Fall Illinois Festivals

Quad Cities Balloon Fest - Moline, IL - Aug 9 to Aug 10, 2024
Hot air balloon festival at Rock Island County Fairgrounds. In lieu of admission they ask for a donation of non-perishable food items to support the River Bend Foodbank.

Rock the Hops - Alton, IL - Aug 10, 2024
This event features local original musicians along with a variety of artists in a number of Downtown Alton venues, and a craft brewery paired with each location. Your ticket gains you access to live concerts at each location, a commemorative glass, samples of craft beer at each location, and shuttle transportation between venues. Participating establishments will also be offering food and beverage promotions and other activities especially for those on the “Hop.” Mixed in will be artwork and other items from local vendors. Rock the Hops is a fundraiser for Alton Main Street.

Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival - Evanston, IL - Aug 16 to Aug 18, 2024
A weekend-long celebration of local art and flavorful fare including painting, sculpture, and photography along with handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind furniture, and home accessories.

BMW Championship - Medinah, IL - Aug 20 to Aug 25, 2024
Golf tournament that serves as the penultimate event of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs. Dates back to 1899, the third-oldest tournement on the PGA schedule.

St Paul’s Kirchenfest - Highland, IL - Aug 23 to Aug 25, 2024
Kirchenfest, which is German for Church Festival, is one of the largest church festivals in Southern Illinois with the event spreading over six acres on the grounds of St. Paul Parish. Beginning in 1970, the festival has a German theme, as the Highland community is primarily Swiss and German heritage. This two-day festival offers something for everyone – food (including a Bavarian skillet dish prepared by a 500 pound skillet and a sit-down chicken dinner), live music, games, live auction, flea market, a competitive run, bike ride and much more!

Erin Feis Peoria - Peoria, IL - Aug 23 to Aug 25, 2024
Peoria Irish Fest features live music, Highland games, Irish dancing, vendors, children’s area and more

Alton Food Truck Festival - Alton, IL - Aug 24, 2024
Live musical entertainment accompanies food trucks from around the region with global street food options. Free with optional VIP ticket for closer parking and complimentary drink tickets

Olden Days Festival - Dow, IL - Aug 24 to Aug 25, 2024
The Tri-County Antique Club was formed to promote the appreciation of agricultural history, through the restoration and preservation of antique, vintage and classic automobiles, gasoline and oil engines, gas and steam tractors, farm machinery and other equipment of historical value, and making these available for public viewing.

Peach Fest - Grafton, IL - Aug 25, 2024
Local peach growers from all over the area will be presenting their carefully tended peaches for visitors to sample and purchase. Peaches are the reason for the season but, this festival will also feature live music, fresh produce, unique vendors, kids activities, drink specials and Robin’s famous peach sangria, and the Peach Pitting contest!

National Sweetcorn Festival - Hoopeston, IL - Aug 29 to Sep 2, 2024
A carnival, parade and demolition derby in the Sweetcorn Capitol. 50 tons of sweetcorn are cooked with an antique steam engine and handed out free.

Anime Magic - Schaumberg, IL - Aug 30 to Sep 1, 2024
Anime Magic is bringing the “magic” back to anime conventions! A convention by fans, for fans with a focus on FUN. This isn’t your typical cookie-cutter convention

Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival - Peoria, IL - Aug 30 to Aug 31, 2024
Formerly the Illinois Blues Festival, this festival brings a world class lineup of blues, roots, funk, and soul artists to the Peoria waterfront.

Taste of Polonia - Chicago, IL - Aug 30 to Sep 2, 2024
This annual Labor Day weekend festival at the Copernicus Center in Chicago’s Jefferson Park offers live music, Polish food, and fun for four days.

North Coast Music Festival - Chicago, IL - Aug 30 to Sep 1, 2024

Irish Days - Long Grove, IL - Aug 31 to Sep 2, 2024
The historic shopping district of Long Grove presents Irish Days, a Labor Day weekend celebration of Irish culture, music, food, and drink. Learn about Irish language and genealogy in the Gaelic Tent. Admission and parking in municipal lots is free

Frankfort Fall Festival - Frankfort, IL - Aug 31 to Sep 2, 2024
Each year during Labor Day weekend, over 250,000 visitors gather to the charming Village of Frankfort to enjoy the Frankfort Fall Festival. The festival welcomes over 300 artisans from all over the United States to exhibit their elite products and services. In addition, many of Frankfort’s local organizations collaborate by sponsoring special events that highlight Frankfort Fall Festivities. There is something for everyone from carnival rides to main stage entertainment, to walking tacos and funnel cakes, and more

Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival - Arthur, IL - Aug 31 to Sep 3, 2024
Three day celebration of cheese! Eat fair food, sample the free cheese, watch a tractor pull and a parade, enjoy live entertainment, stop by the Amish farm shop, and more!

