Oktoberfest

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Oktoberfest

An Evening of Food, Drink, Music and Community

Sat, October 18
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Oktoberfest - Benefiting Gorton Center Logo placed on background of wood planks and traditional blue and white checked fabric
Purchase

Time

Sat, October 18, 2025 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Location

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
One Ticket, One Great Cause

Join us for Gorton Center’s annual Oktoberfest fundraiser. No auctions. No paddle raises. No extra asks. Just a fantastic evening of food, drink, music and community – all supporting Gorton’s mission. 

We’ll have live music, beer, and wine. Oktoberfest attire is encouraged!

Of course, there will also be delicious German fare provided by Belvedere Events & Banquets – you won’t want to miss the festivities!

Oktoberfest menu with a stone tabletop in the background with pretezels, mustard and a beer stein around the edges

Ticket Prices:
– $150 ticket includes food, drink and entertainment (ticket price increases to $175 on October 1st)

– Limited amount of parking passes available for purchase with ticket

Funds raised through ticket sales and sponsorships will benefit Gorton Center. 

 

 

 

 

3 people standing around a wood stump with nails in it. One person is hitting a nail into the stump, a woman wearing a german style dress is waiting for her turn while a third person is holding a beerNew This Year – Hammerschlagen!

Want to put your hammering skills to the test? Grab a beer and come give Hammerschlagen a try! Similar to the American game Stump, players use a hammer to drive nails into a stump with the objective to drive the nail in completely before anyone else does. Learn more about it here!

 

 

Sponsorships are available! Contact Ann Kiesling for details!

This is your chance to get your name in front of community members who will be celebrating with us!

But, a sponsorship is more than just visibility! Your support directly funds our mission to be the hub for arts, entertainment and learning in the heart of our community.

Oktoberfest Planning Committee

Kristen Lee
Gillian Goodfriend
Trish Sheridan
Kim Walters

Please note: This is an adults-only event – you must be 21+ to attend

Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.

At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.

Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.

Details

Date:
Sat, October 18
Time:
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Event Tags:
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Venue

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone
(847) 234-6060