It’s not fall without Naper Settlement’s annual Oktoberfest, a tradition since 2009

The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in Munich, Germany, to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. But a good party is a good party so it was decided the event would be held the following year – and lo, a tradition was born.

Now a global phenomenon, Oktoberfests feature German beer and food, games and activities.

Naper Settlement has held an Oktoberfest since 2009 — it’s one of the outdoor museum’s signature events. This year’s will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

“New this year, on Friday we’re going to have the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile,” said Denise Wilt, Naper Settlement’s public relations and social media team leader. “People can come out and take pictures with the Wienermobile. We’re excited for that.”

A big highlight of Naperville Oktoberfest is always the live music, she said.

“We’re looking forward to the musical lineup we have this year,” she said. “We have a nice mix of traditional German oompah-polka music, we’ve got some country and pop mixed in as well.”

Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle, which touts itself as Chicago’s only authentic German brass band performing since 1945, kicks the fest off at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The Polkaholics follow at 8 p.m., playing a mix of rock and polka.

“We’ve had them before at Oktoberfest and they’re a huge hit. We’re excited to welcome them back,” Wilt said.

Saturday’s musical lineup kicks off with Freeze Dried at 3 p.m., playing traditional polka music, followed by the Hillbilly Rockstars, a popular Chicagoland country band, at 5:30 p.m. and Fool House, playing popular covers from the 1990s and beyond, taking the stage at 8 p.m.

Oktoberfest is an all-ages event and from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, the youngest fest-goers can enjoy a children’s area with painting from Pinot’s Palate, bubble soccer, and foot darts and more from Chasers Laser Tag.

At 5 p.m., would-be strong men and women can participate in the annual stein holding contest. There is a men’s and women’s division and pre-registration is not required.

“Basically, people hold out a stein and when it gets too heavy, the arms will drop and the last one standing is the winner,” Wilt said. “It’s super fun and people enjoy it. It’s very entertaining. It’s always fun to watch.”

If you’re looking to get a traditional German bratwurst or schnitzel, there will be plenty to be had. A large variety of sausages as well as sauerkraut and German potato salad are also on the menu.

“We’ve got a good mix of local food vendors,” Wilt said.

Belgio’s Catering will sell a chicken schnitzel sandwich, brats, soft pretzels, German potato salad, apple and cherry tarts, and Black Forest German chocolate cake. Wurst Kitchen will bring the flavors with homemade German potato salad and sauerkraut, original bratwurst, a spicy kicker bratwurst, currywurst, pork schnitzel, hot dogs, a supersized smoked Bavarian bratwurst, German pretzels and apple strudel.

If German food isn’t your thing, John’s Rib House will be offering fare like pulled pork or beef sandwiches, ribs, fried shrimp, mac ‘n cheese, nachos, fries, chicken tenders, peach cobbler and funnel cake.

Ben’s Pretzels will be selling a variety of pretzels, Grumpy Gaucho will have empanadas and churros, and Decadent Flavor will have dessert covered with doughnuts, funnel cake and elephant ears.

Beer afficionados will appreciate all the Oktoberfest beer options, she said.

“We have eight different beer options and two flagship beers that are served in Munich, Germany,” Wilt said. “We like to say we have a lot of the more authentic Oktoberfest beers. That’s another reason people might prefer our Oktoberfest, because of the beer varieties that we offer.

“We also have a few different wine options as well, with one being a traditional Oktoberfest wine. Our beer and wine options are pretty popular and will draw people as well.”

Beer choices include Hofbrau Oktoberfest, Spaten Oktoberfest, Alter Brewing Festbier, Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Shiner Oktoberfest, Tighthead Brewing Oktoberfest and Schlafly Pumpkin Ale. Wines available will be Z. Alexander Brown’s pinot noir, Gnarly Head Grateful Dead cabernet sauvignon, Coppola chardonnay and Schmitt Shone dry riesling.

Many attendees don traditional German garb, like lederhosen and dirndls, something the organizers encourage, Wilt said.

“Some people love the event because they want to dress up. There are some of those people and they always have amazing outfits,” she said.

The longevity of Naperville Oktoberfest can be credited to tradition and variety, Wilt said.

“You’ve got groups of friends who want a fun night out and they want to try the different Oktoberfest beers and the German food, or they want to participate in the stein-holding contest,” she said. “It’s fun for the family, fun for a group night out. We have live music, activities, good food and drinks. It’s an event for all ages and there’s something for everybody.”

Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

Naperville Oktoberfest

When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4

Where: Naperville Settlement, 523 S. Webster St.

Tickets: $25 adults; $15 youth ages 4-12

Information: 630-420-6010; NaperSettlement.org/Oktoberfest