🍺Downers Grove Oktoberfest 2026: Candlebox, Local H, Liquid Soul, German Food & More
- paul3819
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
September 18–19, 2026
If you're looking for one of Chicagoland's biggest fall festivals, put Downers Grove Oktoberfest on your calendar.
Returning to downtown Downers Grove for its 13th annual celebration, this two-day festival combines nationally known rock bands, local entertainment, authentic Oktoberfest food, German beer, family activities, wrestling, and one of the best downtown festival atmospheres in the western suburbs.
Best of all?
It's just steps from the Downers Grove Main Street Metra BNSF Station, making it one of the easiest festivals to visit without worrying about parking.
Event Information
📅 Friday, September 18
Festival Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📅 Saturday, September 19
Festival Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
📍 Location
Forest Avenue & Library Parking Lots
Burlington Avenue between Main Street and Forest Avenue
Downtown Downers Grove
🚆 Metra Access
One of the best features of Downers Grove Oktoberfest is how easy it is to reach. The festival is only a short walk from the Downers Grove Main Street Metra Station on the BNSF Line, making it an easy trip from:
Chicago Union Station
Cicero
Berwyn
LaVergne
Harlem Avenue
Brookfield
Hinsdale
Westmont
Western Springs
La Grange
All Station West Of Downers Grove
Skip the parking and enjoy the festival without worrying about driving home.
Friday Schedule
Friday, September 18
5:00 PM
Festival Opens
Main Stage
5:00 – 6:30 PM
Ellie Banke - Local singer-songwriter opening the festival.
6:30 – 7:15 PM
Angel Song Entertainment featuring Tina Messmer King
7:15 – 8:30 PM
Local H - One of Chicago's most iconic alternative rock bands takes the stage with favorites spanning more than three decades.
8:30 – 9:30 PM
Angel Song Entertainment featuring Tina Messmer King
9:30 – 11:00 PM
Candlebox - The multi-platinum Seattle rock band headlines Friday night with hits including Far Behind, You, Cover Me, and more.
Saturday Schedule
Saturday, September 19
Festival Opens
11:00 AM
Family Entertainment
11:00–11:30 AM
Story TimeHosted by the Downers Grove Public Library (Side Stage)
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
POWW Entertainment"Oktoberfest Slam"
Professional wrestling exhibition featuring Hardcore Craig.
1:30–2:00 PM
Kids Dance Party
Hosted by the Downers Grove Public Library.
2:00–4:00 PM
Ralph's World
Grammy-nominated children's entertainer performing live on the Main Stage.
3:30–4:00 PM
Brat Eating Contest -Think you've got what it takes?
Saturday Music
4:30–5:00 PM
Angel Song Entertainment
5:00–6:30 PM
Reality Bytes - Alternative rock favorites.
6:30–7:00 PM
The Todd Show - Acoustic performance on the Side Stage.
7:00–8:30 PM
Big Bang Baby - Chicago's premier Stone Temple Pilots tribute band.
8:30–9:15 PM
The Todd Show - Returns to the Side Stage.
9:15–11:00 PM
Liquid Soul - Saturday night's headliner.
The Grammy-nominated Chicago jazz-funk legends close out Oktoberfest.
Saturday Kids Zone
Open 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This is one of the largest family activity areas you'll find at a suburban Oktoberfest.
Meet & Greets
Buzz Lightyear
Woody
Jessie
Bo Peep
(1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Live Attractions
Traveling World of Reptiles
Bouncy Inflatables
Kids Games
Photo Booth
Balloon Artist
Dunk Tank
Kids Activities
Available throughout the afternoon include:
Face Painting
Temporary & Henna Tattoos
Pumpkin Painting
Pretzel Necklace Making
Kids Crafts
Elite Gymnastics Tumbling
Caricature Artist
Cotton Candy
Popcorn
Food Menu
One thing that separates Downers Grove Oktoberfest from many festivals is the authentic German menu.
German Favorites
🥨 Giant Bavarian Pretzel - Served with beer cheese and Düsseldorf mustard.
