2025 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 Western Springs Park District and Business Association, St. Cletus School, Downtown Downers Grove, and Downtown Oak Park.

Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the Western Suburbs

Oktoberfest Lisle (Benedictine University, Lisle)
September 5 – 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
A lively two-day celebration of German food, beer, and live music.

Good Old Days (Winfield)
September 5 – 7, 2025 | times vary
Winfield’s annual event features live music, kids zone, trolley tours, a parade, and more.

Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ (Glen Elllyn)
September 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Sample one of the delicious dishes prepared by local community members, all while listening to live music.

Fall Fest (Forest Park)
September 6, 2025 | 2:30pm – 7:30pm
Inflatables, delicious food, fun games and much more.

Oktoberfest (Glendale Heights)
September 11 – 21, 2025 | 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 12, 2025 | 4:30pm – 11:00pm
September 13, 2025 | 11:00am – 11:00pm
You’ll find authentic German food and music at this family-friendly event.

Autumn Fest and Chili Cook Off (North Riverside)
September 12, 2025 | 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.

Oktoberfest (Clarendon Hills)
September 13, 2025 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Live music, food, drinks and more.

Autumn Opener (Woodridge)
September 14, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Pony rides, petting zoo, make your own scarecrow, magic performances, and more.

Glen Ellyn Oktoberfest (Glen Ellyn)
September 18 – 20, 2025 | times TBA
Enjoy an afternoon of live music, festive activities, and a delicious spread of German-inspired food and beer.

Oktoberfest with the Cubs (Wrigleyville, Chicago)
September 19 – 21, 2025 | times vary
Visit the Toyota Camry Lot for the first annual Oktoberfest hosted by the Cubs, which includes family-friendly activities in the afternoons.

Fall Carnival (Oswego)
September 19 – 21, 2025 | times vary
Enjoy the carnival, and stop by the new pumpkin patch.

Berwyn’s Oktoberfest (Berwyn)
September 19, 2025 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
September 20, 2025 | 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Enjoy delicious food and live music at this big party in the western suburbs.

Spring Road Fall Fest (Elmhurst)
September 20, 2025 | 12:00am – 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.

Fall Fest (Carol Stream)
September 20, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Stop by the beer garden in Town Center and check out the family games and food.

Autumn Fair (Geneva)
September 20, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Hayrides, music, crafts, games and more.

Depot Days (The Museums at Lisle Station Park, Lisle)
September 20 – 21, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy two days of old-fashioned fun.

Pollyanna Oktoberfest (Lemont)
September 20, 2025 | 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Enjoy festive food, kids activities, drinks, and more at The FORGE: Lemont Quarries. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

Family Fall Festival (Clarendon Hills)
September 20, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Stop by this annual event with inflatables, a petting zoo, food and games.

Fall Fest (Oak Park)
September 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Enjoy games, train rides, and delicious fall foods.

Harvest Fall Festival (Oakhurst Forest Preserve, Aurora)
September 21, 2025 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
A family-friendly festival, visitors will find pumpkin painting, mule-drawn hayrides, games, education stations, crafts, music and refreshments for sale.

Fall Fest (Lisle Public Library)
September 26, 2025 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Join the festive autumn extravaganza at the library.

Flannel Fest (Downers Grove)
September 26, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Put on your coziest flannel and make your way to Fishel Park for Flannel Fest.

Oktoberfest (Woodridge)
September 26 – 27, 2025 | 5:00pm – 10:30pm
You’ll find live music, activities, and delicious German food.

Fall Family Fun Fest (Triton College, River Grove)
September 27, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Enjoy fall games and activities at Triton’s Botanical Gardens.

Cantigny Fall Festival (Wheaton)
September 27 – 28, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Take in the fall colors while having fun at various attractions.

Autumn Fest (Franklin Park)
September 27, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
$20 for unlimited fun in Goulin Park, or pay a la carte for fall festivities.

Harvest Fest (Glendale Heights)
September 27, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Eating competitions, family games, hay rides, and more at Glendale Heights’ annual event.

Fall Family Oktoberfest (Burr Ridge)
September 27, 2025 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Enjoy this family-friendly day packed with festive fun, tasty treats, and community spirit.

Bolingbrook Fall Fest (Bolingbrook)
September 27, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Enjoy live music, food, games and activities.

Oktoberfest (Brookfield Zoo)
September 28, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Stop by the beer garden for live polka music and delicious German foods. New in 2025: this event will feature a tailgate area in anticipation of the Chicago Bears game.

Hoe Down (Darien)
September 28, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
This fun-filled afternoon will have family entertainment, train rides, and more.

