Fall is a big season! It’s full of rich colors, robust flavors and so many festive events that it’s hard to find a place to even start looking for some thing to do. So here it is folks! Lake County’s guide to fall. From pumpkin patches to family friendly festivals and haunted houses… fall into autumn with Lake County.
Scroll down and get info on Pumpkin Patches, Popular Festivals and Events, Community Fall Festivals, Unique Events, Oktoberfests and Halloween Festivities!
Take a free wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch (behind the corn maze) and find tiny gourds of all colors and of course… pumpkins of all kinds including red, white, blue, warty, flattened, and classic Halloween Orange. Plus, see some of the giant pumpkins that can grow bigger than 50 pounds! You can spend a whole day at Richardson Adventure farm and STILL not do everything! And by everything, we're talking pig races, zip lining, ORBiting, bonfires, hayrides, a petting zoo and more.
Richardson Adventure Farm, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove
Saturday, October 4 – Sunday, October 26, Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Choose from thousands of farm-grown pumpkins and find one of a kind varieties! Shop for festive decorations including corn stalks, straw bales, hay, and gourds while savoring some taffy apples and refreshments available for purchase. Take a horse drawn or tractor hayride for $2 per person, a pony rides for $10 per person, and explore the children's Spooky Hayloft for $2 per child (free for parents) and meet plenty of animals who love snacks! Also enjoy face painting, refreshments and a haunted barn. Patch 22, 15900 Kelly Road, Wadsworth.
Kroll’s Harvest Farm Take a hay ride tour of a real life, working farm to help you get in the fall spirit! See the newest members to the farm… including one baby goat and alpacas (South American animals that resemble llamas only smaller). Fan Favorite goat Skittles will be in attendance to say hello. The Waukegan farm is famous for the variety of colors and sizes of pumpkins.
Let's not forget their state of the art that the corn maze. The Kroll family creates the maze entirely by hand from designing the map, to the pulling of the stalks. See if you have the savviness and gumption to conquer this difficult maze. Don't worry, there are plenty of emergency exits for bathroom breaks or breaks in general.
Their son, Dylan Kroll is the winner of our 'I Love Lake County Song Search,' with his song Lake County, the Bounty of Illinois. Maybe he'll be available there to sing you a tune or two.
Click below to see the music video that has gone viral.
Opens September 18 Monday-Thursday: 12pm-8pm, Friday: 12pm-10pm, Saturday: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 10am-6pm Kroll's Farm, 13236 W. Town Line Road, Waukegan
Bring the family out for this annual fall festival. Hayrides, pony rides, camel rides. Children's kiddie rides, exotic petting zoo, Parakeet exhibit, corn maze, concessions, Pig Races(weekends only). Be sure to visit Grandma D.’s Bake Shop for the best pies, cookies, and fudge. Homemade apple cider, fresh made kettle korn and pumpkin donuts also available. September 19 – October 31, Everyday – Monday thru Sunday – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire
Apple Picking at Heinz OrchardA small and family owned orchard, their season opens Sept. 12 for McIntosh apples. Because this is an independent business and it’s dependent on crops, the best idea is to call ahead of time. As of now, they are open some weekends depending on the crop. 1050 Crest Rd., Green Oaks, IL, 847.770.3449
Saturday, September 26- Sunday, November 1 Fridays; 5pm-11pm, Saturdays: 11am-12am, Sundays: 11am-9pm
It's Thrills by Day, Chills by Night at Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®. Six Flags Great America will be totally transformed into a Halloween playground, Fridays - Sundays & Columbus Day. Have a ghoulish good time with 6 weeks of terror, 6 fantastic live shows, electrifying street entertainment and 6 thrilling haunted houses. Plus, experience all the rides in the dark. There will also be a special trick-or-treat trail just for kids
September 26 - October 31; Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm, Saturday: 8am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm
Come out and enjoy the fall weather with the family. Go for a ride on the barrel train, pick out some pumpkins, fall decor, and mums, jump in the moomwalks, and visit with the animals in the petting zoo. Also find a way through the straw maze. Open daily from September 26 - October 31. Wristbands cover petting zoo, straw maze and moonwalks.
Country Bumpkin, Gilmer & Hawley Streets, Mundelein.
Long Grove Apple Fest Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 10 p.m, Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come out for a fun-filled weekend of live entertainment, music, shopping and fine dining throughout this charming, historic village. This is a great event filled with activities for the whole family including pony rides, kiddie rides and face painting. Restaurants and specialty shops will feature a wide variety of apple-inspired treats for all to enjoy. Plan to welcome the beautiful fall season at Long Grove’s Apple Fest 2015.