Sandwich Fair - Sandwich, IL - Sep 4 to Sep 8, 2024
The Dekalb County fair is the oldest continuing fair in the State of Illinois. It is also the largest display of agricultural and home arts exhibits in the Midwest. Since 1888.

Elmwood Fall Festival - Elmwood, IL - Sep 5 to Sep 7, 2024
Food vendors, rides, 5K, parade, craft vendors, and more

Calhoun County Fair - Hardin, IL - Sep 5 to Sep 8, 2024
The Calhoun County Fair is complete with carnival rides, live animal shows, musical entertainment, truck pulls, demolition derby, and lots of food. This county fair has its own specialties, so check out the scheduled events before you go.

Alton Expo - Alton, IL - Sep 5 to Sep 8, 2024
Enjoy five days of fair food, games, rides, live entertainment and more at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater!

Homestead Festival - Princeton, IL - Sep 5 to Sep 8, 2024
50/50 raffle, car show, BBQ rib cook off, arts and craft show, flea market, class reunions, parade, 5K, food and more!

German American Oktoberfest - Chicago, IL - Sep 6 to Sep 8, 2024
A parade, German hospitality, food and fun hosted by the United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago at Lincoln Square

Havana Oktoberfest - Havana, IL - Sep 6 to Sep 8, 2024
The Havana Chamber of Commerce presents its annuall Oktoberfest. 3 days of Beer, Brats, Music and fun!

German American Fest - Chicago, IL - Sep 6 to Sep 8, 2024
Three days and nights of German heritage fun with free admission. Not called an Oktoberfest but it does have all the festival foods, German music, singing and dancing, beverages, plus events you might expect from a big city event.

German American Heritage Center Oktoberfest - Frankfort, IL - Sep 6 to Sep 8, 2024
The German American Heritage Center invites you & your family to their Haus to celebrate Oktoberfest! Entertainment, including German music, split-the-pot raffles, vendors, German food & beer for purchase and a Kinder Area. $10 adult admission/FREE children under 18. Gates open at 2pm.

Broomcorn Festival - Arcola, IL - Sep 6 to Sep 8, 2024
Celebrate in the Broomcorn Capital of the World with free entertainment, parade, road race, food and a parade featuring the famous Lawn Rangers. Visitors can see broom making, broom activities, arts and crafts vendors. Additionally, visitors can participate in the Arcola Broomcorn 5K and 10K races. The event, held the weekend after Labor Day, honors Arcola’s position in the late nineteenth century as a center of broomcorn production.

Mundelein Arts Festival - Mundelein, IL - Sep 7 to Sep 8, 2024
A two-day juried art event with tasty food, local musicians and 45 top artists, plus artwork from local high school students, all at Kracklauer Park.

Bike MS Gateway Getaway - Godfrey, IL - Sep 7 to Sep 8, 2024
Bike MS is more than a ride. It’s an experience grounded in camaraderie and marked by passion, inspiration, determination and pure enjoyment. It will be an experience you’ll never forget, shared with new friends and old.

Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11 - Decatur, IL - Sep 8, 2024
Annual car/bike show in downtown Decatur. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the NFP Help 4 Heroes Fund in Macon County, which provides veterans with bus passes, dentures, meal cards, books, clothes, home goods and more.

Murphysboro Apple Festival - Murphysboro, IL - Sep 11 to Sep 14, 2024
The oldest and largest alcohol free festival in southern Illinois – it draws over 45,000 a year to the various events, including car show, parade and carnival.

Morton Pumpkin Festival - Morton, IL - Sep 11 to Sep 14, 2024
Celebrating over 50 years of the pumpkin harvest and canning at the Pumpkin Capital of the World. An estimated 70,000 attend the carnival, parades and other activities.

Glendale Heights Oktoberfest - Glendale Heights, IL - Sep 12 to Sep 22, 2024
Annual Glendale Heights Oktoberfest which will be held at Camera Park in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Experience live entertainment daily including strolling German “Oompah” entertainers in one of the most authentic festival tents. There will be a selection of German Beers and German Food. To round out the Glendale Heights Oktoberfest experience, there will be vendors with German products, souvenirs, hats, steins, and much much more.

Oaktoberfest Oak Park - Oak Park, IL - Sep 13 to Sep 14, 2024
Celebrate the changing seasons at Oaktoberfest! Enjoy a premier music line up, delicious fall foods, specialty craft beers, and a kids’ root beer garden! Free admission!

Downers Grove Oktoberfest - Downers Grove, IL - Sep 13 to Sep 14, 2024
Annual fundraiser for the Downers Grove Education Foundation, with live music, food, beer, children’s activities and more!

Des Plaines Family Festival - Des Plaines, IL - Sep 13 to Sep 15, 2024
Free admission, musical entertainment and parking at this Lake Park fair with carnival, KidZone, car show, festival food, pie eating contest and open air market.

