2024 Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the Chicago Suburbs

Fall is here, and it’s time to celebrate pumpkin season. For as much as I love summer in Chicago, there’s something so perfect about our fall weather.

Our roundup of fall festivals and Oktoberfests is packed with hayrides, petting zoos, and live music, as well as apples, pretzels, and all your favorite pumpkin-flavored foods. Grab your favorite sweatshirt and enjoy a beautiful fall day at these fall festivals and Oktoberfests.

This guide is sponsored by Naper Settlement and the featured listings.

Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the West Suburbs

St. Cletus Fall Fest (La Grange)
September 5-8, 2024 | times TBA
Annual fall festival supporting the St. Cletus community. More details to come.

Good Old Days (Winfield)
September 6-8, 2024 | times vary
Winfield’s annual event features live music, kids zone, trolley tours, bags tournaments, and more.

Backyard BBQ (Glen Ellyn)
September 7, 2024 | 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Sample one of the delicious dishes prepared by local community members, all while listening to live music.

Spring Road Fall Fest (Elmhurst)
September 14, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Come out for an afternoon of pony rides, bouncy houses, concessions, a petting zoo, live entertainment, games, and visits from local police and fire department.

Oktoberfest (Clarendon Hills)
September 14, 2024 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Two locations with live music, food, and drinks.

Depot Days (Lisle)
September 14 and 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy two days of old-fashioned fun.

Autumn Opener (Woodridge)
September 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Pony rides, petting zoo, make your own scarecrow, magic performances, and more.

Hoe Down (Darien)
September 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
This fun-filled afternoon will have pony rides, games, hayrides, and more.

Oktoberfest (Berwyn)
September 20, 2024 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
September 21, 2024 | 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Enjoy delicious food and live music at this big party in the western suburbs.

Oktoberfest (Tinley Park)
September 20, 2024 | 5:00pm – 11:00pm
September 21, 2024 | 1:00pm – 11:00pm
September 22, 2024 | 1:00pm – 6:00pm
This Oktoberfest will bring you back to Munich. German food, live music, dancing and a carnival will make for a fun-filled three day event.

Autumn Fest & Chili Cook Off (North Riverside)
September 20, 2024 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Join the fun at this annual event in North Riverside! There will be live music, petting zoo, face painting, and of course, delicious food.

Autumn Fair (Geneva)
September 21, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Hayrides, music, crafts, games and more!

Fall Fest (Carol Stream)
September 21, 2024 | 12:30pm – 5:00pm
Stop by the beer garden in Town Center and check out the family games and food.

Family Fall Festival (Clarendon Hills)
September 21, 2024 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Stop by this annual event with inflatables, a petting zoo, food and games.

Bolingbrook Fall Fest
September 21, 2024 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Enjoy live music, food, games and activities.

Fall Fest (Oak Park)
September 22, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Enjoy games, train rides, and delicious fall foods.

Wheaton Harvest Festival
September 22, 2024 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Visit Wheaton Nurseries for an afternoon of family-fun.

Oktoberfest (Woodridge)
September 27 and 28, 2024 | 5:00pm – 10:30pm
You’ll find live music, activities, and delicious German food.

Fall Fest (Oakbrook Terrace)
September 28, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy a morning of crafts, snacks, and more.

Autumn Fest (Franklin Park)
September 28, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
$20 for unlimited fun in Goulin Park.

Oktoberfest (Brookfield Zoo)
September 28, 2024 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Stop by the beer garden for live polka music and delicious German foods.

Harvest Fest (Glendale Heights)
September 28, 2024 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Eating competitions, family games, hay rides, and more at Glendale Heights’ annual event.

Fall Family Festival (Burr Ridge)
September 28, 2024 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Join the fun hosted by the Pleasant Dale Park District.

Harvest of the Acorn Moon Fall Festival (Aurora)
September 29, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Admission is free at this seasonal event.

Oktoberfest (Naper Settlement, Naperville)
October 4, 2024 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
October 5, 2024 | 3:00pm – 10:00pm
This yearly festival involves traditional German cuisine, kids activities, and a live Oompah band.

Family Fall Fest (Elmhurst)
October 5, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Come out for trick-or-treating, games, and a morning full of fun.

Fall Fest (Glen Ellyn)
October 5, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Join the Butterfield Park District for games, inflatables, petting zoo and more. Register in advance.

Fall Fest (Lombard)
October 5, 2024 | 11:30am – 2:30pm
Enjoy family games, dancing, hayrides and much more.

