CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Fall is officially here! And the start of fall in Chicago brings a lot of beer activities. From oktoberfests to ale fests, Chicago Gourmet to National Drink Beer Day, this weekend is full of all things beer. But don't worry, if beer is not your thing, there is still plenty of fun things to do this weekend, including music festivals and concerts, sporting events, and more.
Lights, camera, napkin! The annual three-day fest kicks off Friday with its Hamburger Hop throwdown. Walk in to Millennium Park and waddle out once you've stuffed your face at cooking demos, tasting pavilions and a wine sampling. This year's event features local celebs such as Diana Dávila, Joe Flamm, Rick Bayless and more. Advance ticket purchase recommended.
Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.
When: Friday-Sunday
Revolution Brewing's annual Oktoberfest celebration returns to the streets of Logan Square, welcoming attendees to quaff a few beers while enjoying German cuisine and a stacked music lineup.
Where: Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave.
When: Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.
Drink a beer in a helicopter hanger, or don’t, whatever. One of the Chicago's most expansive craft beer festivals sets up in a helicopter hanger this year, offering more than 150 different brews to taste over the course of an afternoon. The Beerhoptacular also features a homebrew competition, Chicago’s favorite food trucks, helicopter rides, a DJ spinning all your favorite hits, a beer bicycle, a live photo booth and much more.
Where: Vertiport Chicago, 1339 S. Wood St.
When: Saturday, 4-8 p.m. (early entry, 3 p.m.)
Celebrate the glory of the dumpling in its many forms—pot stickers, empanadas, pierogi and more—at World Dumpling Fest. This year, the one-day event doubles as the finale to the World Music Festival, featuring performances from Fidel Nadal, Alsarah and The Nubatones and the LowDown Brass Band. Admission to the event is free, but you'll need to purchase tickets if you want to eat dumplings—$12 for three servings or $20 for six.
Where: Polk Bros Park, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
When: Sunday, noon-7 p.m.
Google takes over Maggie Daley Park to throw its Wonderful Weekends festival, which finds the tech giant teaming with local businesses for three days of live music, food and prizes—and it's all totally free. The centerpiece of the celebration is a gigantic gumball machine that will be filled with prizes from the likes of the Second City, Heritage Bicycle, Portillo's, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Bulls and more.
Where: Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St.
When: Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Celebrate the traditions of Oktoberfest with brats, great music and craft beer. St. Alphonsus Church's annual Oktoberfest celebration features plenty of brews, as well as activities and entertainment for kids and families.
Where: St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave.
When: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Presented on 14 stages across Hyde Park, this remarkable two-day free festival showcases collaboration between academic, cultural and community institutions, and local businesses to present over 30 bands in a variety of settings throughout the Hyde Park neighborhood. Over 20,000 jazz fans and enthusiasts will gather at the event to enjoy more than 18 hours of free, nonstop jazz performances.
Where: Hyde Park, South Woodlawn Avenue and Midway Plaisance
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
This annual event is a celebration of great craft beer and the cool people that enjoy it. Held at Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, you can sample from more than 80 different styles of beers from America’s best craft brewers.
Where: Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, 318 E. Kenilworth, Villa Park
When: Saturday, 2-5:30 p.m.
Expect beer, tasty eats, live music, and family fun. Lederhosen and Dirndls are encouraged for a humdinger of a good time.
Where: Glenview Road between Church Street and Pine Street
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Make memories with your family at Didier Farms. Pumpkins, hayrides, a corn maze, pony rides, animal land, pig races, and much more. Visit the Farmstand for homemade apple cider and pumpkin donuts, freshly baked pies, apple cider, homemade fudge, gourmet caramel apples, winter squash, fall decorations and mums.
Where: Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire
When: Though Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
It’s the final country show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater for the season and what better way to close out the year than with Jason Aldean along with special guests Kane Brown and Carly Pearce!
Where: Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago’s very own Chance The Rapper is hitting the stage Saturday at the United Center for his “The Big Tour.”
Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Why men great till they gotta be great? Sing along to Lizzo singing “Truth Hurts” and many more hits this Sunday when she takes the stage at the Aragon Ballroom.
Where: Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.
When: Sunday, 8 p.m.
End your weekend on a good note with a night of comedy. Eric Andrew beings his Legalize Everything Tour to the Chicago Theatre on Sunday.
Where: Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State
When: Sunday, 7 p.m.
Although it is fall, there is still plenty of baseball games to be had. See the Chicago White Sox take on the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field this weekend.
Where: Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St.
When: Friday, doubleheader – first game at 3:40 p.m.; Saturday, 6:10 p.m.; Sunday, 2:10 p.m.
It’s official fall, which means it’s also football season! The Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings for Game 4 of the season. The Bears will also be wearing their throwback jerseys.
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr.
When: Sunday, 3:25 p.m.
Cost: Varies