Top 10 Things To Do In October 2025

By: Sam Ornig 09/26/2025

Wander through the land of lakes this October and soak up the picturesque views, crisp autumn air and delicious libations and food for a perfect fall experience. With a variety of vibrant fall festivals, spooky attractions, pumpkin patches, and so much more, there's no shortage of opportunity to make lasting memories this October. Indulge your taste buds on the Lake County Libation Trail, where you'll find a variety of craft breweries, wineries and distilleries offering unique seasonal flavors. And for a heart-pounding adventure, visit Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® or check out the family-friendly Kids BOO Fest during the day. Plan your perfect autumn adventure with our Fall Outdoor Guide, and keep scrolling to discover our top 10 must-do activities in Lake County this October!

Find more October events in Lake County and visit our blog to find more guides to take full advantage of this season. Stay tuned for local trick-or-treating dates and times! 

1. Spooks & Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration (All October)

Join us for Lake County's annual Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration, a month-long extravaganza of family-friendly fun, spooky thrills and delicious local libations. Explore lively pumpkin patches, enchanting corn mazes, haunted attractions and more this season in the land of lakes. Discover the latest Halloween happenings and exclusive travel packages at VisitLakeCounty.org/Spooks. Join the Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge for a chance to win a party bus tour by checking in at five or more participating Libation Trail locations. This festive celebration continues until Halloween night, offering a memorable autumn experience for all.

2. Fright Fest presented by Snickers® at six flags Great America (Through Nov. 2) 

Experience Six Flags Great America in Gurnee as it transforms into a festive hub of thrills, chills and delicious food for its three major fall events: Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®, Kids BOO Fest and the Oktoberfest Food Festival. Running through November 2, these events promise a blend of spooky surprises, family-friendly activities and culinary delights that will make this fall season unforgettable. As soon as the sun sets, Fright Fest takes over the park, turning Six Flags into a haven of horrors. With several haunted houses and scare zones, horror is lurking around every corner — be ready for some serious frights! For the younger visitors, Kids BOO Fest is a more lighthearted and less spooky celebration of the season. Running from park opening until 6 p.m., kids can embark on the Trick-or-Treat Trail, navigate their way through the Corn Maize, hop aboard the Boo Line Express and more. Six Flags is also bringing the flavors of fall to life with its Oktoberfest Food Festival, where you can enjoy authentic Bavarian cuisine and traditional German music. Make sure to mark your calendar and head to Gurnee for a fall experience you won't soon forget!

Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee.

3. Pumpkin Picking in Lake County (All Month) 

Lake County offers a delightful array of pumpkin patches, perfect for families and friends seeking a classic autumn activity. With picturesque settings, hayrides, corn mazes and farm-fresh produce, pumpkin picking in Lake County is a memorable experience for all ages. Don't miss out on favorite seasonal treats like Apple Cider Donuts and Pumpkin-Flavored drinks! 

• Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Dider Farms in Lincolnshire INFO»
• Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze in Spring Grove INFO»
• Tobie Family Farm in Grayslake INFO»
• CLC Farmers Market in Grayslake (through Oct. 3) INFO»
• Deerfield Farmers Market (through Oct. 11) INFO»
• MainStreet Libertyville Farmers Market (through Oct. 16) INFO»
• Elawa Farm Market in Lake Forest (through Oct. 25) INFO»
• Ravinia Farmers Market in Highland Park (through October) INFO»
• Grayslake Farmers Market (through Dec. 13) INFO»
• Kroll's Fall Farm Harvest Farm in Waukegan INFO»
• Patch 22 Pumpkins & Events in Wadsworth INFO»
• Country Bumpkin in Mundelein INFO»
• Rosie's Vegetable/Pumpkin Stand in Gurnee INFO»

4. Fall Photo Ops in Lake County (All Month) 

Autumn offers some of the most picture-worthy views of Lake County, so don't miss your opportunity to see a kaleidoscope of colors as leaves turn to pretty reds, oranges and yellows. Check out some of these local parks and forest preserves for the most gorgeous fall photo opportunities: 

