Top 10 Things To Do in September 2025

By: Sam Ornig 08/29/2025

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, with promises of cooler temperatures and tons of fall fun for everyone. Join in on seasonal festivities this month, like the opening of Fright Fest and Boo Bash at Six Flags Great America, Richardson Adventure Farm's Sunflower Festival and autumn attractions, Oktoberfests and more! Head to Lake County with your family and friends and take advantage of all that the Land of Lakes has to offer this month.

Here are the top 10 things to do in September in Lake County.

1. September Festivals (All Month)

Soak up the last of the warmer weather this month as we say goodbye to summer and welcome autumn with a slew of festivals and celebrations around Lake County.

• SeptOberfest in Liberytville (Sept. 3-Oct. 30) INFO»
• Richardson Sunflower Festival (TBA) INFO»
• Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration (Sept. 12-Oct. 31) INFO»
• Lake County Film Festival (Sept. 4-15) INFO»
• Corks and Kegs: Beer and Wine Tasting in Wauconda (Sept. 6) INFO»
• The Miracle in Mundelein (Sept. 6-7) INFO»
• Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (Sept. 13-Nov. 2) INFO»
• Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee (Sept. 13-Nov. 2) INFO»
• Brothers' Field Battle of the Bands (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Grayslake Bourbon and Beer Fest (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Reclaimed Artisans Inc. Fall Outdoor Market (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Paws in the Park at Larry Fink Memorial Park (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Rock the Block in Lake Zurich (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Wauconda Latin Heritage Fest (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Fiestas Patrias Festival in Waukegan & North Chicago (TBA) INFO»
• Brothers' Field Pizza Fest (Sept. 14) INFO»
• Women, Life, Freedom Film Festival in Highland Park (Sept. 18-21) INFO»
• Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms (Sept. 18-Oct. 26) INFO»
• Brothers' Field Havana Nights (Sept. 19) INFO»
• Lake County RV Outlet Show in Grayslake (Sept. 19-21) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (Sept. 20) INFO»
• Fall on the Farm at Lambs Farm (TBA) INFO»
• Deerfield Harvest Fest (Sept. 20) INFO»
• Hawthorn Summer Market at Hawthorn Row (Sept. 20) INFO»
• Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge (Sept. 25-Oct. 31) INFO»
• Jack-O-Lantern World in Lake Zurich (Sept. 26-Nov. 1) INFO»
• Long Grove Apple Fest (Sept. 26-28) INFO»
• Bushel of Apples Fest in Lake Zurich (Sept. 26-27) INFO»
• Highland Park Hoe Down (Sept. 27) INFO»

2. Richardson Adventure Farm's Fall Season and SUnflower Festival (Opens September 6)

The September opening of Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove is a sure sign that autumn is on its way. Complete your fall bucket list all in one day at this Lake County staple. Pick your pumpkins and taste the delicious apple cider donuts. Take a wagon ride, visit the petting zoo and cozy up at a campfire. Throughout September, visit the Sunflower Festival, where you can get amazing photos in the sunflower fields, hear local live music and make memories with your loved ones. And don't forget about the "World's Largest" Corn Maze—this year's corn maze theme is "Back to Future," in honor of the movie's 40th anniversary. Grab your family and friends for an adventure through Marty, Doc, the clock tower and the DeLorean. Sorry, no hover boards allowed in the corn maze. Richardson Adventure Farm opens for the season on September 6. 

3. Northern Illinois AirShow 'Wings Over Waukegan' (Sept. 6-7)

Head to Waukegan September 6-7 for the Northern Illinois Airshow, a memorable two-day event fit for the whole family. Witness great flight performances by world-renowned aerobatic pilots, with flight demonstrations in vintage military craft like the F-86 Sabre and a Soviet era MiG17. Visit the flyboy event to see the renowned Phillip 66 Aerostars who have been performing formation aerobatrics side by side at around 250 mph for more than a decade. Check out the aircraft displays before and after the events. 

4. The Miracle in Mundelein (Sept. 6-7)

RISE Dispensaries in the Village of Mundelein welcomes The Miracle in Mundelein September 6-7, with two days of live music and legal cannabis consumption. 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. Get your tickets to the greenest music festival!

