Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to the opening of Oktoberfest celebrations at Hofbrauhaus in Rosemont, IL.
Oktoberfest has returned to Hofbräuhaus Chicago and will be on-going until October 31.
I’ve come to look forward to Oktoberfest celebrations at the Chicago Hofbrauhaus every year. This several week long annual gathering of fellow fans of great beer, food, and music is a fantastic reason to spend time having fun with friends and strangers. Have you ever been?
One of the most authentic celebrations in the Chicago area, guests can enjoy a variety of festivities including nightly Bavarian entertainment, freshly brewed “Oktoberfestbier” inspired by the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, daily food specials served by Dirndl-clad waitresses, celebrity keg tapping ceremonies and more.
Since 1810, Bavarians have gathered to celebrate Oktoberfest, an annual festival that began with the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese and grew to become a worldwide celebration of German tradition. Hofbräuhaus Chicago’s Oktoberfest celebrationincludes an assortment of authentic entertainment from a variety of acts including a lively 40-piece German Bugle band, daily live music from authentic “oompah” bands direct from Germanyand Austria, live performances by several authentic dance and singing troupes and celebrity keg tapping ceremonies every Friday night.
Along with enjoying the nightly entertainment, Oktoberfest guests can also feast upon Hofbräuhaus Chicago’s menu of delicious Bavarian specialties. With a savory variety of schnitzels, sausages and other German dishes on the menu year-round, Hofbräuhaus Chicago will offer daily Oktoberfest food specials Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to close and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to close.
To pair with its menu of flavorful Oktoberfest food specials, Hofbräuhaus Chicago will once again serve its seasonal Oktoberfestbier during the annual celebration. This special beer is brewed at Hofbräuhaus Chicago’s onsite microbrewery using the same method used for centuries at the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany. The brewing of all beers served at Hofbräuhaus Chicago is led by a brewmaster who is trained in the 400-year-old recipes and techniques needed to produce Hofbräuhaus Chicago’s beer.
Friday and Saturday nights during Oktoberfest, patrons will have the opportunity to participate in the famous “Masskrugstemmen” stein-holding contest. You can see a video of it above. “Masskrugstemmen,” which loosely translates to mean “the lifting of a liter mug of beer,” is a Bavarian sport that requires strength, stamina and pure determination. The “Masskrug” is a one-liter stein, and the goal is to hold the filled stein parallel to the floor using only one arm. The competitor who holds it out the longest is the winner.
Oktoberfest is one of the best times of year to plan a group outing at Hofbräuhaus Chicago. The venue provides an ideal backdrop for a birthday party, special occasion or corporate event. The Beer Hall, or “Schwemme”, seats more than 500 guests and the King Ludwig Room can accommodate up to 180 people for a unique celebration. Chicagoans interested in bringing the Oktoberfest celebration to their home or office can now take advantage of Hofbrauhaus Chicago’s catering offerings.
Bring the family for a scary good time on Sunday, October 27 between 1 and 4 p.m. for Hofbräuhaus Chicago’s Halloween Kinderfest. The spooktacular party will feature costume contests, parades, live music, face painting, Halloween-themed arts and crafts stations and more.
Hofbräuhaus Chicago is located at 5500 Park Place in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park. Valet parking is available for a minimal charge, and parking is also available in the nearby parking garage (free with validation). I often use the free validated parking or simply schedule a ride with a car-share company. There is also an on-site gift store filled with unique gift items, apparel, and traditional beer steins. Reservations are available.
For more information, call (847) 671-BREW (2739) or visit HBChicago.com.