This weekend
Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 31, at 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove, and 40 W. Higgins in South Barrington. Both locations have animals, mazes, wagon rides, pig races and more. See websites for hours. Oktoberfest at Pingree Grove Friday through Sunday features music from Semple Band, Two Hype Crew and more plus fireworks on Friday and Saturday. General admission tickets are $17 on weekdays; $20 on weekends, including Oktoberfest. $12 seniors and free for kids 2 and younger. Some activities cost extra. goebbertspumpkinpatch.com for Pingree Grove and or goebbertspumpkinfarm.com for South Barrington.
Touch-A-Truck: 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 17, in the Eastside Community Center parking lot, 14 N. Van Buren, Batavia. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to get up close with vehicles like a fire truck, tractor, dump truck, bus, limousine, police car and more. Parental supervision is required. Free. bataviaparks.org
Chalk Howard Street: Virtually at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Featuring 3-D chalk artist Nate Baranowski, the festival will demonstrate the creation of 3-D chalk art for the virtual sessions, which will be released via Howard Street’s Instagram page, @HowardStreetChicago, and will culminate in an in-person live chalk art drawing session on Saturday, Oct. 16. howardstreetchicago.com.
Riot Fest: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 17-19, at Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, Chicago. An eclectic mix of punk, rock, alternative, metal, hip-hop and throwback favorites. $124.98 plus fees for single-day passes; VIP, Deluxe and Ultimate packages also available at riotfest.org.
Aurora Greek Fest: Noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at St. Athanasios Church, 1855 E. Fifth Ave., Aurora. Features a variety of Greek food and pastries available for dine-in or carryout, plus a beer garden. (630) 851-6106 or saintathanasios.com/.
Downers Grove Oktoberfest: 3-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and noon to 6 p.m. (Oktoberfest) and 7-11 p.m. (ticketed event) Saturday, Sept. 18, in the train station parking lot, 5001 Main St., Downers Grove. Fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 features German food, beverages and live bands. From 1-5 p.m. Saturday, a Kids Zone will feature face painting, glitter tattoos, a petting zoo, crafts and more. Sebastian Bach, the original voice of Skid Row, performs at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Limited tickets cost $25. Other music includes The Lounge Puppets at 9 p.m. Friday and TKO Acoustics at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Brat-eating contest between Downers Grove North and South at 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 for 18 and older; $15 with a beer stein for 21 or older; $5 for seniors. Kids 17 and younger with a paying adult and active military and veterans with military ID admitted free. www.58foundation.net/oktoberfest.
Glendale Heights Oktoberfest: 5 p.m. to midnight Fridays, noon to midnight Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m. Sundays, and 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Sept. 17-26, at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. The ninth festival will feature authentic German food and Oktoberfest beer imported from Munich’s Hofbräu Brewery. Features strolling German oompah entertainers, live music, a pumpkin patch, a plant sale, vendors and more. $5 for adults after 5 p.m.; free for kids 16 and younger. glendaleheightsoktoberfest.com.
Lisle Library’s Fall Fest: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, in the library’s east parking lot, 777 Front St., Lisle. This all-ages event features a petting zoo, autumn crafts, churros from the Churros Y Chocolate Food Truck and more. Free. lislelibrary.org.
Naper Nights: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Of Perception (The Doors tribute band) performs at 6 p.m. and Rocks Off (Rolling Stones tribute band) headlines at 8 p.m. Friday. Paradise Waits (Grateful Dead tribute band) plays at 6 p.m. and the Runaway Gin (Phish tribute band) performs at 8 p.m. Saturday. $15, $10 for kids 4-12, and free for members. Order tickets at napersettlement.org/236/Naper-Nights.
Palatine Oktoberfest: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 17; noon to midnight Saturday, Sept. 18; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Smith and Slade streets, Palatine. A traditional keg-rolling ceremony kicks off the fest at 5 p.m. Friday. Authentic German food, beer and entertainment. Family Day activities on Saturday afternoon. Free admission. facebook.com/palatineoktoberfest.
Tinley Park Oktoberfest: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17; 1-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18; and 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at the 80th Avenue Train Station, 18001 80th Ave., Tinley Park. German food, music, carnival and vendor fair. tinleychamber.org.