Come out to Downtown Grayslake on Saturdays for the Fall/Winter Farmers Market. The market will offer seasonal produce, baked goods, wine and cheeses, spices, organic selections, ready-to-eat food, live entertainment and much more. For more details and vendors please visit the website.
Volo Auto Musuem Hayrides and Maze Saturday, October 4, - Sunday, October 26 Saturdays and Sunday from October 4th through October 26th, enjoy the True Hauntings of the Volo Auto Museum, free hayrides and kid's maze with admission. Friendly and fun to all ages, see movie scene favorites like the real life Batmobile, Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine and hundreds more! Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo
Fall Bulb Festival at Chicago Botanic Garden Saturday, October 3 – Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. On the Esplanade, visitors can sip cider, wine, and beer, while listening to live music and shopping among more than 20 of the Garden's favorite local vendors. Have a hot dog or a soft pretzel, and enjoy the best of the fall harvest. Taste mouth-watering salsas, herbs, and vegetables. Bring home gourmet foods including baked goods, cheeses, and honey. Shop for pumpkins, pottery, soaps, and more. Children can navigate the straw bale maze, enjoy the amazing gourd display, and drop in for such family activities. Admission is free, parking fees apply.
Great Highwood Pumpkin FestivalFriday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11 Fri 4-9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Once again, the festival will be packed with daily events, vendors galore, live music, hay rides, pony rides, pumpkin carving, massive pumpkin displays, nightly pumpkin lighting, a parade, 5K/10K Pumpkin run and so much more.
The free festival will feature pony rides, scarecrow, pumpkin and cookie decorating, games, and inflatable games for the kids. Bob the DJ will be on hand to delight the crowd with his special costume and favorite spooky songs. We will also be grilling a variety of food available for purchase. Materials for scarecrows will be provided, and festival goers can bring clothing and accessories to personalize their creation. Then the scarecrows will be displayed around town and vote for the best one by October 31.
Memorial Park, 311 S. Hough St., Barrington.
Lambs Farm Fall Farmyard Open till November 1 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Lambs Farm Farmyard will open on daily through November 1. Come and enjoy Lambs Farm's famous Farmyard. Meet Miss Wiggles, the 450-pound pig with an affinity for Bavarian Crème donuts and Oreo Cookies® and meet all of the new miniature animals, including Levi the miniature horse. Climb into the petting zoo with goats, sheep and lambs. Check out the llamas, alpacas, cows, horses, ducks and more. Enjoy a ride on the old-fashion carousel or the train. Then challenge friends and family to a round of mini golf! Farmyard memberships are available. Day passes for all activities available for $8 for adults and $12 for children 2-12.
Participants will be able to Eat, Shop & Be Merry during the Champagne, Cordials & Chocolate Holiday Walk. Enjoy numerous chocolate delicacies while sipping champagne throughout Downtown Antioch participating businesses. The walk includes tastings at each location, a keepsake glass, in-store surprises and drawings, a certificate for a bottle of champagne, plus there will be 4 Winners of Antioch Chamber Gift Certificates. Check-in anytime for a Walking Map & bag at the Antioch Chamber Office between 12-1 pm. Tickets go on sale September 19th. Only 300 tickets will be sold.
Family Fall Festivals by Community
Fall is one of the best time of year, that's why you should gander to a family, fun-filled fall festival in one of our communities (sorry I just love alliteration). These autumn adventures are conveniently located in communities around Lake County. You can expect things like live music, fall themed activities and delicious food from local vendors available for purchase. Don't just go to win of these festivals that's cascaded with autumn aura, because each event is completely unique and offers something one-of-a-kind! All of these events include FREE admission and include options!
ARTumn Harvest Art Festival Deer Park Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13; Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Deer Park Town Center, Rand Rd & Long Grove Rd., Deer Park
Fall Festival Pig Roast Saturday, September 26; 6-10 p.m.Wadsworth Park, 14155 W. Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth
Farm Heritage FestivalCelebrate farm life with Border Collie sheep herding, antique vehicle display and two days of ongoing, family friendly entertainment. Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Rd., Waukegan
1st Annual Harvest & Harmony Fest Friday-Saturday, October 2-3; Fri 4-9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Ravinia District - Jens Jensen Park, Along Roger Williams Avenue, Highland Park.
