DANK Haus upcoming events

Exhibition | Ausstellung: Better than Sliced Bread, German Scientists & Inventors (Monday, August 31, 2026)

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Better Than Sliced Bread

German Scientists & Inventors

Exhibition Open: August 31 - October 24
DANK Haus Treffpunkt Gallery

From bread sliced by machine to the invisible rays that transformed medicine, German-speaking innovators have helped shape the modern world in remarkable ways.

Better Than Sliced Bread: German Scientists & Inventors explores the groundbreaking discoveries, inventions, and ideas of German, German-American, Austrian, and other German-speaking scientists and innovators. Meet the people whose curiosity, creativity, and ingenuity changed how we live, work, communicate, travel, and understand the world around us.

Discover the stories behind Otto Rohwedder, inventor of the bread-slicing machine; Hedy Lamarr, whose pioneering work helped lay the foundation for modern wireless technology; Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, whose temperature scale became a household standard; Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, whose discovery of X-rays revolutionized medicine; Karl Benz, a pioneer of the automobile; Levi Strauss, whose denim invention became an enduring part of American culture; and many more.

From Gutenberg to Geiger, jeans to sliced bread, this exhibition celebrates the men and women whose ideas turned imagination into innovation—and whose discoveries continue to shape our everyday lives.

Come discover just how much of the modern world has German-speaking roots. You may be surprised by how many things we simply couldn’t imagine living without!

This exhibition will be open From August 29 - October 24 in the 1st Floor DANK Treffpunkt Gallery.

This exhibition was supported by:

Germans in Amerika 1776 | Online Presentation (Wednesday, September 09, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

GERMANS IN AMERIKA 1776

Presented Online by Mike Haas

Join us online for this America 250 presentation describing the various push & pull factors which led ca. 100,000 Germans - mostly peasants, tradesmen and religious refugees - to emigrate to the English colonies in North America in the years leading up to the American Revolution in 1776. A discussion that will include valuable insight into the "Old World" this "First wave" of German immigrants left behind and the "New World" they sought refuge in. From peasants to patriots, from subjects to citizens, it would be their unique experiences that would carve out a "German American" legacy for those who were to follow.

Prefer to attend the in-person presentation? Join us at the DANK Haus for the in-person presentation on September 10th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM!

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

DATE CHANGE: The first August Neighborhood Nights has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 6th.

ENJOY A BEVERAGE WITH A SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE IN OUR HAUS

A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum

WHEN

Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.

LOCATION

Winter months - Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)

Summer/Fall months - Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)

Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

Germans in Amerika 1776 | In-Person Presentation (Thursday, September 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

GERMANS IN AMERIKA 1776

Presented by Mike Haas

Join us for this America 250 presentation describing the various push & pull factors which led ca. 100,000 Germans - mostly peasants, tradesmen and religious refugees - to emigrate to the English colonies in North America in the years leading up to the American Revolution in 1776. A discussion that will include valuable insight into the "Old World" this "First wave" of German immigrants left behind and the "New World" they sought refuge in. From peasants to patriots, from subjects to citizens, it would be their unique experiences that would carve out a "German American" legacy for those who were to follow.

Can't make it to the in-person presentation? Join us instead for the online presentation from the comfort of your own home on September 9th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM!

60th Annual Von Steuben Parade (Saturday, September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

We can't wait to celebrate another unforgettable Von Steuben Parade! Grab your flags and join us at 2 PM as we walk through the heart of Lincoln Square!

RSVP and let us know you'll be walking/riding with us!

Got questions? Reach out to samantha@dankhaus.com!

We are so excited for another Von Steuben Parade! Join us at 2pm and march along side us as we parade through Lincoln Square! Questions? Email samantha@dankhaus.com!

Blutspende | Blood Drive (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Blutspende | Blood Drive
Saturday, September 19
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Join Us for a Life-Saving Blutspende (Blood Drive)!

Make a difference in your community by donating blood at our upcoming Blutspende event! Your generous donation could help save lives and provide essential support for those in need.

Let’s come together and give the gift of life!

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome!

Make an Appointment

DANK Haus Oktoberfest 2026 (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Chicago's Most Authentic Oktoberfest - at the DANK Haus!