Big Rock Plowing Match Festival: 5:15-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17; 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Plowman’s Park, 48W508 Hinckley Road, Big Rock. Bicycle parade, music, horse show, junior fair, ladies fair, vegetable and grain show, craft, art and vendor show, Prince and Princess contest, bags tournament, watermelon-eating contest and more. Free admission and parking. www.facebook.com/bigrockplowingmatch or bigrockplowingmatch.com/schedule/.
Des Plaines Fall Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18; and noon to 7 p.m. (carnival until 8 p.m.) Sunday, Sept. 19, at Lake Park, Lee Street between Howard and Touhy avenues, Des Plaines. Food, carnival, live music, car show, KidZone, Des Plaines History Center tent and more. Music from Dancing Queen at 6:30 p.m. and Semple Band at 9 p.m. Friday, Generation at 6:30 p.m. and Bella Cain at 9 p.m. Saturday, and Hi Infidelity at 2:15 p.m. and Carbon Leaf at 5:15 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. fallfestdesplaines.com.
Elk Grove Village Oktoberfest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. Traditional German food, games, activities, music and more. Free admission. elkgrove.org/oktoberfest.
West Dundee Heritage Fest: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, in downtown West Dundee. Highlights include a business expo Friday through Sunday; fireworks at 8 p.m. Friday over the Fox River; music from Modern Day Romeos at 9 p.m. Friday and Hi Infidelity at 9 p.m. Saturday on the main stage downtown; food and drinks; Lions Heritage Fest 5K along the Fox River at 8 a.m. Saturday; art and craft fair on Saturday and Sunday along the Riverwalk; a car show on Saturday and Sunday on South Second Street; and a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. Sunday in downtown. wdundeeheritagefest.org.
Didier Farms Pumpkinfest: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, at Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Road, Lincolnshire. Pick out a pumpkin and check out camel and pony rides, a burlap sack slide and pig races. Free admission; charge for individual activities. didierfarms.com/pumpkinfest.
Fall Park Pride Day: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Army Trail Nature Center, 270 N. Lombard Road, Addison. Show your hometown pride and participate in the beautification and sprucing up of Addison parks. addisonparks.org.
Family Friendly Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale. Starts with a cruise around the village from 9:30-10 a.m. Car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes, food, live music and more. Free. www.Hinsdale.Church.
The Shades of Autumn Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, at Stades Farm and Market, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Petting zoos, hay bale climbing, a giant sandbox and a 2-acre corn maze. Tickets are $20, $15 for those 65 and older. A season pass is $50. stadesfarmandmarket.com/. 60th Anniversary on the Farm: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. Includes a barrel train, vendors, live music from ’60s tribute band The Rockets, crafts and games, an inflatable, food and beer tent, raffle, tractors, a DJ, painting class and more. $15 for kids; $8 for adults. lambsfarm.org.
Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday from Saturday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 31, at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road, Aurora. Check out pumpkins, a 12-acre corn maze and other attractions. $14 weekdays; $18 weekends and holidays; free for kids 2 and younger. abbeyfarms.org.
Artfest Michigan Avenue: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, at 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Showcases the work of 70 juried artists. Reservations encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. Free. amdurproductions.com.
Farm Frolic: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. Families can check out a pumpkin patch, straw maze, petting zoo, tractor display, historic demonstrations, pony rides and more. $10; free for kids 1 and younger. primrosefarm.org.
Fiestas Patrias: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at St. Joseph’s Parish, 114 N. Lincoln Ave., Round Lake. Celebration of Mexican independence featuring a food court, live music, the “Queen of Fiesta Patrias” beauty pageant and family activities. The parade steps off at noon Sunday from Cedar Lake Road and Golfview Drive, traveling down Cedar Lake Road to the Metra parking lot next to A-Tire. stjosephchurchrl.com/.
Gorton’s Annual Dog Day: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18, at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Enjoy activities with your dog including games, crafts for kids, dog agility course, a costume contest, treats and more. $5 per dog. gortoncenter.org.
Great Food Expo, Chicago: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept 18, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Sept. 19, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Specialty, gourmet and ethnic foods, beverages, cookware, celebrity chefs and hundreds of pop-up shops. $5. eventbrite.com/e/88908913955.
Riverwalk Fine Art Fair: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, on Jackson Street next to the Riverwalk, between Main and Eagle streets, Naperville. More than 100 juried artists will display their works. Free admission. napervilleartleague.com.
