Oaktoberfest

🌳 About Oaktoberfest

Oaktoberfest is Lincolnwood’s annual celebration of the oak tree—a symbol of strength, resilience, and environmental importance in our region. The event began as part of a broader initiative to highlight the value of native trees and promote community sustainability practices.

Oaktoberfest brings together residents, families, and organizations each fall to learn about tree preservation, sustainable living, and how individual actions can contribute to a healthier environment for everyone. 

Why Oaks?

Oak trees are considered a keystone species in the Chicago region, meaning entire ecosystems rely on them for survival. These trees provide both food and shelter for many species of insects, birds, and wildlife, helping to support local biodiversity.

But oaks don't just benefit nature—they also provide valuable services to our community. Planting and preserving strong, healthy trees like oaks offers residents a wide range of benefits:

• Cleaner air – Trees filter pollutants and improve air quality
• Healthier water – Their root systems help filter and absorb stormwater, reducing runoff
• Energy savings – Large tree canopies provide shade that can lower summer cooling costs
• Cooler streets – Parkway trees reduce roadway temperatures by absorbing heat and sunlight
• Safer neighborhoods – Parkway trees create visual boundaries between roadways and sidewalks, helping to calm traffic and enhance pedestrian safety

If you ever get a chance to plant a new parkway tree in front of your home, think about an oak tree and how it plays a vital role in shaping the character, safety, and comfort of our neighborhoods. By planting resilient species like oaks, residents contribute to a stronger, greener, and more sustainable community.

Oaktoberfest is held on the last Sunday in October in Proesel Park. There are free oak saplings available on a first-come, first-served basis.