Top 10 Things To Do in September 2026
By: Sam Ornig 08/28/2026
As we enter September, get ready to say goodbye to summer and usher in autumn and all the colors, flavors and events this season has to offer. Join in on seasonal festivities this month, like the opening of Fright Fest and Boo Bash at Six Flags Great America, Richardson Adventure Farm's Sunflower Festival and autumn attractions, Oktoberfests and more! Head to Lake County with your family and friends and take advantage of all that the Land of Lakes has to offer this month.
Here are the top 10 things to do in September in Lake County.
Lake County boasts a dynamic theater scene, offering a rich tapestry of performances throughout the year. Catch a show sharing captivating stories from talented performers in venues that range from intimate black box theaters to grand historic stages.
- Eureka Day at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest (Throughout September) INFO»
- "Come From Away" at the Marriott Theatre (Throughout September) INFO»
- "Whose Live Anyway?" at Genesee Theatre (Sept. 11) INFO»
- Friends in Low Places: Brandon Bennett Sings Garth Brooks at Marriott Theatre (Sept. 14-15) INFO»
- Brit Floyd: The Best Of The Wall at Genesee Theatre (Sept. 24) INFO»
- Citadel Theatre's 12th Annual Gala: An Evening at the Manor (Sept. 26) INFO»
- The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (Sept. 24-27) INFO»
Soak up the last of the warmer weather this month as we say goodbye to summer and welcome autumn with a slew of festivals and celebrations around Lake County.
- SeptOber Fest at Independence Beer Garden (Sept. 2-Oct. 29) INFO»
- Nashwood in Highwood (Sept. 4-6) INFO»
- Irish Days in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Sept. 5-7) INFO»
- Harbor Days in Winthrop Harbor (Sept. 10-13) INFO»
- 17th Annual Bourbon and Beer Festival at The Vine in Grayslake (Sept. 12) INFO»
- Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration (Sept. 12-Oct. 31) INFO»
- Rock the Block in Lake Zurich (Sept. 12) INFO»
- Wauconda Latin Heritage Fest (Sept. 12) INFO»
- Reclaimed Artisans Inc. Fall Outdoor Market (Sept. 12) INFO»
- Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms (Sept. 16-Oct. 31) INFO»
- Women, Life, Freedom Film Festival in Highland Park (Sept. 17 and 21) INFO»
- Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (Sept. 19-Nov. 1) INFO»
- Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (Sept. 19-Nov. 1) INFO»
- Deerfield Harvest Fest (Sept. 19) INFO»
- Paws in the Park at Larry Fink Memorial Park (Sept. 19) INFO»
- Small Town Smokeout in Antioch (Sept. 19) INFO»
- 15th Annual Mundelein Fine Arts Festival (Sept. 19-20) INFO»
- Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge (Sept. 24-Oct. 31) INFO»
- Apple Fest in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Sept. 25-27) INFO»
- Night Market at Hawthorn Row (Through Sept. 25) INFO»
- Festival De Cultura, Comida y Vida at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake (Sept. 27) INFO»
Our full Fall Festival Guide will be available next week. Visit our Blogs for that guide and others to make the perfect plans in Lake County.
Pair your cooler autumn evenings with live music and local craft beer at SeptOberfest from Sept. 2 through Oct. 29 at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Don't miss lakeside entertainment Wednesday and Thursday evenings with acoustic performances by local musicians playing everything from classic rock and country to folk, Americana and pop. On select dates, unwind with sunset yoga on the beach, a relaxing class designed for beginners. Enjoy a menu featuring rotating taps from local breweries, along with wine, ciders, cold brew coffee, nonalcoholic drinks and packaged snacks. This year’s lineup includes two limited-edition beers created through local partnerships:Trailhead IPA brewed by Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein, and 56 Quills: American Pils from Harbor Brewing Company in Lake Villa. Complimentary firewood is available while supplies last at waterfront fire pits, and s’mores kits are available for purchase.
Join the City of North Chicago at an evening of food trucks, live music and fireworks. The city celebrated its annual Community Days festival in early August, but after rain forced a postponement of the fireworks show, the community decided to use the opportunity to add even more fun to their summer. Bring your friends, family and neighbors along with lawn chairs and blankets and get ready for a perfect summer event promising the delicious food, awesome DJ beats and the best firework show around the Land of Lakes.
The September opening of Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove is a sure sign that autumn is on its way. Complete your fall bucket list all in one day at this Lake County staple. Pick your pumpkins and taste the delicious apple cider donuts. Take a wagon ride, visit the petting zoo and cozy up at a campfire. Beginning Sept. 12 (if Mother Nature cooperates), visit the Sunflower Festival, where you can get amazing photos in the sunflower fields, hear local live music and make memories with your loved ones. And don't forget about the "World's Largest" Corn Maze—this year's corn maze theme commemorates America's 250th anniversary. Richardson Adventure Farm opens for the season on Sept. 12 and runs through Nov. 1. See the maze under the glow of the moon — the Adventure Farm grounds are open until midnight Sept. 24 through the end of the season.
Everyone's favorite autumn tradition is back! Enjoy traditional German music, Bavarian cuisine and big steins of frothy beer at Lake County's Oktoberfest celebrations this month.
- Oktoberfest at Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich (Sept. 19) INFO»
- Oktoberfest at Lindy's Landing in Wauconda (Sept. 19-Oct. 4) INFO»
- Oktoberfest at Six Flags Great America (Sept. 19-Nov. 1) INFO»
- MainStreet Libertyville Oktoberfest (Sept. 25-26) INFO»
- Oktoberfest in Highland Park (Sept. 26) INFO»
Experience Lake County's annual Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration, boasting a line-up of fall festivals, costume parades, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, spooky attractions and so much more. Check out some scary-good locally made brews, wines and spirits for the Check-In Challenge for a chance to win some terrific prizes. Visit and check into five or more Lake County Libation Trail partners throughout Spooks and Spirits to be entered into the sweepstakes. Stay tuned for more information on the spooky adventures in Lake County this fall!
Get your spook on as the the legendary Fright Fest returns to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. This seasonal staple promises an unforgettable experience with ghoulish street entertainment, freaky live performances, chilling haunted houses and thrilling nighttime roller coaster rides. For the younger visitors, Kid's Boo Fest offers a tamer vibe with a Trick-or-Treat Trail, hay maze, parade, dance party and more. 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 Nov. 1. Enter if you dare!
Lake County will come alive in September as the community gathers to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with vibrant cultural festivities. Featuring traditional music, dance performances and delicious Mexican cuisine, these celebrations offer a lively and immersive experience for all visitors. Honor Mexico's rich heritage and enjoy a day filled with fun and cultural pride at the following fiestas:
- Mexico en el Corazon at the James Lumber Center (Sept. 3) INFO»
- Viva La Independencia in Waukegan (Sept. 12) INFO»
- Wauconda Latin Heritage Fest (Sept. 12) INFO»
- Festival De Cultura, Comida y Vida at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake (Sept. 27) INFO»
Take advantage of the warm days while they're here and visit one of Lake County's golf course this month. With 46 courses spread across forests, prairies and rolling terrain, Lake County is a golfer's paradise. Whether you're fine-tuning your swing before peak season or simply looking for a scenic afternoon on the green, the region has options for every skill level.
Find more events happening in September and visit our Outdoor Guide to plan a wonderful day out in the Land of Lakes.
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