Sonny Acres Fall Fest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago. Pumpkin patch, kiddie rides, petting zoo, food and beverages, pony rides and more. (630) 231-3859 or sonnyacres.com/.
Whispering Hills Fall Festival: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Whispering Hills Garden & Landscape Center, 8401 S. Illinois Route 31, Cary. Free activities, art and craft goods fair, food and live entertainment. Bring packaged food items to be donated to Crystal Lake Food Pantry. www.whisperinghillsnursery.com.
Pup-kin Fest @ Canine Campus: 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18, at Canine Campus, 18200 84th Ave., Tinley Park. Dog costume contest, free raffles and more. Free. www.tinleyparkdistrict.org.
Autumn Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Pony rides, family activities, children’s games, crafts, a birds of prey demonstration, music, petting zoo and pumpkins for sale. www.genevaparks.org.
Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, on Southport between Addison and Roscoe, Chicago. Mexican street food, beers, live entertainment, Latin music, kids’ zone, Lucha Libre-style Mexican wrestling match at 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and more. Music from 16 Candles at 8 p.m. and The Docksiders at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and from Stache at 7 p.m. and Boy Band Review at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $10 suggested donation benefits the Friends of Lakeview. chicagoevents.com/events/lakeviewtacofest/.
Naperville Hispanic Heritage Festival: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, in downtown Naperville. Special events throughout downtown, including a bilingual storytime at Nichols Library, community-made art pieces and Frida Kahlo-style painting stations, scavenger hunts and music in Central Park. Free. napervillesistercitiesfoundation.org.
Deer Park Food Truck Series: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Food trucks will be located in front of Pottery Barn and Kendra Scott. Free admission and parking. For a food truck lineup, see shopdeerparktowncenter.com.
Lisle Depot Days: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, at The Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., Lisle. Featuring pioneer demonstrations, handled pony rides, petting farm, high wheel bicycles, Civil War Field Hospital, antique tractors and cars, games and model train. Free. www.villageoflisle.org.
Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Elmhurst History Museum Grounds, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Features beer, cider and seltzer from over 50 craft and microbreweries, along with music by Moonshine Brothers and Petty Cash. Benefits Elmhurst History Museum and Churchville Schoolhouse. $50-$65. elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.
Grayslake Craft Beer Festival: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, in downtown Grayslake. More than 40 different craft beers and food pairings from local restaurants. Ticket price includes admission, unlimited samples and a commemorative glass. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. grayslakebeerfest.com.
It’s Our River Day: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, in Cornish Park, 101 S. Harrison St., Algonquin. Learn about local environmental, conservation and outdoor groups. Sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the Village of Algonquin. Free. algonquin.org.
Rak-O Family Fall Fest: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Gail Borden Library Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin. Pumpkins, scarecrows and games. Free. gailborden.info.
Jurassic Fest: 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora. Dinosaur-inspired games, crafts, inflatables and more. For kids 4-10. $10 in advance, $12 the day-of. www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
Neighborhood Block Party: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. A block party featuring games, music and food. All are welcome. Free. holytrinityelgin.com.
Autumn Fest: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Central Park West, 1500 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. Children’s entertainment from 2-3:30 p.m. with a DJ, juggler, face painter, carnival games, arts and crafts, hayrides and more. Feel Good Party Band performs from 3:30-5 p.m. Food, beer, and wine available for purchase. At 1:30 p.m., there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the north area of Central Park to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 construction. www.obparks.org/special-events/autumn-fest.
Concert in the Park: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Mar Caribe, an instrumental seven-piece band from Chicago, will perform. Free. Registration is required. glenviewpl.org.
Historic Wagner Farm 20th Anniversary: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. Crafts, wagon rides, live music, tractor parade, “cow chip bingo” and more. $5 in advance, $7 at the door. (847) 657-1506 or glenviewparks.org/events.
Penrose Oktoberfest: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Penrose Brewing, 509 Stevens St., Geneva. Stein drinking, live music and more. $5. penrosebrewing.com.
Aurora Water Lantern Festival: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at River Edge Park, 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora. Food trucks, games, activities, vendors, music and thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of love, hope and dreams reflected upon the water. Tickets, which include a floating lantern kit, are $25.99 for adults, $11.99 for kids 8-14, and free for kids 7 and younger. www.waterlanternfestival.com/aurora.php.
