Top 10 Things To Do In October 2023
By: Stephanie Wylie 09/27/2023
As the calendar pages turn to October, Lake County transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of fall colors, crisp air and an abundance of seasonal activities. This enchanting month invites us to embrace the magic of autumn. Lake County delivers a bounty of experiences to savor, such as indulging in the delights of the Lake County Libation Trail. The arrival of fall brings with it a plethora of festivals to enjoy. Explore additional reasons to celebrate here, including attending your favorite fall festivals and selecting the perfect pumpkin for Halloween. Experience the spine-tingling fun of Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® at Six Flags Great America and be sure not to miss the family-friendly Kids BOO Fest during the daytime. Keep scrolling to unveil Lake County's top 10 activities for October!
Take a moment to relax and savor the enchanting elixirs during Lake County's Spooks and Spirits autumn celebration. This six-week extravaganza showcases a delightful blend of family-friendly festivities, spine-tingling thrills and the seasonal libations crafted by Lake County's renowned Libation Trail. Prepare to be bewitched by the mesmerizing corn mazes at Richardson's Adventure Farm and pumpkin patches at Didier Farms. Discover the latest Halloween happenings and exclusive travel packages at VisitLakeCounty.org/Spooks.
As you explore the fantastic establishments that Lake County has to offer, don’t miss out on the exciting month-long Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge. All you brew, wine and spirit enthusiasts throughout October can check in at five or more participating locations using your mobile devices. One winner will win a party bus tour for up to 10 individuals to three Lake County Libation Trail partners chosen by random drawing. The Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration and Check-in Challenge enchant the region until Halloween night.
Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure at Six Flags Great America during the hair-raising Fright Fest, brought to you by SNICKERS®. This thrilling event takes the Gurnee theme park experience to a new level with haunted houses, exhilarating roller coasters and eerie scare zones that will leave you breathless. But fear not, there's fun for everyone in the family! In the daytime, families can play at Kids BOO Fest, designed to keep the young entertained. Children can embark on the Character Candy Trail for some delightful trick-or-treating, navigate through Patch's Hay Maze and groove to the beats at the Monster Bash Dance Party. All that excitement will work up an appetite, and Six Flags Great America has you covered with their Oktoberfest Food Festival. Relax and savor authentic German cuisine and beverages while enjoying traditional music at the Mooseburger Patio in the Yukon Territory. Once the clock strikes 6 p.m., the park transforms into a realm of ghoulish delights. Terrifying creatures roam the park, ready to send shivers down your spine as you venture through the scare zones. For those seeking an extra adrenaline rush, six uniquely themed haunted houses are available with an additional pass and park admission. Please note that after 6 p.m., the frights are for brave souls aged 13 and up. For performance schedules, ticket details, haunted house information, and more, visit SixFlags.com. Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®, runs on select days until Halloween, so don't miss out on the chilling experience!
Celebrate the splendors of the fall season in Lake County at various festivals for the whole family. These lively events enchant visitors with vibrant pumpkin displays, whimsical skeletons, delicious seasonal treats, and an array of family-friendly activities, making them cherished annual traditions for locals and a delightful destination for visitors.
- SeptOberFest at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove (Select days through October 30) INFO»
- Spooks & Spirits Autumn Celebration (Now through October 31) INFO»
- Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS at Six Flags Great America (running select days through October 31) INFO»
- Kids BOO Fest at Six Flags Great America (running select days through October 31) INFO»
- Oktoberfest Food Festival at Six Flags Great America (running select days through October 31) INFO»
- Oktoberfest at The Lot in Highland Park (September 30) INFO»
- Oktoberfest 5K in Long Grove (September 30) INFO»
- Hoptoberfest at Tighthead Brewing Co. (September 30) INFO»
- Wine Pairing Dinner: Oktoberfest at Vigneto del Bino Winery (October 14) INFO»
- ArtWauk in Waukegan (November 18) INFO»
- PTC 20th Anniversary Gala in Deerfield (September 27) INFO»
- Halloween Hoopla in Deerfield (Various dates in October) INFO»
- Bonfire and Brews: A Taste of Gurnee (September 30) INFO»
- Wauke-Con in Waukegan (September 30 – October 1) INFO»
- Fox Lake Fall Festival (October 1) INFO»
- Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest (October 5) INFO»
- First Friday on Mainstreet Libertyville (October 6) INFO»
- Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest & Great Highwood Skeleton Invasion in Highwood (October 6-8) INFO»
- DIY Scarecrow Day in Long Grove (October 7) INFO»
- Witches Night Out in Long Grove (October 12) INFO»
- Pumpkin Jubilee in Fox Lake (October 7) INFO»
- Stews & Brews in Highland Park (October 1314) INFO»
- Halloween Fall Fest in Gurnee (October 14) INFO»
- Craft Beer Walk in Antioch (October 14) INFO»
- A Fairy Halloween at Brothers' Field (October 14) INFO»
- PumpkinFest in Grayslake (October 19) INFO»
- Girls' Night Out in Libertyville (October 19) INFO»
- Monster Mash Costume Party in Grayslake (October 20) INFO»
- Mundelein Boo Bash (October 21) INFO»
- Celebration Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead at The Jack Benny Center (October 21-22) INFO»
- ZombieWauk in Waukegan (October 21) INFO»
- Fox Lake Halloween Howl (October 23) INFO»
- Vernon Hills Fall Fest (October 27) INFO»
- Lincolnshire Boo Bash (October 27) INFO»
- Curt's Café 11th Annual Gala (October 28) INFO»
- Halloween Moonlight Madness Gala at the Sanfilippo House (October 28) INFO»
Experience the joys of the autumn season in Lake County with a visit to charming farms like Richardson Adventure Farm, Didier Farms and Lambs Farm. These family-friendly destinations offer an array of quintessential fall activities, from pumpkin picking and corn mazes to hayrides and petting zoos, making them perfect places to create lasting memories and embrace the season's spirit.
