65 Fall Festivals and Oktoberfests Bringing Autumn Cheer to Chicagoland This Fall

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze (Aurora): Starts September 16
• Pumpkin Weekends (Blackberry Farm, Aurora): Starts October 1, runs Saturdays and Sundays.
• Johansen Farms Children’s Zoo & Fall Festival (Bolingbrook): Starts September 15
• Dollinger’s Family Pumpkin Farm (Channahon): Starts September 11
• Bengtson’s Farm and Fall Fest (Homer Glen): Starts September 15
• Konow’s Corn Maze (Homer Glen): Starts September 1
• Scarecrow Trail (Morton Arboretum, Lisle): Starts October 1
• Siegel’s Pumpkin Farm (Lockport): Starts September 23
• Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm (Minooka): Starts September 9, Sunflower Harvest has begun.
• Goebbert’s Fall Festival (South Barrington): Starts September 9
• Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival (West Chicago): Starts September 16
• Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest (Wheaton): Starts October 1
• Harvest Tyme Family Farm (Lowell, IN): Starts September 30, Saturdays and Sundays
• Happy Times Pumpkin Fest (Lincolnshire): Starts September 16. Note: The Didier family retired at the end of 2022, but Happy Times Pumpkin Fest is running at Didier Farms.

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