2023 Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the Chicago Suburbs

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Outdoor Places to Go

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.

Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the West Suburbs

St. Cletus Fall Fest

St. Cletus Fall Fest
September 7-10, 2023
600 W. 55th Street
La Grange, IL 60525
Website | Facebook

September 7: 5pm-10pm
September 8: 5pm-11pm
September 9: 12pm-11pm
September 10: 12pm-9pm

St. Cletus Fall Fest is BACK! We are so excited to be bringing back our incredibly popular Fall Fest for the first time since 2019! We will have rides, games, food, music and more!

Come out to see our headliners which include The Blooze Brothers(9/07), Hillbilly Rockstarz(9/08), The Neverly Brothers(9/09), and Maggie Speaks(9/10). We will also have Bingo on Saturday and Sunday, a kids talent show, a K9 unit demonstration, and so much more! You can participate in our Lucky Leaf raffle for a chance at $5,000!!! We will also be showing the Bears Vs. Packers game on Sunday under our big tent with a $3 Miller Lite special! Megapasses, which get kids on all the rides ALL WEEKEND, are just $55 if you buy before September 7th.

School may be back, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over! So come out to St. Cletus September 7th-10th and don’t miss out on this wonderful community event as we prepare to kick off the fall season!

Western Springs Parks Centennial Celebration

Western Springs Park District is celebrating 100 years in 2023! Join them for a three-day celebration with live music, food, drinks, a carnival, and fireworks at Spring Rock Park.

Friday, September 8 from 5-10pm
Saturday, September 9 from noon-10pm
Sunday, September 10 from noon-8pm

The carnival will be all three days with fireworks on Saturday night and there will be beer, wine and food available for purchase. Live music includes ARRA on Friday night, Mike and Joe on Saturday night, and Infinity on Sunday night along with additional local bands all weekend.

Click here for more information.

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

Fall Fest (Forest Park)
September 9, 2023 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Inflatables, delicious food, fun games and much more.

Backyard BBQ (Glen Ellyn)
September 9, 2023 | 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Sample one of the delicious dishes prepared by local community members, all while listening to live music.

Oktoberfest (Clarendon Hills)
September 9, 2023 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Two locations with live music, food, and drinks.

Downtown Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival

Fine Arts Festival
September 9-10, 2023 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Downtown Downers Grove
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The 46th Annual Downtown Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival will be held September 9th-10th, 10am-5pm. Juried artists will have art on display and available for purchase. Enjoy live entertainment and a kids’ art booth while you shop a variety of mediums including, jewelry, painting, photography, woodworking, mixed media, drawing, fiber, ceramics, glass and metalworking. Saturday, stop by Smile Downers Grove for games, face painting & balloons (visit website for hours). Explore our unique boutiques and take a break in one of our restaurants. Details including a list of artists atΒ www.downtowndg.orgΒ or 630.725.0991.

Glow in the Park (Glen Ellyn)
September 10, 2023 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Decorate a lantern and stroll around Lake Ellyn Park.

Autumn Fest & Chili Cook Off (North Riverside)
September 15, 2023 | 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 (Downers Grove)
September 15, 2023 | 3:00pm – 11:00pm
September 16, 2023 | 12:00pm – 11:00pm
You’ll find authentic German food and music at this family-friendly event.

Oktoberfest (Berwyn)
September 15, 2023 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
September 16, 2023 | 12:00pm – 11:00pm

Enjoy delicious food and live music at the biggest party in the western suburbs.

Oktoberfest (Tinley Park)
September 15, 2023 | 5:00pm – 11:00pm
September 16, 2023 | 1:00pm – 11:00pm
September 17, 2023 | 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.

Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival

Sonny Acres Farm
September 16 – October 29, 2023
29W310 North Avenue
West Chicago, IL 60185
(630) 231-3859
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

You better be-leaf we’re ready for an amazing Fall Festival! Sonny Acres iconic family-friendly festival begins September 16th for a limited time through October 29th. FALL in love with our non-stop family fun fit for all ages. Pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a wide variety of amusements and attractions including everything from our Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, to a ride around the property on the Sonny Express Train, take fun to new heights our Giant Jumping Pillow, get baaack to nature and feed our farm animals, explore our sensory garden, enjoy great food at our outdoor grill and much more!Β 

Haunted barn and haunted hayrides open on Friday, September 29 and day wagon rides are also available through the woods for all ages.Β Click here to buy tickets.Β β€œThe haunted barn was very well done…just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you guessing…plenty of β€œscares” nothing too over the top for a younger crowd. The hayride was a blast as well, very creative and lots of surprises!”

All Fall Fest activities are weather dependent. Please check our website for availability, dates and times.Β Sonnyacres.com

Spring Road Fall Fest (Elmhurst)
September 16, 2023 | 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.

Autumn Fair (Geneva)
September 16, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Hayrides, music, crafts, games and more!

Family Fall Festival (Clarendon Hills)
September 16, 2023 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Stop by this annual event with inflatables, a petting zoo, food and games.

Depot Days (Lisle)
September 16, 2023 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
September 17, 2023 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy two days of old-fashioned fun.

Barn Dance (St. Charles)
September 16, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Dance the night away at this annual event. Advance registration is required.

Fall Festival (Western Springs)
September 22, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Fall Festival is back this year! Petting zoo, live music, and more.

Oaktoberfest (Oak Park)
September 22, 2023 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
September 23, 2023 | 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Festivities run all weekend, but stop by the Kids Beer Garden from 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday.

Fall Fest (Carol Stream)
September 23, 2023 | 10:00am – 6:30pm
Stop by the beer garden in Town Center and check out the family games and food.

Fall Family Oktoberfest (Burr Ridge)
September 23, 2023 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Join the fun hosted by the Pleasant Dale Park District.

Oktoberfest (Brookfield Zoo)
September 23, 2023 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Stop by the beer garden for live polka music and delicious German foods.

Autumn Fest (Oak Brook)
September 23, 2023 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy a day filled with face painting, games, a DJ, arts and crafts, hayrides, and much more.

Oktoberfest (Darien)
September 23, 2023 | 2:00pm – 9:00pm
The Darien Lions Club are hosting the festive fun.

Fall Fest (Oak Park)
September 24, 2023 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Enjoy games, train rides, and delicious fall foods.

Harvest of the Acorn Moon Fall Festival (Aurora)
September 24, 2023 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Admission is free at this seasonal event.

Autumn Opener (Woodridge)
September 24, 2023 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Pony rides, petting zoo, make your own scarecrow, magic performances, and more.

Oktoberfest (Woodridge)
September 29, 2023 | 5:00pm – 10:30pm
September 30, 2023 | 5:00pm – 10:30pm
You’ll find live music, activities, and delicious German food.

Fall Fest (Oakbrook Terrace)
September 30, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy a morning of crafts, snacks, and more. Pre-registration is not required.

Autumn Fest (Franklin Park)
September 30, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
$15 for unlimited fun in Goulin Park.

Harvest Fest (Bensenville)
September 30, 2023 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Join the fun with a petting zoo, games, and autumn activities.

Harvest Fest (Glendale Heights)
September 30, 2023 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Eating competitions, family games, hay rides, and more at Glendale Heights’ annual event.

Autumn Jubilee (Villa Park)
September 30, 2023 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Family-friendly event featuring live music, games, and much more.

Bolingbrook Fall Fest
September 30, 2023 | 3:00pm – 6:30pm
Enjoy live music, food, games and activities.

Octoberfest (Wheaton)
September 30, 2023 | 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy this family-friendly event complete with live entertainment and a children’s area.

The Last Straw Fall Event (Westmont)
October 1, 2023 | 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.

Autumn Fest (Berkeley)
October 7 and 8, 2023 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Enjoy the free kid-friendly activities at this two-day event.

Scarecrow Fest (St. Charles)
October 6, 2023 | 12:00pm 6:00pm
October 7, 2023 | 10:00am 6:00pm
October 8, 2023 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
This annual event is full of photo opportunities, live music, family games, and delicious food.