Fox Lake Family Fall FestLakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake
Vernon Hills Fall Fest Friday, October 30, 6 – 9 p.m. Vernon Hills Park District Sullivan Community Center 635 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills
Unique Events
CROCtoberfest at Wildlife Discovery Center During this fun-filled event for all ages, meet live crocodiles, including Bubba the world famous American Alligator who will be on hand until 2pm. The expert staff and members of the Chicago Herpetological Society and the Madison Area Herpetological Society will give short talks about crocodiles and their kin, including some of our very own residents while also providing some close up encounters with a variety of reptiles. There will also be here will also be kid-friendly activities, face painting, a story teller, craft vendors, food and refreshments.
Pumpkin Launch in Vernon HillsSaturday, November 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Grab the gourds and head over to the Sled Hill at Century Park (north end). We'll be rolling, launching, and smashing pumpkins! Jason Rush from the Vernon Hills High School Science Department built the Park District a trebuchet, so be sure to save the pumpkins to launch! There will also be other pumpkin-related activities. Cost is $4 per pumpkin and free for spectators.
Century Park Sled Hill, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
Volo Auto Museum Fall Events So much more than cars, Volo Auto Museum has endless fun for the family. See hundreds of movie cars and displays from Disney favorites. Enjoy some of their fun fall events, that create a unique and memorable experience for everyone.
Free Car CorralSaturday, October 3 Bring a quality collector car or truck and sell it for free. No beaters or restoration projects. Register the car before September 26th to see if it qualifies for a guaranteed cash offer. The driver and passenger of a qualified collector car for sale will also get free admission to the museum and a free lunch. Other passengers are subject to regular admission. Rain date October 4th.
Knight Rider EventSaturday, October 10 Hello K.I.T.T. Can you hear me? You may not see David Hassellhoff, but Come out to the museum on October 10th and get a picture in K.I.T.T from the hit 80's TV Series Knight Rider. Regular admission applies. Senior Admission: $12.95 Adult Admission: $14.95 Child Admission: $8.95
Meet Detective Switek from Miami ViceSaturday, October 17There's a Meet & Greet with Michael Talbott, Detective Switek of Miami Vice. Get a free 8 x 10 photo and take a picture with him. Free with admission to the museum. Buy tickets online before September 17th and get 1/2 off. Use code VICE. Then stay and see what's new at the museum.
Back to the Future Event Saturday, October 24 Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads. Its the anniversary for Back to the Future with this event. Don't be chicken and get a picture taken with the DeLorean Time Machine. There will a live broadcast from STAR 105.5 and the BTF Baseball Contest winner will be announced. Who knows? Maybe the Cubbies will be in the World Series.
Meet SvengoolieSaturday, October 31Just in time for Halloween, the man from Berrrrrrwyyyyyn will be in Voooolooo. Dodge rubber chickens as you participate in a meet and greet with Svengoolie.
Oktoberfests
We’re talking all of the favorites here! From Lederhosen and accordions to Hefeweizen and beer steins, Oktoberfest is ALL about the food, the dancing... and yes… the (ever so responsibly consumed) beverages. But it’s so much more than beer gardens. In Lake County, a lot of our Oktoberfests include day long celebrations full of family activities like petting zoos, pumpkin painting, crafts and tasty treats for the kiddos. So get ready to dine on some schnitzel, eat a pretzel and savor some sauerkraut this fall because Oktoberfest is coming to Lake County!
Fun Facts: Oktoberfest is held in Munich, Germany and is a 16 day long funfest, where only the finest beers, adhering to Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian Beer Purity Law) are followed.
Ich bin ein Oktoberfester! -Translation: I am an Oktoberfester!
Rain or Shine enjoy this indoor and outdoor Oktoberfest! There will be non-stop music, great food and drink and a lot of fun. German dancers will perform charming Bavarian routines and you can join in on the large dance floor in the middle. Plus, free parking! German/American Cultural Center 259 West Grand Ave., Lake Villa, IL
Oktoberfest, Antique Tractor Show & Free Hayrides. Join in the celebration of Long Grove's heritage by enjoying authentic German food, Oktoberfest beer tents, live entertainment featuring German bands, free hayrides throughout town, and more.
Lindy’s Landing Oktoberfest Come out for Lindy's 8th Annual Oktoberfest. There will be a German Buffet, music, beer and wine tasting, beer hall and Tri-BEER-athon. There is a $5 admission into the beer hall.