S’mores & More (Batavia)
October 5, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit West Main Community Park for fall fun including scarecrow making, hay rides, and more.

Oaktoberfest (Glen Ellyn)
October 5, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Enjoy family-friendly, oak-themed activities including games and live music throughout Maryknoll Park.

Downtown Wheaton Chili Cook-Off (Wheaton)
October 5, 2024 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Sample some of your favorite chilis at this annual event.

Founders Day Festival (Roselle)
October 5, 2024 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Join the fall festivities as Roselle hosts its their annual celebration.

Harvest Fest (Lemont)
October 5, 2024 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Kids activities, trunk-or-treat, food, drinks and more at Centennial Park.

The Last Straw Fall Event (Westmont)
October 6, 2024 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Scarecrow making, animal programs, pan for gold or minerals, live music, crafts, games, bake sale and pumpkin decorating. Most activities are free.

Glass Pumpkin Patch (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
October 11 – 13, 2024 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
You’ll find thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins on display, as well as see daily demonstrations.

Scarecrow Fest (St. Charles)
October 11, 2024 | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
October 12, 2024 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
October 13, 2024 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
This annual event is full of photo opportunities, live music, family games, and delicious food.

Cantigny Fall Festival (Wheaton)
October 11, 2024 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
October 12, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:00pm
October 13, 2024 | 10:00am – 9:00pm
Take in the fall colors while having fun at various attractions.

Autumn Jubilee (Villa Park)
October 12, 2024 | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Family-friendly event featuring live music, games, and much more.

Autumn After All (Hinsdale)
October 12, 2024 | 2:00pm – 5:30pm
The fun continues with the Hinsdale Historical Society after the Fall Family Festival.

Danada Fall Festival (Wheaton)
October 12 and 13, 2024 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Enjoy performances and so much more as this equestrian-themed 2-day event!

Fall Fest (Warrenville)
October 25, 2024 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Inflatables, games, costume parade, balloon twister, petting zoo, live music, and food.

Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the Northwest Suburbs

Oktoberfest (Arlington Heights)
September 5, 2024 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Enjoy German-themed food and activities at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.

Itasca Oktoberfest
September 6, 2024 | 5:00pm – 10:30pm
September 7, 2024 | 3:00pm – 10:30pm
Join the German festivities at this annual event.

Platzkonzert German Fest (Hoffman Estates)
September 6 – 8, 2024 | times vary
Enjoy delicious German food and music at this family-friendly event.

Septemberfest (Bloomingdale)
September 7, 2024 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
Enjoy the end-of-summer celebrations with a carnival, food, parade, and live music.

Fall Fest (Forest Park)
September 7, 2024 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Inflatables, delicious food, fun games and much more.

Fall Fun Fest (Hanover Park)
September 7, 2024 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Hayrides, live music, food trucks and more.

Oktoberfest (Glendale Heights)
September 12 – 19, 2024 | times vary by day
The fun in Camera Park lasts over a week as you listen to live music and enjoy delicious German food.

Oktoberfest (Downers Grove)
September 13, 2024 | 7:00pm – 11:00pm
September 14, 2024 | 11:00am – 11:00pm
You’ll find authentic German food and music at this family-friendly event.

Fall Fest (Des Plaines)
September 13 – 15, 2024 | times vary
Celebrate the 13th annual Fall Fest including a carnival and KidZone.

Barrington Hills Fall Festival
September 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Food, games, live music, and more at this annual event.

Oktoberfest (Mount Prospect)
September 20 and 21, 2024 | 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Celebrate German heritage at this 2-day event in Downtown Mount Prospect.

Oktoberfest (Elk Grove Village)
September 20, 2024 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
September 21, 2024 | 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Live music and German food at this annual event.

Palatine Oktoberfest
September 20 – 22, 2024 | times vary
Traditional German music, food and activities are found at Palatine’s annual event.

Harvest Festival (Barrington)
September 21, 2024 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Enjoy seasonal fun at Barrington Public Library’s fall fest.

Scarecrow Fest (Lemont)
September 21, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Hay rides, storytime, food, and more hosted by the Lemont Junior Women’s Club.

Trucktoberfest (Park Ridge)
September 21, 2024 | 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Formerly known as Oktoberfest, this festival will have children’s activities running from 12:00pm – 6:00pm.

Oktoberfest (Darien)
September 21, 2024 | 12:30pm – 10:00pm
The Darien Lions Club are hosting the festive fun.

Fall Festival (Mount Prospect)
September 21, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Pony rides, face painting, and other family-friendly fun in Downtown Mount Prospect.

