FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Sarah English, (312) 226-7984 ext. 485
[email protected]
Saturday-Sunday, September 16-17
Haymarket Center Brings Oktoberfest to the West
Loop with its Bavarian Block Party
German Cuisine, Live Music, and Family Activities
CHICAGO— Chicago and Germany may be half a world apart, but you won’t need to travel far for an
incredible Oktoberfest experience. On September 16th and 17th , Haymarket Center will host the West Loop
Bavarian Block Party, a weekend-long event that will offer guests a terrific time and raise funds to
support Haymarket Center’s work in treating substance use disorders. The event will be held on
Washington Boulevard and Sangamon Street in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, and will take place
from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
True to its name, the Bavarian Block Party will center on an authentic celebration of German culture,
complete with popular German foods such as bratwurst and pretzels along with traditional American fare.
The Bavarian Block Party will similarly feature live music, including a mix of German polka bands as
well as local rock and pop groups. Alcohol will be available for purchase, but a refreshing and delicious
array of non-alcoholic beer and mocktails will also be available as an alternative. The event will also
feature a wide variety of merchant booths as well as family-friendly games and activities.
Haymarket Center, the non-profit organization responsible for this event, has been in operation since
1975, when it was founded in response to a growing need for comprehensive treatment for individuals
experiencing substance use disorders. Today, Haymarket Center serves more than 12,000 people each
year, providing treatment and support to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay.
While the Bavarian Block Party is a new event, Haymarket Center is no stranger to hosting popular
parties in the West Loop. Traditionally, Haymarket Center has organized an annual summer block party to
celebrate the birthday of its founder, the late Monsignor Ignatius McDermott. Haymarket Center holds
these events to not only raise funds for its comprehensive substance use and mental health treatments, but
to bring the community together and celebrate the impact that the Center has made for those in need. Entry to the event is free, but donations are encouraged.
