Highland Park’s third annual Oktoberfest welcomes the first weekend of autumn

A fall nip in the air for Saturday’s Oktoberfest, hosted by the City of Highland Park under damp, overcast skies at the Lot, at 525 Central Avenue.

This celebration of autumn and all things German put a spotlight on Highland Park restaurants offering festive menu items, along with Bavarian music, polka dancing, beer, bites, and family-centered entertainment.

According to Amanda Bennett, communications manager for the City of Highland Park, this third annual Oktoberfest was different from prior years, although still a free event with food for purchase.

“We took our beloved fall festival to the next level to include more traditional family-friendly activities from noon until 5 p.m., then switched to a more adult vibe with headliner bands and dancing until 10 p.m.,” Bennett said.

Oktoberfest-style food and entertainment included a beer stein-holding contest, hammer-schlagen, axe throwing, a high-striker, ring-o, cornhole, pretzel necklace making, and much more.

Interactive performances by the CirquesExperience Wheel Show and long tents accommodated communal Oktoberfest seating encouraging community spirit.

Lexie Smith of Highland Park attended the festival.

“Oktoberfest gives families an excuse to get out of the house on a fall weekend afternoon and have a little fun together,” Smith said.

Squeezebox Heroes, Bratwurst Brothers, Antler Chandelier and Infinity provided musical entertainment.

Specialty Oktoberfest menu items included a German brat and potato salad, from Michael’s, pork & chicken schnitzel from Pixca, a kraut, ham & bratwurst pizza from Judy’s Pizza, and other seasonal offerings.

Specialty beverages from Ravinia Brewing Company & Lynfred Winery were also featured.

Andrew Devlin, master brewer at Ravinia Brewing Company, said they develop specialty beers each fall and featured their Oktoberfest beer at Saturday’s event.

“Every season is great for beer, but in the fall our brews are characterized by roasted malts and caramel notes,” Devlin said.

Ghida Neukirch, Highland Park’s city manager says Highland Park has invested $11 million into the development of their downtown area, and the Lot, at the Northwest corner of St. Johns and Central, is a part of that plan.

“The Lot, created as a public gathering space, enables us to host large-scale events like Oktoberfest right downtown – this is important to our residential community and also brings visitors in to explore the heart of our city,” Neukirch said.

Paul Scherer of Fort Sheridan also attended on Saturday.

“Even with the unpredictable fall weather it’s great for the community to come together to experience authentic German-style food and musical entertainment to enjoy the camaraderie of a good time in a place where everyone is welcome,” Scherer said.

Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.