Things To Do This Weekend October 3-5, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 10/01/2025

Lake County comes alive each fall with a mix of family fun, festive flavors and spine-tingling thrills. From craft libations and pumpkin-filled festivals to haunted houses and hands-on farm experiences, the region offers something for every autumn enthusiast. This weekend, residents and visitors can sip their way through the Lake County Libation Trail, marvel at glowing jack-o’-lanterns at the Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest and more.

Let's look at this list of things to do this weekend, October 3-5, 2025. Fall in Lake County has numerous festivals you'll want to participate in. For a list of Fall Festivals in Lake County, click here.

1.Spooks & Spirits: Lake County Autumn Celebration

Fall in Lake County isn’t just about crisp leaves and pumpkin spice—it’s about embracing a season packed with family fun, eerie thrills and locally crafted flavors. The Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge, running through October 31, invites visitors to experience the Lake County Libation Trail’s seasons offerings. Individuals ages 21 and older are encouraged to visit participating breweries, wineries distilleries for a chance to win a party bus tour hosted by VLC and 95 WIIL ROCK (95.1 WIIL-FM). With more than 30 breweries, wineries and distilleries pouring their specialties, the trail offers everything from frothy lagers to velvety reds to classic cocktails. Toast a glass at Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein, or sip a spirit concoction created by the self-proclaimed nerds from North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks or indulge in a red or white vino from Lynfred Winery in Highland Park or Wheeling and various other locations. Whether your ideal autumn outing involves liquid courage with friends or a ghoulish meal with your significant other, this renowned check-in challenge is an opportunity to taste the Lake County Libation Trail’s delectable autumn selections. For a complete schedule of events, details on the Libation Trail sweepstakes and other land of lakes Halloween traditions, visit VisitLakeCounty.org/spooks. 

Friday-Sunday, October 3-5. Various locations in Lake County.

2. The 15th Annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest

For 15 years, the Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest has lit up the North Shore with thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Presented by Celebrate Highwood, visitors can expect pumpkin carving stations, towering pumpkin walls and the return of the town’s celebrated skeleton displays. The weekend will feature three days of live music across three stages, a carnival by the Metra station and artisan and food vendors. Families can join in trick-or-treating, costume contests for kids and pets and a pumpkin pie eating challenge. For thrill seekers, the Pumpkin Speedway offers micro-NASCAR-style races. Pumpkin lovers will also find Wayfarer Theaters of Highland Park sponsoring carving displays and screenings of the film “Grow.” For schedules and event details, visit CelebrateHighwood.org.

Friday-Sunday, October 3-5; Fri.: 4-10 p.m., Sat.: 12-10 p.m. and Sun.: 12-9 p.m. No entry fee. Downtown Highwood, 1707 St. Johns Ave., Highwood. 

3. Antioch Fall Festival

Families looking for an afternoon of autumn fun can head to Antioch this weekend for the community’s annual free Fall Festival. The event will feature a lineup of activities for all ages, including a climbing wall, jump houses, mini golf, face painting and carnival-style games. Classic car enthusiasts can stroll through a vintage car show, while kids experience crafts, giveaways and treats like caramel apples and snow cones. With its mix of seasonal staples and kid-approved entertainment, the Antioch Fall Festival offers a relaxed way to kick off October. For more information, visit CM.AntiochChamber.org.

Saturday, October, 4 p.m. Free admission. Christian Life Fellowship, 41625 N. Deep Lake Rd., Antioch. 

4. Realm of Terror Opens in Round Lake Beach

For thrill seekers who measure fall by the chill down their spine rather than the color of the leaves, the Realm of Terror Haunted House is back to claim its title as one of Illinois’ scariest attractions. The immersive haunt has been recognized multiple times as the state’s best, drawing horror fans from across the Midwest. Guests will navigate a labyrinth of fear, designed to keep adrenaline pumping. The Round Lake Beach experience is made possible by professional set designers and sound engineers, who create fully realized environments and spine-rattling soundscapes. The venue also offers fare, drinks, spook cocktails for adults, a gift shop and more. With intense visuals, actors, and effects, the attraction is for mature audiences seeking extreme scares. Realm of Terror is open on weekends through November 1. Tickets can be found at RealmofTerror.com.

Friday-Sunday, October 3-5; 7-10 p.m. Tickets start at $19.99. Realm of Terror Haunted House, 421 W. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach.

5. Liberty Prairie Fall Farm Festival Fundraiser

Autumn in the Midwest means golden fields, crisp air and the chance to slow down and savor the season. Liberty Prairie will offer just that during its Fall Farm Festival Fundraiser. The occasion invites families to experience life on the farm with wagon rides, sheep shearing demonstrations, a pumpkin patch and plenty of opportunities to meet friendly-farm animals. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Grayslake farm, the festival offers a relaxed, family-friendly way to welcome fall while supporting a cause rooted in sustainability and education. For more details, visit LibertyPrairie.org.

Saturday, October 4; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Suggested donation of $10. Liberty Prairie Farm, 550 Harris Rd., Grayslake.

6. Fall on the Farm at Lambs Farm

The sights, sounds and flavors of autumn will come to life at Lambs Farm during Fall on the Farm. The family-friendly event blends hands-on activities with classic fall traditions. Children can climb aboard barrel train rides, paint pumpkins, make fall crafts and explore tractors through a partnership with the Lake County Farm Heritage Association. Old-fashioned rope making, live music and games will round out the day’s lineup. Seasonal treats will also be on hand, with Lambs Farm’s specialty coffee, cider donuts and samples of their signature products available at the Sugar Maple Country Store. The festival supports the Lambs Farm mission of helping adults with developmental disabilities lead productive, fulfilling lives. For details, visit LambsFarm.org.

Saturday, October 4; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults: $5 and Children: $10. Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville. 

For more things to do this weekend, October 3-5, 2025, click here.