Join Libertyville for a night of fun during the annual street dance featuring an Octoberfest theme. Enjoy live music, food, friends, fun, and everyone's favorite beverages in downtown Libertyville. The big top will be rockin' all night.
This all day events begins with an Arts, Crafts and Vendor Fair and plenty of activities for the family. From 10am-5pm enjoy hayrides, carnival games, competitive games, arts and crafts, pony hops and grilled food and beverages. At 4pm the Hofbrau opens which will include German and grilled food, craft beer, and live entertainment.
St. Matthew Luthern Church & School, 24500 N. Old McHenry Rd., Hawthorn Woods.
Fox Lake Oktoberfest This adult only festival will include live entertainment, food and beer all under a tent at the park. Bring friends and neighbors for a fun night of dancing and laughing! Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake
For a night of free crafts, pumpkin painting, live entertainment, petting zoo, raffles, inflatable activities and much more, join the festivities at Vernon Hills Oktoberfest . Food and drinks for this event will be prepared and sold by local not-for-profit organizations. Try the brats, burgers, hot dogs, taffy apples and much more. Please visit the website for more information and updates. Vernon Hills Metra Station, 75 Route 45, Vernon Hills
Halloween Festivals (the not-to-scary kind)
BOOO! Seriously though it's not the terrifying type of Halloween Fests. The littlest goblins in your bunch will be ready to trick and/or treat! Enjoy crafts like pumpkin painting, bonfires, games, and costume contests… just to name a few!
Volo Bog Haunted Trails Saturday, October 10; 5 p.m., Ages +5 Starting with the haunted trail and guided bog tours, the highlight of the evening is the 7 pm scary stories just over the hill from Volo Bog itself. Featuring an encore performance by Mike Speller as this year's teller. Mike is not just one teller, he brings many different characters to complete his hair rising stories. There will also be donuts, apple cider, taffy apples and hot cocoa for sale. Reservations required and program fills up quickly. Open to adults and kids ages 5 and older. Contact [email protected] or 815-344-1294 and share phone, email, number of adults & kids in party, and age of youngest child. Limited space so reserve a spot today.
Children ages 4-8 are welcome to come out for a great night of Halloween fun. Welcome ghosts and goblins to this ghastly get together! Enjoy crafts, games and a howling hayride (weather permitting). "Twisted Treats" will be served. Don't forget to wear a costume; best costume wins a prize! Viking Park Community Center, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee
Families are invited to come in costume and go trick-or-treating throughout the Model Railroad garden, which will be decorated with spider webs, ghosts and pumpkins. Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Families are invited to come in costume and go trick-or-treating throughout the Model Railroad garden, which will be decorated with spider webs, ghosts and pumpkins.
Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Join the Grayslake Park District for the 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest! Kid's games, activities, inflatable fun-zone, Halloween crafts, Trick or Treat Path, hay rides (weather permitting), storytelling and a family scavenger hunt are just a few things we have to offer. $8 per child pre-registered or $12 per child at the door. For more information, please call or visit the website. Don't miss out on the Halloween Fun!
Central Park Aquatic Ball Fields 250 Library Lane, Grayslake
Start off with a wagon ride through McDonald Woods, then stroll over to the costume contest at the Cornstalk Stage. Check out the Millburn Tree Farm for a great selection of pumpkins, grab a bite from the Witches’ Kitchen and save room for a giant pumpkin or spider web sugar cookie. The little ones will enjoy the inflatable Casper Moonwalk, Animal Kingdom Activity House, kid's game tent and Happy Ghosts straw maze, while the brave ones can walk through the trail if they dare. Amazing performances of tales to mystifying magicians and jugglers to live music. At 5pm the PM&L cast will perform Shrek the Musical. At dusk stay for the bonfire and apple cider heated in a cauldron.
Forest View Park, 513 Forest View Dr., Lindenhurst
The Village of Antioch along with many businesses, are going to be holding a Trick or Treat of Downtown Antioch. Get the costumes ready. During the 3 hour event kids have the opportunity to play games, collect candy, and enjoy and entertaining show.
There is fun for the whole family at this spooktacular event. This festival includes food vendors, family activities such as a Greet A Ghoul, haunted house, enchanted walk, magic shows, story telling by the bonfire, games, maze, bouncy house, train rides through the park and a costume contest.