Naper Settlement Oktoberfest, All Hallows Eve, and Howlin’ at the Moon

Naper Settlement Fall Events
Oktoberfest: October 6-7
All Hallows Eve: October 20-21
Howlin’ at the Moon: October 27-28

Fall into fun this October at Naper Settlement! Traditional German cuisine and beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with live music, lawn games for all ages, and professional pumpkin carving demonstrations at Oktoberfest on October 6-7.

The entire family will enjoy a line-up of Halloween-themed outdoor activities, art, and performances, including a zombie maze, alien autopsy, reptile and bug show, laser tag, and more at All Hallows Eve on October 20-21.

Leave the kids at home and enjoy a night out at Howlin’ at the Moon, a Halloween event for adults (21+), on October 27-28. Howl along to live music, feast your fangs on delicious cuisine, quench your undying thirst in the BOOze Bar, participate in a costume contest, and watch thrilling performances.

For more information and tickets, please visit NaperSettlement.org/Events

Oktoberfest (Naper Settlement, Naperville)
October 6, 2023 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
October 7, 2023 | 3:00pm – 10:00pm
This yearly festival involves traditional German cuisine and a live Oompah band.

Family Fall Fest (Elmhurst)
October 7, 2023 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Come out for trick-or-treating, games, and a morning full of fun.

Fall Family Fun Day (Faith United Methodist Church, Lombard)
October 7, 2023 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
All are welcome for food trucks, face painting, petting animals and other family-friendly activities.

Fall Fest (Lombard)
October 7, 2023 | 11:30am – 2:30pm
Enjoy family games, dancing, hayrides and much more.

Downtown Wheaton Chili Cook-Off (Wheaton)
October 7, 2023 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
The Chili Cook-Off is back! Sample some of your favorite chilis at this annual event.

Founders Day Festival (Roselle)
October 7, 2023 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Join the fall festivities as Roselle hosts its 75th celebration.

Danada Fall Festival (Wheaton)
October 7, 2023 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
October 8, 2023 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Enjoy performances and so much more as this equestrian-themed 2-day event!

Glass Pumpkin Patch (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
October 11-15, 2023 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
You’ll find thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins on display, as well as see daily demonstrations.

Cantigny Fall Festival (Wheaton)
October 13, 2023 | 4:00pm – 11:00pm
October 14 -15, 2023 | 10:00am – 4:00pm

Take in the fall colors while having fun at various attractions. New this year, Cantigny has added an Oktoberfest-themed evening on Friday night.

Oaktoberfest (Glen Ellyn)
October 14, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Enjoy family-friendly, oak-themed activities including games and live music throughout Maryknoll Park.

Fall Fest (Warrenville)
October 27, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Inflatables, games, costume parade, balloon twister, petting zoo, live music, and food.

Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests in the Northwest Suburbs

Platzkonzert German Fest (Hoffman Estates)
September 8-10, 2023 | times vary
Enjoy delicious German food and music at this family-friendly event.

Itasca Oktoberfest
September 8-10, 2023 | times vary
Join the German festivities at this annual event.

Fall Festival and Pet Event (Bartlett)
September 9, 2023 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Meet animal rescue groups and shop vendors.

Septemberfest (Bloomingdale)
September 9, 2023 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
Enjoy the end-of-summer celebrations with a carnival, food, parade, and live music.

Oktoberfest (Glendale Heights)
September 14 – 24, 2023 | 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 (Elk Grove Village)
September 15, 2023 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm
September 16, 2023 | 3:00pm – 11:00pm
FamilyFest will run from 2:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday.

Fall Fest (Des Plaines)
September 15-17, 2023 | times vary
Celebrate the 12th annual Fall Fest including a carnival and KidZone.

Palatine Oktoberfest
September 15 – 17, 2023 | times vary
Traditional German music, food and activities are found at Palatine’s annual event.

Fall Fun Fest (Hanover Park)
September 16, 2023 | 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Hayrides, live music, food trucks and more.

