Looking for fun Fall events in and around Naperville? This is the spot! I will update as necessary. Events will look a little different this year. Please follow all social distancing guidelines of each event. More importantly, all events are subject to change and/or cancellation. ALWAYS call in advance. Have a great time!
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Location: Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road Geneva, IL 60134
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Free Admission!! Families will enjoy many activities (listed below) throughout the day. Tickets are available for purchase to enjoy the pony rides, the petting zoo, pumpkins, and get a bite to eat at the lunch tent!
Activities include:
Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Hayrides, Basket Raffle, Birds of Prey Presentation, Pumpkin Painting, Kids Games, And More!
Basket raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. They are available for purchase prior to the event at Peck Farm Park, Stephen Persinger Recreation Center, and Sunset Community Center.
Pumpkins will be available for $5 each while supplies last. Event admission is free, however there are minimal fees for some activities and food.
https://www.genevaparks.org/special-events/autumn-fair/
Sept. 18, 2021 & Sept. 19, 2021
City of Warrenville City Hall Complex, 28W701 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555, (630) 393-7279
Saturday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Price: Free
Enjoy artist demos, live music, food & beverage booths, children's entertainment, and shop for art as you stroll through Warrenville City Hall Complex. This juried art fair features photography, woodwork, jewelry, ink prints and much more from Midwest artists.
https://www.discoverdupage.com/event/art-on-the-prairie/4011/
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Morton Arboretum, Meadow Lake Trail, Frost Hill, and Conifer path, near the Visitor Center
Meadow Lake Trail, Frost Hill, and Conifer path, near the Visitor Center. Explore the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and more. Join us for a fun-filled weekend that will transport you across the globe. On Saturday, September 25th, enjoy diverse cultural performances and demonstrations, various shopping and art vendors and local food trucks.
Did you know The Morton Arboretum has a vast tree and shrub collection from Asian countries? Explore our tree collections from China, Japan, and Korea and learn about the important conservation efforts with which the Arboretum participates.
Tickets required
https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/art-and-entertainment/destination-asia-festival/
October 1-31, 2021, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Taking in the beautiful fall colors at Cosley Zoo is a must do! Come see the animals and take in the thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo’s lawn. Children’s rides are also available for an additional fee.
Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks, and various sizes of straw bales are available to purchase. Check out the fall merchandise in the Wild Side Gift Shop, too! Proceeds from your purchases benefit Cosley Zoo.
Admission to Pumpkin Fest is included with your general admission entry ticket. Regular admission rates apply.
https://cosleyzoo.org/event-calendar/pumpkin-fest/
🚜Halloween Hayride at Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora, IL
Sunday, October 03, 2021, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Price: $7.00
Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a Halloween Hayride. Take a scenic hayride around Lake Gregory, enjoy family activities, and make s'mores at the campfire. Costumes will be judged as participants enter the park. This is a great program for families to enjoy together. Each person attending must be registered. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
(630) 892-1550, (630) 897-0516
https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/
Daily in October, 7:00 a.m. to sunset
Morton Arboretum, Meadow Lake Trail, near the Visitor Center
Stroll the path along Meadow Lake to see the friendly faces of Scarecrow Trail. Each scarecrow is handmade by a local scout troop.
After walking the trail, cast your vote for your favorite scarecrow. Voting information will be available around the trail and in the Visitor Center.
The 2021 Scarecrow Trail registration full.
Included in timed-entry Arboretum admission. Member passes are available September 1. Guest tickets go on sale on September 15.
https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/family/scarecrow-trail/
🍺Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement
Friday, October 1 & 2, 2021
Traditional cuisine and authentic beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with lively Oompah music during the day and over-the-top rock music on Saturday night.
Oktoberfest returns to Naper Settlement on Friday, October 1 from 5:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 2 from 12:00-10:00 p.m. Celebrate fall inside the event's signature beer tent with live music, traditional German cuisine, live polka bands, rock music at night, themed contests, and a selection of local and traditional Oktoberfest beer varieties. During the day on Saturday, an expanded children's area will have activities for the whole family!
