This U.S. City Celebrates Oktoberfest Like Munich-With Beer, Lederhosen, and Carnival Rides

"You could go to Munich for the ultimate Oktoberfest experience, but you don't have to. Just head to Chicago, a city with German roots so deep you may feel like you're celebrating in Bavaria. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly, dog-friendly, or beer-forward kind of Oktoberfest, you'll find it here-complete with imported German beer, lederhosen, and carnival rides. If you're already thinking ahead to next year, keep in mind: Chicago's Oktoberfest season kicks off in September."

"At Oktoberfest Nation, you can chow down on giant pretzels, feast on bratwursts, and sip Hofbräu München beer, just like I did at Oktoberfest in Munich in 2012. The band in Munich played the Dirty Dancing soundtrack that night, but in Chicago, expect traditional German folk music performed by Oompah bands flown in for the city's largest Oktoberfest celebration. Like in Munich, there are also carnival rides and crowd-pleasers like stein-carrying races."

Chicago provides varied Oktoberfest experiences that mirror Bavarian traditions with imported German beer, lederhosen, Oompah bands, carnival rides, stein-carrying races, and German food. The city's Oktoberfest season begins in September and German-inspired bars like Edelweiss, Kaiser Tiger, and The Berghoff keep the spirit year-round. Major events include Oktoberfest Nation at Fulton Market through Oct. 19 with Hofbräu München beer and traditional folk music, St. Benedict Parish's family-friendly festival each October (Oct. 3-5 this year), and Barktoberfest at Cody's, a dog-friendly Lakeview pub featuring a German buffet, $6 beers, and canine contests.

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