Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs September 29 - October 1, 2023}

 

We have a fun fall weekend ahead! There is a lot going on in the Chicago suburbs this weekend - here are my picks:

Ongoing

February 4-December 23 Viking's Voyage, Geneva History Museum, learn about the history of the replica Viking ship in Geneva which started as an attraction at the World's Columbian Exhibition in 1893, $5 per adult, $2 kids and seniors, free for members, closed Sundays and Mondays

May 2 - November 3 Infrastructure: Creating 19th Century Clothing Then and Now, exhibit starts with the fabric scrapbook of Hannah Ditzler Asplaugh. Her memories of creating and recreating 19th century clothing over 50 years inspired the exhibit.  Explore the connection of clothing and memory as well as how the fashions were made then and now. See website for hours and admission.

September 16 - October 28 Pumpkin Daze, Abbey Farm, Aurora, corn maze, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, and so much more fun -- see website

September 16 - October 29 World's Largest Corn Maze at Richardson Adventure Farm, see website

September 25 - October 8 Dinos in Downtown Wheaton, 10 life-sized animatronic dinos will be in downtown Wheaton

through October 29 Shades of Autumn Festival: Apple picking, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, a pumpkin cannon, farm animals to meet, a hayride, and so much more fun makes Stade's Farm & Market an easy family fall fun favorite! Plus, there is always something great to pick up in the farm market. The event has already started for this year and runs through October 29.

September 9 - January 7 Picasso 50 Years Later, Elmhurst Art Museum, works by Picasso and his contemporaries, with admission

Pumpkin Weekends: Pumpkin Weekends in October at Blackberry Farm treat families to pumpkin fun while visiting the farm. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, pumpkin-themed activities as well as special events each day. Purchase tickets online. You can also enjoy the event on Columbus day.

Fall is for hiking! Check out my Chicago Suburban Hiking Recommendations for ideas.

Friday, September 29

September 29 & 30 Harmony Fest, Harmony Park, Arlington Heights, 5PM-11PM, live music, food features from Arlington Heights restaurants

September 29 - October 1 Oktoberfest at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove

Saturday, September 30

September 30 Johnny Appleseed Festival: Come out and meet the famous man himself at Crystal Lake's annual festival celebrated this year on September 30. The event includes a scarecrow decorating contest, demos, entertainment and more.

September 30 Evanston Harvest Festival, Eggleston Park, 12PM-4PM, tour of the farmette, apiary, food forest, fall fun, scarecrow making

September 30 Community Powwow, Bunker Hills, Niles, 12PM-4PM, traditional powwow, enjoy native food, listen to stories of the culture of the area, free, can register groups at JRoy@stbenedict.com

September 30 Oktoberfest, Highland Park, beer garden, beer stein holding contest, 12PM-10PM

September 30 Glenview Blocktoberfest, 12PM-11PM, live music including The Prince Project, food, beer, and more, free

September 30 - October 1 Tractor Drawn Wagons, Danada Equestrian Center, Wheaton, 1PM-3PM, 30 minute ride, $5 pp, learn about the preserve's history and nature, under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, rides leave at 1, 1:45 and 2:30

Sunday, October 1

October 1 Cider Fest, McHenry Historical Society & Museum, 10AM-2PM, Civil War reenactors, simulated barn raising at 12pm, apple treats for purchase, make crafts, take a tour of a historic home and school, more

October 1 Folk Fest The Grove The Grove in Glenview will host Folk Fest which will treat visitors with some fall frontier fun including square dancing, folk music, nature walks, historic interpretations, a dessert tent, and more. The event runs 11AM-5PM and you can purchase tickets online to reserve your spot.

October 1 Harvest Celebration, families will enjoy fall on the farm at the Heritage Farm in Schaumburg. The fun includes seeing demos of fall farm activities in the 1890s as well as the opportunity to participate in some of them. Pumpkin decorating and wagon rides and to the fun. Live music and kids crafts add to the day. The event runs 12PM-4PM, $5 pp or $20 per family.

October 1 Shermerfest, Village Green Park, Northbrook, 12PM-4PM, classic cars, chalk it up Northbrook, 

October 1 The Last Straw, Gregg House Museum, Downer's Grove, 12PM-4PM, $10 fee to make a scarecrow, lots of free activities

October 1 Family Day at Farnsworth House, Aurora, 1PM-4PM, $15 per person ages 13+ up, children and under free, hands-on activities, self guided scavenger hunt, fall photo up, reserve tix online

October 1 Creatures of the Night, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, 1:30pm, experience creepy and nocturnal inhabitants of the forest preserves