The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival (Reeling) - Chicago, IL - Sep 19 to Oct 6, 2024
The first Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival took place in April 1981 in a 90-seat folding-chair screening room, with nearly every screening sold out. The demand and enthusiasm for the festival made it an annual event that has been going strong ever since. The mission of Reeling is to recognize the important artistic contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender filmmakers have made, educate the general population, and investigate the history of LGBTQ+ film, and to counteract this sterotyping with valid, meaningful and diverse portrayals of those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Pygmalion Festival - Urbana, IL - Sep 19 to Sep 21, 2024
Taking place at a variety of venues around Champaign and Urbana, this festival features music, authors, a Think component with innovated ideas, and more. They believe in equal access to great performances by everyone, so there are no VIP tickets available, in small, intimate spaces.

Dwight Harvest Days - Dwight, IL - Sep 19 to Sep 22, 2024
Festivities for all including carnival rides, outdoor movies, a magic show, petting zoo, face painting, 5k, food booths, live music, crafts show, beer garden, trivia, bingo, car and tractor shows and more! Since 1979.. Since 1979

Chicago South Asian Film Festival - Chicago, IL - Sep 19 to Sep 22, 2024
The film festival aims to advance diversity in Chicagoland through cinema, conversation, and culture, and gives South Asian talent, stories, and themes a world platform. Held in several venues in downtown Chicago, the festival includes screenings of films, panel discussions, and other opportunities for attendees to connect with filmakers, and attend musical performances, industry workshops, tributes to major artists and awards galas

Tinley Oktoberfest - Tinley Park, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024
Bring out the Lederhosen, grab a stein, and welcome autumn with traditional authentic food, oompah and polka, carnival, keg tapping and beer!

Marshall Autumn Fest - Marshall, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024
Vendors and craft booths, a parade, tot-rod pedal pulls, a car, bike and truck show,, live entertainment and more.

Palatine Oktoberfest - Palatine, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024
Attendance is free at this Oktoberfest event under the big heated tent in downtown Palatine. Expect good food, good beer, good music, and lots of family friendly festival type things to do. Saturday is family day with special activities for the kids. Event is put on by the Rotary Club of Palatine as their principal fund raising event. Their support raises thousands of dollars for local charities. Opening ceremonies are at 5:00 pm on Friday. Saturday features their music and dance performances by youth groups and area choirs. Kids love the face painting, crafts and arts tables. Don’t miss Scarecrows on Parade.

Belleville Oktoberfest - Belleville, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 21, 2024
Three stages of live entertainment, German food, children’s area, weiner dog race, costume contest, cornhole tournament, car show and more!

Peoria Oktoberfest - Peoria, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024
The German American Central Society and the Peoria Park District are sponsoring once again the Peoria Oktoberfest to promote German culture and heritage of Central Illinois! Additional Activities: A German Heritage Tent display with a genealogy search will be available. Also, a Puppet Theatre, the Peoria Volkstaenzers, Log Sawing, and various contests such as the Masskrugstemmen (arm strength contest with filled steins) will be featured. Vendors with authentic German clothing and merchandise as well as other items will be available for purchase. Children’s activities are also scheduled. Several carnival rides will be available, including a merry- go-round. Both German and American foods will be available. Complete German dinners will be available in the main tent. German beers will be featured including Spaten Oktoberfest, along with German Wines from our Weinstube and German spirits in the Knappe. Domestic beers also.

Mount Prospect Oktoberfest - Mount Prospect, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024

Italian Fest - Collinsville, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 21, 2024
Celebrate the Italian culture and heritage at a family friendly event in Uptown Collinsville. This annual street festival, which began in 1984, celebrates everything Italian. Signature events like the Grape Stomp and Bocce Tournament are just part of two days designed to feature Italian food and fun for the family with events and activities like the Wine Garden, Fest Olympics, Italian Cooking Contest, Craft Fair, Wine Making Contest, and a Children’s area. Saturday morning features a 5-K Run-Walk and the Parade is always a big draw Saturday afternoon. A major feature is the continuous live musical entertainment on three stages located at different locations. But the real calling card of the Italian Fest continues to be the authentic Italian fare including Fest favorites like spedini, Italian beef, spumoni, bagna cauda, canolli, and Italian Ices.

Riot Fest - Chicago, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024
A three-day music festival featuring various forms of punk at Douglas Park.

Long Grove Apple Festival - Long Grove, IL - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024
Welcome Autumn with this annual apple festival! From apple popcorn to apple lattes, enjoy hundreds of apple-inspired treats, a pop-up apple orchard with local merchangs, three stages of live entertainment, Kid Zone, and more

Shrimp Festival - Golconda, IL - Sep 21, 2024
Eat shrimp from the Southern Illinois Prawn Growers and enjoy local wines. This even started in 2001 to promote the Southern Illinois Prawn Growers, who serve them up in a variety of ways or you can purchase them by the pound to enjoy later! Other past fun includes buggy and helicopter rides, live entertainment, farmer’s market, corn hole oturnament, and more!