• Bowen Park in Waukegan INFO»
• Chain O'Lakes State Park in Antioch/Spring Grove area INFO»
• Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville INFO»
• Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve in Deerfield INFO»
• Century Park in Vernon Hills INFO»
• Illinois Beach State Park in Zion INFO»
• Almond Marsh Forest Preserve in Grayslake INFO»
• Heller Nature Center in Highland Park INFO»
• University of St. Mary's of the Lake in Mundelein INFO»
• Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area (Ryerson Woods) in Riverwoods INFO»
• Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve INFO»
• Hiram Buttrick Sawmill in Antioch INFO»
• Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich INFO»
• Robert McClory Bike Path in North Chicago INFO»
• Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda INFO»
• Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe INFO»

5. Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience (Oct. 2-31) 

For fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, the chance to walk through a magical woodland and come face-to-face with fantastical creatures is coming to Lake County. Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience, a licensed event by Warner Bros., opens Oct. 2 at YMCA Camp Duncan, offering an immersive outdoor adventure designed to bring the wizarding world to life. Its Chicago-area stop promises to transport guests into a spellbinding forest, complete with interactive moments, stunning lighting and cinematic sound effects that echo the magic of the films. Visitors follow a woodland trail where iconic scenes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises are illuminated for the first time in a live, walk-through format. Along the path, they can encounter a Hippogriff, unicorns, Nifflers and other magical creatures, bringing the storylines of the movies into a real-world environment. Wands are encouraged as attendees can cast spells, practice charms and even conjure a Patronus. All characters and elements are licensed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., with publishing rights © J.K. Rowling. For tickets, visit FeverUp.com.

Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience, YMCA Camp Duncan, 32405 N. US Highway 12, Ingleside.

6. Fall Festivals in Lake County (All Month)

Experience the magic of fall in Lake County at an array of family-friendly festivals. These seasonal gatherings captivate attendees with colorful pumpkin displays, playful skeletons, tasty autumn-themed treats and a variety of activities for all ages. Beloved by residents and a charming draw for visitors, these events have become treasured annual traditions.

• Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire (through Oct. 26) INFO»
• Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee (through Oct. 31) INFO»
• Jack-O-Lantern World in Lake Zurich (through Nov. 1) INFO»
• Oktoberfest Food Festival at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (through Nov. 2) INFO»
• Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (through Nov. 2) INFO»
• Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (through Nov. 2) INFO»
• Realm of Terror Haunted House (Oct. 1-Nov. 1) INFO»
• Vernon Hills Scarecrow Fest (Oct. 2) INFO»
• First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (Oct. 3) INFO»
• Festival of Arts and Crafts at Lake County Fairgrounds (Oct. 3-5) INFO»
• Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest in Highwood (Oct. 3-5) INFO»
• Annual Oktoberfest Celebration at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove (Oct. 3-6) INFO»
• Fall on the Farm at Lambs Farm (Oct. 4) INFO» 
• Legions of Craft Beer Festival in Gurnee (Oct. 4) INFO»
• Fall Festival by Grant Township and Village of Fox Lake (Oct. 6) INFO»
• Night of 1,000 Jack-O'-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Gardens (Oct. 8-26) INFO»
• October Days in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Oct. 9-24) INFO»
• Brothers' Field Festivals in Long Grove: Fall Fest (Oct. 11), Flavor Days Asian Fusion (Oct. 12), Costume Party (Oct. 24) and Season End Party (Oct. 25)
• Stews and Brews at Port Clinton Square in Highland Park (Oct. 11) INFO»
• Grayslake Antique and Flea Market (Oct. 11-12) INFO»
• Pumpkin Jubilee in Fox Lake (Oct. 12) INFO»
• Frights and Delights Halloween Festival in Vernon Hills (Oct. 18) INFO»
• Sips and Sweets Sparking Wine and Chocolate Walk in Grayslake (Oct. 18) INFO»
• Mundelein's Boo Bash and Ultimate Pumpkin Contest (Oct. 18) INFO»
• ZombieWauk in Waukegan (Oct. 18) INFO»
• Riverside Foundation 3rd Annual Oktoberfest 5k Run/Walk at Half Day Brewing (Oct. 19) INFO»
• Wauke-Con in Waukegan (Oct. 20) INFO»
• Pumpkin Fest in Grayslake (Oct. 23) INFO»
• Lincolnshire Boo Bash (Oct. 24) INFO»
• Trick-or-Treat on Main Street in Wauconda (Oct. 26) INFO»
• Fox Lake Halloween Howl (Oct. 27) INFO»
• Boo Bash at Gurnee Mills (Oct. 30) INFO»
• Day-of-the-Dead Celebration in Round Lake Beach (Oct. 31) INFO»
• MainStreet Libertyville Trick-or-Treat (Oct. 31) INFO»

7. Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach (Oct. 3-Nov. 1)

The Realm of Terror Horror Experience, a top Halloween attraction between Chicago and Milwaukee, is located in Round Lake Beach and promises thrills and chills like no other haunted house in the area. This highly anticipated seasonal attraction has been scaring the Lake County community since 2003 and is designed for the truest thrill-seekers looking for real terror. Offering themed food and drinks, signature spooky cocktails and mocktails, carnival games and spooky souvenirs, this attraction is a one-stop shop for horror enthusiasts. Open from October 3 through November 1, learn more at RealmofTerror.com.

Realm of Terror Haunted House, 421 W. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach.

8. American Nightmare Scream Park at Richardson Adventure Farm (Oct. 2-Nov. 1)

Looking for spooks and scares this fall? Look no further than Richardson Adventure Farm's American Nightmare Scream Park, Chicagoland's only outdoor haunted attraction. Prepare to be terrified from the moment you step into line until you walk back to your car, with frights around every corner of the five haunted attractions: Death Rows, Bloody Acres Estates, Camp Blood, Circus of Insanity 3D and Nightmare 31. Dare to walk through the acres of corn and watch out for the ghouls you'll encounter along the way. Enjoy live music, axe throwing, food trucks, drinks and more as you meet the creepy monsters that are sure to give you nightmares. For those seeking a calmer fall atmosphere, visit Richardson Adventure Farm for festive autumn fun, including the World's Largest Corn Maze, delicious treats like Apple Cider Donuts, pumpkin picking, train rides, a petting zoo and so much more. Richardson's is sure to fulfill your entire fall bucket list in one visit. 

Richardson Adventure Farm, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove.

9. Volo Museum: Paranormal Train (Through Nov. 2) and Svengoolie Meet-and-Greet (Nov. 1)

Head to the Volo Museum for frightful fun for the whole family this October. Through November 2, take a 25-minute Paranormal Train ride through the museum grounds with real-life stories of unexplainable encounters from Grams family members, museum staff and even museum visitors. Not only will you hear the strange stories, you'll also see real proof along the way. Keep November 1 open so you don't miss out on the Svengoolie Meet-and-Greet event! Take a photo with the horror icon and get his autograph to properly close out the end of spooky season. More information is available at VoloCars.com.

Volo Museum, 27582 West Volo Village Rd., Volo. 

10. 'Dracula' Radio Show at Improv Playhouse (OCt. 31-Nov. 1)

Travel back in time for some spooky entertainment this October with Improv Playhouse's presentation of the classic 1938 Orson Welles Mercury Radio Theatre production of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Every year, the Liberytville location brings the radio show to life on stage to entertain audiences of all ages. You von't vant to miss this memorable performance — find tickets at ImprovPlayhouse.com.

Improv Playhouse Theater, 130 N Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.

BONUS: Des Plaines River Trail Races (October 11)

Catch a glimpse of the vibant autumn colors in Lake County while getting your run on! The Des Plaines River Trail Races feature half marathon, marathon, 50km and 50 mile runs along the beautiful Des Plaines River Trail. Run through lush forests and open wetlands on the wide, flat, crushed gravel trails and enjoy the gorgeous views along the way. Races begin and end at Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills. With likely cooler temperatures and exceptional running trails, prepare to meet your personal best (bonus: the marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier!). Learn more and register at DesPlainesRiverTrailRaces.com.

Half Day Forest Preserve, 24255 IL-21, Vernon Hills.

Find more things to do in October. Don't forget to check out Lake County's Spooks & Spirits Autumn Celebration. And don't miss the sweet indulgences in Lake County's delicious food and drink offerings.. 

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!