Fall Festivals in Lake County 2026
By: Sam Ornig 09/04/2026
Explore Lake County's vibrant fall season with our guide to top festivals and events. From family-friendly fun at pumpkin patches and haunted houses to live music, craft beer tastings and unique cultural celebrations, discover the best of autumn in the land of lakes.
Here's our complete list of events and start planning your perfect fall outing.
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.
Ravinia Festival in the fall is a magical experience, where music meets the autumn season. Finish out the season at Highland Park's premier summer venue, with performances taking place in the newly renovated Hunter Pavilion, the intimate Bennett Gordon Hall, the innovative Sandra K. Crown Theater and the historic Martin Theater. No matter which unique venue you visit, you're guaranteed an unforgettable evening at Ravinia. Find your favorite below:
- Snoop Dogg (Sept. 4) INFO»
- Karen Ouzounian: "Mayrig" (Sept. 5) INFO»
- Rod Stewart (Sept. 5) INFO»
- Pianist Olga Kern (Sept. 6) INFO»
- Squeeze (Sept. 6) INFO»
- Erykah Badu (Sept. 10) INFO»
- Alison Krauss & Union Station (Sept. 12) INFO»
- Los Tigres del Norte (Sept. 13) INFO»
- Ziggy Marley and Thievery Corporation (Sept. 17) INFO»
- Tom Jones (Sept. 18) INFO»
- Martina McBride (Sept. 19) INFO»
- Jacob Collier (Sept. 23) INFO»
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. This lakeside entertainment will take place 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 Co. in Mundelein, and 56 Quills: American Pils from Harbor Brewing Co. in Lake Villa. Complimentary firewood is available while supplies last at waterfront fire pits, and s’mores kits are available for purchase.
Brothers' Field in Long Grove is a historic park with a gazebo, picnic tables and more. You'll find a variety of your favorite fall festivals hosted here:
- Cigar and Bourbon (Sept. 4) INFO»
- Fall Fest (Oct. 10) INFO»
- Pet Costume Parade (Oct. 18) INFO»
- Costume Party (Oct. 30) INFO»
- Season End Halloween Costume Party (Oct. 31) INFO»
For the second year in a row, the Village of Lincolnshire is decorating the community with scarecrows made by its residents to usher in the autumn season. Scarecrows will adorn subdivision entryways throughout the month of October. The design that is voted as the Favorite Scarecrow of the Shire will be recognized at Lincolnshire's annual Boo Bash on October 30. Residents, submit your scarecrows between Sept. 8 and Sept. 30. Read the full rules and guidelines for the contest and scroll down for more information on Lincolnshire's Boo Bash!
Looking to save on your next road trip? The Lake County RV Outlet Show is coming to the Lake County Fairgrounds, offering a wide selection of new RVs at factory-direct prices. You can bring the whole family to explore a variety of models, including gas and diesel motorhomes, fifth wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers. Whether you're in the market for a floor plan with bunk beds or a spacious primary bedroom, you'll find it all at this event.
Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove kicks off the season Sept. 12 and runs through Nov. 1, with everything on your fall bucket list in one stop. Enjoy an autumn day filled with pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, wagon rides, a petting zoo, campfires and more! Visit in mid-September to catch the Sunflower Festival, with bright blooming fields, live local music and great photo ops. Venture into the "World's Largest" Corn Maze with its unique design honoring America's 250th anniversary. Runners, sign up for the Corn Maze 5K on Oct. 18, with 5K, 10K and family one-mile options plus an America 250-themed finisher medal for every distance. For a spookier twist, the grounds stay open until midnight from Sept. 26 through Oct. 24, so you can wander the maze by moonlight.
Grayslake is hosting its 17th Annual Bourbon & Beer Festival! What began nearly two decades ago as a small bourbon tasting has grown into a bustling fall festival featuring live music, expanded food vendors, cigar offerings and tastings from more than 20 breweries and 80 varieties of whiskey. Guests can sample over 40 beers while enjoying the lively atmosphere in the heart of the village. This year's bands inclde Chained Up Alice (Alice In Chains Tribute Band) and Whiplash (Metallica Tribute Band). Come enjoy beer, bourbon, food trucks and music — rain or shine!