Adult: $15 , Youth (4-12): $10 | Please secure your tickets in advance for this popular event!
Member Tickets | Please secure your member tickets ahead of time while they are available. If a special event sells out, you will not be able to claim your member tickets. To secure your member ticket, please login to your online member account by choosing SIGN IN in the upper right of the page. If you do not have a member account setup or have questions, please reach out to us at 630.420.6010.
https://www.napersettlement.org/237/Oktoberfest
October 2, 2021
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
General admission prices.
Satisfy your inner champion on the Arboretum’s scenic, rolling course through the fresh autumn air. Celebrate your finish with live music and a complimentary beer (participants age 21+) at the post-race party. Participation supports the Arboretum’s work to plant and protect trees.
New this year! On-site participants can choose from a Shotgun Start or Open Start. Participants may also choose a Virtual 5K
https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/family/fall-color-5k-run-and-walk/#!
🎃Pumpkin Weekends at Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm, 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora, IL
Saturday, October 02 & 03, 2021, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Price: $7.00 to $8.00 —Seniors 65+ pay $7.
Each weekend in October, including Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11), residents are invited to enjoy family-friendly, pumpkin-themed festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blackberry Farm – the Fox Valley Park District’s living history museum, located at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora.
https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/
👻Ghost Stories in the Park...In the Dark
Sunday, October 01-03, 2021
Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Ct., Naperville, IL
7:00-8:00 pm
Price: $7.00 —Tickets are the same price for all.
Contact Info:
Sue Omanson, (630) 848-3572
🚜Halloween Hayride at Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Rd, Aurora, IL
Sunday, October 03, 2021, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Price: $7.00
Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a Halloween Hayride. Take a scenic hayride around Lake Gregory, enjoy family activities, and make s'mores at the campfire. Costumes will be judged as participants enter the park. This is a great program for families to enjoy together. Each person attending must be registered. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
(630) 892-1550, (630) 897-0516
https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/
Downtown St. Charles, IL
Oct. 8, 2021, 12:00pm-6:00pm, Oct. 9-10, 2021, 10am-5pm
The 36th annual Scarecrow Festival, presented by AAA, will be held October 8-10 in downtown St. Charles. Handmade scarecrows will be showcased around town for visitors to view, vote for their favorites, and visit our many local businesses. There will be a Family Zone with live entertainment and family activities, a festive photo op area, specials and promotions throughout town, and the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show in Pottawatomie Park.
A new addition to the event this year is the Family Zone which will have live entertainment and family activities throughout the weekend.
https://www.scarecrowfest.com/
Saturday, October 9, 2021
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Our first Fall Festival since 2019 promises colorful autumn fun for all ages! We have a full day planned with these attractions and more:
Giant juggling scarecrow (10 to 11:30 am), Live music by Second Hand Soul Band (12 to 4 pm), Comedy Juggling Show (12:35 pm and 2 pm), Craft Show
Pumpkin decorating and craft for kids, Interactive strolling entertainment, Usborne Children’s Book Fair inside the Visitors Center, Petting Zoo,
Scarecrows in the gardens (find them all!), Hay Rides, Great Big Bubble Making (1 pm after first juggling show), Inflatables (multiple!), Plant Sale
Food Trucks, and Special autumn-theme merchandise in the Cantigny Shop
Festival admission and entertainment is free with paid parking ($5 per car). Some activities require a small fee, such as pumpkin decorating and the petting zoo.
Price: $5 per car
https://www.discoverdupage.com/event/cantigny-fall-fest/4267/
8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, (708) 688-8351
October 9, 2021 - October 24, 2021, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Free with Zoo admission
https://www.czs.org/BooAtTheZoo
🚜 Family Hayride at Knoch Knolls Park
Sunday October 10, 2021, 4 p m - 6 pm
Round up the family and take a hayride in the crisp autumn air through a beautiful Naperville park. You may bring your own food to cook over the bonfire or bring the fixings for s'mores. We provide hot chocolate and apple cider. No alcohol allowed.
