The 7 Best Fall Festivals In Illinois For 2023 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit
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Linze Rice
Author
Fall is the best time in Illinois, but blink and you’ll miss it. Illinoisans know it’s essential to enjoy every last golden leaf while the state’s foliage peaks and to soak up as much of the autumnal vibe as possible. One of my favorite ways to do that is by spending time outdoors at a lovely fall festival. To make sure you’re getting the most out of the season, we’ve rounded up a list of seven of the best fall festivals in Illinois for you to check out. If you’re wondering “is there a fall festival near me?”, look no further.
Let’s begin!
Considered the "Pumpkin Capital of the World," it should be no surprise that the small town of Morton has had one of the best fall festivals in Illinois for more than 55 years. Annually, the Central Illinois town hosts three days' worth of pumpkin-themed events, such as a parade, a pumpkin weigh-off, a pumpkin decorating contest, a recipe challenge, a pie eating contest, a craft market, live entertainment, and much more. The event attracts tens of thousands from across the Midwest who can't wait to dive head-first into this wondrous fall land.
The festival takes place Sept. 13-16 this year. Start planning your trip by checking out the Morton Pumpkin Festival website and the Morton Pumpkin Festival Facebook page.
The festival takes place Sept. 13-16 this year. Start planning your trip by checking out the Morton Pumpkin Festival website and the Morton Pumpkin Festival Facebook page.
Found where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers meet, Grafton is one of Illinois' most historic and charming riverside towns. That makes it the perfect place for a fall festival, and this gorgeous town doesn't disappoint. Its annual Apple Festival, held at the Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center in Pere Marquette State Park, the one-day event packs in plenty of autumnal fun. Visitors can expect apple wine tasting, samplings from local restaurants, kids' activities, an apple pie walk, and a Pumpkin Roll, which sees contestants rolling pumpkins down a hill. The first-place winner gets a night's stay at the lodge.
The free festival will be held on Sept. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Check out the Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center website and the Apple Festival event page on Facebook for more info!
The free festival will be held on Sept. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Check out the Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center website and the Apple Festival event page on Facebook for more info!
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Of course, it wouldn't quite be a fall celebration in Illinois without paying homage to our agricultural roots. In the Land of Lincoln, that means tractor and steam shows! Fortunately, the Prairie Land Heritage Museum has us covered with its annual Steam Show & Fall Festival Days, which features an antique tractor pull, steam engine and tractor displays, farming demonstrations, a flea market and craft show, musical entertainment, steam engine-cooked ham and beans, and raffles.
The event is free for those 12 and under, and $10 for everyone else — though that covers all three days of the fest. This year's event will be held Sept. 22-24. Follow along at the Prairie Land Heritage Museum's website and the event's Facebook page for all the details!
The event is free for those 12 and under, and $10 for everyone else — though that covers all three days of the fest. This year's event will be held Sept. 22-24. Follow along at the Prairie Land Heritage Museum's website and the event's Facebook page for all the details!
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The Apple 'N Pork Festival, held each year in the picturesque fall town of Clinton, combines two of our state's favorite foods (you guessed it, apples and pork!) for a cozy and delicious event that draws visitors from across the state. It's impressive how many mouthwatering creations can come from just two categories — everything from apple cider, apple floats, apple pies, and apple butter, to pork ribs, pork sandwiches, smoked ham, bratwurst, and so much more can be devoured during the two-day fest. Plus, tons of vendors, crafts, and fun activities put this celebration in a league of its own.
Check out the event from Sept. 23-24, and stay up-to-date with all things Apple 'N Pork through the C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum's website and the festival's Facebook page.
Check out the event from Sept. 23-24, and stay up-to-date with all things Apple 'N Pork through the C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum's website and the festival's Facebook page.
The stunning countryside town of Galena is home to one of the state's most unique takes on the Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest. This German-style celebration includes wiener dog racing, live polka music and dancing lessons, and the fan-favorite Beer Stein Endurance Contest, where participants see who can hold a full mug of beer straight out in front of them for the longest. There is also plenty of beer and incredible food, as well as dogs available for adoption.
This year's festival will be held Sept. 30 from noon to 10 p.m. Admission for the event is $10 for those over 12, with younger kiddos getting in for free. Start planning your visit by checking out the Galena Lions Club website and the Galena Oktoberfest Facebook page.
This year's festival will be held Sept. 30 from noon to 10 p.m. Admission for the event is $10 for those over 12, with younger kiddos getting in for free. Start planning your visit by checking out the Galena Lions Club website and the Galena Oktoberfest Facebook page.
Heading into October, Illinoisans know to head over to Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles. This adorable event gets the whole city involved with a display of more than 85 handmade scarecrows found throughout town. The family-friendly event has lots to do for kids, such as live entertainment, activities, and crafts, plus fall-inspired photo ops, pumpkin carvings, a craft show, and local vendors.
This year's festival will take place Oct. 6-8 in Downtown St. Charles and Pottawatomie Park. For more info, visit the Scarecrow Weekend website and the St. Charles Business Alliance Facebook page.
This year's festival will take place Oct. 6-8 in Downtown St. Charles and Pottawatomie Park. For more info, visit the Scarecrow Weekend website and the St. Charles Business Alliance Facebook page.
Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite fall festival in Illinois: the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. I have a sweet spot for this more than 60-year tradition because I grew up attending the fest and have family in the quaint small town of Sycamore. The festival features a pumpkin decorating contest and display on the lawn of the county courthouse, a parade, pork chop sandwiches and cider, a carnival, a craft show, a run, and much more. There's even a statue of the man who founded the festival, Wally Thurow.
This year's Pumpkin Festival will be held Oct. 25-29. Get all the details at the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival website and the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Facebook page!
This year's Pumpkin Festival will be held Oct. 25-29. Get all the details at the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival website and the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Facebook page!
And while you’re checking out the best fall festivals in Illinois, make sure you have some comfy fall gear to wear! I’m currently obsessed with this Halloween town sweatshirt and this best-selling knitted pumpkin beret — both from Etsy! And if you plan to hit a few of these festivals, make sure to pack everything you need with our handy road trip packing guide!
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