Street Art Festival - Highland, IL - Sep 21, 2024
Visitors can stroll the streets watching artists create masterpieces right on the pavement using chalks. There is also a Creative Kids Corner with lots of activities for young, aspiring artists! An Arts Expo features several local artists and there will be live music and great food.

Mississippi Earthtones Festival - Alton, IL - Sep 21, 2024
Come celebrate life on the Mississippi River through art, music, and conservation! This free & family-friendly event located on Broadway between Easton and Langdon Streets will feature 50+ educational booths and art displays, plus two stages of live music and other performances, great local food & beverages. Their goal is to bring locals and tourists alike to Downtown Alton to celebrate the Mississippi River through art, music and conservation.The following Saturday, bring your own gloves and clean up the river! 45 tons of trash have been pulled from the river during MEF events to date.

Macoupin County Historical Society Fall Festival - Carlinville, IL - Sep 21 to Sep 22, 2024
A weekend of family fun, with a magician, pony rides, delicious foods, craft show, toy show, antique tractors and cars, country shore, fiber arts demonistration, and more! Free parking & admission.

American Aid Society of German Descendants Oktoberfest - Lake Villa, IL - Sep 21 to Oct 5, 2024
Three separate Saturdays of Oktoberfest and live music starting at 6:30 pm.

Shorewood OktoBREWfest - Shorewood, IL - Sep 21, 2024
Throughout the day there is traditional German fare, German music, Masskrugstemmen contests, and more! Families welcome from 4:00-8:00 pm then it’s 21+ from 8:00 pm on! Cash only.

Chicago Gourmet - Chicago, IL - Sep 21 to Sep 29, 2024
Celebrate food and wine in downtown Chicago with this Bon Appetit event featuring more than 100 wineries, breweries and spirit makers as well as more than 150 top restaurants and chefs.

Pere Marquette Lodge Apple Festival - Grafton, IL - Sep 22, 2024
Warm apple pie, hand-dipped caramel apples, handmade crafts, live music and fresh produce are just a few of the offerings at the Apple Festival at Pere Marquette. The festivities also includes apple wine tasting, kid’s activities and restaurant favorites. An apple pie walk (similar to a cake walk) will be held where visitors will purchase tickets and take a walk for a chance to take home a fresh baked apple pie. Proceeds for the apple pie walk will be donated to the Friends of Pere Marquette Foundation. The Lodge also hosts the annual Pumpkin Roll. Participants can bring their own pumpkin or purchase one at the festival to decorate for a competitive roll down the hill in front of the Lodge. Second and third place participants will win gift certificates for the Restaurant and the fastest pumpkin will win the grand prize of a free nights stay at the historic Lodge. Best of all, there’s free admission!

Two Brothers Oktoberfest - Aurora, IL - Sep 22 to Sep 28, 2024
The official Oktoberfest celebration will be held at the Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora, with the Tap House the following weekend. Enjoy a beer stein while eating authentic German food and playing classic Oktoberfest games! Free admission

Grundy County Corn Festival - Morris, IL - Sep 25 to Sep 29, 2024
Parade; Corn, grain, and flower show; hobby and handicraft contest, pie eating contest, and more

Manteno Oktoberfest - Manteno, IL - Sep 26 to Sep 29, 2024
A four day festival attended by approximately 10,000, this annual Oktoberfest is hosted by the Manteno Chamber of Commerce. Beer garden with stage offering live music. Carnival including ferris wheel and amusement rides on Main Street. Bike Night, Lighted Parade (Saturday), pet parade, grass volleyball tournament, bean bag tournament and scarecrow contest for residents of Manteno. Also a lawnmower poker run, car show and performances by Dance Alive! Dance Studio. There are also garage sales in conjunction with the event, map available two weeks prior.

Prairie Land Heritage Museum Fall Festival & Steam Show Days - Jacksonville, IL - Sep 27 to Sep 29, 2024
Annual event at Prairie Land Heritage Museum

Lansing Autumnfest - Lansing, IL - Sep 27 to Sep 28, 2024
Over 20,000 people come out each year to enjoy a weekend of great food, children’s activities, military tribute, a Marketplace, beer garden, and 2 stages of live entertainment.

Huntley Fall Fest - Huntley, IL - Sep 27 to Sep 29, 2024
A three day community celebration with entertainment, a beer garden, food vendors, a full carnival midway, plenty of fall activities, and a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night! Free admission!