Fallapalooza (Wheeling)
September 22, 2024 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Fall festivities including food trucks, petting zoo, inflatables and much more

Family Fall Harvest Party (Barrington)
September 27, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Don’t forget to register for this night of fall-themed fun.

Bartlett Oktoberfest
September 27, 2024 | 4:30pm – 10:30pm
September 28, 2024 | 10:00am – 10:30pm
Guests will find family activities, a craft show, and more at Bartlett’s annual Oktoberfest.

Harvest Fest (Medinah)
September 28, 2024 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Harvest Fest returns for another year for family-friendly fun.

Oktoberfest (Lombard)
September 28, 2024 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Visit Christ the King Parish Life’s German festivities.

Fall Fest (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
September 29, 2024 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, bounce houses, and food at this free family-fun event.

Fall Fest (Bloomingdale)
October 4, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Fall festivities include live music, hayrides, crafts, games, and more.

Pumpkin Patch Festival (South Elgin)
October 5, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Visit SEBA Park for inflatables, face painting and more.

Pumpkinpalooza (Caldwell Woods, Chicago)
October 5, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Register in advance for a day of fall-themed fun.

Scarecrow Festival (Barrington)
October 5, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Play fall games and more at Memorial Park.

Fall Fest (Mount Prospect)
October 5, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Bounce houses, food for purchase, pumpkin decorating and more at Randhurst Village.

Autumn Harvest (Arlington Heights)
October 5, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Home to live music, hayrides, scarecrow contest and more family-friendly fun.

Harvest Fest (Bensenville)
October 5, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Join the fun with a petting zoo, games, and autumn activities.

Octoberfest (Schaumburg)
October 5, 2024 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
The fun is in Meineke Park, with $5 bracelets including most family-friendly activities.

Autumn Harvest Festival (Schaumburg)
October 6, 2024 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Kids crafts, games, and old-fashioned fall fun at Heritage Farm.

Eddie Biondo Fall Fest Parade (Franklin Park)
October 6, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Celebrate the 46th annual parade, followed by the Pumpkin Fest in North Park from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Oktoberfest (Palatine)
October 6, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Festive German entertainment and fun hosted by the Salt Creek Park District at the Twin Lakes tent.

Village Family Fall Fest (Schiller Park)
October 19, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Previously celebrated as the Hallowen Howl, visit Kennedy Park/Shelton Field for family-friendly fun.

Harvest Hoot (Des Plaines)
October 19, 2024 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Join the fun for this new family-friendly event hosted at Oakton College.

Fall Festival (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
October 20, 2024 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Celebrate fall with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free admission, with small fees to participate in select activities.

Fall Festivals That Run Throughout the Season

Looking for more fall fun? Check out these activities that run all autumn long.

• Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze (Aurora): Starts September 21
• Pumpkin Weekends (Blackberry Farm, Aurora): Starts October 5, runs Saturdays and Sundays.
• Johansen Farms Children’s Zoo & Fall Festival (Bolingbrook): Starts September 15
• Dollinger’s Family Pumpkin Farm (Channahon): Starts September 16
• Bengtson’s Farm and Fall Fest (Homer Glen): Starts September 6, but closed September 9-12
• Konow’s Corn Maze (Homer Glen): Starts September 14
• Siegel’s Pumpkin Farm (Lockport): Starts September 21
• Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm (Minooka): Starts August 30
• Goebbert’s Fall Festival (South Barrington): Starts September 7
• Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival (West Chicago): Starts September 14
• Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest (Wheaton): Starts October 1
• Harvest Tyme Family Farm (Lowell, IN): Starts September 28, runs Saturdays and Sundays
• Happy Times Pumpkin Fest (Lincolnshire): Starts September 12. Note: The Didier family retired at the end of 2022, but Happy Times Pumpkin Fest is running at Didier Farms.
• Fall Fest (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago): Starts September 27, runs Fridays through Sundays
• Scarecrow Trail (Morton Arboretum, Lisle): not running in 2024

2023 Fall Festivals Not Yet Announced for 2024

Oktoberfest (Downtown Batavia)
September 8-10, 2023
Join the fun at Batavia’s inaugural Oktoberfest.

Fall Fest (Des Plaines)
October 1, 2023
Join the fun at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Autumn Fest (Berkeley)
October 7 and 8, 2023
Enjoy the free kid-friendly activities at this two-day event.

Family Fall Fest (Inverness)
October 8, 2023
Jim Gill will be performing a concert at this fall festival.

Looking for more fall fun? Head over to our Guide to Fall Activities for Kids!