As summer fades and the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, Lake County, comes alive with a vibrant array of activities and events. From family-friendly festivals to scenic outdoor adventures, September offers something for everyone. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor looking to explore the area, there's no shortage of entertainment and leisure options to enjoy. This month, the county's parks, trails, and cultural venues are bustling with opportunities to savor the season. Discover the top 10 things to do in Lake County this September and make the most of the beautiful early fall days.
From Labor Day weekend to Ravinia, from fall fests to theatrical performances, from the world’s largest corn maze to pumpkin fests, from cinema watching to Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest by Snickers, your fall is here in Lake County, IL.
A little bit of summer fun and a little bit of autumn chill. There’s a fantastic collection of festivals going on this September. Stay tuned to the Fall Festivals Guide coming soon.
Live entertainment always gets your juices flowing when you’re looking for a new tune to hum. Here are some must-see concerts in the land of lakes.
RISE Dispensaries in Village of Mundelein presents Miracle in Mundelein 2024. Taking place on Sept. 7-8, the festival features artists like Wiz Khalifa, Slightly Stoopid and more! For more information about the greenest fest in Lake County, click below.
You’ll be amazed by their maize mazes. Richardson’s Adventure Farm & Corn Maze is known for having the world’s most massive corn maze. The Spring Grove area spans 33 acres of land and is equipped with 11 miles of trails. This year’s theme to the renowned maze is celebrating the Spring Grove farm’s 20th anniversary. The design features the elements of their farm, from their overlooking structure of the labyrinth to the barn, to the Christmas Tree Farms, to the pumpkins and the tulip fest launched earlier this year. Besides the famous maze, the Adventure Farm features another five mazes, a zip line, a pumpkin patch, ORBiting rides (a ride inside a giant 11-football), live pig races, a wooded picnic area, free campfires, pedal carts, pedal trikes, a goat farm, a corn cabin and wagon rides. Richardson Farm is open through Tuesday, October 27.
Lake County will come alive on September 15th as the community gathers to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with vibrant cultural festivities. The day will feature traditional music, dance performances, and delicious Mexican cuisine, offering a lively and immersive experience. Join the celebration to honor Mexico's rich heritage and enjoy a day filled with fun and cultural pride. Find your favorite fiesta:
Lake County’s Oktoberfest brings Bavarian charm with traditional German music, hearty cuisine and frothy steins of beer. This festive event invites you to enjoy lively polka tunes, authentic bratwurst and family-friendly activities. Come celebrate Oktoberfest and experience the warmth and camaraderie of this beloved autumn tradition.
The thrills and chills are at Six Flags Great America as the legendary Fright Fest returns to the Gurnee Amusement Park. Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS is when the park is totally transformed for eight weekends in ghoulish fashion and features live shows, street entertainment, haunted houses and, of course, riding all of the coasters and thrill rides at night. Then, as Halloween approaches, the kids can embark on a unique trick-or-treat trail. Also there is Kid's Boo Fest. The kids may walk in the gates saying "Whatever happened to my Transylvania Twist," when entering the Gurnee amusement park. This kid-friendly festival provides a tamer vibe during the Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS. Your youngsters can saunter through the Trick-or-Treat Trail, navigate through a hay maze, listen to a not-so-scary story, view a Halloween show and bop the streets during the Monster Dance Party. The park encourages you and your goblins ages 13 and under to vamoose by 5 p.m. as the ghouls can be a little intense come nightfall.Fright Fest is open on weekends until Halloween.
Experience a “Boo”tiful weekend in Lake County during the annual Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration. There’s something for everyone: fall festivals, costume parades, haunted houses, corn mazes and pumpkin patches, “supernatural” attractions and more. Don’t miss the land of lakes’ scary-good, locally-made brews, wines, and spirits for the adults.
This September, Lake County offers the perfect backdrop for runners to embrace the crisp autumn air and scenic trails. With a variety of running events and picturesque paths, it's an ideal time to explore the county's natural beauty while staying active. Whether you're training for a race or simply enjoying a leisurely jog, Lake County has the routes and scenery to inspire every runner.
Jack O' Lantern World at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich is a must-visit for all ages. This enchanting event features a half-mile walk through 4,000 intricately hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, with over 20 immersive worlds created by award-winning artisans. It’s perfect for a family outing, a fun night with friends or even a unique date night. Enjoy delicious food and beverages from popular local food trucks, and let the kids explore the Fun Zone with giant inflatables and mini golf. This magical experience brings the spirit of Halloween to life in a spectacular way.
For more things to do in September, continue here. Stay tuned to Visit Lake County's Spooks & Spirits campaign and Spooks Check-in Challenge.
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