It’s Oktoberfest Season – and Other Food Events to Explore in September

Meredith Francis

August 30, 2024

A woman serving two people tacos at the Taste of Chicago Festival

Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park in September. Credit: City of Chicago / Patrick L. Pyszka

As summer transitions to fall, there are still plenty of opportunities to get outside for food festivals in Chicago and the suburbs. Taste of Chicago returns in September. Plus, there are several Oktoberfest celebrations across the area this month.

Taste of Chicago

Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8 | Grant Park
The city’s signature food event returns this September to Grant Park, showcasing restaurants from all over the city.

German American Oktoberfest (Lincoln Square)

Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8 | 4521 Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square’s Oktoberfest (one of several in the Chicago area) returns this month with German food, beer, wine, dancing, and more.

Festival of the Vine

Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8 | James Street between South Fourth & South Fifth streets, Geneva
Geneva hosts this food, wine, and beer festival. Restaurants from the western suburb create dishes paired with wine, music, and other entertainment. The festival also boasts an arts and crafts show, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.

Taste of Greektown

Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8 | 315 S. Halsted St.
This longstanding celebration of restaurants on Halsted Street in Chicago’s Greektown returns for its 34th year.

Lakeview Taco Fest

Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 | 3500 N. Southport Ave.
The Southport corridor in Lakeview plays host to this celebration of tacos with more than 10 local taco joints.

Glendale Heights Oktoberfest

Starting Thursday, September 12 | Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights
Starting September 12 through September 22, west suburban Glendale Heights hosts a daily Oktoberfest celebration. The festival has live music, food, and, of course, beer.

Long Grove Apple Fest

Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22 | 145 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
This festival in Long Grove is all about apples – pies, ciders, candied apples, and just about any apple treat you can think of – to welcome the coming fall.

Tacos and Tequila Festival

Saturday, September 21 | Northwestern Medicine Field, Geneva
Geneva hosts this hip hop music and food festival, which features margarita and tequila bars as well as craft food vendors alongside performers like T.I., Lil Jon, and Fat Joe.

World Dumpling Fest

Saturday, September 21 | Logan Square Park, 3150 Logan Blvd.
This festival in Logan Square, along with music and dancing, boasts a diverse array of dumplings from more than 10 neighborhood restaurants.

Chicago Gourmet

Saturday, September 21 through Sunday, September 29 | Various Locations
The annual Chicago Gourmet dining festival is back, with events around the city themed as a “delicious culinary fashion show.” The festival includes a tacos and tequila event, a wine pairing session, a “hamburger hop,” and more.