Hyde Park Jazz Festival - Chicago, IL - Sep 28 to Sep 29, 2024
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is a collaborative platform dedicated to supporting the presentation and ongoing development of jazz, particularly on the South Side of Chicago. We do this by creating opportunities for a diverse community of listeners to engage with the music and its creators, and by working with artists, organizational partners and networks to celebrate the rich tradition of jazz and to support the development of new work and ideas.

German Society of Rockford Oktoberfest - Loves Park, IL - Sep 28, 2024
Annual festival with German food and beer. Chicken dance, Miss Oktoberfest contest, bier barrel race, running of the wieners, yodeling contest and barmaid stein race. Menu options include potato pancakes, bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut and more. Advance two-day entry tickets are $14. Gate tickets are $10 per day. VIP party tickets available. It will be located at Loves Park City Hall in Loves Park, IL.

Rotary Club of Quincy Oktoberfest - Quincy, IL - Sep 28, 2024
Free admission and celebration of Quincy own German breweries. Visit Dick Brother brewery, enjoy live entertainment, dance in the streets, and lots of brats and food to eat.

Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life – Chicago - Maple Park, IL - Sep 28, 2024
Greater Illinois’ CF Cycle for Life is a fully-supported ride with route options of 10, 30 and 65 miles. Expect amazing energy, themed rest stops, and an incredible finish-line celebration at these daylong rides. From breakfast to the cycle post party, you can enjoy fully stocked rest stops every 10-12 miles, bike mechanics for bicycle maintenance and repair, and support vehicles to help you complete the ride

Apple ‘N Pork Festival - Clinton, IL - Sep 28 to Sep 29, 2024
A harvest festival with flea market, 19th century craft demonstrations, antique tractor show; live musical entertainment and more at the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum grounds.

Elim Dutch Festival - Palos Heights, IL - Sep 28, 2024
Free admission and free parking for a day of fun for the whole family!

Walk4Hearing Chicago - Chicago, IL - Sep 29, 2024
Empowers and inspires those affected by hearing loss while raising money for national and local programs that provide information, education, support, and advocacy. Vendors will be on site to provide resources for individuals and families affected by hearing loss.

Chicago Half Marathon and 5k - Chicago, IL - Sep 29, 2024
Take in breathtaking cityscape views, lakefront breezes, vibrant neighborhoods and the beauty of the Windy City in the fall. Earn a HUGE finisher medal and relish in your post race glory at the Chi town infused finish line festival.

Barry Apple Festival - Barry, IL - Oct 3 to Oct 6, 2024
A weekend of fun for the whole family, with food, live entertainment, pageants, contests, car show, parade, craft and market vendors, and of course, apples!

Highwood Pumpkin Festival - Highwood, IL - Oct 4 to Oct 6, 2024
This fan favorite event is held to not only break the Guinness World Record of 30,581 for most pumpkins carved in one place, but to take it a step further by lighting a pumpkin for everyone affected by autism in Illinois- a staggering 52,000 individuals! Imagine pumpkins lining the streets on scaffolding towering over 30 feet lit and synced to music. It’s a site to behold and the ultimate family event!

Naperville Oktoberfest - Naperville, IL - Oct 4 to Oct 5, 2024
Live music (from German Oompa to classic rock), German beer and food. Family friendly activities on Saturday from noon to 4 PM. Saturday admission also includes tour of Naper Settlement. Free for Naper Settlement Members. Enter through the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center. Proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. Location: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL 60540

Jersey County Apple Festival - Jerseyville, IL - Oct 5, 2024
A family oriented event that celebrates the apple orchards in the region.

Fluorspar Festival - Rosiclare, IL - Oct 5, 2024
Celebrate the influences brought to the area by the Fluorspar Mining Industry. Rosiclare was once considered the Fluorspar Capital of the world and fluorspar is still the state mineral. Enjoy a pageant, pet parade, carnival, contests, car/motorcycle show, food and craft vendors, open house at the American Flourite Museum, live entertainment, fireworks and more!

Autumn on Parade - Oregon, IL - Oct 5 to Oct 6, 2024
Enjoy a farmer’s market, craft fair with 175+ booths, antique tractor and classic car show, tours of the Chana School, donut eating contest, kids’s zone, live entertainment and more!

Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive - Canton, IL - Oct 5 to Oct 13, 2024
Enjoy a drive along the Spoon River as it winds from Medina through Fulton County from London Mills to the Illinois River. The fall colors along the river are particularly stunning, prompting the first fall festival and the scenic drivem in 1968. The 140 miles of the drive brings you through the sights, museums, shops, and historical sites of Fulton County, and don’t forget to submit your photos to the annual Photography Contest! Since 1968.

Villa Park Brewfest - Villa Park, IL - Oct 5, 2024
Sample from more than 80 different styles of beers from America’s best craft brewers.

