Unforgettable Fall Festivals for Families in Chicagoland

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.

Best fall festivals in Chicagoland

Frankfort Fall Festival

Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2025

• Address: Kansas and White streets, Frankfort
• Cost: Free admission; $10 donation/parking

This fall fest features over 300 artisans, live entertainment, carnival rides, food, beverages and a parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

German American Oktoberfest at Lincoln Square

Sept. 5-7, 2025

• Address: 4521 Lincoln 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.

Monee Fall Fest

Sept. 5-7, 2025

• 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. 19-20, 2025

• Address: 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park
• Cost: Free admission

This fall event includes a parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, music, artisan and food vendors, kids crafts, face painting and more. 

Elk Grove Village Oktoberfest

Sept. 19-20, 2025

• 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. 19-20, 2025

• 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.

Tinley Park Oktoberfest

Sept. 19-21, 2025 

• Address: 18001 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park
• Cost: $10/entry to Oktoberfest; fees for rides

This event resembles the traditional Oktoberfest held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, with food, drink, traditional dancing, a vendor fair, a carnival and more.

Huntley Fall Fest

Sept. 26-28, 2025

• 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 firework display on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Oaktoberfest in Downtown Oak Park

Sept. 26-27, 2025

• 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, balloon twisting, face painting and more.

Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus Church

Sept. 26-28, 2025

• Address: 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago
• Cost: $5-$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. 3-5, 2025

• 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.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest & Skeleton Invasion

Oct. 3-5, 2025

• Address: Downtown Highland Park
• Cost: Free admission; fees for rides

You can expect carnival rides, pumpkin carving stations, live music, vendors, trick-or-treating, pumpkin walls, contests and more.

Family Fall Fest at The Depot at Wild Meadows Trace

Oct. 4, 2025

• 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.

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

Oct. 10-12, 2025               

• 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. 

This article was recently updated on July 11, 2025, by Chicago Parent content writer Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding and updating fall festivals to the events calendar. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com. 

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