Celebrate the official start of fall this weekend. Explore an apple orchard, spend time at a fall fest or plan your next weekend getaway. And we can’t wait for the leaves to start changing colors!
With Illinois in Phase 5, you can bet that more local attractions are reopening and the events are still rolling in. We’ve rounded up our favorite family-friendly events, activities and even date nights to check out this weekend.
Remember that if you’re leaving the house, be sure to wear a face covering indoors and heed social distancing requirements. Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Note: We’re updating our website as quickly as we can, but changes may occur due to COVID-19. Please double check before heading out for the most updated information on safety precautions and any last-minute cancellations.
Events
The city and suburbs continue to offer excellent options for family-friendly events. We picked some of our favorites going on this weekend below. Find even more events on our calendar.
Puerto Rican Festival
Sept. 25-26, 2021
- Address: Humboldt Park, 1400 N. Humboldt Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $10, free for kids 12 and under
The Puerto Rican Festival of Chicago is an inclusive nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting the culture, art and values of the Puerto Rican community through a celebration of customs from the island to the diaspora while honoring ancestors, elders, traditions and the work of the community. The fest features live art, a health fair, education area, artisan market, live music, community workshops and resources, sports clinics and films.
Long Grove Apple Fest
Sept. 24-26, 2021
- Address: 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
- Cost: $5, free for kids ages 12 and under
Enjoy the beautiful fall outdoor ambiance and free live music throughout the historic village. Get your apple fix on treats like brown bag apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, hot apple cider, caramel apple lattes and more. Plus, participate in free family activities, including a wide-variety of apple-themed games like the legendary apple pie eating contests.
Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus
Sept. 24-26, 2021
- Address: St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $5-$10
The annual neighborhood event features food, music and entertainment on three stages, arts crafts, and KinderFest with face paintings, storytelling, inflatables, dance parties and art activities on Saturday and Sunday.
Andersonville Homecoming
Sept. 24-26, 2021
- Address: Clark Street between Catalpa Avenue and Summerdale Avenue, Chicago
- Cost: $10 suggested donation
The event will feature live entertainment, local artisans and merchants, food and drink vendors, free kids’ activities and more.
Homewood Fall Fest
Sept. 25, 2021
- Address: Martin Avenue from Hickory Road to Ridge Road, Homewood
- Cost: Free admission
This festival features live entertainment for children and adults, food from local eateries, horse-drawn wagon rides, games, craft vendors and a pumpkin patch.
Blippi the Musical
Sept. 25, 2021
- Address: Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
- Cost: $34.50+
You and your family will enjoy singing dancing and making many new discoveries together at this live show.
Elim Dutch Festival
Sept. 25, 2021
- Address: 13020 S. Central Ave., Crestwood
- Cost: Free admission
The festival kicks off with a pannenkoek “pancake” breakfast at 7:30 a.m. After breakfast, sample Dutch and American cuisine from vendors, browse the Dutch Village shops (including a new children’s shop for 2021) and colorful farmers market. Plus, live entertainment. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities.
Destination Asia Festival
Sept. 25, 2021
- Address: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
- Cost: Included in general admission
Explore the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and more. Your family can enjoy diverse cultural performances and demonstrations, various shopping and art vendors and local food trucks.
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Sept. 25-26, 2021
- Address: Multiple sites across Hyde Park, Kenwood and Washington Park
- Cost: $5 donation suggested
The festival features the finest in local jazz and national and international jazz artists, diverse performance venues, outdoor dance floor, food/beverage vendors and picnic areas, artisan vendors and activities for kids.
Fall Fest
Sept. 26, 2021
- Address: Rehm Park, 515 Garfield St., Oak Park
- Cost: Free
Enjoy games, activities, slide, obstacle course, scavenger hunt, train rides and food vendors.
Around town
Spend the weekend exploring Chicagoland with your family with these ideas listed below. Find more things to do on our website.
- One of our favorite fall activities is getting lost in a corn maze! Luckily, there are some a-maze-ing mazes nearby that are worth the drive.
- Brookfield has a new resident! King Nyani is the largest bronze gorilla sculpture in the world and a great photo op for families.
- Some of Shedd Aquarium’s Extraordinary Experiences are back in-person. The encounters include penguins, belugas, sharks and more.
- This is your last weekend to walk around the interactive pop-up, Van Gogh for All. The experience is open through Sept. 26.
At-home fun
If your family wants to stay at home this weekend, you can try streaming a new kids’ show or virtually visit your favorite Chicagoland location.
- Wondering what to do with all your apples from your recent orchard trip? Here are some apple recipes and activities to try this fall.
- All eight Harry Potter movies are now streaming on HBO Max. Watch from the beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and then check these kids’ activities inspired by the first film.
- Get your family in a creative mood with these fantastic fall crafts for kids. Our favorite craft might be the pumpkin pie play dough!
Parents only
Photo Credit: Brookfield Zoo
Treat yourself to a night out! Consider these following ideas for a date night or a day out with friends.
- Walk around about 60 light-based sculptures at the new Neon and Light Museum in downtown Chicago.
- Enjoy a trip to Brookfield Zoo without the kids at its Oktoberfest on Sept. 25-26. You can get beer, bratwurst and pretzels while listing to live polka music.
- It’s your last weekend to enjoy Chicago Gourmet‘s monthlong program. Check out their upcoming events.
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