Weekend Windup {Chicago Suburbs Fall Family Weekend Fun September 30 - October 2}

 

Oaktoberfest, Oktoberfest and Everything in Between: Weekend Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs September 30 - October 2

Time for fall fun! There is plenty of fun to be had this weekend -- here are my picks this weekend in the Chicago suburbs:

Ongoing

Ongoing Flourish: The Garden at 50, Chicago Botanic Garden celebrates 50 years, look for special art installations and yellow plants threaded throughout the garden, check for special pop-up event

June 1 - October 31 Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World, Cantigny Park, Wheaton, Alebrijes are Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures, learn about the artists, go on a scavenger hunt for all 48 pieces and more, parking is $10 per car

Through November 6 Delicate Forces, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, 7 large scale art displays created with dichroic materials crafting kaleidoscope, admission fees apply 

Ongoing depending on blooms Sunflower Festival, Von Bergen's Country Market, Hebron, check out the sunflower maze, purchase tickets online -- check online for availability on flower status

September 10-October 30 Richardson World's Largest Corn Maze, Spring Grove, currently also has sunflower fields

October 1-31 Pumpkin Festival, Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, come visit the animals and see the zoo all decorated for fall, thousands of pumpkins will be scattered on the zoo lawn, pumpkins, apples, corn stalks and more will be for purchase, regular admission fees apply, please reserve timed entry

Apple Orchards

Ongoing through October  Royal Oak Farm, Harvard, apple picking, apple tree maze, activities,  country kitchen

Ongoing through October Kuipers Farm, Maple Park, UPick apples, opening day August 27

Ongoing through October Stade's Farm, McHenry, UPick Apples starting August 26

Ongoing through October, All Seasons Apple Orchard, Woodstock, also has a corn maze

Pumpkin Festivals

September 17 through October 30 Pumpkin Daze, Abbey Farms, Aurora

September 10-October 30 Richardson World's Largest Corn Maze, Spring Grove

Ongoing through October 30 Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm, Homer Glen

Ongoing through October 30 Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms, Lincolnshire

Ongoing through October Stade's Farm, McHenry, Fall Festival

Friday, September 30

September 30 - October 1 Highland Park Fall Festival presented by Ravinia Brewing, Jens Jensen Park, 5-10 Friday, 12-10 Saturday, family fun, live music, food, beverages, infusion bar, Community Carnival Saturday afternoon featuring community nonprofits

September 30 - October 1 Oktoberfest, Naper Settlement, Naperville, 5-10 Friday, 3-10 Saturday, pumpkin carver, lawn games, beer tent, stein holding competition, German food, tickets $20/adult, $15 per youth 4-12, register online

September 30-October 2 Harvest Fest, Fischer Farm, Bensenville, live music, kite flying, goat feeding, pumpkin painting, bounce houses, craft vendors and more, $10 pp, under 2 yrs old free, see website for times and more info

September 30-October 2 Oktoberfest, Buffalo Creek Brewing, Long Grove, family friendly festival, indoor and outdoor fun, biergarten, live music, performances, competitions

September 30-October 1 Harmony Fest, Arlington Heights, Harmony Park, Taste of Arlington Heights, local vendors, live music, Fri 3PM-11PM, Sat 5PM-11PM

Saturday, October 1

October 1 South Elgin's Pumpkin Patch Festival, Sebra Park, South Elgin, 9AM-2PM, paint pumpkins, buy pumpkins, craft fair, pet costume parade at 10am, pyramid of hay and more, minimal fee for some activities

October 1 Oaktober Trot, The Grove, Glenview, guided walk, learn about trees native to Illinois, 9:30AM-11AM, meet at interpretive center, free

October 1 Fall Paddle Festival, Tower Road Boat Launch, near Winnetka, 12PM-4PM, canoe trip, guided hiking, archery, pumpkin painting, nature play and more

Sunday, October 2

October 2 Oaktober Celebration, Ryerson Conservation Area, Riverwoods, 9AM-2PM, celebrate the oak trees of the oak woodlands, nature learning tables, activities and walks, buy native trees and shrubs from the sale, learn about the importance of oaks, free

October 2 The Grove Folk Fest, The Grove, Glenview, 11AM-5PM, live folk music, square dancing, nature walks, craft items for sale, historic interpretations, hayrides and more, admission is $5 per adult, $1 per child 12 and younger, reserve tickets and time slot online

October 2 Autumn Harvest Fest, Heritage Farm, Schaumburg, 12PM-4PM, demos of 19th century farm life, kids activities, pumpkin decorating, live music, food and more, $5 pp