Bowen Park, 1800 N., Sheridan Rd., Waukegan
Gurnee Trick-or-Treat Path Friday, October 23; Pre-registered times: 6 - 7 p.m., Pay at door times: 7 - 8 p.m.
Children ages 1-6 can trick or treat through Viking Park with nearly 50 of everyone's favorite friendly characters. Walk from ‘house to house’ and get treats from Elmo, Winnie the Pooh & friends, Sponge Bob, Mickey & Minnie, princesses and more! Pre-register by Friday, October 16 and save $2 per registered child for the 6pm-7pm time. At the door walk-ins that are not registered will begin at 7pm with the last walk through beginning at 8pm. Pre-register for $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents. Pay at the door are $9 for residents and $10 non-residents. Parents must attend but do not pay. This event is held outdoors - please dress for the weather.
Halloween Hoopla is back for another year of exciting inflatable games, face painting and more! Friday and Saturday nights’ 7-9:00 p.m. In addition to the always-popular bonfire, outdoor movie in the park and DJ, this year we have added laser tag and human foosball on Saturday night! A fee applies only to Haunted House entry. On Saturday, from 3-6:00 p.m., outdoor inflatables, rides, hayride, indoor and outdoor games, , Balloon Twisters, Costumed Characters, Carnival Games, Art Room and Face Painters. For the children’s afternoon activities, a wrist band is required to be purchased for each child participating. Food and beverages are available for purchase during all Halloween Hoopla hours.
Jewett Park Community Center 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield
Friday, October 23 - Saturday, October 24, 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Bring the family to this long standing tradition at Ryerson Woods and enjoy an evening on a guided walk along a candlelit trail. The hour long hike makes stops along the trail to watch nature-themed skits. At the end of the hike enjoy cider and donuts in front of a fire in a log cabin. This program isn't scary, so even preschoolers will have fun. This program is meant for individual families and not organized groups. Friday & Saturday. 90 minute event. One hour hikes begin every 30 minutes from 6–8 pm. Total distance walked is about 1.5 miles.
Save the date for the 6th Annual HalloweenFest. A fun event for kids ages 10 and under. Parents and grandparents are free. Wear a costume as the annual Halloween event is full of family fun with games, activities, an indoor train ride, an outdoor hayride and more. Please visit the website for more information. Pre-register and save $3 for a admission cost of $5.
Libertyville Sports Complex, 1950 N. Highway 45, Libertyville
Halloween Howl in Fox LakeCome for the fun at this annual cookout including hot dogs, beverages and chips. Come see what the inside of a jail cell and police car look like and don’t forget to wear your costumes!! Fox Lake Police Department, 301 S. Route 59, Fox Lake
Halloween Hoopla is back for another year of exciting haunted houses, inflatable games, face painting and more! Friday and Saturday nights’ Haunted House, 7-9:00 p.m. In addition to the always-popular bonfire, outdoor movie in the park, DJ and more. A fee applies only to Haunted House entry. On Saturday, from 3-6:00 p.m., outdoor inflatable rides, hayride, indoor and outdoor games, “Lights-On” Haunted House, Balloon Twisters, Costumed Characters, Carnival Games, Art Room and Face Painters. For the children’s afternoon activities, a wrist band is required to be purchased for each child participating. Food and beverages are available for purchase during all Halloween Hoopla hours.
Jewett Park/ Community Center, 836 Jewett Park, Dr, Deerfield.
Celebrate Lake County author, Ray Bradbury’s favorite holiday with some of the most recognized ghost stories, macabre fables, and creepy tales told on the historic Genesee Theatre stage. This award-winning festival presents a frightful family friendly first act for all ages at 6:30pm and a spooky second act recommended for listeners age 12 and older at 8 p.m.
A new carnival is in town, the demented ring leader has arrived with twisted performers to scare, disgust, and amaze in ways not possibly fathomed. Each ticket gets you admission to the attraction as well as twisted shows and carnival games never seen before. This activity is not recommended for children. Ages 14+ only. Fridays and Saturdays only. Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center, 1461 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein
Dungeon of DoomSeptember 26, October 2-3, 9-11, 16-18, 22-25, 28-31 & November 6-7.