Alter Fest 2021: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Alter Brewing Co., 2300 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 213, Downers Grove. Music from Decadents and Mojo; food from Dope Sandwich, Dan’s Pizza, and Smilin’ Clydes; 30 types of beer; an experimental station; barrel-aged goodies; and Bob’s Photo Booth Bus. $30 includes two beer tickets. www.eventbrite.com.
Elgin Short Film Festival: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Six short films will be shown and winners will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges. Audience members will cast their votes for their favorite film. Chamber Music on the Fox will perform. $9-$10. www.cityofelgin.org.
Navy Pier Fall Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Navy Pier, Chicago. Fireworks are visible from across the pier. navypier.org.
Fox Valley Marathon: 6:50 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, starting at 1st and Illinois streets, St. Charles. Run the Fox Valley Marathon, Half Marathon, Fall Final 20 or Fox Valley 5K along the Fox River. Or do a virtual run through Sept. 30. Marathon is $160, 20 miles is $140, half marathon is $135 and the 5K is $55. www.fv26.com.
Bloody Mary Fest: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. The 11th annual fest features Bloody Marys from local vendors, craft beer, food, artisan vendors, live music and more. Mixologists compete for the title of Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest starting at 2 p.m. celebratehighwood.org/.
Cantigny Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, in the Cantigny Park south parking lot, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. View a variety of vintage autos, trucks and motorcycles, plus there will be entertainment, food trucks, and a jewelry and accessories show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with $10 parking fee. cantigny.org/event/cantigny-car-show/.
Vintage Garage in Evanston: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Vintage Garage Chicago, 1800 Maple Ave., 5th Floor, Evanston. Vendors show vintage home furnishings and decor, fashion, accessories and jewelry. $6. www.vintagegaragechicago.com.
Two Brothers Roundhouse Oktoberfest 2021: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to close Sunday, Sept. 19, at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Steins of beer, live oompah music, German food and more. twobrothersbrewing.com.
Deerfield Historical Society’s Fall Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Deerfield Historic Village, 517 Deerfield Road, Deerfield. Activities, exhibits, craft show and historic buildings tours. www.deerfieldhistoricalsociety.org.
Shermer Fest: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Classic car and truck display; live music; mum sale; downtown tours from 12:15-3:15 p.m.; Cow Pie Moo-lette at 1:30 p.m.; Northbrook Rotary Rubber Ducky Race at 2:30 p.m. Free. nothbrookhistory.org.
Fallapalooza: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Heritage Park, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Music from Jennifer Fletcher & The Reckoning, plus a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables and airbrush tattoos. Food and refreshments available for purchase. Free admission. www.wheelingparkdistrict.com.
Family Fall Fest: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at the Parkway Bank Park entertainment district, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Family-friendly fest features bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo and more. The children’s band ScribbleMonster will perform. Free admission. parkwaybankpark.com.
Wheeling Park District Fallapalooza: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Live music, pony rides, petting zoo, air brush tattoos, inflatables, food trucks, beverages and more. Free. (847) 465-3333 or www.wheelingParkdistrict.com.
This week
Wonderful World of Wheels: 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 20, in the Whole Foods parking lot, 2607 W. 75th St., Naperville. Children can explore community vehicles including firetrucks, tractors, school buses and more. Free. (630) 848-5000 or www.napervilleparks.org.
Cruise Nights at Willow Creek: 5-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington. View vintage, classic, custom, muscle, and antique cars and trucks, plus music and food. Meal coupons will be given out to the first 100 participants. Free. www.willowcreek.org.
A Summer of Classic Cars: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. Cool cars and hot food. Freewill offering for food and drinks. cvlutheran.org.
Sonic Pavilion Festival: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. A series of 30-channel sound installations for the spatialized overhead trellis loudspeaker array. Compositions use the entire surface of the system, resulting in an immersive canopy of sound. Featured artists include Whitney Johnson, Kioto Aoki, Natalie Chami, I Gusti Ngurah Kertayuda with Bill Parod, Kitundu, and Stephan Moore. ess.org/sonic-pavilion-fest.
Party in the Park: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at Gilbert Park, Downers Grove. Entertainment, activities and more to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Downers Grove Park District. Preregistration is required at www.dgparks.org.