Picnic tables are provided. Bring your own chairs, blankets, flashlights and insect repellent. For rainout information, please visit napervilleparks.org/cancellations
Each child and adult attending must register. Children under three may ride for free and do not need to be registered. This is a per person event.
Register required
https://www.napervilleparks.org/upcomingevents/family-hayride
🌰Haunted Wildlife Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, October 10, 2021, 4:00 – 5:30PM
Join a not-so-scary outdoor scavenger hunt that will look for clues and solve wildlife mysteries about bats, owls, raccoons and other animals that awaken in the night. Then, enjoy a bonfire and s’mores as we talk about our spooky findings! All ages. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-942-6200.
Willowbrook Forest Preserve
https://www.dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D155167476
🎃Pumpkin Weekends at Blackberry Farm
Sunday, October 10 & 11, 2021 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Blackberry Farm, 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora, IL
Price: $7.00 to $8.00 —Seniors 65+ pay $7.
Each weekend in October, including Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11), residents are invited to enjoy family-friendly, pumpkin-themed festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blackberry Farm – the Fox Valley Park District’s living history museum, located at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora.
https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/
October 15-16, 2021,
3 timeslots to choose from: 4-5pm, 6-7pm or 8-9pm each night
Primrose Farm
Mysterious crimes are popping up at the farm!
We need your help to find the culprit! Travel around the farm to find clues with your fellow detectives. It’s up to you and your teammates to solve the case, save the farm animals, and escape with your lives before it’s too late!
Ages 11+ Welcome
$25 per person, Advance registration required.
https://www.primrosefarm.org/escape-the-barn/
Naper Settlement
Friday, October 15-16, 2021, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Enter the netherworld of Naper Settlement to experience sinister attractions, spooky vendors, and spine-chilling performances on October 15 and 16 from 6:30-10:00 p.m.
Event is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Please see our Event Policies and FAQ sections below before purchasing or redeeming tickets.
This two-night event transforms Naper Settlement into an eerie and bizarre wonderland, featuring spine-chilling attractions and interactive experiences. Enter the netherworld of Naper Settlement to view performances by magician Steve Chezaday, fire dancers, and more. Take a stroll through our zombie maze, browse our mysterious dark art gallery, and play a game of laser tag. While you listen and rock out to monster jams by local musicians from School of Rock, make sure to grab some delicious local cuisine from the Taste the Fear Food Court.
Check back soon for tickets!
$20 per person
Purchase Tickets
https://napersettlement.org/285/All-Hallows-Eve
🎃Pumpkin Weekends at Blackberry Farm
Saturday, October 16-17, 2021, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
100 S Barnes Rd., Aurora, IL
Price: $7.00 to $8.00 —Seniors 65+ pay $7.
Each weekend in October, including Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11), residents are invited to enjoy family-friendly, pumpkin-themed festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blackberry Farm – the Fox Valley Park District’s living history museum, located at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora.
https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/
🚎Halloween Lights & Decorations Trolley Tours
630-355-2242
This one-hour tour shows you the highly decorated Halloween Decorations in Naperville.
https://www.visitnaperville.com/naperville-event/halloween-lights-amp-decorations-trolley-tours-10312021
🦇 Spooktacular Halloween Stroll at Cosley Zoo
Friday, October 22, 2021, 5:15-8:30pm
Experience an evening stroll through the zoo while enjoying the family friendly decorations, activities and pumpkin decorating.
Cosley Zoo gift shop and concession stand will be open.
Entry times are scheduled in 15-minute increments with the last entry at 7:30P. Space is limited within each entry time.
