Prost! Many Oktoberfest events are happening around Champaign-Urbana this fall
Great food, great music and yes, beer, can be found at family-friendly Oktoberfest events
Oktoberfest events in the Champaign-Urbana area have certainly increased in number in recent years. And there’s good reason! Our community knows how to put on a German celebration, so even if you find yourself without lederhosen, you will certainly be welcomed at these family-friendly happenings this fall.
While generally called “Oktoberfest,” events often happen in September and wrap up by early October. Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Germany since the early 1800s or so. Here in the U.S., Oktoberfest events are unique in their own ways, but some commonalities exist — festive music, bratwurst, pretzels and yes, beer.
In Champaign-Urbana, we have a number of events that are family-friendly in nature. Your kids will certainly enjoy the upbeat atmosphere that comes along with Oktoberfest events. Be warned that Oktoberfest is closely tied to drinking large amounts of German beer for many (but not all) festival-goers.
Our list of Oktoberfest events in or near Champaign-Urbana:
Friday, September 12, 2025
Barntoberfest
Emancipation Brewing Company, Time: 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Prost! Head to Fairbury for an Oktoberfest celebration at Emancipation Brewing! 7 German-Inspired Beers, different food vendors each day, Live Accordion music, the ever-popular stein hoisting competition, and more!
Oktoberfest Weekend at Destihl
Destihl – Normal, Time: 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Get ready to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and get hyped for this annual Oktoberfest weekend at the Beer Hall! This celebration will be jam-packed with Live Music, Activities, and a mouthwatering array of German-themed food.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Oktoberfest Weekend at Destihl
Destihl – Normal, Time: 10:00 am - 9:30 pm
Get ready to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and get hyped for this annual Oktoberfest weekend at the Beer Hall! This celebration will be jam-packed with Live Music, Activities, and a mouthwatering array of German-themed food.
Barntoberfest
Emancipation Brewing Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Prost! Head to Fairbury for an Oktoberfest celebration at Emancipation Brewing! 7 German-Inspired Beers, different food vendors each day, Live Accordion music, the ever-popular stein hoisting competition, and more!
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Oktoberfest Weekend at Destihl
Destihl – Normal, Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Get ready to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and get hyped for this annual Oktoberfest weekend at the Beer Hall! This celebration will be jam-packed with Live Music, Activities, and a mouthwatering array of German-themed food.
Barntoberfest
Emancipation Brewing Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Prost! Head to Fairbury for an Oktoberfest celebration at Emancipation Brewing! 7 German-Inspired Beers, different food vendors each day, Live Accordion music, the ever-popular stein hoisting competition, and more!
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Riggs Oktoberfest is a true “Festbier” style, which is crafted to emulate the beers that are served at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Check the schedule for music, food trucks and more Oktoberfest fun.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 18 - Sunday, September 21 This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information. Music and other activities, too! Food Schedule Thursday September 18 CK Almonds 3-8 p.m. The German Food Truck 4-9 p.m. Watson’s Chicken …
Artesia Oktoberfest
Artesia Brewing, Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Artesia's 5th annual Oktoberfest celebration will include a variety of German-style beers as well as German Food by Horsch Radish, and live music. Dirndls, lederhosen, and other traditional German clothing are welcome! Live music to include: Friday: Jake and Mikayla Saturday: Artesia polka band September 19: 5 - 10 p.m.…
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Artesia Oktoberfest
Artesia Brewing, Time: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Artesia's 5th annual Oktoberfest celebration will include a variety of German-style beers as well as German Food by Horsch Radish, and live music. Dirndls, lederhosen, and other traditional German clothing are welcome! Live music to include: Friday: Jake and Mikayla Saturday: Artesia polka band September 19: 5 - 10 p.m.…
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 18 - Sunday, September 21 This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information. Music and other activities, too! Food Schedule Thursday September 18 CK Almonds 3-8 p.m. The German Food Truck 4-9 p.m. Watson’s Chicken …
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 18 - Sunday, September 21 This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information. Music and other activities, too! Food Schedule Thursday September 18 CK Almonds 3-8 p.m. The German Food Truck 4-9 p.m. Watson’s Chicken …
Do you know of more family-friendly Oktoberfest events near Champaign-Urbana? Submit them here for our event calendar.