage with Stiegl-braised onions and Düsseldorf mustard; Wild Boar Brat with jalapeño cheddar; and giant 16-inch Bavarian pretzels available Saturdays.
• Oktoberfest competitions: Guests can test their strength with stein-hoisting challenges or take on the classic German nail-driving game Hammerschlagen.
• Live music & festival fun: Live Polka and German-style bands will set the vibe, alongside DIY pretzel-necklace kits and other festival activities.

The celebration kicks off Friday, September 18 with a traditional Alphorn performance and live music.