The 13th Annual Downers Grove Oktoberfest takes over the Forest and Library parking lots Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, raising money for District 58 schools.
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, the nonprofit behind the two-day festival, sends every dollar raised directly to District 58 programs for students and staff, according to the foundation's website. The organization calls Oktoberfest its largest annual fundraiser.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, on Burlington Avenue between Main Street and Forest Avenue in historic downtown Downers Grove. Saturday hours are listed at dgoktoberfest.org. A covered stage and large tents keep the music going rain or shine.
Friday's lineup features Ellie Banke, Local H and Candlebox. Saturday brings Ralph's World, Reality Bytes, Big Bang Baby and Liquid Soul Chicago, according to Chamber630.
Families will find a Kids Zone and activities for all ages alongside traditional German food.
Janet Alikpala, who served as Education Foundation president at the district's May 2026 Distinguished Service Awards ceremony, leads the organization behind the event, according to District 58. The foundation is a nonprofit based in Downers Grove that has run the Oktoberfest fundraiser for more than a decade.
Local sponsors backing the 2026 festival include Cadence Kitchen, The Foxtail, The Rec League and Bee Sweet Bakery.
Residents who want to help can sign up to volunteer at signup.com/go/jcWUGMq. Tickets and full event details are available at dgoktoberfest.org.
