The temperatures are finally cooling down, football is back, and pumpkin-spice everything has taken over again. That can only mean one thing: fall festival season has arrived.
If you’re looking for something fun to do over the next few weekends, there’s no shortage of options. We’ve got live music, art, craft beer, carnival rides, vintage cars, horses and enough festival food to make your diet wait until Monday.
Here are 10 events worth putting on your calendar.
West Dundee Heritage Fest | September 18–20
West Dundee kicks things off with three days of live music, food, drinks, kids’ activities, an arts and crafts fair and a car show. Most of the action takes place around downtown West Dundee and the Riverwalk.
View the Heritage Fest schedule
Elmhurst Fall Fest | September 19
If you have younger kids, this is an easy choice. Elmhurst Fall Fest includes a petting zoo, pony rides, carnival games and other family activities. Admission is free, which is always a nice bonus.
See Elmhurst Fall Fest details
Riverwalk Fine Art Fair | September 19–20
Downtown Naperville’s Riverwalk becomes one large outdoor gallery featuring work from talented artists across the country. Even if you’re “just looking,” there’s a decent chance something ends up going home with you.
The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Plan your visit to the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest | September 19
More than 50 brewers will be pouring craft beer, cider, mead and seltzer at the Elmhurst History Museum. There will also be live music and food available.
Unlike most events on this list, this one requires a ticket—and probably a designated driver.
Get Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest information
Cantigny Car Show | September 20
Cantigny’s annual car show features an impressive collection of vintage and classic vehicles, along with entertainment, food and drinks.
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is $21 per vehicle.
Grundy County Corn Festival | September 23–27
The Grundy County Corn Festival has been around long enough to know how to throw a proper fall celebration. Expect carnival rides, crafts, live entertainment, a parade and plenty of food throughout downtown Morris.
This year marks the festival’s 77th anniversary.
View the Corn Festival schedule
Oaktoberfest | September 25–26
Downtown Oak Park celebrates fall with two days of live music, food from local restaurants, specialty craft beer and family activities.
Admission is free, and the festival runs Friday evening and throughout the day Saturday.
Schaumburg LIVE! @ 90N | September 26
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, yard games and family activities at 90N Park.
The final event of the season runs from 3 to 9 p.m., and admission is free.
See the Schaumburg LIVE! lineup
Roselle Founders Day Festival | October 3
Roselle is celebrating its history with a free community festival at the Clauss Recreation Center. The afternoon includes live music, food, drinks and activities for the family.
The festival runs from 2 to 7 p.m.
Get Roselle Founders Day information
Fall Festival at Danada | October 10–11
Danada Equestrian Center wraps up the list with two days of equestrian demonstrations, hayrides, kids’ activities, displays and food.
Whether you’re into horses or just looking for a relaxed fall afternoon, Danada is always a beautiful place to spend the day.
View Fall Festival at Danada details
Looking for Live Music?
Cantigny’s Beer Garden is also hosting live music on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays into October. Grab some food, find an Adirondack chair and enjoy one of the last good stretches of outdoor weather before winter reminds us where we live.
Check Cantigny’s music schedule
Get Out and Enjoy Fall
Fall in Chicagoland never seems to last long enough, so take advantage of it while it’s here. Whether you’re looking for family activities, live music, local art, classic cars or simply an excuse to eat something deep-fried, there’s an event on this list for you.
Dates and schedules can change, so check the event website before heading out.