Fall Fest (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
September 17, 2023 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, bounce houses, and food at this free family-fun event.

Fallapalooza (Wheeling)
September 17, 2023 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Fall festivities including food trucks, petting zoo, inflatables and much more

Harvest Fest (Medinah)
September 23, 2023 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Harvest Fest returns for the second year for family-friendly fun.

Trucktoberfest (Park Ridge)
September 23, 2023 | 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Formerly known as Oktoberfest, this festival will have children’s activities running from 12:00pm – 6:00pm.

Oktoberfest (Arlington Heights)
September 23, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Enjoy German-themed food and activities at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.

Oktoberfest (Streamwood)
September 24, 2023 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Sample delicious food and drinks at this annual event.

Bartlett Oktoberfest
September 29, 2023 | 4:30pm – 10:30pm
September 30, 2023 | 10:00am – 10:30pm
Guests will find family activities, a craft show, and more at Bartlett’s annual Oktoberfest.

Family Fall Harvest Party (Barrington)
September 29, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Don’t forget to register for this night of fall-themed fun.

Harvest Festival (Barrington)
September 30, 2023 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Enjoy seasonal fun at Barrington Public Library’s fall fest.

Fall Fest (Des Plaines)
October 1, 2023 | 11:30am – 2:30pm
Join the fun at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Autumn Harvest Festival (Schaumburg)
October 1, 2023 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Kids crafts, games, and old-fashioned fall fun at Heritage Farm.

Oktoberfest (Palatine)
October 1, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
You’ll find hayrides, food, games and much more.

Eddie Biondo Fall Fest Parade (Franklin Park)
October 1, 2023 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Celebrate the 45th annual parade, followed by the Pumpkin Fest in North Park from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Fall Fest (Bloomingdale)
October 6, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Fall festivities include live music, hayrides, crafts, games, and more.

Autumn Harvest (Arlington Heights)
October 7, 2023 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Home to live music, hayrides, scarecrow contest and more family-friendly fun.

German American Day (Elk Grove Village)
October 7, 2023 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Celebrate local and German history with the Elk Grove Historical Museum.

Octoberfest (Schaumburg)
October 7, 2023 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
The fun is in Meineke Park, with $5 bracelets including most family-friendly activities.

Family Fall Fest (Inverness)
October 8, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Jim Gill will be performing a concert at this fall festival.

Fall Festival at Palatine Stables
October 14, 2023 | 10:30am – 3:30pm
Pre-registration is required for this family-friendly, fall-themed event.

Scarecrow Festival (Barrington)
October 14, 2023 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Build scarecrows, play fall games, and more at Memorial Park.

Harvest Hoot (Des Plaines)
October 14, 2023 | 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 15, 2023 | 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 21, 2023 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Formerly the Halloween Howl, this festival is filled with games, activities, inflatables, and more.

Pumpkinpalooza (Bunker Hill, Chicago)
October 21, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Register in advance for a day of fall-themed fun.

Fall Festivals That Run Throughout the Season

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

Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival

Sonny Acres Farm
September 16 – October 29, 2023
29W310 North Avenue
West Chicago, IL 60185
(630) 231-3859
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

You better be-leaf we’re ready for an amazing Fall Festival! Sonny Acres iconic family-friendly festival begins September 16th for a limited time through October 29th. FALL in love with our non-stop family fun fit for all ages. Pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a wide variety of amusements and attractions including everything from our Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, to a ride around the property on the Sonny Express Train, take fun to new heights our Giant Jumping Pillow, get baaack to nature and feed our farm animals, explore our sensory garden, enjoy great food at our outdoor grill and much more!Β 

Haunted barn and haunted hayrides open on Friday, September 29 and day wagon rides are also available through the woods for all ages. Click here to buy tickets.Β β€œThe haunted barn was very well done…just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you guessing…plenty of β€œscares” nothing too over the top for a younger crowd. The hayride was a blast as well, very creative and lots of surprises!”

All Fall Fest activities are weather dependent. Please check our website for availability, dates and times.Β Sonnyacres.com

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

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