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The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs

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Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0

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The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3

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Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook

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State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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Oktoberfest in Chicago: The Best Oktoberfests for Families in Chicago

Dad and son at Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of St. Benedict's Oktoberfest

10/4/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Step aside, pumpkin spice latte. It's time to celebrate fall with the original autumn beverage: Oktoberfest beer! And luckily for us Chicagoans, the Bavarian tradition is strong and there are lots of Oktoberfests in Chicago to help you celebrate.

Like the original Oktoberfest, these local festivities have live music, carnival games, and other fun and family-friendly activities, and as a bonus, most are free (minus food and drinks) or super affordable to attend. Look out for Oktoberfests in traditional German neighborhoods and suburbs like Lincoln Square and Schaumburg, and feel free to don the traditional Bavarian garb—you won't be the only one! And of course, don't forget to snag a pretzel or two.

Even if you miss these Chicago Oktoberfests, there are plenty of fun beer gardens and breweries you can visit with children. And there are dozens of kid-friendly fall festivals happening across the Chicago area.