A Shimmering Summer finale

September 19 – 20 | Festival Field

The final weekend of Shimmering Summer calls for a celebration.

Join us for a family-friendly Oktoberfest featuring traditional German fare, Oktoberfest beers, live music, lawn games, and hands-on activities for kids. Spend the day exploring Evanescent—our large “bubble” art installation—great food and drinks, and soaking up the last weekend of summer before the season begins to change.

Whether you're here for a stein, a pretzel, a polka band, or simply an afternoon outdoors with family and friends, there's plenty to enjoy all weekend long.

Standard Garden admission and parking fees apply.

Each day, you can visit the pub trailer featuring Oktoberfest beers and a food tent selling traditional German fare. 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

View Menu

Saturday, September 19

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lawn games, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, leaf rubbing, and wind wand making.

The Bratwurst Brothers
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy lively polkas and German-style party music from one of the Chicago area's favorite Oktoberfest bands.

Jim & Justin of Modern Day Romeos
4 – 5:30 p.m.
Sing along to crowd favorites and acoustic pop-rock hits from Chicago festival favorites Jim & Justin.

Sunday, September 20

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lawn games, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, leaf rubbing, and wind wand making.

Die Kellerknaben
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Traditional polka music that brings the spirit of Oktoberfest to Festival Field.

Josh Skaja
2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of live acoustic music from acclaimed Chicago guitarist and vocalist Josh Skaja.