Galena Oktoberfest - Galena, IL - Oct 5, 2024
Annual Oktoberfest from noon to 10 PM with ceremonial keg tapping, live music, polka lessons and dancing, bean bag tournament, beer stein endurance contest, wiener dog races. Kids entertainment includes bounce house and pumpkin decorating. Admission is $5 for 13+. Kids 12 and under accompanied by an adult are free. Location: Depot Park (Highway 20 and Park Avenue), Galena, Illinois

Lincoln Square AppleFest - Chicago, IL - Oct 5 to Oct 6, 2024
A Lincoln Square tradition to celebrate fall with local musicians, children’s activities and everything apple!

Autumn Harvest Festival - Schaumberg, IL - Oct 6, 2024
Step back into a simpler time at the Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin. Watch hands-on demonstrations of frontier-era and 1880s life, plus children’s crafts, games, and live music on two stages, grilled food and other tasty treats, and more.

Maeystown Oktoberfest - Maeystown, IL - Oct 6, 2024
Second Sunday in October. Featuring arts, crafts, antiques and food from 9:00-4:00 p.m. at the area around the stone mill and bridge. More than 60 artisans, crafters, dealers, and numerous food stands will be featured. Arts and crafts will include rug weaving, felting, blacksmithing, photography, woodworking, and a country store. Food will include turtle soup, potato pancakes and popcorn cooked in old-fashioned kettles. Bratwurst, funnel cakes, apple butter, and pies will be some of the other choices available. The village specialty shops, bed & breakfast, restaurants and museum will be open throughout the day.

Art in the Park - Highland, IL - Oct 11 to Oct 13, 2024
Enjoy art in park, plus a kids art area and more

St. Mary’s Oktoberfest - Alton, IL - Oct 11 to Oct 13, 2024
Live music, games and silent auction. Keg tapping ceremony at 1 PM on Saturday. Beer from Warsteiner, Spaten, Paulaner and more. German and American food, too!

Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest - Lake Shelbyville, IL - Oct 11 to Oct 13, 2024
Balloon launches, music, crafts, community breakfast fundraiser, helicopter rides, balloon glow, cookouts and festival foods, kids area, and more. Launches are weather dependent for safety.

Scarecrow Festival - St. Charles, IL - Oct 11 to Oct 13, 2024
Award winning event with more than 100+ hand-crafted scarecrows, live entertainment, carnival and craft show.

Historic Craft Fair at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site - Hartford, IL - Oct 12, 2024
Open from 10 am to 4 pm, the event will host a number of local craftspeople and artisans demonstrating and selling their goods. Baskets, sewing, quilts and other crafts

Friendship Center Oktoberfest - Chicago, IL - Oct 12 to Oct 13, 2024
Food trucks, live music, and of course, lots of beer, as a fundraiser for the Friendship Center to feed the hungry of Chicagoland

La Salle County Burgoo Festival - Utica, IL - Oct 12 to Oct 13, 2024
Annual street party with flea marketers, Canal Market, classic car show, craftsmen, musicians and other live entertainment, craft & antique vendors, blacksmith demos, children’s activities and more, serving up heaps of burgoo, a traditional pioneer dish. Since 1969.

Chicago Marathon - Chicago, IL - Oct 13, 2024
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and fast course. The race starts and finishes in Grant Park and travels through one of the world’s most magnificent cities. The course has produced four world records, several national records and countless personal bests. Runners enjoy the support of 1.7 million spectators as they run through 29 neighborhoods.

Chicago International Film Festival - Chicago, IL - Oct 16 to Oct 27, 2024
Exhibiting films from around the world for five decades.

Boos and Booze Halloween Party - Grafton, IL - Oct 18, 2024
The party takes place in on-site at Pere Marquette Lodge’s Winery and in addition to the spooky décor, guests can enjoy live music, drink specials, themed adult beverages, medium readings, and a costume contest where you have 3 chances to win! 21+

Harvest Fest - Oglesby, IL - Oct 19, 2024
Head to Harvest Fest to enjoy a harvest marketplace, team competitions, petting zoo, wagon rides, kids’ activities, parade and more.

Pumpkin Festival - Jacksonville, IL - Oct 19, 2024
Enjoy a family fun like pumpkin decorating, contests, pumpkin drop, food, vendors and more!

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival - Sycamore, IL - Oct 23 to Oct 27, 2024
Annual decorated pumpkin display with parade, carnivals and indoor craft show. The festival started in 1956 to offer a creative outlet for the students of Sycamore has grown into a city wide event

Alton Chili Cook-off - Alton, IL - Oct 27, 2024
The Chili Cook-Off is a great civic event that encourages local chili experts to match their favorite recipe with others in similar categories.

