Chicago Area Oktoberfest in Lake Villa, IL

A Chicago area Oktoberfest festival will be celebrated over three September Saturdays, in Lake Villa, IL. Oktoberfest will be held at the American Aid Society of German Descendants, on Grand Avenue in Lake Villa, Illinois. The German American Cultural Center is located directly across from Cedar Lake in Lake Villa, IL.

The American Aid Society is a group of Chicago area German-Americans. The Americans of German Descent and Americans who enjoy the German culture. The German group promotes pride in the German heritage, music, folk dances and German food. Oktoberfest is a celebration that is open to the public.

The large festival building will be lit up and sounds of happy Oktoberfest celebration will emanate from the German Brass bands on three consecutive Saturdays in September. Long tables line the room and merrymaking will be in the air.

The original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany started as a wedding celebration for Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The festival was such a success that it continued on to be a yearly tradition. In the early years horse racing closed every festival. An agricultural festival was added to celebrate the harvest season. In the early years, beer was not a big part of the festival. Over the years beers stands were set up.

Today, Oktoberfest is identified mostly as a big beer drinking festival. In Munich several tents are set up to serve vast amounts of beer and sausages.

Lake Villa sets up their own tent, in a permanent building on the grounds of the American Aid Society. Beer and wine are served from the bar. Delicious sausages of various types are served v ed as dinner plates or sandwiches. Desserts and pastries are available for purchase.

The German Brass Band will play polkas, folk tunes and other numbers. German dancers will perform their charming Bavarian routines. There is a large dance floor in the middle, so visitors can dance to the sounds of the brass band all they want.

Saturday, September 15, 5 pm to 12 am: Austrian Express
Saturday, September 22, 5 pm to 12 am: Phenix
Saturday, September 29, 5 pm to 12 am: Phenix