Oktoberfest in Evanston: Clutchtober Fest Returns to Double Clutch Brewing Company Sept. 12

Looking for an Oktoberfest celebration near Chicago? Double Clutch Brewing Company is bringing German beer, live polka music, classic German eats and plenty of Oktoberfest fun to Evanston this September.

The 4th annual Clutch-tober Fest returns to Double Clutch Brewing Company on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, with a full day of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, games, competitions and German-inspired food and beer. Festivities begin at 11 a.m., and admission is free.

Located just north of Chicago in Evanston, Double Clutch is putting its own spin on the traditional German festival with a celebration that takes over the brewery and Bier Hall.

This year’s Clutch-tober Fest also comes just weeks before another major milestone for Double Clutch Brewing Company: its fifth anniversary in October.

Live Polka Music and Oktoberfest Entertainment at Clutch-tober Fest

The Evanston Oktoberfest celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. with Mary Macaroni & The Impastas. The family-friendly performance runs until noon and features sing-along songs followed by balloon animals. The show is recommended for children ages 1 to 8.

At 1 p.m., Keith Stras & The Polka Confetti take the stage. Led by Polka Hall of Famer Keith Stras, the band will fill the Bier Hall with traditional polka music and plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor.

At 3 p.m., Clutch-tober Fest’s Feats of Strength put guests to the test with three Oktoberfest favorites: a pretzel-eating contest, stein hoisting and Hammerschlagen. Compete for bragging rights or grab a beer and cheer on the contenders.

The live music continues at 5 p.m. with Polkaholics, bringing their combination of rock ’n’ roll and polka to Double Clutch.

German Beer and Classic Oktoberfest Eats

Of course, no Oktoberfest celebration is complete without German beer and plenty of food.

Throughout Clutchtober Fest, guests can enjoy German beer brewed by Double Clutch alongside classic German eats. Expect hearty, festival-inspired fare made for pairing with a cold beer and an afternoon in the Bier Hall.

Whether you come hungry, thirsty or both, Clutch-tober Fest is your chance to enjoy the flavors and atmosphere of Oktoberfest without leaving the Chicago area.

Grab a Collectible Clutch-tober Fest Stein

Want the full Oktoberfest experience? Guests can purchase a collectible 1-liter Clutch-tober Fest stein for $20, with $10 refills available during the celebration.

Lederhosen and Dirndls Encouraged

If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to break out your Oktoberfest attire, this is it.

Guests are encouraged to celebrate in traditional lederhosen and dirndls and get into the Oktoberfest spirit.

Costumes aren’t required, though. Just come ready for beer, food, music and a full day of celebrating.

Clutchtober Fest 2026 Schedule

11 a.m.-noon: Mary Macaroni & The Impastas

1 p.m.: Keith Stras & The Polka Confetti

3 p.m.: Feats of Strength featuring a pretzel-eating contest, stein hoisting and Hammerschlagen

5 p.m.: Polkaholics

Celebrate Oktoberfest 2026 at Double Clutch Brewing Company

If you’re searching for Oktoberfest events in Chicago or the North Shore, make your way to Evanston for Clutch-tober Fest.

Clutch-tober Fest 2026

Saturday, Sept. 12

Festivities begin at 11 a.m.

Free admission

Double Clutch Brewing Company

2121 Ashland Ave.

Evanston, IL 60201

Grab your crew, raise a stein and celebrate Oktoberfest at Double Clutch Brewing Company.