Pere Marquette Wine Festival - Grafton, IL - Nov 10, 2024
Sample wines from around the world, with dozens of options, plus live music, free appetizers, vendors and more, with a portion of proceeds going to Friends of Pere Marquette State Park Foundation.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL - Nov 15 to Jan 5, 2025
Mesmerizing light display at the zoo. Chicago’s favorite holiday tradition is back and better than ever in 2021 with the new Pepper Family Wildlife Center at the heart of the zoo, a new holiday lights experience on the Main Mall, and an exciting new light show on the South Lawn. Also new this year: sensory-friendly visit times and an impressive 18-foot holiday tree sure to inspire festive oohs and aahs. Members only nights, free and $5 admission nights, sensory friendly nights, and other special events.

WhiskyFest Chicago - Chicago, IL - Nov 15, 2024
Meet the whisky distillers, master blenders, and other whisky experts who will be in attendance. This is your chance to taste from a selection of single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Japanese, Canadian, French, Taiwanese, and craft-distilled whiskies, all assembled in one place. High-end rum, brandy, and other spirits will be available as well.

Annual Way of Lights Christmas Display - Belleville, IL - Nov 22 to Dec 31, 2024
Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows as the Annual Way of Lights Christmas display illuminates the grounds. Since 1970, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have invited one and all to make the Way of Lights a part of their family tradition. This breathtaking display focuses on the birth of Christ, the one true light of the world.

The Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights - Chicago, IL - Nov 23, 2024
Musical performances and tree-lighting parade with Santa Clause, all along the Magnificent Mile. If you can’t make it, it is televised across the US and Canada!

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade - Chicago, IL - Nov 28, 2024

Turkey Day 5K/8K Trot - Chicago, IL - Nov 28, 2024
Supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository, you will join fellow runners, joggers and walkers in some light hearted fun while ensuring no Chicagoan will go hungry this holiday season.

Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot - Elmhurst, IL - Nov 28, 2024
5k fundraiser run on Thanksgiving. To date, The Dan Gibbons Foundation has donated nearly $3.9 million dollars and keeps all funds raised within the County of DuPage

North Shore Turkey Trot - Highland Park, IL - Nov 28, 2024
5k and 10k on Thanksgiving

Turkey Trot 5 Mile Run - Glen Ellyn, IL - Nov 28, 2024
Get active for a good cause by starting your Thanksgiving at the Turkey Trot 5-Mile Predicto Race! The top two runners who most accurately predict their finish time will win a Thanksgiving treat. Prizes will also be awarded for Best Costume. The Turkey Trot is free and open to the public

Grant Park Turkey Trot 5K - Chicago, IL - Nov 28, 2024
5K and 10K at Grant Park with Do-Rite Donuts waiting for you at the finish line.

Chicago Tardis - Lombard, IL - Nov 29 to Dec 1, 2024
Held since 2000, this festival is held by fans, for fans of both the new and classic Doctor Who series, and features panels, parties, and more. The event includes guests who were stars from the show, including 2019 guest Tosin Cole, who played the thirteenth Doctor’s companion, Ryan Sinclair. Tickets are available for single-day admission for both adults and children,plus weekend access, VIP, and more, so you can choose your experience!

C-U Oktoberfest - Champaign, IL - Sep 30, 2023
The C-U Oktoberfest is a fall celebration of music, beer, and food held in downtown Champaign. Patterned after the annual festival in Bavaria, the C-U Oktoberfest features live music from bands playing festive polkas, waltzes, and traditional German music…mixed in with plenty of your favorite songs. Beer from local brewers and a selection of German beers will be served. Party-goers are encouraged to get in the spirit by wearing their best dirndl or lederhosen (or come as they are) and dance the night away!

Autumn Fest - Oak Brook, IL - Sep 23, 2023
This free, family-friendly event will start with kid entertainment from 2-3:30pm with a DJ, juggler, face painter, carnival games, arts & crafts, hayrides, and more! Live music will be on stage from 3:30-5pm. All the while there will be food, beer, and wine available for purchase.

Vahlings Twilight Nights Music and Wine Fall Festival - Stewardson, IL - Sep 23 to Sep 24, 2023
Live music, games and activities, food vendors, free camping, plus live demonstrations, vendors and more at Vahling Vineyards and Winery

Oktoberfest Chicago - Chicago, IL - Sep 22 to Sep 24, 2023
Featuring handmade bratwurst, cold beer and authentic German music, this popular Chicago Oktoberfest hosted by St. Alphonsus Church. Received a 10Best Reader’s Choice Award from USA Today in 2015. Adult admission is $5-10.

DeKalb Kite Fest - DeKalb, IL - Sep 10, 2023
Free admission to enjoy the colorful kites that take to the sky, including giant inflatable kites, dancing kites, and stunt kites attract kite enthusiasts and families – bring your own kite or make on there!

Northern Illinois Air Show - Waukegan, IL - Sep 9, 2023
Over 15,000 visitors from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin are expected to attend this regional air show. Formerly called the Wings Over Waukegan or Waugekan Air Show.