Oktoberfest (Naper Settlement, Naperville)
October 3, 2025 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
October 4, 2025 | 3:00pm – 10:00pm
This yearly festival involves traditional German cuisine, kids activities, and a live Oompah band.

Fall Fest (Oakbrook Terrace)
October 4, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy a morning of crafts, snacks, and more.

Fall Fest (Glen Ellyn)
October 4, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Join the Butterfield Park District for games, inflatables, petting zoo and more. Register in advance.

Autumnfest on the Prairie Path (Berkeley)
October 4 – 5, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Enjoy festive entertainment, food, games, and family-friendly activities.

Pumpkinpalooza (Caldwell Woods, Chicago)
October 4, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Register in advance for a day of fall-themed fun.

Fall Fest (Lombard)
October 4, 2025 | 11:30am – 2:30pm
Enjoy family games, dancing, hayrides and much more.

S’mores & More (Batavia)
October 4, 2025 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit West Main Community Park for fall fun including pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, and more.

Oaktoberfest (Glen Ellyn)
October 4, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Enjoy family-friendly, oak-themed activities including games and live music throughout Maryknoll Park.

Founders Day Festival (Roselle)
October 4, 2025 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Join the fall festivities as Roselle hosts its their annual celebration.

The Last Straw Fall Event (Westmont)
October 5, 2025 | 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.

Oktoberfest (North Aurora)
October 4, 2025 | 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Celebrate the season Bavarian-style at the Village of North Aurora’s first-ever Oktoberfest.

Downtown Wheaton Chili Cook-Off (Wheaton)
October 4, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Sample some of your favorite chilis at this annual event. Advance tickets are recommended, as it usually sells out.

Glass Pumpkin Patch (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
October 10 – 12, 2025 | 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 10, 2025 | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
October 11, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
October 12, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
This annual event is full of photo opportunities, live music, family games, and delicious food.

Danada Fall Festival (Danada Equestrian Center, Wheaton)
October 11 – 12, 2025 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Enjoy performances and so much more at this equestrian-themed 2-day event.

Autumn Jubilee (Villa Park)
October 18, 2025 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Family-friendly event featuring live music, games, and much more.

Fall Fest (Warrenville)
October 24, 2025 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Inflatables, games, balloon twister, petting zoo, live music, and food.

Important note: Tinley Park’s Oktoberfest will not be running in 2025. Organizers hope to see it return next year!

Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the Northwest Suburbs

Septemberfest (Schaumburg)
August 31, 2025 | 10:00am – 10:00pm
September 1, 2025 | 10:00am – 9:00pm
Hosting its 54th year, this festival is filled with family-friendly fun.

Itasca Oktoberfest (Itasca)
September 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:30pm
September 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 10:30pm
Join the German festivities at this annual event.

Platzkonzert Germanfest (Hoffman Estates)
September 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
September 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 11:00pm
September 7, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy delicious German food and music at this family-friendly event.

Septemberfest (Bloomingdale)
September 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
Enjoy the end-of-summer celebrations with a carnival, food, parade, and live music.

Fall Fun Fest (Hanover Park)
September 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Hayrides, live music, food trucks and more.

Fall Fest (Des Plaines)
September 12 – 14, 2025 | times vary
Celebrate the 14th annual Fall Fest including a carnival and KidZone.

Fall Festival (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
September 14, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, bounce houses, and food at this free family-fun event.

Oktoberfest with the Cubs (Wrigleyville, Chicago)
September 19 – 21, 2025 | times vary
Visit the Toyota Camry Lot for the first annual Oktoberfest hosted by the Cubs, which includes family-friendly activities in the afternoons.

Palatine Oktoberfest
September 19 – 21, 2025 | times vary
Traditional German music, food and activities are found at Palatine’s annual event.

Oktoberfest (Mount Prospect)
September 19, 2025 | 4:00pm – 11:00pm
September 20, 2025 | 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Celebrate German heritage at this 2-day event in Downtown Mount Prospect.

Fall Fest (Bloomingdale)
September 19, 2025 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Fall festivities include live music, hayrides, crafts, games, and more.

Oktoberfest (Elk Grove Village)
September 19, 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
September 20, 2025 | 3:00pm – 10:30pm
Live music and delicious German food at this annual event, including the Oktoberfest Parade.

Oktoberfest (Arlington Heights)
September 20, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy German-themed food and activities at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.

Trucktoberfest (Park Ridge)
September 20, 2025 | 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Formerly known as Oktoberfest, this festival will have children’s activities, inflatables, and more.

Fallapalooza (Wheeling)
September 21, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Fall festivities including food trucks, petting zoo, inflatables and much more.

Fall Fest at the Arb (The Arboretum of South Barrington)
September 21, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Discover countless fall family-friendly activities such as bull-riding, face painting, and more at this festive event.

