As the leaves begin to color and the air turns crisp in Chicagoland, the excitement for fall festivals near me is just getting started. Celebrate the best of autumn with your family at Chicagoland’s best fall festivals.
Discover the vibrant scene of these exciting fall festivals, each offering unique experiences that make every weekend a celebration of the season. From family-friendly activities to seasonal treats, find out why our fall festivals are the highlight for the season.
This article was recently updated on Sept. 5, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager Katina Beniaris. The update included her adding more fall festival photos and other events. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.
Best fall festivals in Chicago
There are some great family-friendly Oktoberfests in Chicago. Lincoln Square also has an Oktoberfest in September and an Apple Fest in October. Check out other fall festivals in Chicago on our calendar.
German American Oktoberfest at Lincoln Square
Sept. 6-8, 2024
- Address: Lincoln Ave. and W. Leland Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free admission
The family-friendly festival features live bands, food, beer, wine, carnival games and more. The parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival at Burnham Park
Sept. 21, 2024
- Address: 1200-5700 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
A vibrant cultural showcase includes songs, instrumental performances, folk dances, Peking opera, and fashion shows. This event celebrates an important Asian festival where families reunite to honor the harvest, typically under a full moon.
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Sept. 27-Oct. 27, 2024 (select days)
- Address: Lincoln Ave. and W. Leland Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free admission
During the weekends and select holidays, celebrate fall at the zoo with seasonal decor, music, story times, professional pumpkin carving and more.
Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus Church
Sept. 27-29, 2024
- Address: 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10/suggested donation
Join in on the fun at one of Chicago’s most popular fall celebrations and all things Bavarian. There will be food, music and more.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
Oct. 5-6, 2024
- Address: Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Sunnyside, Chicago
- Cost: $5/suggested donation
Celebrate the beginning of fall at this annual event that features market vendors and apple items.
Best fall festivals in the North/Northwest Suburbs
For those looking for pumpkin events, the North/Northwest Suburbs have some good ones. You must check out The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest the weekend of Oct. 4-6. Find out more fall festivals in the North/Northwest Suburbs on our calendar.
Itasca Oktoberfest
Sept. 6-7, 2024
- Address: 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca
- Cost: Free admission
Enjoy German food, drinks, live music and entertainment and more.
Platzkonzert Germanfest at Hideaway Brew Garden & Bar
Sept. 6-8, 2024
- Address: 5510 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
- Cost: Free
This annual Oktoberfest-style celebration features authentic German food, Hofbrau beer, live music, free kids activities and more.
Elk Grove Village Oktoberfest
Sept. 20-21, 2024
- Address: 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village
- Cost: Free; purchase tickets for food and drinks
Enjoy traditional German food, games and activities, live music and so much more at the annual Elk Grove Village Oktoberfest Celebration.
Fall Festival/Oktoberfest
Sept. 20-21, 2024
- Address: Intersection of Emerson Street and Busse Avenue, Mount Prospect
- Cost: Free, fees for food
Oktoberfest features live entertainment with authentic German food and drinks. Plus, a kids spot on Saturday.
Huntley Fall Fest
Sept. 27-29, 2024
- Address: 12015 Mill St., Huntley
- Cost: Free admission
Enjoy carnival rides, beer garden, food vendors, lots of fall activities, live music and family fun at this fall festival. There will be a fireworks display Saturday night.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest & Skeleton Invasion
Oct. 4-6, 2024
- Address: Downtown Highland Park
- Cost: Free admission; fees for rides
You can expect carnival rides, pumpkin carving stations, live music, vendors, hayrides, pumpkin walls, contests and more.
Looking for more fall fun in Chicagoland? Check out these stories:
- Celebrate The Season at These Pumpkin Patches
- 5 Must-Try Fall Treats To Savor This Season
- Fall Adventures Await at These Apple Orchards
Best fall festivals in the South Suburbs
There are plenty of fall fests to check out with your kids in the South Suburbs. Make sure to go to Frankfort Fall Festival, Autumn in the Park Festival at Palos Park Village Green and Tinley Park Oktoberfest. Check out other fall festivals in the South Suburbs on our calendar.
Frankfort Fall Festival
Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: Kansas St. & White St., Frankfort
- Cost: Free admission; $10 donation/parking
This fall fest features over 300 artisans, live entertainment, a carnival, food, beverages and a parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Monee Fall Fest
Sept. 6-8, 2024
- Address: 5218 West Court St., Monee
- Cost: Free/admission, fees/rides
Enjoy live music, a car show, a carnival, a beer garden, food trucks, a parade, fireworks and more at this fall fest.
Autumn in the Park Festival at Palos Park Village Green
Sept. 20-21, 2024
- Address: 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park
- Cost: Free admission
This fall event includes a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, music, artisan and food vendors, face painting, bounce house and more.
Homewood Fall Fest
Sept. 21, 2024
- Address: Martin Avenue and Kroner Road, Homewood
- Cost: Free/admission, fees/rides
This annual fall festival offers live entertainment, craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, children’s activities and crafts.
Sept. 20-22, 2024
- Address: 18001 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park
- Cost: $10/entry to entertainment, food and beer tents (hand stamp does not allow access to the carnival; $20/20 ride tickets, $30-$35/unlimited ride wristband (carnival wristband allows access to Oktoberfest
This event resembles the traditional Oktoberfest held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, with food, drink, traditional dancing, a vendor fair, a carnival and more.
Best fall festivals in the Western Suburbs
If you’re looking to take your kids to experience an Oktoberfest this fall, take them to Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park Sept. 13-14. Also, check out St. Charles Scarecrow Festival Oct 11-13. Check out other fall festivals in the Western Suburbs on our calendar.
Fall Carnival at Prairie Point Community Park
Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2024
- Address: 4120 Plainfield Road, Oswego
- Cost: Free/admission, fees/rides
Come out to enjoy a fall carnival at Prairie Point Community Park. It’s a great way for families to end summetime.
Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park
Sept. 13-14, 2024
- Address: Between Marion Street and North Boulevard, south of Lake Street, Oak Park
- Cost: Free admission; fees for food
This annual fall festival features a premiere music lineup, specialty craft beers, delicious fall foods from local places and a Kids Root Beer Garden. The kids activities include hands-on activities, root beer floats, zucchini races, face painting and more.
Family Fall Fest at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace
Oct. 5, 2024
- Address: 511 S. York St., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free admission
Bring the family out to The Depot for Safety Town trick-or-treating plus fall festivities, games and food trucks.
The Last Straw at Gregg House Museum
Oct. 6, 2024
- Address: 115 S. Linden Ave., Westmont
- Cost: Free admission; fees for some activities
Enjoy lots of fall fun and family-friendly activities including pumpkin decorating, making a scarecrow, taking a hayride, listening to music, making crafts and more.
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Oct. 11-13, 2024
- Address: Route 64 and Fox River, St. Charles
- Cost: Free admission
See over 110 handmade scarecrows showcased around town and vote on your favorites. Also, check out the Family Zone which features photo ops, Scarecrow-to-Go and family activities.
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