Cedarhurst Art & Craft Fair - Mount Vernon, IL - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
Look for over 120 artists to be showcased with glass, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, wood, basketry and leather, two-dimensional art and more. Free parking at Times Square Mall with $3 shuttle ride; $5 admission for adults, children 10 and under are free!

Itasca Oktoberfest - Itasca, IL - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
A free Oktoberfest on Orchard Street. It runs until 11:00 pm both nights.

Platzkonzert Germanfest - Hoffman Estates, IL - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
The free Kinderplatz children’s area will be open on Saturday afternoon. Located in the Village Green once more, event entry remains free. All music will be performed inside the big Oompah tent.

Homestead Harvest Days - Highland, IL - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
See demonstrations of threshing, old time crafts, gas and steam engines, antique tractors, kids activities, live entertainment and more

Festival of the Vine - Geneva, IL - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
Sample wine and food as you enjoy live music and family fun.

ChangeFest Film Festival - Chicago, IL - Jul 25, 2023
For 2023, a mid summer film watch party/discussion. Normally: Enjoy films that promote ideas with action.

Batfest - Batavia, IL - Oct 29, 2022
Batavia’s annual Halloween themed family event attracts over 2,500 for downtown trick-or-treating, parade, pumpkin bowl, contests, art, games, and more

Revolution Oktoberfest - Chicago, IL - Sep 23 to Sep 24, 2022
Head to Revolution Brewing’s Taproom for a fun day of games, contests, music, food, and of course — German beer!

Jacksonville Rotary Oktoberfest - Jacksonville, IL - Sep 17, 2022
The Annual Jacksonville Rotary Club Oktoberfest, held at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, features German music all day long, plus German food, wiener dog race, German pet parade, beer and wine tasting, bags and washers tournaments, games all day and of course Beer.

Belvidere Kite Festival - Belvidere, IL - Sep 10, 2022
Prairie Fields Sports Park plays host to a family kite fly! Bring out the whole family for a day of kite fun – and you can bring, make, or buy a kite at the event, and FREE paper kite kits to the first 100 kids in attendance

OktoberWest - Itasca, IL - Sep 10, 2022
Celebrate the unofficial beginning of autumn with the annual international OktoberWest train crawl, coming to the Milwaukee West line. Go around the world, no passport required! With five bars ending at a German Oktoberfest street festival, it’s one of their most popular crawls.

Cafe 20 Oktoberfest - Marengo, IL - Sep 7 to Sep 11, 2022
15th annual. Authentic celebration with live music and German food and bier. Location: 756 Grant Highway, Marengo, Illinois.

Thanksgiving Eve at Howl at the Moon Chicago - Chicago, IL - Nov 24, 2021
Turkey is good, but booze is better! Celebrate the long holiday weekend with some live music, dancing and drinks, with featured drinks, games, dancing and a great night out!

Sullivan Oktoberfest - Sullivan, IL - Oct 22 to Oct 31, 2021
Includes beer tent, chili cook-off, 5K, Artoberfest & Wine Tasting, and free entertainment.

Autumn Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair – Villa Park - Villa Park, IL - Oct 21 to Oct 24, 2021
Canceled for 2022 due to sale of venue. Normally: Hundreds of artists and crafters, plus music, gift certificates, food and drink and more, with free parking.

Wizard World Comic Con Chicago - Rosemont, IL - Oct 15 to Oct 17, 2021

Oathtoberfest - Naperville, IL - Oct 9, 2021
Solemn Oath Brewing hosts an Oktoberfest Celebration with Wurst Kitchen. Food, music, and of course, beer!

Scarecrow Daze - Lake Shelbyville, IL - Oct 8 to Oct 9, 2021
Vendors, car show, pageant, parade, tot-rod pedal pull, dancing demos, cider press, kids’ activities, and more!

Ottawa Oktoberfest - Ottawa, IL - Sep 17, 2021
Oktoberfest will be held in downtown Ottawa for participants 21 and over. There will be live German music, German food, German beer and wine.

Firefighters Comic-Con - Springfield, IL - Nov 7, 2020
Held at the Firefighters Lake Club in Springfield, this event features one day of vendors from comic book and game shops, cosplay contests and more! Tickets are $2 for adults ($1 off for adults in cosplay costumes!) and children 12 and under are free.

Chicago Ideas Week - Chicago, IL - Oct 12 to Oct 17, 2019
The world’s largest affordable ideas festival comes to Chicago, with events taking place at Harris Theater, Venue SIX10, and MCA, covering topics that affect Chicago and beyond. Guests can hear from politicians, actors, writers, and many more.

Coal City Octoberfest - Coal City, IL - Oct 5, 2019
Annual event from 9 to 4 pm on South Broadway Street