Tickets and registration required.
https://cosleyzoo.org/event-calendar/spooktacular/
👻 Kids' Night Out: Spooktacular- 63462
Oct 22, 2021, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Fort Hill Activity Center
Price: $26.00 (Resident)
$39.00 (Non-resident)
At least 4 but less than 13
Registration Dates: Standard registration opens: Aug 9, 2021 8:30am
Non-residents: Aug 12, 2021 8:30am
Internet registration opens: Aug 9, 2021 8:30am
Non-residents: Aug 12, 2021 8:30am
Enjoy the night out while your kids have a fun evening painting pumpkins, playing Bingo, participating in Mummy Relay Races, Pumpkin Twister, Pin the Stem on the Pumpkin and Monster Freeze Dance. Kids are invited to dress up in their costumes if they would like. Dinner and juice are provided. Fort Hill Activity Center Fitness members must register in person or over the phone to receive their discount. (km)
https://apm.activecommunities.com/napervilleparks/Activity_Search/kids-night-out-spooktacular/59442
Saturday, October 23, 2021, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn about trick-or-treating in the world of wildlife. Many animals wear costumes, use misleading tricks and offer treats to help them survive. Then, make your own wildlife-inspired masks to get ready for Halloween. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. $10 per person. Register online or at 630-942-6200.
Forest Preserve Willowbrook
https://www.dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D155168324
🚜Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides: Fall Oak Colors
St. James Farm
Saturday, October 23, 2021, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Celebrate OAKtober on a 30-minute covered wagon ride through one of the largest oak forests in DuPage. Rides leave at 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $5 per person ages 5 and up; under 5 free. Register online or at 630-933-7248. For additional dates as the colors change, visit dupageforest.org.
https://www.dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D155168346
St. James Farm
Saturday, October 23, 2021, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Take a self-guided lantern-lit walk along the trails of St. James Farm starting with a ghost story and ending with a haunted conversation around the fire. Hikes leave every 15 minutes. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $10 per person ages 3 and up; under 3 free. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
https://www.dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D155239445
🎃Pumpkin Weekends at Blackberry Farm
Saturday, October 23-24, 2021 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Blackberry Farm, 100 S Barnes Rd., Aurora, IL
Price: $7.00 to $8.00 —Seniors 65+ pay $7.
Each weekend in October, including Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11), residents are invited to enjoy family-friendly, pumpkin-themed festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blackberry Farm – the Fox Valley Park District’s living history museum, located at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora.
https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/
🕯️ Pumpkin Night Hike for Families
Sunday, October 24, 2021, 5:30 – 8:30PM
Use pumpkins and lanterns to light your way on a self- guided night hike through Fullersburg Woods. There will a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt for kids to complete and a treat at the end! Hikes leave every 15 minutes. All ages; under 18 with an adult. $10 per person ages 3 and up; under 3 free. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
Forest Preserve Location Fullersburg Woods
https://www.dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D155239531
Returns in 2021!
Sunday, October 24, 2021, 1:00-4:00 pm
Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, Located west of Centennial Beach
Come and enjoy lots of fun activities, games and goodies at Naperville's best FREE Halloween fest for kids 10 and under!
https://www.napervilleparks.org/halloweenhappening
8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 688-8351
October 24, 2021, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Free with Zoo admission
https://www.czs.org/BooAtTheZoo
Sunday, October 24, 2021, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Calling all costumed characters, ghouls, goblins, witches and super heroes. Come Downtown Naperville to enjoy a great morning filled with fun and surprises (both candy and non-candy goodies)! Over 70 downtown businesses will be open early (at 10am) and will be handing out Halloween surprises!
More information to come!
https://www.kellersfarmstand.com/
October 29, 2021, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189, Joseph Medill Room
Member child: $10 Child: $12
Registration required
https://cantigny.org/event/boo-bash-a-halloween-celebration/
🍁Fall Fest Warrenville Park District
October 29, 2021, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
3S260 Warren Avenue, Warrenville, IL 60555
All Activities Included with $5 Wristband
https://www.warrenvilleparks.org/event/fall-fest/
Saturday, October 30th, 2021
Rotary Hill Park in Downtown Naperville by Millennium Carillon
Registration begins at 12 P.M. Races begin at 1 P.M.
