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 11, 2026
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 12, 2026
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 13, 2026
Oktoberfest Weekend at Destihl
Destihl – Normal, Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 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: 1:00 pm - 7:00 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 17, 2026
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 4:00 pm - 9:30 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 18, 2026
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 17 - Sunday, September 20 This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information. Music and other activities, too! Schedule Thursday, September 17 Food, 4 - 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) CK Almonds - candied nutsThe German…
Artesia Oktoberfest
Artesia Brewing, Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Artesia's 6th annual Oktoberfest celebration will include a variety of German-style beers as well as German food, with Drummer Creek Catering and Later Taters food truck. Dirndls, lederhosen, and other traditional German clothing are welcome! Live music schedule coming soon. September 18: 5 - 10 p.m. September 19: noon -…
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Artesia Oktoberfest
Artesia Brewing, Time: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Artesia's 6th annual Oktoberfest celebration will include a variety of German-style beers as well as German food, with Drummer Creek Catering and Later Taters food truck. Dirndls, lederhosen, and other traditional German clothing are welcome! Live music schedule coming soon. September 18: 5 - 10 p.m. September 19: noon -…
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 17 - Sunday, September 20 This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information. Music and other activities, too! Schedule Thursday, September 17 Food, 4 - 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) CK Almonds - candied nutsThe German…
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Riggs Oktoberfest
Riggs Beer Company, Time: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Make plans to attend Oktoberfest at Riggs Beer Company! Thursday, September 17 - Sunday, September 20 This is a family-friendly event. Check out their website for more information. Music and other activities, too! Schedule Thursday, September 17 Food, 4 - 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) CK Almonds - candied nutsThe German…
Saturday, September 26, 2026
the Alpine Hat Party
Triptych Brewing, Time: 12:00 pm
Save the date, more details soon, expect tasty, seasonally appropriate food from the German Food truck, maybe some afternoon accordion serenades, hammerschlagen, best hat contest and more!
Market Street Oktober Fest
Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, Time: 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Bands on the patio, food tuck, fun! What to expect: **Free to Attend. **Outside Bars Featuring: Oktoberfest beers, Pumpkin and other seasonal offerings. **Inside Bar Featuring: 28 Self Serve Taps,Themed cocktails and More. **Live Music Polka Band. **Food Truck-- Patty Daddy's. **Stein Holding competition. **And more! Saturday, September 26 1-7pm
Do you know of more family-friendly Oktoberfest events near Champaign-Urbana? Submit them here for our event calendar.
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