The Beeronaut

Chicago Oktoberfest Beer Weekend, September 18-20

Oktoberfest is launching at beer bars and brewers across Chicago. And yes, for the quick summary, the first Oktoberfest in 1810 was held on October 18, but as the event grew bigger, it was determined to move earlier in the year so as not to interfere with the harvests. Now, the festival in Bavaria runs for the 16 days leading to the first Sunday in October.

Meantime, the new beer and community space, Ørkenoy, is opening this weekend. They’re at Kimball and Bloomington in Chicago, at the 606 Trail. And in Naperville, Noon Whistle is opening its second outlet.

Personal Note: I finally took the opportunity to visit the reopened Rock Bottom nearest me, in Lombard. Surprised to see the same server from before it closed. She said she had no idea they might ever plan to reopen, but was available when they called. The brewing is currently being supervised by Iain Wilson, brewmaster of the Orland Park restaurant. They’ve kept some of the beers from the previous version of RB available, including their yearly Rocktoberfest.