One of the best things about the summer farewell is fall festivals in Lake County. Pumpkin spice anyone?
Embark on the exceptional vibrancy of autumn’s glows first hand while heading to an Oktoberfest, getting the living daylights scared out of you, picking out enormous orange fruits or just getting lost in a maze of maize.
Taste the harvest goodness, embrace sweater weather, breathe in the autumn feels and get to a fall festival in Lake County!
You’ll be amazed by their maize mazes. Richardson’s Adventure Farm & Corn Maze is known for having the world’s most massive corn maze. The Spring Grove area spans 33 acres of land and is equipped with 11 miles of trails. Richardson Farm celebrates the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and NASA landing on the moon in 1969. Besides the renowned maze, the Adventure Farm features another five mazes, a zip line, a pumpkin patch, ORBiting rides (a ride inside a giant 11-football), live pig races, a wooded picnic area, free campfires, pedal carts, pedal trikes, a goat farm, a corn cabin and wagon rides. Other activities have separate admissions. Richardson Farm is open through Sunday, November 3.
The thrills and chills are at Six Flags Great America as the legendary Fright Fest makes its return to the Gurnee Amusement Park. Fright Fest presented by Snickers is when the park is totally transformed for eight weekends in ghoulish fashion, and features live shows, street entertainment, haunted houses and of course riding the all of the 15 roller coasters and thrill rides at night. As Halloween approaches, the kids can embark on a unique trick-or-treat trail. Fright Fest is open on weekends until November 3.
Ready to compare apples to apples. These succulent red and green treats are celebrated and placed in our pies, salads and doused in caramel (our personal favorites). The Long Grove Apple Fest also features other apple-inspired treats, live entertainment and family fun at beautiful, quaint Historic Downtown Long Grove. The annual fest was ranked no. 18 on Thrillist’s Illinois Cities Food & Drink list. The manzana party live entertainment includes Petty Kings, Sixteen Candles, ARRA, 7th Heaven, MellenCougar and so much more.
You have the OP-PERCH-TUNA-ty to ex-SALMON and experience all of the aquatic bites you’ve been HERRING about with Fox Lake's Fish Fest. On Friday, visitors can enjoy a fish fry with the village mayor Donny Schmit. The meal includes all you can eat fish, two sides and a nonalcoholic drink, however, you can still purchase some adult beverages. Saturday morning, youngsters can grab their tackle box and fishing line to compete for the biggest fish in derby. The Lakefront Park event features the contest, eats, drinks, raffles and so much more. Kids angling under 16 don't need a fishing license.
"Dixie cups and paper plates fiddle tunes and tunes in 'Amazing Grace.' Hallelujah, gonna raise the barn tonight!" Square dance, toe tap and kick up your heals to "Cotton-eyed Joe" as the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center hosts Barnfest 2019. The Grayslake social is highlighted by a barbecue dinner, live music, raffles, auctions and more.
Feel the cool breeze as you take a ride on the 2019 Trail Hoppin’ Brewery Tour P/B Crank Revolution. The event is hosted by Lake County Libation Trail participant, Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire. In the second installment of this event, suds aficionados will take to the Des Plaines River Trail and the North Shore Bike Path touring (presently) nine brew houses. The event offers a short and a long version of the course. Other Lake County Libation Trail participants include the aforementioned Lincolnshire brewhouse, Bosacki’s Brewery and Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein, Only Child Brewing Co. in Gurnee and Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville. Online registration ($30 for both routes) ends September 14. Click here for online registry.
The city on the southeastern tip of Lake County is throwing their first Oktoberfest during the 150-year celebration. The German-themed event is highlighted by Rhineland cuisine, live tunes including a talent showcase and of course steins upon steins of ice-cold brew. The Highland Park Oktoberfest runs on Second Street from Beelow's Steakhouse to Central Street. The fest's headliner is Daniel Cronson, a musician that blends blues, soul and R&B stylings.
The city’s famed ArtWauk “paints” the town with sculptures, film, theatre, comedy, music, performance art, food and more. The free admission Saturday art event opens the doors to all art galleries throughout Waukegan. Fill your artistic void with the ever-extravagant monthly ArtWauk in Downtown Waukegan. In addition to the portraits, sculptures and other creative vibes, munch on some delicious dining options downtown or feel the flow of the tunes from the live entertainment
Lambs Farm Fall on the Farm is an excellent adventure for the entire family. The event features fall-themed crafts and activities, a pumpkin paint, sand art, face painting, cookie decorating, a bounce house and more. To complement the event the Lake County Farm Heritage Association will be hosting barrel train rides and touch-a-tractor at the Libertyville farm.
You haven’t lived unless you’ve been to Didier Farms Pumpkinfest. Everyone loves all the extravagant memories from the Lincolnshire/Prairie View Farm. The farm favorite features hayrides, pony rides, camel rides, kiddie rides, an exotic petting zoo, a parakeet exhibit, a corn maze and pig races (the sprinting porkies only gallop on the weekends). A new addition to this event is Buffalo Creek Mining Co, an area where kiddies can sift through the water to find gems. Don’t forget to visit Grandma D’s Bake Shop for scrumptious pies, cookies, fudge, homemade apple cider, kettle corn and pumpkin donuts. The farm’s doors are open through Wednesday, October 31. The farm, originally purchased by John Link who is the father of Mary Sue Didier, has been owned by a Didier descendant since 1912.
Stroll the quaint streets of downtown Antioch, stopping at unique boutiques and stores. Along the way, you can taste samples from 45 different wines and delicious dining options at each venue at the Antioch Fall Wine Walk. Bring a memento home with you as the Downtown Antioch event provides visitors with a commemorative wine glass and a complimentary bottle of wine. Purchase your tickets soon; the event sells out fast.
Visit Vernon Hills as the festival features family fun for all. Attendees will enjoy arts & crafts, pumpkin painting, live entertainment, a petting zoo, raffles, inflatable activities and so much more, while adults can enjoy the seductive suds and gourmet food from a variety of vendors. Brats, burgers, hot dogs, taffy apples and delectable bites are available for purchase from a local not-for-profit organization. On Sunday, the fest features a tailgate party for the Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game. Live bands performing at the Vernon Hills fest include Dizzy Edge Band, Five Guys Named Moe Band and A to Z.