Shoppers searching for one-of-a-kind finds can browse more than 40 dealers at the Fall Outdoor Market, hosted by Reclaimed Artisans Inc. The parking lot will feature a variety of vintage goods, antiques, and handmade treasures. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks and live music while exploring the booths.
Downtown Lake Zurich will come alive with music, food and community spirit during the village's 13th annual Rock the Block. The outdoor festival offers guests a chance to dine, dance and enjoy all that downtown has to offer. The evening will feature live performances on a covered stage at Old Rand Road and Main Street, beginning with Ron Burgundy's , followed by Libido Funk Circus and closing with fan-favorite 7th Heaven. Local vendors will provide food and drinks.
The Village of Wauconda will celebrate Latin culture with the Wauconda Latin Heritage Fest. Attendees can enjoy authentic Mexican food, live music, traditional Mexican folk dances, games and more in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. The event highlights Latin heritage and diversity, welcoming residents and visitors alike to experience performances, food and activities that celebrate the community's rich cultural traditions.
Lake County will host several Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the fall. The events will feature live music, traditional German food and drink and family-friendly activities.
- Keep the Stein Night with Revolution Brewing at Timothy O'Toole's in Gurnee (Sept. 13) INFO»
- 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»
- Annual Oktoberfest Celebration at Buffalo Creek Brewing (Oct. 2-4) INFO»
- Prairie State Half Marathon, 10K and Oktoberfest 5K in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Oct. 3) INFO»
- Oktoberfest 2026 at Gorton Center (Oct. 17) INFO»
Six Flags Great America will once again transform into a playground of terror when Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®. The annual Halloween celebration features haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, eerie live shows and seasonal food and drink offerings. New this year, step into the legend of The Blair Witch Project and navigate your way through winding trails, abandoned camps, eerie ritual sites and the infamous Rustin Parr House, as inspired by the franchise. Among the headlining attractions this year are horror-inspired mazes, including The Conjuring Universe, SAW: Legacy of Terror and The Estate of Wretched Meadows. Guests can also face fright-filled scare zones such as Forbidden Forest and the Circus of Madness. In celebration of the park's 50th anniversary, Necropolis, the city of the undead, rises again, with spirits and creatures lurking in every shadow. Most rides, scare zones and shows are included with park admission, while haunted mazes require the purchase of a Haunted Attractions Pass. The event is not recommended for children under 13 after 6 p.m.
Six Flags Great America will put a family-friendly twist on Halloween this fall with Kids Boo Fest. The daytime festival fills Hometown Square with seasonal activities, including the Trick-or-Treat Trail, costume contests, a corn maze and the Boo Line Express train ride. Guests can also enjoy live shows such as Love at First Fright and indulge in fall-themed food and drinks. Billed as "all the fun without the fear," Kids Boo Fest is included with park admission and offers a safe, lighthearted way for families to celebrate the season before the park transforms at night for Fright Fest.
Didier Farms hosts its annual Happy Times Pumpkin Fest, offering a fall tradition for families across Chicagoland. The festival features amusement rides, live shows, fall-themed merchandise, pumpkin sales and seasonal treats like apple cider donuts and fudge. With activities and attractions for all ages, Pumpkin Fest provides a festive way to celebrate the season.
The Woman, Life, Freedom Film Festival is returning to Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park, offering a powerful look at the resilience and creativity of women through independent cinema. This annual festival, hosted by the Association of Iranian Film and Theatre Artists Abroad, features narratives that spotlight the struggles and achievements of women. The event serves as a platform for promoting freedom of expression, gender equality and the voices of marginalized artists, inviting both filmmakers and audiences to engage with transformative stories that inspire change and solidarity.
Dogs and their humans can attend Larry Fink Memorial Park's "Paws in the Park," a community celebration of all things canine. The event will feature a dog costume contest, a "sniff-and-find" trail, raffle prizes and a vendor market with treats for both dogs and their owners. Admission is free and all dogs are welcome. Only two dogs per family, please.
Wauke-Con 2026 returns to Three Brothers Theatre, offering fans a day of comics, collectibles and author appearances. All attendees receive a free comic book and have a chance to win a signed Ray Bradbury comic book! Vendors will showcase a variety of collectibles, making it a must-visit event for fans of comics, literature and pop culture.
Downtown Waukegan's ArtWauk offers an evening of free arts and entertainment. The monthly event showcases a variety of art forms, including sculpture, film, theater, and music, with galleries opening their doors to the public. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment and a variety of local dining options.
Celebrate the autumn season and support a wonderful cause at Lambs Farm's annual fall on the Farm. Enjoy family-friendly activities like barrel train rides, rope making, and a touch-a-tractor experience from the Lake County Farm Heritage Association. You can also get creative with festive crafts, play games, and sample delicious fall treats.
Downtown Deerfield will transform into a hub of food, music and community spirit during the annual Deerfield Harvest Fest. The celebration runs from 5 to 10:45 p.m. at Robert York and Park avenues and caps a full day that begins with the Farmers Market and continues with the Cruise into Harvest Fest Car Show. The evening festival will feature live music, a bags tournament hosted by the Deerfield Park District, and food and drinks from local restaurants, including a beer and wine tent. And let's not forget about the younger attendees — there will be activites for kids, too!
Wauconda invites you to decorate your way into fall with Scarecrow in the Park, a free community event. Help turn the Community Center walking path into a whimsical, spooky-cute showcase of local creativity. Grab your supplies, bring your best ideas and claim your spot when set-up kicks off Thursday, Sept. 24. Scarecrows will be on display through Oct. 16. Cast your vote for your favorites between Sept. 25 and Oct. 15, and don't miss the big reveal on Oct. 16, when first- and second-place winners are crowned. Registration is required, so mark your calendar and start planning your masterpiece!
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois gets ready to kick off its month-long celebration of Halloween-themed fun with its Howl-O-Ween event. Families can enjoy games, activities and seasonal treats throughout the resort, with costumes encouraged for the whole family. Howl-O-Ween promises spooky entertainment and festive experiences, making it one of the area's most enjoyable Halloween celebrations.
Historic downtown Long Grove will celebrate the sights, sounds, and scents of fall during the village's annual Apple Fest. The three-day festival celebrates all things apple, from pies and donuts to caramel-dipped and candied creations, along with apple wine and sangria. Local restaurants will also offer seasonal specialties. In addition to the food, Apple Fest will feature live music across multiple genres, artisan vendors and family-friendly activities — even pets are welcome.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Festival de Cultura, Comida y Vida, a free, family-friendly celebration taking place Sunday, Sept. 28 at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake. The afternoon features music and dance performances, including regional Mexican music group Diferente Frecuencia, along with cultural showcases celebrating Latino traditions and bilingual programs for adults and kids alike. Local food vendors will serve authentic dishes, or bring your own picnic. Community partners, including A Safe Place, Hispanic American Community Education and Services, Renacer Latino, Mano A Mano, Together for Nature and National Youth Advocate Program, will be on hand sharing resources for Lake County families.
Get ready for an incredible autumn tradition at Jack-O-Lantern World in Lake Zurich's Paulus Park. Walk an immersive, interactive trail featuring 5,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns crafted by over 50 artisans. Treat your tastebuds to delicious food and seasonal drinks from Libation Trail partner Phase Three Brewing Co., along with other food vendors. Visitors can also enjoy a Fun Zone with mini-golf and giant inflatables.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest is a free, family-friendly event with three days of live music, pumpkin carving, interactive fall installations, food and artisan vendors, full bars, a carnival and a pumpkin pie-eating contest. Festival grounds stretch across Highwood City Hall, Everts Park and the Metra Station parking lot, with street closures creating space for two large pumpkin walls, carving stations and trick-or-treating. Iconic Pumpkin Fest skeletons will be on display beginning the weekend of Sept. 27, setting the stage for a festive fall celebration that encourages visitors to explore downtown Highwood, support local businesses and snap seasonal photos.
Enjoy a wine tasting, special discounts, live music and refreshments while you shop during First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville. Downtown shop owners are happy to help you track down that perfect unique gift. Grab dinner (or takeout) at one of the many award-winning restaurants downtown. This beloved event is highlighted by delectable drinks, mouth-watering eats, live entertainment and more, as visitors peruse through local mom-and-pop shops offering promotional sales.
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Get ready for some serious scares this season at Realm of Terror, Lake County's top haunted house tradition. Opening for the season on Saturday, Oct. 3, the event is more than just a walk-through. After surviving the terror, visitors can enjoy a variety of themed food and drinks, from spooky signature cocktails to classic movie snacks. You can also test your skills with carnival games, try to escape the killer's camper and pick up a memento from the gift shop to remember the frightful night. For more family-friendly experience, visit on Oct. 24 for Family Fright Night. Revel in the artistry of the attraction's special effects without performers on No Actors Night, Oct. 29.
You're invited to Gurnee American Legion Post 771's 9th Annual Legions of Beer Craft Beer Festival, featuring more than 50 craft beers from over 20 Illinois breweries, plus wine and non-alcoholic beer options. What sets this festival apart? Every beer, mead and cider comes exclusively from Illinois brewers, and the event raises money for veterans, their families and the community — funds that provide essential resources, assistance and recognition for those who've served our nation. Come enjoy some drinks while making a meaningful difference: proceeds benefit the Friends of the Gurnee American Legion (FOGAL), with donations helping local veterans facing homelessness, financial hardship and food insecurity.
Celebrate the season on the farm with pumpkin picking, wagon rides, sheep shearing and fall fun for the whole family! Spend the day connecting with the people who grow your community's food, meeting friendly farm animals and enjoying demonstrations and treats along the way. Tickets purchased before Sept. 30 come with a free pumpkin included in the entrance fee. The $20 per-vehicle entrance fee covers a sheep shearing demonstration, farm wagon ride, animal visits and organic farm popcorn, with pumpkins and fall organic produce available for separate purchase. Proceeds support experience-based learning for students on the farm.
The Village of Fox Lake and Grant Township are teaming up to celebrate the season with a free Fall Festival at the Grant Township Center. The festival promises a full day of autumn-themed fun for all ages. Highlights include live music, craft vendors, pumpkin carving, inflatables, a petting zoo and a pie-eating contest. Guests can also explore police, highway and public works vehicles on display while enjoying food and refreshments.
Dare to walk an eerily enchanting path aglow with artist-carved pumpkins at Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, where glowing tributes to Chicago sports teams, plant monsters, famous vampires, costumed pets and fan favorites from 10 seasons of ghostly gourds await, including 75 giant pumpkins weighing 150 pounds each. Watch live carving in action, meet costumed characters and enjoy playful frights around every corner during this family-friendly evening. The eclectic display draws inspiration from Halloween movies, comic book icons, dragons, native Illinois wildlife, Día de los Muertos traditions, 150 years of Cubs baseball, bioluminescent wonders, fascinating fungi, memorable obituaries and more. New this year is the glowing 20-foot inflatable Monarch Skull by artist Alyse Gamson — a monumental yet ephemeral sculpture inspired by the monarch butterfly that invites reflection on cycles of change, resilience and the fleeting beauty of the natural world.
Historic downtown Long Grove is brewing up a month of spooky fun with its annual October Days celebration. The month-long series kicks off with Witches Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 8, when local shops stay open late for an evening of shopping, dining, and giveaways for grown-up witches and warlocks. On Saturday, Oct. 10, families can join DIY Scarecrow Day to craft imaginative scarecrows for display around town. Pet lovers are invited to the Pet Costume Parade at Brothers' Field on Sunday, Oct. 18, where dogs compete for best dressed, most unique and judge's favorite. The festivities wrap up on Friday, Oct. 23, with downtown trick-or-treating, as children visit participating merchants in costume to collect sweets and treats.
Stews and Brews returns to Port Clinton Square, offering a cozy fall celebration of hearty food and seasonal beverages. The free, all-ages event features comfort foods such as chili, pozole, lamb stew, beef stroganoff, Hungarian goulash, pot pies, and soups, paired with craft beers, spiced wine, hot toddies and mulled ciders. Attendees can enjoy live music, a festive atmosphere and a wide variety of flavors, making Stews and Brews a perfect way to kick off the autumn season.
The Grayslake Antiques and Flea Market returns to the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center Oct. 10-11 and Nov. 14-15. The market offers a wide array of antiques and vintage items, including estate jewelry, clothing, collectibles, comics, TV and movie memorabilia, mid-century modern furniture, home décor and decorative arts. Shoppers can meet vintage experts, hunt for unique treasures, and explore a range of items, from shabby chic pieces to coins and advertising collectibles.
Grab your broomstick and your best witch hat and head to Downtown Libertyville for an evening of shopping after dark. Participating businesses will stay open late, offering deals, discounts and specialty drinks, and the night wraps up with an after-party at Casa Bonita, where a Best Costume award will be presented.
Fox Lake's Lakefront Park transforms into a Halloween wonderland for Pumpkin Jubilee: Monster Mash Railroad, a free festival packed with pumpkins, costumes and fall fun for all ages. Carve a pumpkin for $4 (while supplies last), hop aboard the trackless train, browse food and craft vendors, get your face painted and enter the kids' Costume Contest, all set to music, games and entertainment from the event DJ. This is a can't-miss fall outing for the whole family.
The Grayslake Village Center and Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting the third annual Sips & Sweets Sparkling Wine and Chocolate Walk in historic downtown Grayslake. Attendees can stroll through the village center, visiting participating businesses to enjoy sparkling wines and sweet treats at each stop. The event is perfect for friends or couples looking for a festive afternoon, with local businesses, including Beer Bazaar, First Draft, Romney Brown Candle Co., and many more, offering delicious bites and drinks.
The Waukegan Park District is inviting residents to lace up their walking shoes — and don their best zombie attire — for the 2026 GO WAUKEGAN Zombie Wauk. The free event is part of the district's ongoing initiative to encourage community members to walk at least 30 minutes each day. Launched in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, GO WAUKEGAN promotes health and wellness through walking-based activities and education. No preregistration is required.
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The Antioch Chamber's Witches Day Out takes over downtown Saturday, Oct. 17, starting with a noon launch party. Dress up in your best witches outfit and pointy hat for a chance to be named most enchanting witch and win a prize. Peruse the local shops while searhing for clues for the town-wide scavenger hunt. Each shop visited also adds a raffle entry, giving people more chances to win prizes throughout the day.
Mark your calendar for Grayslake's Fall Fest on Oct. 24! Grayslake Park District is hosting a full day of fall fun in Central Park with food trucks, carnival rides, live music and all the things you loved about Pumpkin Fest! Get ready for the ultimate autumn day in Grayslake!
Make the most of the season at Round Lake Harvest Fest, a festive fall celebration packed with fun for the entire family. Spend the day exploring a makers market filled with local artisans, crafters, bakers and small businesses, then enjoy classic autumn activities like pumpkin decorating, hayrides, trick-or-treating, family games and a bounce house. Kids can get up close with big trucks during the touch-a-truck experience or check out the fire truck, while live music creates a lively backdrop throughout the event. With seasonal treats, plenty of activities and the beauty of fall all around, Round Lake Harvest Fest is the perfect place to gather with family and friends and create memories together.
The Village of Fox Lake Police Department is inviting families to its annual Halloween Howl. Attendees can meet local police officers, enjoy hot dogs, hot chocolate, children's activities and hayrides in a festive Halloween atmosphere. The free event encourages costumes for both children and parents, making it a fun and safe way for the community to celebrate the season together.
Families can get into the Halloween spirit at Lincolnshire's popular Boo Bash in North Park. The event is free for all ages and features a variety of spooky and fun activities, including a haunted trail and house, a bounce house, a giant slide and laser tag. Decorate a pumpkin just in time for Halloween. Take pictures at the photo booth and enjoy live music from a DJ. The winner of the Scarecrow Contest will be announced as well!
Visit our events page for the latest list of things to do in Lake County. Read our blog for more seasonal guides.
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