The annual German-American Festival has been held for over eighty years. This Oktoberfest-type event is not a "world famous" festival that Chicago is known for like Taste of Chicago, Blues, Gospel or Jazz Fest, but it is one of the city’s premier neighborhood festivals. It is held in the heart of an old German neighborhood where they block off the streets and erect massive big-top style tents. Expect to be "prousting" with a mix of locals and college kids. We natives think this is one of the best festivals of the year. This is the kind of event where you will swing dance with tipsy old ladies to music performed by men in lederhosen. If that doesn’t sound like your kind of fun, you have to admit it is at least amusing to watch.

The festival kicks off with a ceremonial keg tapping and free beer. Once the first keg runs dry guests have to pay for their brews. Beer was offered in prices for domestic or imported. All drinkers will buy a souvenir stein. For imported beer (Becks) a large sells for $8 and small for $6 with refills at $7 and $5 respectively. Domestic beer drinkers pay $6 for a large with a $5 refill or $5 for the small with a $4 refill. The small glass is about three times smaller than the large one, so most people purchase the large steins. Wine is also available.

Great bands, including locals and some from Germany, perform. Of course with all the live German music (and flowing beer) there is always lots of dancing. There is also a carnival section with games and this festival is kid-friendly, even though I didn’t see too many kids. Admission for the festival is free, but there are additional charges to play the games.

Different German clubs provide tasty and reasonably priced food. Bratwurst or Thueringer sandwiches are both for sale at the booth. Since you can get a Bratwurst anywhere I recommend starting with the Thueringer. But since the brats here are good I suggest you try one if you feel like seconds. Sandwiches are available plain for $3.00 or with potato salad and sauerkraut for $5.00. Fresh soft pretzels are available for $1 a piece. Whole Bismarck H\earring, cake and coffee is also available at the food stands.

All food and beverages are purchased through tickets even though dollar amounts are displayed. Each ticket is valued at $1. There are usually only two ticket booths, which mean long lines, but you will be entertained by the colorful locals attending the event.

You should not be put off if you are not a beer drinker. All the cultural programs, folk singing, the parade and the array of culinary delights like bratwurst, sauerkraut and potato salad is enough reason to attend.

To get there, take the Red Line ‘L’ to Western and you’ll be right above the festival when standing on the platform.