2026 Oktoberfest on Wells Street

Old Town raises a stein to fall as Old Town Oktoberfest returns to Wells Street!
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 5pm to 10pm
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 11am to 10pm
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 11am to 8pm

Celebrating the neighborhood’s rich German heritage, this three-day street festival transforms Wells Street into a lively Bavarian-inspired destination filled with authentic food, live music, local artisans, and festive traditions. 

Expand the sections below to check out the full music line-up, food options, sign-up info/schedule for Masskrugstemmen (stein-holding contests), and registration for our first ever Oktoberfest Doggie Parade!

Music Lineup
Bratwurst with Saurkraut, Large soft pretzels, Carmel Apples, Malort-filled truffles, and more!
Try your hand at the crowd-favorite Masskrugstemmen!
There will be multiple rounds over the weekend, so check the Masskrugstemmen schedule below and sign up for one of the contests in person at the OTMRA booth during the festival.

Get your Pup ready to strut at the First Annual Dog Parade at Old Town Oktoberfest! Costumes are optional but strongly encouraged. Picture cute Old Town doggies and owners in matching lederhosen, dirndls and fall fashion!

Registration is required and tickets are limited. Don’t wait! Enter your furry friend in the dog parade HERE. 

Entry categories: Wee Wieners (Small Breed: 0lbs-30lbs), Pretzel Pups (Medium Breed: 31lbs-70lbs), Big Bratwursts (Large Breed: 71lbs+)

Prizes: Prizes will be awarded to a winner in each category, along with Best in Show.

Location: Meet at the stage on Schiller and Wells for check-in! 

Thank You to OTMRA Members Wintrust Old Town and PupStars as well as Bobbi Panter, and Bonnie Spurlock for their support and generous contributions towards prizes and pup swag bags!

Check back soon for this year’s Map!

Oktoberfest festivities traditionally run until Oct 4th! Keep the celebration going and fight off the post-Old Town Oktoberfest blues by checking out these Old Town businesses that have gained the title of Old Town Oktoberfest Destination

Thank You to our Oktoberfest Sponsors!

Getting to Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is held on Wells Street between Schiller and Evergreen 
Public transit:  Easy access to our festival from the Red line Division Stop, Brown Line Sedgwick Stop, and even the Blue Line Clybourn stop.  Bus access includes North Ave, Division, Clark, and LaSalle St buses.
 
Car:  Ample parking garages and lots of paid parking in the area – we recommend pre-booking through spot hero or other apps. Uber or Lift drop/off pick up points nearby.
 

September 2025 marked Old Town’s first Oktoberfest Celebration!

Check out last year’s festivities here!