Bartlett Oktoberfest (Bartlett)
September 26, 2025 | 4:00pm – 10:30pm
September 27, 2025 | 1:00pm – 10:30pm
Guests will find family activities, a craft show, and more at Bartlett’s annual Oktoberfest.

Rosetober 5K Run, Walk & Fest (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
September 27, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
The morning kicks off with a 5k, followed by family-friendly German fun.

Harvest Fest (Medinah)
September 27, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Harvest Fest returns for another year for family-friendly fun

Family Fall Fest (Inverness)
September 28, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Enjoy tasty treats, fun crafts, and a variety of fall-themed activities.

Family Harvest Hoedown (Des Plaines)
October 3, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Registration is required for this night of games, dancing, and crafts.

Pumpkin Patch Festival (South Elgin)
October 4, 2025 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Visit SEBA Park for inflatables, face painting and more family-friendly fun.

Scarecrow Festival (Barrington)
October 4, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Play fall games and more at Memorial Park.

Pumpkinpalooza (Caldwell Woods, Chicago)
October 4, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Register in advance for a day of fall-themed fun.

Randhurst Village Fall Fest (Mount Prospect)
October 4, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, and more fall fun.

Octoberfest (Schaumburg)
October 4, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
The fun is in Meineke Park, with $10 bracelets including most family-friendly activities.

Harvest Fest (Bensenville)
October 4, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Join the fun at Fischer Farm with animal encounters, games, and autumn activities.

Hometown Hoedown (Rolling Meadows)
October 4, 2025 | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit Kimball Hill Park for hayrides, games, and more festive fun.

Harvest Fest (Park Ridge)
October 4, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Enjoy music, a pumpkin patch, children’s activities, and more.

Autumn Harvest Festival (Schaumburg)
October 5, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Kids crafts, games, and old-fashioned fall fun at Heritage Farm.

Oktoberfest (Palatine)
October 5, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Festive German entertainment and fun hosted by the Salt Creek Park District at the Twin Lakes tent.

Autumn Harvest (Arlington Heights)
October 11, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Home to live music, hayrides, scarecrow contest and more family-friendly fun.

Harvest Hoot (Des Plaines)
October 18, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Join the fun for this family-friendly event hosted at Oakton College.

Fall Fest (Bartlett)
October 18, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Enjoy this family-friendly event at the Bartlett Nature Center.

Fall Festival (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
October 19, 2025 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Celebrate fall with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Free admission, with small fees to participate in select activities.

Village Family Fall Fest (Schiller Park)
October 24, 2025 | begins 6:30pm
Previously celebrated as the Hallowen Howl, visit Kennedy Park/Shelton Field for family-friendly fun. Come early in costume to enjoy trunk-or-treat at 4:30pm.

Eddie Biondo Fall Fest Parade (Franklin Park)
October 5, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Celebrate the 47th annual parade, followed by the Pumpkin Fest in North Park from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Fall Festivals That Run Throughout the Season

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

• Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze (Aurora): Starts September 20
• Pumpkin Weekends (Blackberry Farm, Aurora): Starts October 4, runs Saturdays and Sundays.
• Fitzgeralds Fall Fair (Berwyn): Saturdays and Sundays starting October 5
• Johansen Farms Children’s Zoo & Fall Festival (Bolingbrook): Starts September 15
• Dollinger’s Family Pumpkin Farm (Channahon): Starts September 15
• Bengtson’s Farm and Fall Fest (Homer Glen): Starts September 5
• Konow’s Corn Maze (Homer Glen): Starts September 20
• Siegel’s Pumpkin Farm (Lockport): Starts September 20
• Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm (Minooka): Starts September 20
• Goebbert’s Fall Festival (South Barrington): Starts September 6
• Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival (West Chicago): Starts September 20
• Santa’s Village Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival (West Dundee): Starts September 6
• Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest (Wheaton): Starts October 1
• Harvest Tyme Family Farm (Lowell, IN): Starts September 20, runs Saturdays and Sundays
• Happy Times Pumpkin Fest (Lincolnshire): Starts September 18. 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 26, runs Fridays through Sundays

2024 Fall Festivals Not Yet Announced for 2025

• Barrington Hills Fall Festival – September 15, 2024
• Fall Festival (Mount Prospect) – September 21, 2024
• Scarecrow Fest (Lemont) – September 21, 2024
• Oktoberfest (Darien) – September 21, 2024
• Harvest Festival (Barrington Area Library) – September 21, 2024
• Wheaton Harvest Festival – September 22, 2024
• Family Fall Harvest Party (Barrington) – September 27, 2024
• Fall Fest (Mount Prospect) – October 5, 2024
• Autumn After All (Hinsdale) – October 12, 2024

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