🌭 Bratwurst - Served with grilled onions and/or sauerkraut.
🍽 Chicken Schnitzel Meal
Served with:
Potato pancakes
Gravy
Applesauce
Sour cream
🍄 Mushroom Schnitzel Meal - Same traditional sides.
🥔 German Potato Salad - Served warm with bacon and parsley.
🥞 Potato Pancakes - Served with sour cream and applesauce.
🍰 German Chocolate Cake
🍎 Apple Strudel
🌭 Kids Meal - Hot Dog, Chips & Drink
Beer & Drinks
Draft Beer
Warsteiner Oktoberfest
Paulaner Oktoberfest
Sam Adams Oktoberfest
Revolution Oktoberfest
Hacker Weiss
Miller Lite
Canned Drinks
Miller Lite
White Claw Black Cherry
White Claw Mango
Dogfish Head
Strawberry Lemonade RTD
Wine and soft drinks are also available.
Parking
Street parking is available throughout downtown Downers Grove.
A free public parking garage is located at:
5159 Mochel Drive
The festival is also only a short walk from the Main Street Metra Station.
Tickets & Admission
Whether you're coming for Friday's rock concert or Saturday's family-friendly festival, there are several admission options available. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, as admission may be limited if the festival reaches capacity. All ticket sales are non-refundable.
Friday • September 18
Concert Night
General Admission — $25
Includes festival admission for Friday evening's entertainment featuring Local H and Candlebox.
VIP Pit Pass — $60
Get closer to the stage with access to the Front Stage Party Pit.
VIP Pit Pass Includes:
Front Stage Party Pit access
Private cash bar
Luxury restroom access
Commemorative swag bag (while supplies last)
VIP area opens at 5:00 PM
Age Requirements
Available for all ages
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older
Valid photo ID required for entry
VIP Lounge & After Party — $100
For guests looking for the ultimate Friday night experience.
Includes:
VIP Lounge access
Exclusive after-party admission
Late-night food
Drink specials
Private cash bar
After Party
11:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Location to be announced (listed as Cadence or Bee Sweet Bakery)
21+ Only
Valid government-issued photo ID is required.
Saturday • September 19
Family Day & Live Music
Veterans — FREE
Veterans receive complimentary admission on Saturday with a valid Military ID.
General Admission — $15
Admission for adults (18+).
Kids — FREE
Children under 18 receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.
VIP Pit Pass — $40
Upgrade your Saturday experience with front-of-stage access.
VIP Pit Pass Includes:
Front Stage Party Pit access
Private cash bar
Luxury restroom access
Commemorative swag bag (while supplies last)
VIP area opens at 5:30 PM
Age Requirements
Available for all ages
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older
Valid government-issued photo ID required.
Special Event
Downers Grove North Class of 1996 Reunion
Saturday evening also features a dedicated reunion area for the Downers Grove North High School Class of 1996.
Admission: $30 (21+)
Includes:
Private reunion area
VIP bar
Luxury restrooms
Front Stage Party Pit access
Cash bar
Reunion area opens at 7:00 PM
Important Admission Policies
Before you go, keep these festival policies in mind:
Tickets are required for admission.
Advance ticket purchases are recommended, as some ticket levels may sell out.
All sales are final and non-refundable.
Every adult (18+) must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Digital IDs are not accepted.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Veterans receive free admission on Saturday with a valid Military ID.
Festival Policies
Guests should know:
Rain or Shine event
Lawn chairs allowed in open areas
No weapons
No skateboards
No scooters
No bicycles
Dogs and cats are permitted if leashed
Medical staff available onsite
Photography and video recording occur throughout the event
Why We Love It
Downers Grove Oktoberfest has quietly become one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the western suburbs.
Instead of focusing only on beer, it combines:
National recording artists
Family entertainment
Authentic German food
Craft beer
Kids activities
Wrestling
Live DJs
Downtown shopping
Easy Metra access
Whether you're coming from Berwyn, Brookfield, Riverside, La Grange, Oak Park, or Chicago, it's an easy weekend destination that offers something for every age.
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