5. September Theatre in Lake County (All month)

Lake County boasts a dynamic theater scene, offering a rich tapestry of performances throughout the year. From classic plays to stand-up comedians, theater enthusiasts can immerse themselves in captivating stories and incredible acts by talented local and touring performers in venues that range from intimate black box theaters to grand historic stages.

• "Catch Me If You Can" at Marriott Theatre (Throughout September) INFO»
• Carlos Mencia at American Place Casino (Sept. 6) INFO»
• "Misery" at Citadel Theatre Co. (Sept. 12-Oct. 12) INFO»
• Family Magic with Bill Blagg in Lake Forest (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Peter Antoniou at American Place Casino (Sept. 13) INFO»
• "Charlotte's Web" at CLC's James Lumber Center (Sept. 25-28) INFO»
• Cirque Italia—Water Circus at Gurnee Mills (Sept. 26-29) INFO»

6. Oktoberfest in Lake County (All Month)

Everyone's favorite autumn tradition is back! Enjoy traditional German music, Bavarian cuisine and big steins of frothy beer at Lake County's Oktoberfest celebrations this month.  

• Keep the Stein Night with Revolution Brewing at Station 51 (Sept. 12) INFO»
• Oktoberfest at Six Flags Great America (Sept. 13-Nov. 1) INFO»
• MainStreet Libertyville Oktoberfest (Sept. 19-20) INFO»
• Oktoberfest at Mickey Finn's Libertyville (Sept. 19-20) INFO»
• Keep the Stein Night with Revolution Brewing at BBQ'd Productions Third Lake (Sept. 19) INFO»
• Keep the Stein Night with Revolution Brewing at BBQ'd Productions in Lake Zurich (Sept. 20) INFO»

7. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America (Sept. 13-Nov. 2)

Get your spook on as the the legendary Fright Fest returns to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. This seasonal staple promises an unforgettable experience with ghoulish street entertainment, freaky live performances, chilling haunted houses and thrilling nighttime roller coaster rides. For the younger visitors, Kid's Boo Fest offers a tamer vibe with a Trick-or-Treat Trail, hay maze, Monster Dance Party and more. The park encourages you and your goblins ages 13 and under to vamoose by 5 p.m. as the ghouls can be a little intense come nightfall. Fright Fest is open on weekends until Halloween. Enter if you dare! 

8. Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration and Check-in Challenge (Sept. 12-Oct. 31)

Experience Lake County's annual Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration, boasting a line-up of fall festivals, costume parades, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, spooky attractions and so much more. Check out some scary-good locally made brews, wines and spirits for the Check-In Challenge for a chance to win some terrific prizes. Visit and check into five or more Lake County Libation Trail partners throughout Spooks and Spirits to be entered into the sweepstakes. Stay tuned for more information on the spooky adventures in Lake County this fall! 

9. Mexican Independence Day Celebrations

Lake County will come alive in mid-September as the community gathers to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with vibrant cultural festivities. Featuring traditional music, dance performances and delicious Mexican cuisine, these celebrations offer a lively and immersive experience for all visitors. Honor Mexico's rich heritage and enjoy a day filled with fun and cultural pride at the following fiestas:

• Wauconda Latin Heritage Fest (Sept. 13) INFO»
• Viva La Independencia in Waukegan (Sept. 14) INFO»
• Mariachi International De Oro at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove (Sept. 17) INFO»
• Traditions in the Kitchen with Chef Liz Tinajero at The Joyful Gourmet (Sept. 27) INFO»
• Festival De Cultura, Comida y Vida at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake (Sept. 29) INFO»

10. Jack-O-Lantern World in Lake Zurich (Sept. 26-Nov. 1) 

Take a walk through the bewitching Jack O' Lantern World at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich this autumn. This must-visit event features a half-mile trail featuring 4,000 intricately hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns and over 20 immersive worlds created by award-winning artisans. It’s perfect for a family outing, a fun night with friends or even a unique date night. Enjoy delicious food and beverages from popular local food trucks, and let the kids explore the Fun Zone with giant inflatables and mini golf. This magical experience brings the spirit of Halloween to life in a spectacular way.

Check out more things to do this September!