From orchard visits to neighborhood fests, fall is full of reasons to get outside and soak it all in. We've rounded up a few local happenings to add to your list this weekend.
Vote for your favorite at Stews & Brews.
Nothing says fall quite like a steaming bowl of comfort food paired with a cold-weather drink. Stews & Brews brings both to Highland Park, with dishes ranging from chili and pozole to Hungarian goulash and potpies. A wide selection of brews—craft beers, mulled cider, hot toddies—make this more than your standard food fest.
Date: Oct. 11
Time: 5–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park
More Info: enjoyhighlandpark.com
Bring the family to Fall Fest.
Fall Fest invites visitors to build their own scarecrows, paint pumpkins, and spend an afternoon enjoying lawn games and seasonal activities. With plenty of autumn activities, it's the kind of event that makes the most of sweater weather.
Date: Oct. 11
Time: 12–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Brother's FIeld, 344 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
More Info: brothersfieldlonggrove.com/events
Check out the Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Expo.
Pups strut their stuff in a trick-or-treat parade and costume contest at Staples Park. The day also features food trucks, a photo booth, and plenty of pet-friendly vendors. Adoption agencies and a short series of "Pet Talks" round things out, making this equal parts street fair and community meetup with a lot of wagging tails.
Date: Oct. 11
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Staples Park, 501 Red Bridge Rd., Lake Zurich
More Info: lakezurich.org
Have fun at Fall Family Festival.
Kohl Children's Museum goes all-out with its seasonal celebration, offering everything from kiddie train rides and a petting zoo to cider pressing demos and animal meet-and-greets. Kids can dance at the DJ party, paint a car, or even meet Curious George. With the museum's indoor exhibits also open, this festival blends fall fun with hands-on learning.
Date: Oct. 12
Time: 2:30–5 p.m.
Cost: $30
Location: Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
More Info: kohlchildrensmuseum.org
Find treasure at the Grayslake Illinois Antique Flea Market.
For those who love the thrill of the hunt, this market delivers a mix of antiques, collectibles, and retro finds. Expect everything from mid-century furniture and estate jewelry to old toys, comics, and advertising memorabilia. With vendors who know their stuff, the market is as much about discovery as it is about shopping.
Date: Oct. 11–12
Time: Sat 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: $8
Location: Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
More Info: zurkopromotions.com