The Legendary Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, now located at the old Briquette Factory in Zion, Illinois, is not for the faint of heart. The Dungeon of Doom has earned its legendary reputation as the most bone-chilling, best haunted house in Chicago. Their new location in 2014 has an intense Underground feel, and will chill you to the bone! Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, 600 29th Street, Zion
Fright Fest Haunted Houses at Six Flags Great AmericaSaturday, September 26- Sunday, November 1 Fridays; 5pm-11pm, Saturdays: 11am-12am, Sundays: 11am-9pmIt's Thrills by Day, Chills by Night at Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®. Six Flags Great America will be totally transformed into a Halloween playground, Fridays - Sundays & Columbus Day. Have a ghoulish good time with 6 weeks of terror, 6 fantastic live shows, electrifying street entertainment and 6 thrilling haunted houses. Plus, experience all the rides in the dark. There will also be a special trick-or-treat trail just for kids.
The Haunted House of Macabre Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 31 Thursday - Sunday: 7:30 p.m.-Midnight
This newly revamped haunt is prepping for a third year of terrifying guests while they walk through 15,000 sq. ft. of space as psychiatric hospital inmates roam freely about the haunted establishment. Over 40 disease-infested patients may pop out from behind walls, corners, above ground, and who knows where else. Dates open: October 2-4, 9-11, 15-18, 22-25, 28-31. Admission is $20 at the door or save $3 and buy tickets online.
The Haunted House of Macabre, 882 Anita Street, Antioch
The Realm of Terror Haunted HouseThe Realm of Terror Horror Experience is Chicago and Milwaukee's Premier Halloween Attraction. From ghoulish scenes to out loud screams… The Realm of Terror boasts Hollywood style special effect makeup, professional set design and very dedicated employees. Tour through a research facility gone wrong, and then realize the next test subject is you! Visit an attraction that has been considered one of the best in the nation, and is always in the top 10! Open October 3-5, 10-12, 16-19, 23-26 & 30-Nov. 1. Kristof's Entertainment Center 421 W. Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach
Fall is one of the best time of year, that's why you should gander to a family, fun-filled fall festival in one of our communities (sorry I just love alliteration). These autumn adventures are conveniently located in communities around Lake County. You can expect things like live music, fall themed activities and delicious food from local vendors available for purchase. Don't just go to win of these festivals that's cascaded with autumn aura, because each event is completely unique and offers something one-of-a-kind! All of these events include FREE admission and include options! 
During this fun-filled event for all ages, meet live crocodiles, including Bubba the world famous American Alligator who will be on hand until 2pm. The expert staff and members of the Chicago Herpetological Society and the Madison Area Herpetological Society will give short talks about crocodiles and their kin, including some of our very own residents while also providing some close up encounters with a variety of reptiles. There will also be here will also be kid-friendly activities, face painting, a story teller, craft vendors, food and refreshments. 
There's a Meet & Greet with Michael Talbott, Detective Switek of Miami Vice. Get a free 8 x 10 photo and take a picture with him. Free with admission to the museum. Buy tickets online before September 17th and get 1/2 off. Use code VICE. Then stay and see what's new at the museum.
We’re talking all of the favorites here! From Lederhosen and accordions to Hefeweizen and beer steins, Oktoberfest is ALL about the food, the dancing... and yes… the (ever so responsibly consumed) beverages. But it’s so much more than beer gardens. In Lake County, a lot of our Oktoberfests include day long celebrations full of family activities like petting zoos, pumpkin painting, crafts and tasty treats for the kiddos. So get ready to dine on some schnitzel, eat a pretzel and savor some sauerkraut this fall because Oktoberfest is coming to Lake County! 
BOOO! Seriously though it's not the terrifying type of Halloween Fests. The littlest goblins in your bunch will be ready to trick and/or treat! Enjoy crafts like pumpkin painting, bonfires, games, and costume contests… just to name a few! 
Children ages 4-8 are welcome to come out for a great night of Halloween fun. Welcome ghosts and goblins to this ghastly get together! Enjoy crafts, games and a howling hayride (weather permitting). "Twisted Treats" will be served. Don't forget to wear a costume; best costume wins a prize! Viking Park Community Center, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee 
Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 31 Thursday - Sunday: 7:30 p.m.-Midnight 
The Realm of Terror Horror Experience is Chicago and Milwaukee's Premier Halloween Attraction. From ghoulish scenes to out loud screams… The Realm of Terror boasts Hollywood style special effect makeup, professional set design and very dedicated employees. Tour through a research facility gone wrong, and then realize the next test subject is you! Visit an attraction that has been considered one of the best in the nation, and is always in the top 10! Open October 3-5, 10-12, 16-19, 23-26 & 30-Nov. 1. Kristof's Entertainment Center 421 W. Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach 
