Plan an Oktoberfest getaway in Ottawa

Tangled Roots Brewing Company, Starved Rock Country’s own hometown craft brewery and taproom, will host a family-friendly take on the classic Oktoberfest at three of its locations throughout northern Illinois, held across three weekends in late September and early October.

Festivities will kick off Sept. 17 to 19 in beautiful downtown Ottawa, flagship home of Tangled Roots Brewing Company.

Putting a “new spin on tradition,” Tangled Roots’ Oktoberfest will feature live music, a carnival, miniature golf, vendor market, authentic Bavarian dishes and other delectable menu items from Tangled Roots’ restaurant, The Lone Buffalo. No Oktoberfest would be complete without a selection of great beers, and Tangled Roots will tap some of its finest farm-to-foam brews, along with offerings from Lockport’s Nik & Ivy Brewing Company and Chicago’s popular Maplewood Brewery & Distillery.

Tangled Roots’ take on Oktoberfest is something of a return to form. Traditionally, Oktoberfest was a multi-day folk festival, a celebration of the end of harvest that would bring together farmers, families, friends and communities in celebration. Tangled Roots Brewing Company will embrace Oktoberfest’s original meaning, while putting a local spin on the iconic Bavarian tradition.

To help celebrate the lively event, the Ottawa Visitors Center has partnered with Tangled Roots Brewing Company, along with some of the town’s top group tours, delicious dining destinations, luxurious lodging options, and even a relaxing spa, to offer customizable Oktoberfest getaway packages.

With this special promotional package, you’ll be just a few simple clicks away from planning your perfect Oktoberfest weekend. Head over to pickusottawail.com/oktoberfest to take your pick of available hotels or cottages in the package, offering deeply discounted two-night minimum stays. Then while you’re there, look through the package details and select your personalized getaway. You and your road-trip companions can choose from a variety of restaurants and activities as you immerse yourselves in the charm of small-town Ottawa.

Once you’ve selected your add-ons, ranging from Wine Through Time historical drinking tours, offered by Awesome Ottawa Tours, to private shopping experiences at City Folk Urban Decor and Sister in Laws home goods boutique, you’ll be able to prepay for meals at some of the area’s most exciting restaurants.

The featured drinking and dining partners include B.A.S.H. Burger and Sushi House, CatsEye Wine Bar, Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana, Jeremiah Joe Coffee, The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company, and Red Dog Grill.

Ordering the Oktoberfest package through the Ottawa Visitors Center allows you to pre-purchase your event tokens in a special bundle that includes a limited-edition stein and $10 in event tasting tokens and Tangled Roots swag. You also can opt to add an exclusive Tangled Roots Beer Bundle, featuring a six-pack of seasonal Tangled Roots Brewing Company beers, with additional TRBC merchandise.

After choosing all your stops and additional options, you’ll receive a personalized itinerary and basket, including all your purchases, presented upon check-in at your lodging accommodation.

The package does have a strict cancellation policy due to the scheduling of certain activities and events. People are asked to give at least 48 hours’ notice for a cancellation. Participants must be 21 or older. The prices shown on the site are exclusive to the promotion, and the particular items listed on the planning form are not available anywhere else, so act now to reserve your own getaway.

To learn more about the Oktoberfest promotion and other appealing travel opportunities, follow Ottawa Illinois Visitors Center on Facebook and Instagram, or call 815-434-2737.