August Newsletter 2025

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Liebe/r EdgewaterRogersPark,


Nur noch ein paar Wochen und dann fängt die Schule wieder an! We've been busy at the DANK Haus this summer, adding an additional Kindergarten room, consolidating our library on the 2nd floor, planning for a STEAM/Communal area on the 3rd floor, cataloguing our museum artifacts, preparing for needed repairs, and completing our plumbing and accessibility project. Your financial support is greatly appreciated as we continue to invest in our infrastructure. We are rebranding our monthly Stammtisch to Feierabend!, with new takes on some of your favorite evenings. Read on to find out more about our upcoming Fall events and volunteer opportunities: Von Steuben lecture, parade, German Day, Oktoberfest, and more!


Mit freundlichen Grüßen,


Heidi Christen

Executive Director

DER SCHEINWERFER

Events and classes we want to spotlight




Hansel and Gretel - A Classic Tale, Reimagined!


Friday, August 8 | 7:30 PM

4740 N Western Avenue


Join us at the DANK Haus for a magical evening presented by Chicago City Opera! Enjoy a special cultural twist before the show with twenty minutes of live performances featuring German songs and classic opera.


Then, settle in for a fresh and enchanting take on the beloved fairy tale Hansel and Gretel!

Vom Rhein Jailhaus Rock September Feierabend!


Friday, August 15

7:30 PM - 11:00 PM


Put on your blue suede shoes and head up to the Skyline Lounge for a night that's all shook up! We're bringing the King to the Haus with Windy City Elvis (Michael St. Angel) for a rockin' tribute to Elvis Presley and his time in Germany.


Feeling lucky? Enter our raffle and test your Elvis knowledge in our trivia showdown. The winner scores drink vouchers and eternal glory (or at least bragging rights)!



Zeigen Sie Ihre Unterstützung

Become a member of the Skyline Circle


 Donors who give $1,000+ in 2024 will become members of our Skyline Circle and receive invitations to our special donors events as well as complimentary Friends of DANK Haus membership! For just $84 per month you can join this important giving society at the DANK Haus!

Become a DANK Haus Member Today!


Unlock exclusive perks like free guided tours, museum access, early event invites, and discounts on classes, workshops, and merchandise.


Plus, enjoy special birthday month offers and partner discounts. Support German-American culture and start saving—join now!

KOMMENDE VERANSTALTUNGEN

Book Launch & Signing: The Man Who Shot J.P. Morgan by Mary Noé


Wednesday, August 21

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM


DANK Haus, 6th Floor Skyline Lounge


Join author Mary Noé for a fascinating look into the true story of German immigrant, Erich Muenter--a Harvard professor turned fugitive, bomber, and would-be assassin. A tale of false identities, radical politics, and one man's descent into infamy on the eve of World War I.


Books available from The Book Cellar and at the event.


Watch the trailer here!



The Legacy of German American Icon: The Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben


Thursday, August 28

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM


In-person at the DANK Haus!


Presented by Mike Haas


Join us for an engaging evening exploring the legacy of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben--Prussian officer, American patriot, and German American icon! Learn how this former aide to Frederick the Great helped shape the Continental Army and why his influence is still celebrated by German Americans today.


Can't attend the in-person lecture? Join us for the virtual lecture on September 11th!

Save the Date

DANK Haus Oktoberfest


Saturday, September 27

7:30 PM - 11:00 PM


Oktoberfest is just around the corner--mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27th! Join us at the DANK Haus for a festive evening of German food, bier, and dancing. We'll be serving up authentic favorites paired with a wide selection of German and seasonal brews!


Come dressed in your Oktoberfest best and take part in a night full of music, community, and tradition. Whether you're a familiar face or joining us for the first time, this is a celebration you won't want to miss! Prost!

Wollen Sie mehr wissen?

Check out all of our upcoming events.

MACHEN SIE MIT

Walk with us in the Von Steuben Parade!


Saturday, Sept. 7th | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM


Join the DANK Haus as we walk in the annual Von Steuben German Day Parade through the heart of Lincoln Square!


Bring your flags, wear your Tracht and German swag, and help us represent our incredible community! The parade kicks off at 2:00 PM and will last approximately one hour.


Volunteer in the Name of the DANK Haus for German Day!


We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to represent the DANK Haus during the Chicago German-American Oktoberfest! From setup to teardown to serving, grilling, staffing our info booth, and everything in between, we need all hands on deck to help make this community celebration a success.

Design the Stein: Oktoberfest Contest!

We’re calling all artists and designers to submit a bold, fun, and original stein design for DANK Haus Oktoberfest 2025. This is your chance to make your mark on one of our biggest events of the year!


Submit your design by August 20th for a chance to:

  • Win free admission to Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 27th
  • Be featured in our monthly newsletter and on social media
  • Receive your very own Oktoberfest stein with your design


VON DER SCHULE

Adult German Classes are Open for Registration!


Don’t miss your chance! Registration for our Adult Fall Semester 2024 is officially open, and we offer classes for every level!


Whether you're a complete beginner or a confident speaker looking to sharpen your skills, our courses are designed to help you build fluency, boost confidence, and dive deeper into German language and culture — all in a supportive and engaging environment.


Classes fill quickly, so secure your spot today and join the fun this fall!


Saturday School is Filling Up Fast Enroll Today!


Our full-immersion Saturday classes return September 6th! With a focus on project-based learning and social-emotional growth, students engage with the German language in a meaningful, community-centered environment.


Our accredited program (ZfA) follows CEFR standards and offers optional exams like the DSD and National German Exam.


Register by August 15th to avoid the late fee!


GEMEINSCHAFTSECKE

New Otis the Dachshund

T-Shirts Are Here!



We are excited to debut our brand new t-shirts featuring Otis the Dachshund, our DANK Haus mascotchen! Designed by the talented artist and adult language school student, Dagmar Smith, this design is now available for purchase! Show your love for the DANK Haus and add some dachshund charm to your wardrobe!




UNSERE EMPFEHLUNGEN

Staff Recommendation from Sarah

Prost!


Prost! brings a true taste of Germany with delicious pretzels, schnitzel, sausages, and imported German bier! Its detailed architecture and communal tables make it easy to relax, share a meal, and strike up a conversation--just like in Munich or Berlin!

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

dankhaus.com

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