Things To Do This Weekend September 27-29
By: Alexander Faerber 09/26/2019
The gates open as your nightmares become a reality, fall festivities are in full swing and the top tree climber will be crowned this weekend September 27-29!
The autumnal equinox has officially passed, so now is the time to get your pumpkin on. Click here for a guide to help you find that perfect orange fruit.
Can't get enough of the fall festivities? Click here to learn more about the autumn fun going on in Lake County with our fall festival guide. Also, continue here to find the perfect spot to watch the Bears play the rival Vikings.
Here are the top five things to do this weekend September 27-29.
Can you escape this winding maze of extreme terror? The Realm of Terror is one of the longest-running haunted houses in Illinois and one of the nation’s top Halloween events. Professional set designers have crafted an environment that will bring your worst nightmares to life. Haunted house enthusiasts seeking thrills should challenge the Round Lake Beach scare facility as it’s ready to deliver the frights. If you need a calming before the storm, visit the haunt bar for one of their “boo”-zy libations (or non-alcoholic beverages). Realm of Terror is Illinois’s only haunted house to feature a bar. The Realm of Terror is open select days through November 2.
Saturday, September 28; 7–10 p.m. Admission: $25-$45. Realm of Terror Haunted House, 421 W. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach.
Get ready for spine-tingling chills when the Dungeon of Doom Haunted House opens its gates on its biggest year yet. New to this legendary haunt is the “The Condamned,” with its largest themed sets ever created. Those brave enough to explore will trek through a massive custom-built forest where frights await where least expected. Check out the Gateway Show with special FX lighting and custom track audio. Fan favorites include “The Boiler Room” “The Cabin” and “Mercy General Hospital.” The Dungeon of Doom is open on select days through November 9.
Friday-Saturday, September 27-28; 7-10:30 p.m. Admission: $30-$50. Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, 600 29th St., Zion.
Head on over to Deerfield’s Harvest Fest for a family fun autumn party. Begin the day with the farmers market featuring a mix of delicious fruits, vegetables and specialty foods, topped off with kid activities like touch-a-truck, balloons artists, face painting and more. The evening kicks off with Harvest Fest, showcasing live music from The Wayouts and Modern Day Romeos, mouthwatering bites, delicious beverages and the legendary bags tournament (pre-register for the tournament at deerfield.il.us).
Saturday, September 28; 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (market), 5:30-9 p.m. (festival). Admission: Free. Deerfield Metra Commuter Lot, at the intersection of Deerfield Road and Park Avenue, Deerfield.
It’s time to get into those fall feels. The Vernon Hills Fall Fest has everything you need to get into the spirit of pumpkin spice season. Enjoy family fun activities such as pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, raffles, inflatable activities, a giant sand box and more. Relax and enjoy live music on Saturday by Dizzy Edge and Five Guys Named Moe. The event is highlighted by a variety of eats and libations including a whiskey tasting. Stop by Sunday for a tailgate party for the Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game hosted by Bears Fit.
Saturday-Sunday, September 28-29; Sat.: Noon-10 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: Free. Vernon Hills Metra Station, 75 E. US Route 45, Vernon Hills.
Fall is the perfect time for some farm fun. Join the Lake County Farm Heritage Association as they bring the farm to the fairgrounds. The Grayslake event features a Tractor displays, a parade, live tunes, barrel train rides, sawmill demonstrations, scarecrow making, farm animals, a threshing demonstration and more. Bring a bit of fall and the season back home with a variety of fall plants and décor on sale. Activities are indoors and out, rain or shine.
Saturday-Sunday, September 28-29; Sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Free. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.
Leaf it to the experts as the Illinois Arborist Association hosts their Annual Tree Climbing Championship this Saturday. Visit Shiloh Park and enjoy this unique event as 30 competitors will showcase their skills as they face off for the title of "Best Climber." In addition to seeing who comes out on top, this event also includes a kid’s climb, arbor fair, chainsaw carving, food and more. This event is rooted in family fun.
Saturday, September 28; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Free. Shiloh Park, 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion
For more Spooks & Spirits in Lake County, continue here. To learn about other things going on in the land of lakes, click here.
