Pumpkin lovers and cozy sweater wearers alike can get into the fall spirit at the 32nd annual Oaktoberfest in downtown Oak Park this September.
The event is free to attend and will feature fall craft drinks, local foods and live music, according to a Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance press release. It will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 13 and noon to 10 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Oaktoberfest will be south of Lake Street on Marion Street and North Boulevard.
“For more than three decades, Oaktoberfest has launched the fall season here in downtown Oak Park,” said Shanon Williams, executive director of the DOPBA, in the release. “Our event highlights the seasonal favorites and international specialties all from our local restaurants.”
Those seasonal favorites include fall craft beer and ciders from breweries like Kinslahger Oktoberfest Festbier, Revolution Cold Time and Obscurity Pumpkin Spice Cider, according to the release. Wine lovers won’t be left out, either, with selections available.
Craft beer and wine tickets are cash only. Attendees can purchase one drink ticket for $10 or three drink tickets plus a souvenir mug for $30. The 2024 food menu is not yet available, according to the Oaktoberfest website.
Zucchini races, root beer floats and balloon twisting will take place at the Kids Root Beer Garden from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 14, according to the release. Music lovers can expect to hear Bette Smith and the band Cracker perform from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 14, respectively.
Smith is an American soul, rock and blues singer who was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Cracker is an American rock band co-founded by David Lowery and Johnny Hickman.
Other featured performers include The Staleys, an American rock band from Chicago, Nasty Snacks, a R&B-style band, Reilly Downes, an Americana Chicago artist, Finom, an “experimental rock group, and Altered Five Blues Band. The School of Rock Oak Park will also perform from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14.
Byline Bank and RUSH Oak Park Hospital are sponsors of the event, according to the release.