Fall into Autumn with These Festive Activities
Fall is officially here, and fortunately there’s no shortage of fun activities to make the most of the season. Whether you’re in the mood for antiquing, sipping warm apple cider, picking pumpkins or watching football, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace all things autumn in the Chicagoland area.
Northwestern Football Game – Evanston
September thru December | The excitement of Big Ten sports is just within reach. Don your purple and white and embrace the spirit of fall when you attend a game at Ryan Field.
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo – Chicago
September 27 – October 27 | Enjoy quintessentially fall-time attractions such as a pumpkin patch, corn maze, Ferris wheel, carousel, musical entertainment and animals. The event is free and open to all ages. Certain attractions require tickets, which are available for purchase at the zoo.
Winnetka Fall Festival – Winnetka
September 28 | Come together with neighbors and friends as you welcome fall at one of Winnetka’s largest events. There will be music, inflatables, drinks, food and free ice cream to help you celebrate.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival – Highwood
October 11 – 13 | Experience the charm of the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival, where festival-goers and community members attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most pumpkins carved and lit at once. The event also features kid-friendly activities, live music and food and drinks.
Scarecrow Fest – St. Charles
October 11 – 13 | See over 150 hand-crafted scarecrows in downtown St. Charles. The annual festival will have live entertainment, food, activities, an arts and crafts show and more. There is even an opportunity to stuff and dress your own scarecrow.
Family Fall Fest – Elmhurst
October 12 | Pop on your Halloween costume and head to Wild Meadows Trace Park for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, fall games and food trucks. There will also be an inflatable corn maze obstacle course and an inflatable circus train for younger attendees.
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns – Glencoe
October 16 – 20 and October 23-27 | Head to the Chicago Botanic Garden to see over 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns light up the night. The unforgettable experience is made even better with live carvings, a ghostly train, entertaining characters and beverages.
Open House Chicago – Chicago
October 19 – 20 | Get free behind-the-scenes access to over 250 buildings throughout Chicago. The festival includes tours of skyscrapers, repurposed mansions and more.
Pumpkin Flotilla Fest – Glen Ellyn
October 20 | Visit Lake Ellyn Park for live entertainment, activities and games at Pumpkin Flotilla Fest. The unique event features a pumpkin carving demonstration, bounce houses and canoe rides and ends with the lit Pumpkin Flotilla at dusk.
Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show – Winnetka
November 8 – 10 | Discover unique pieces from hand-selected dealers at this show, which offers customers an array of antique and modern items that are on the cutting-edge of design trends.
