German Fest Forest Park IL

German Fest Forest Park IL Friday June 06, 2025 4:00- 11:00 pm &
Saturday, June 07, 2025 12:00 noon-11:00 pm The origin of Forest Park German Fest goes back to 1965.

In that year, the Harlem Männerchor and the Forest Park Damenchor (German Men and Ladies Chorus) started a small Oktoberfest on Madison Street in Forest Park. Over the next twenty plus years, the Forest Park Oktoberfest grew into a major three-day event with several large tents, numerous local groups participating and a carnival company with over ten amusement park rides. For several reasons (e.g.

economical, lack of volunteers, security), the Forest Park Oktoberfest faded away in the late Eighties. Over the years, many village residents and officials expressed that they are missing the “Old Oktoberfest". In late 2014, Peter Herdeg, president of the Harlem German Choir, had a very positive meeting with mayor Tony Calderone and assistant Sally Cody regarding bringing an "Oktoberfest" like event back to Forest Park. In following discussions with Fred Leinweber, President and Pete Mantel, Vice President, D.A.N.K. West it was agreed that their organization would partner with the Harlem Choir to organize a German festival. Since the months of September and October are full of Oktoberfest events, it was decided to have a festival in Spring (e.g. "Maifest”) and so the first new "German Fest" took place at "The Grove"/Altenheim, Forest Park in June 2015.

04/02/2026
02/18/2026

Thank you for the many positive comments and suggestions about our GERMAN FEST. After the Village Administration informed us that we can no longer use "The Grove", we considered alternatives. With the FEST at "The Grove", we had water, electric hook-ups for the festival lights, bands and cooling trailers. Over the years, we had great help from the Public Works Department with hanging street banners, placing barricades and snow fences.
We look towards the future and possible options,

Lake Foxcroft, Glen Ellyn, IL; It has been more than a week that the frozen lake has been open for walking, skating,…
02/08/2026

Lake Foxcroft, Glen Ellyn, IL; It has been more than a week that the frozen lake has been open for walking, skating,…

02/03/2026

Our 9th GERMAN FEST at the beginning of June 2025 in Forest Park was another great success. We received many compliments for how well the event was organized and how enjoyable and "gemuetlich" this outdoor festival was.
Shortly after our GERMAN FEST, a massive vegetable garden was built in the middle of "The Grove" cutting the beautiful grounds in half. We were informed by the Village of Forest Park that we can no longer use these grounds for our festival...!!!
We are disappointed about this decision and as a result, we have to cancel this year's GERMAN FEST. We would like to thank all our sponsors and several Village Departments that supported the festival for many years. And last but not least a sincere "Danke schoen" to all the great volunteers that worked with us and to the many visitors that attended this enjoyable community event.
GERMAN FEST Committee

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Forest Park, IL

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+16305451015

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