*Parking for the event is available across the street at Naperville Central High School*
WHAT IS THE NAPERVILLE PUMPKIN RACE?
Friends of all ages and abilities are invited to create their own Pumpkin Racer in the Annual Naperville Pumpkin Race. Race in a unique side-by-side single elimination race in a funky, hilarious, suspenseful, and dramatic display of American ingenuity. Excitement builds as Pumpkin Racers battle head-to-head for the coveted Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy. We also award other prizes for Best Decorations, and best costume.
https://turningpointeautismfoundation.org/pumpkin-race/
👻Trick or Treat at Naper Settlement
Sunday, October 31, 2021, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Put on your best costumes and enjoy strolling down pumpkin lane, watching our blacksmith at his forge, and trick or treating in a safe environment at Naper Settlement.
Join us for Trick or Treat at Naper Settlement on Sunday, October 31 while candy supplies last. You can relax knowing that our staff will carefully maintain social distancing and health guidelines allowing your family to safely stroll through our spacious, 13-acre campus while stopping at our historical homes for Halloween treats. Put on your best costumes and enjoy strolling down pumpkin lane, watching our blacksmith at his forge, and trick or treating in a safe environment. Children under 18 must attend with an adult. Space is limited, so pre-register for your ticket today!
Tickets required
$5/person; free for children under 4
https://napersettlement.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=3101&month=10&year=2021&day=11&calType=0
🎃Pumpkin Weekends at Blackberry Farm
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
October 30-31, 2021 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Blackberry Farm, 100 S Barnes Rd., Aurora, IL
Price: $7.00 to $8.00 —Seniors 65+ pay $7.
Each weekend in October, including Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11), residents are invited to enjoy family-friendly, pumpkin-themed festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blackberry Farm – the Fox Valley Park District’s living history museum, located at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora.
https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/
October 30-31, 2021
Forest Preserve Danada
Enjoy a 30-minute ride through the scenic forest preserve. Rides leave at 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are first-come, first-served and go on sale at noon the day of the rides. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $5 per person ages 5 and up; under 5 free. No registration. For questions or private group ride reservations, call 630-668-6012.
https://www.dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D155267434
🚎 Halloween Lights & Decorations Trolley Tours
October 22-31, 2021
630-355-2242
This one-hour tour shows you the highly decorated Halloween Decorations in Naperville.
https://www.visitnaperville.com/naperville-event/halloween-lights-amp-decorations-trolley-tours-10312021
October 30, 2021, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Knoch Knolls Nature Center
Halloween Hayride at Knoch Knolls Park
Calling all witches, wizards, ghosts and goblins! Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume (parents included) and join us for a Halloween Hayride.
Each registered child ages 3-12 years receives a Halloween goodie bag. You may bring your own food to cook over the bonfire or bring the fixings for s'mores. We provide hot chocolate and apple cider. No alcohol allowed.
Please bring your own stick or skewer for roasting. Some picnic tables are provided; you may bring your own chairs and blankets. Please bring flashlights and insect repellent.
For rainout information, please visit napervilleparks.org/cancellations
Each child and adult attending must register. This is a per person event.
Children under three may ride for free and do not need to be registered.
Register required
https://www.napervilleparks.org/upcomingevents/halloween-hayride
Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 811 S. West Street, Naperville
Saturday, November 6, 9:00 am-Noon
The annual Pumpkin Smash will take place from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6 at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, located at 811 S. West Street. Area residents may bring their jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins to be smashed and composted into the soil at the Garden Plots, adding nutrients and water back into the soil.
https://www.napervilleparks.org/pumpkinsmash