At the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, Oktoberfest is more than a festival—it's an authentic celebration of German heritage, traditions, and Gemütlichkeit. Join us on Saturday, September 19, from 6:30–11:30 PM in our historic Marunde Ballroom for an evening of authentic German food, imported beer, live music, traditional games, and warm hospitality.

As Chicago's premier German American cultural center, we're proud to offer an Oktoberfest experience rooted in tradition. Enjoy delicious German cuisine, raise a stein of imported Oktoberfest bier, dance to live German music, test your strength in the Stein-Holding Competition, cheer on our famous Yodeling Contest, and gather around for the ceremonial keg tapping. Whether you're reconnecting with your German roots or discovering these traditions for the first time, you'll experience Oktoberfest as it was meant to be celebrated.

Every ticket purchased helps support the DANK Haus's nonprofit mission to preserve and share German language, culture, and heritage through educational programs, exhibitions, and community events. When you celebrate with us, you're helping ensure these traditions continue to thrive in Chicago for generations to come.

Brats, Leberkäse & Bavarian Bites
From hearty Leberkäse dinners with sauerkraut & potato salad to juicy bratwursts, smoky Thüringer, and Halbes Hendl (1/2 chicken) — plus sweet treats like delicious Apfelstrudel and Bienenstich. Every bite is the real deal, made to keep you fueled for the fest!

Steins, Sips & German Spirits
Raise your glass with authentic imports: Hofbräu Oktoberfest, Würzburger Hofbräu, Julius Echter Weissbier, Stiegl Radler, and Bitburger NA options. Not into beer? Enjoy a selection of German red and white wine, Aval Blanc cider, or a round of schnapps to keep the night spirited!

Musik & Entertainment

We are so excited to have Alpine Thunder join us as the primary entertainment this year!

Festive Fun & Friendly Competition

Celebrate Oktoberfest with high-energy Bavarian games like our famous Yodeling Contest and Stein-Holding Challenge! Dance to lively German tunes, cheer on friends, and join in the excitement of the ceremonial keg tapping!

Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Online RSVP is not required, but greatly appreciated. This helps us get an idea of how many people will be attending and helps us to plan accordingly. Walk-ins are always accepted!

Free parking at 5/3 Bank after 6:00 PM located at Western and Gunnison

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

DATE CHANGE: The first August Neighborhood Nights has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 6th.

ENJOY A BEVERAGE WITH A SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE IN OUR HAUS

A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum

WHEN

Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.

LOCATION

Winter months - Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)

Summer/Fall months - Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)

Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

DATE CHANGE: The first August Neighborhood Nights has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 6th.

ENJOY A BEVERAGE WITH A SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE IN OUR HAUS

A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum

WHEN

Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.

LOCATION

Winter months - Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)

Summer/Fall months - Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)

Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

DATE CHANGE: The first August Neighborhood Nights has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 6th.

ENJOY A BEVERAGE WITH A SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE IN OUR HAUS

A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum

WHEN

Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.

LOCATION

Winter months - Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)

Summer/Fall months - Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)

Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

DATE CHANGE: The first August Neighborhood Nights has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 6th.

ENJOY A BEVERAGE WITH A SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE IN OUR HAUS

A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum

WHEN

Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.

LOCATION

Winter months - Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)

Summer/Fall months - Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)

Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, December 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

DATE CHANGE: The first August Neighborhood Nights has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 6th.

ENJOY A BEVERAGE WITH A SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE IN OUR HAUS

A perfect place to meet your neighbors and socialize! All proceeds support the DANK Haus Museum

WHEN

Each 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 7-11 PM.

LOCATION

Winter months - Brauhaus Room (2nd floor)

Summer/Fall months - Skyline Lounge/Terrace (6th floor)

Subject to change. Be sure to check elevator signs when arriving!

DANK Haus upcoming events

Exhibition | Ausstellung: Better than Sliced Bread, German Scientists & Inventors (Monday, August 31, 2026)

Germans in Amerika 1776 | Online Presentation (Wednesday, September 09, 2026)

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)

Germans in Amerika 1776 | In-Person Presentation (Thursday, September 10, 2026)

60th Annual Von Steuben Parade (Saturday, September 12, 2026)

Blutspende | Blood Drive (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Blutspende | Blood Drive Saturday, September 19 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

DANK Haus Oktoberfest 2026 (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Neighborhood Nights 2026 (Thursday, December 10, 2026)

Blutspende | Blood Drive
Saturday, September 19
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM