Fall Festivals in Lake County 2025
By: Stephanie Wylie 08/20/2025
From vibrant festivals and frightening haunted houses to pumpkin patches and live music, Lake County offers a diverse lineup of events to celebrate the autumn season. Whether you're looking to embrace fall flavors, find the perfect Halloween costume or simply enjoy the crisp weather, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore the complete list of events and start planning your perfect fall outing.
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove will host local acoustic trio "The Up Down" on Wednesday, Sept. 3, as part of its annual SeptOberfest celebration. The free concert runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature the band's signature covers of "songs you forgot you loved." Guests can also enjoy craft beers on tap from Lake County breweries, as well as beer flights and tastings. Additionally, they can relax by lakeside fire pits, complete with complimentary firewood and s'mores kits. The Beer Garden features delicious beverages from partners of the Lake County Libation Trail including Tighthead Brewing Co. of Mundelein, Mickey Finn's Brewery of Libertyville, Harbor Brewing Co. and 9th Hour Brewing Co. of Lake Villa, Roaring Table Brewing Co. and Phase Three Brewing Co. of Lake Zurich, Half Day Brewing in Lincolnshire, Glunz Family WInery in Grayslake and Buffalo Creek Brewing of Long Grove.
Acres of golden blooms will soon blanket Richardson Adventure Farm as the sunflower fields return this fall. The 13-acre attraction features 3.2 miles of winding trails planted in a whimsical design, with sunflowers in shades of yellow, gold, orange, red and peach. Visitors can stroll the fields, snap photos and even bring along leashed dogs. Bloom dates depend on the weather, with peak color expected in September and possibly lasting into October. Adventure Farm entry includes admission to the sunflower field.
Ravinia Festival in the fall is a magical experience, where music meets the autumn season. Finish out the season at Bennett Gordon Hall, nestled within the John D. Harza Building at the south end of Ravinia Festival grounds, which is an intimate recital hall. Since its debut in 1988, the hall has served as Ravinia's year-round venue, showcasing a rich variety of performances. Find your favorite below:
- Rosamunde String Quartet (Oct. 23) INFO»
- Take 6 (Oct. 24) INFO»
- Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players (Oct. 25) INFO»
- Sam Bush (Oct. 25) INFO»
- Ben Jones and Laurence Hobgood (Oct. 25) INFO»
- Ben Jones and Laurence Hobgood (Oct. 26) INFO»
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.
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.
- Annual Oktoberfest Celebration at Buffalo Creek Brewing (Oct. 3-6) INFO»
- Keep the Stein Night with Revolution Brewing at BBQ'd Productions and Station 51 on Sept. 12, Sept. 19 and Sept. 20»
- MainStreet Libertyville Oktoberfest (Sept. 19-20) INFO»
- Oktoberfest at Mickey Finn's in Libertyville (Sept. 19-20) INFO»
- Oktoberfest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (Sept. 13-Nov. 2) INFO»
The Lake County Film Festival returns for its 15th edition, showcasing over 134 films, including 17 feature-length films and more than 120 short films from around the world. Screenings will take place primarily at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, with additional showings at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest. The festival celebrates independent voices, innovative storytelling and cinematic diversity, offering a range of content from thought-provoking documentaries to boundary-pushing narratives and inventive short films.
The Wauconda Parks Foundation will host its annual Corks and Kegs wine and beer tasting at Phil's Beach. The event will feature live music from Rob and Mike Acoustic Explosion, as well as raffles and food available for purchase. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $20 for designated drivers, with proceeds benefiting improvements to the Fitness First facility. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
The Miracle in Mundelein returns Sept. 6–7 with two days of live music and legal cannabis consumption across from Rise Mundelein. Saturday's lineup features Damian Marley, De La Soul, Oma and Papa G, while Sunday's performances include Umphrey's McGee, Dark Star Orchestra, Karina Rykman and Airwolf. The event, billed as the nation's first concert where cannabis consumption is permitted, is open to attendees 21 and older.
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. Among the headlining attractions this year are horror-inspired mazes, including The Conjuring Universe, SAW: Legacy of Terror and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Guests can also face fright-filled scare zones such as Forbidden Forest and Henchmen Alley, or catch live shows like Wake the Dead and The Ringmaster's Cabaret. 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.
Oktoberfests in Lake County offer a festive atmosphere with German food, beer, music and traditional activities.
- Oktoberfest Food Festival at Six Flags Great America (Sept. 13-Nov. 2) INFO»
- Oktoberfest at Mickey Finn's Brewery (Sept. 19-20) INFO»
- MainStreet Libertyville Oktoberfest (Sept. 19-20) INFO»
- Riverside Foundation 3rd Annual Oktoberfest 5k Run/Walk at Half Day Brewing (Sept. 19) INFO»
- Keep the Stein Night with Revolution Brewing a BBQ'd Productions and Station 51 Truck Company (Sept. 12, 19 and 20) INFO»
- Oktoberfest in at Buffalo Creek Brewing (Oct. 3-6) INFO»
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:
- Battle of the Bands (Sept. 13) INFO»
- Pizza Fest (Sept. 14) INFO»
- Havana Nights (Sept. 19) INFO»
- Havana Nights - The Finale (Oct. 10) INFO»
- Fall Fest (Oct. 11) INFO»
- Flavor Days: Asian Fusion (Oct. 12) INFO»
- Costume Party (Oct. 24) INFO»
- Season End Party (Oct. 25) INFO»
Grayslake is hosting its 16th 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. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at 6 p.m., while general admission and designated driver access begin at 7 p.m.
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.
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 $10 per adult with a dog, with a limit of one dog per person.
Downtown Lake Zurich will come alive with music, food and community spirit during the village's 12th 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 Rosie and the Rivets, followed by Breakfast Club and closing with Food House. 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 the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pageant 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.
Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band will perform live at Lakefront Park on Sunday, Sept. 14. The rescheduled concert invites attendees to enjoy an afternoon of upbeat music along the lakeside.
Fiestas Patrias Festival in Waukegan & North Chicago (TBA)
¡Feliz dia de la Independencia Mexicana! This festival celebrates Mexican Independence Day.
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.
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.
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.
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 9 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.
The Hawthorn Summer Market returns to Hawthorn Row, offering a morning of local shopping, food and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted goods from local artisans, food trucks, community games and a kids' storytime, all while supporting small businesses and exploring the outdoor market.
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.
Get ready for an incredible autumn tradition at Jack-O-Lantern World in Lake Zurich's Paulus Park. Walk an immersive, interactive trail featuring thousands of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns crafted by over 50 artisans. This year's event features a 5K run and walk, where participants will navigate a course marked by towering 15-foot pumpkins and receive complimentary entry to the famous trail walk at the finish line. The event will also host a variety of special themed nights, including the Pumpkin Weigh-Off U.S. National Championships on Sept. 26 and Trick-or-Treat nights every Thursday through Sunday. Visitors can also enjoy a Fun Zone with mini-golf and giant inflatables, as well as seasonal treats like pumpkin-spiced donuts.
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.
Saddle up for a brand-new fall tradition in Highland Park with the inaugural Highland Park Hoedown. Guests can enjoy live music from a local band, play classic lawn games and grab a bite from the food trucks. For an extra dose of fun, be sure to arrive early for the Big Rigs and Boots event, where you can get an up-close look at trucks and tractors before the hoedown begins.
Experience a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture, food and life at the Festival De Cultura, Comida y Vida. Nippersink Forest Preserve will host this free event, featuring live music from a mariachi band, dynamic cultural performances and bilingual environmental education programs for all ages. Savor delicious food from local vendors or bring your own picnic to enjoy while connecting with community organizations. This festival is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to come together and celebrate!
For over 30 years, the Festival of Arts and Crafts has showcased unique, handcrafted treasures at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This event will showcase a carefully curated collection of work from talented artisans. Whether you're looking for home décor, jewelry or a one-of-a-kind piece of art, you'll find it here. The festival is dedicated to promoting only handcrafted goods, so you can meet the makers and discover items you won't find anywhere else.
Families and groups can celebrate the season at Scarecrow Fest, held at the Century Park Pavilion. Participants will build and decorate their own scarecrows using their own clothes and accessories, while enjoying complimentary snacks and a festive fall atmosphere. The event fee is $18 per group, and registration is required.
First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (Oct. 3 and Nov. 7)
Invest your fest feels in a festival-infested Libertyville. First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville, highlighted by various delectable drinks, mouth-watering eats, live entertainment and more, as visitors peruse through local mom-and-pop shops offering promotional sales. The Joyful Gourmet offers numerous deals, a wine bar, and more.
Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest. The free, family-friendly event will feature three days of live music across three stages, pumpkin carving, interactive fall installations, food and artisan vendors, full bars, a carnival and seasonal contests, including children's and pet costume competitions, as well as 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. This year's festivities also benefit SaLT (Service and Learning Together), a volunteer-based nonprofit that supports food-insecure families, tutoring programs and community projects.
Get ready for some serious scares this season at Realm of Terror, Lake County's top haunted house tradition. Opening for the season on Friday, 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.
The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 will welcome beer lovers for the 8th Annual Legions of Craft Beer Festival. The event will feature more than 50 craft beers, meads and ciders from over 20 Illinois breweries, along with wine and liquor add-on options. Unlike many other craft beer festivals, the event doubles as a fundraiser to support veterans, their families and the community. Proceeds help provide vital resources, assistance and recognition for local service members.
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.
The Chicago Botanic Garden invites visitors to experience the Night of 1,000 Jack-O'-Lanterns. Guests can stroll along an illuminated path featuring artist-carved pumpkins, including tributes to Chicago sports teams, plant monsters, famous vampires, pets in costume and highlights from ten seasons of ghostly gourds, including 75 giant pumpkins weighing up to 150 pounds. Watch live carving demonstrations, meet costumed characters and enjoy playful frights, with light bites available for purchase. The family-friendly event offers a spirited, slightly spooky evening for all ages.
October DAYS IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LONG GROVE (OCT. 9-24)
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. 9, when local shops stay open late for an evening of shopping, dining, and giveaways for grown-up witches and warlocks. On Saturday, Oct. 11, families can join DIY Scarecrow Day behind Fred Astaire Dance Studio to craft imaginative scarecrows for display around town. Pet lovers are invited to the Pet Costume Parade at Brothers' Field on Sunday, Oct. 19, where dogs compete for best dressed, most unique and judge's favorite. The festivities wrap up on Friday, Oct. 24, 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. 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.
The Village of Fox Lake will host a family-friendly fall celebration. The afternoon event will feature craft vendors, live music and a children's costume contest. Guests can also take part in pumpkin carving for $4 per pumpkin, adding to the seasonal fun. Join the community to enjoy autumn activities in a festive, family-focused setting.
The Vernon Hills Park District will host its inaugural Frights and Delights Halloween Festival at the Sullivan Community Center. The festival combines favorites from Trucks, Trunks, and Treats with Fall Fest, offering trunk-or-treating, hayrides, a costume contest and other family-friendly activities. The dog-friendly event also features a doggie costume contest and puppy adoptions.
The Grayslake Village Center and Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting the 2nd 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 2025 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.
Wauke-Con 2025 returns to Three Brothers Theatre, offering fans a day of comics, collectibles and author appearances. The convention will feature guest appearances by writers E.S. Fein and Philip James Stewerf, a chance to win a signed Ray Bradbury comic book and free comic books for all ticket holders. Vendors, including New Guy Comics, will showcase a variety of collectibles, making it a must-visit event for fans of comics, literature and pop culture.
Grayslake will host a Pumpkin Fest offering an evening of Halloween fun for children ages 1–13. The event will feature Halloween games, hayrides, moonwalks, a costume contest and a Halloween character path, with preregistration required by Oct. 22.
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. Attendees can also enjoy pumpkin decorating, games, a photo booth, food trucks and a live DJ.
The Antioch Chamber invites witches, warlocks and friends to Wicked Witches Night Out with an after-party continuing into the evening at The Rivalry Alehouse. Participants can dress up, take part in a downtown scavenger hunt, enter raffles at participating businesses and share selfies for a chance to win prizes. Registration is required, as space for witches is limited.
The Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Trick or Treat on Main Street event. Families can stroll along Main Street, visiting vendor booths and local businesses for candy and fun Halloween activities. The event promises a day of spooky thrills and sweet treats for all ages.
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.
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with the Round Lake Beach community at the annual Day of the Dead Celebration. The event, held at the Cultural and Civic Center, offers a vibrant evening filled with the rich traditions of this Mexican holiday. The celebration features performances by folkloric dancers, an array of beautifully decorated traditional altars and engaging children's crafts. Visitors can browse unique goods from local vendors, enjoy authentic food from on-site food trucks and admire the detailed Catrina and Catrin costumes. Don't miss a special show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
MainStreet Libertyville offers a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween with its annual downtown Trick-or-Treat event. Children can visit participating local businesses to collect candy in a secure and festive environment. Look for the bright orange pumpkin signs on the doors or windows of participating shops, and don't forget your camera to capture the costumes and fun.
For more things to do during Lake County's autumn season, continue here.
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