- Happy Times at Didier Farms (Open until October 29) INFO»
- Lambs Farm (Open until October 31) INFO»
- Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze (Open until October 31) INFO»
Raise your glass to the Lake County Libation Trail! Whether you're a beer enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or a lover of fine spirits, Lake County's libations are here to delight your taste buds. With over 30 flavors crafted from locally sourced ingredients, you can savor everything from frosty lagers to robust merlots to classic cocktails. To join the libation adventure, check in via your mobile pass when you visit any participating location. During October, if you check in at five or more stops along the Lake County Libation Trail – whether you're indoors, sipping al fresco, picking up curbside, or ordering carryout – you'll be entered into an exciting sweepstakes with the chance to win an exclusive prize. Stay tuned for more details and prepare for a flavorful journey!
October brings spine-tingling excitement to Lake County as haunted attractions, ghost stories, and eerie legends take center stage. From the award-winning Dungeon of Doom in Zion to the chilling Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach, Lake County knows all about terrifying experiences. Not for the faint-hearted, these attractions offer an intense scare experience perfect for those seeking spine-chilling thrills this October. Along with haunted houses, Lake County boasts a list of ghostly tales and legends, making it a hauntingly thrilling destination this Halloween season. Stop by White Cemetery in Barrington or Devil's Gate in Libertyville. And remember to check out all the spooky events in Lake County!
Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the beloved pumpkin season. Whether you are searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve spooky jack-o'-lanterns, enhance your seasonal decor, or enjoy a fun-filled family day out, Lake County has you covered. Explore unique pumpkin displays at the Night of 1000 Jack-o'-Lanterns at Botanic Gardens, experience the Bumpkin Pumpkin Festival at Country Bumpkin, join the festivities at the Fox Lake Pumpkin Jubilee, or be part of the Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest & Great Highwood Skeleton Invasion. Discover your pumpkin paradise in Lake County!
- Lake County Film Festival Halloween Night Mystery Film (October 31) INFO»
- The Mousetrap at Citadel Theatre (Runs through October 15) INFO»
- Sugar Skull: A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure at Genesee Theater (October 14) INFO»
- Fox Lake Murder Mystery at Maravela's Banquets & Catering (October 20) INFO»
- Hasta La Muerte: A Day of the Dead Show by Las Cafeteras at James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (October 27) INFO»
- Halloween Moonlight Madness Gala at The Sanfilippo Estate (October 28) INFO»
The 13th year of the DPR Trail Half Marathon, Full Marathon, 50K and 50 Miles, is here along the picturesque Des Plaines River Trail. Starting and finishing at Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills, this event promises a spectacular experience for runners. The trail offers a wide, flat and smooth crushed gravel surface free from roots and rocks and is tailor-made for achieving personal bests and Boston Marathon Qualifying times. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time trail runner, this event offers an exceptional experience. Plus, all races are chip-timed, providing accurate results and peace of mind. This race isn't just about the runners; it's about giving back. Every year, donations are made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, positively impacting the community.
Lake County boasts a rich history of hosting prestigious golf events, including the PGA's BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Course, the LPGA UL Crown at Merit Club and several national championships. With 46 picturesque golf courses set against Lake County's natural beauty backdrop, golf enthusiasts can tee up on rolling emerald hills, navigate challenging fairways and enjoy the tranquility of lush forests and open spaces. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to unwind, Lake County offers diverse courses for every skill level and preference. From the undulating greens of Thunderhawk Golf Club to the unique British Highlands design of Sunset Valley Golf Club, there's a course to suit everyone's taste. Veterans Memorial Golf Course even welcomes the public to experience a challenging 18-hole layout at Naval Station Great Lakes. Lake County's golf scene invites you to perfect your swing while soaking in the natural beauty that defines the region.
For more things to do in October 2023, click here. Don't forget Spooks & Spirits: Lake IL, Autumn Celebration has something for everyone! Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® at Six Flags Great America has something for the whole family to enjoy. And don't forget to indulge in delicious food and drink in Lake County. For a truly unique experience, visit one of our local wineries, breweries, or distilleries and sample their sumptuous spirits, vibrant wines, and breathtaking brews. There's something for everyone in the land of lakes!
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