Downers Grove Oktoberfest
By Anna Hughes | Photos by 726 Visuals
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 presented the village’s 10th annual Oktoberfest, where residents got to experience a traditional German atmosphere right in their hometown.
While enjoying beer and brats, music groups spanning genres from classic rock to traditional German polka serenaded attendees.
The event also included some celebrity sightings, including Jason Scheff (Chicago), Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts), Steve Augeri (Journey), and more.
The younger crowd enjoyed the Family Fun Zone with face painting, temporary tattoos, a dunk tank, and crafts. Proceeds from the event benefit District 58 Schools in Downers Grove.
![Aili Flannery’s award-winning sculpture, “Process,” was made of copper, string, copper wire, glass beads, glass, rust-stained fabric, lace, turmeric sun-printed paper, and thread. It represents “the timeline of having depression to the process of healing,” Flannery explained, and the theme is rooted in her own experiences. “‘Start’ shows up again at the end [of the piece], because I was ready to start healing and to continue living.”](https://dupagemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/26-1-DG-Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards.jpg "26-1 DG Scholastic Art & Writing Awards")
