Fairs & festivals: Oktoberfests, Heritage Fest, Fiestas Patrias and more

This weekend

<b>ArtsFest-St. Charles:</b> Runs through Sunday, Sept. 17, at various venues in St. Charles. Features multiple artistic disciplines in venues all over the city including art galleries, film, music, spoken word and live theater. There will be Pop-Up Art Galleries at Pheasant Run Resort. This year, there will be 11 art galleries. New this year is the Geneva Film Festival screening its “Best of the Festival” films Saturday at the St. Charles Public Library and Steel Beam Theatre. Some fees apply. facebook.com/stcharlesartscouncil/.

<b>33rd American Craft Exposition:</b> 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Juried show features works by more than 140 artisans in baskets, ceramics, fiber decorative, fiber wearable, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper and wood. Presented by the Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem. Admission to Chicago Botanic Garden is free; parking is $25-$30 per car. chicagobotanic.org.

<b>Fifth Annual Hofbräuhaus Chicago Oktoberfest:</b> 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursdays from Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 29, at Hofbräuhaus Chicago, 5500 Park Place, Rosemont. Authentic nightly Bavarian entertainment; freshly brewed “Oktoberfestbier” (beer) inspired by the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich; daily food specials served by Dirndl-clad waitresses; celebrity keg-tapping ceremonies; games; music and more. Free admission. (847) 671-2739 or hofbrauhauschicago.com.

<b>Fiestas at the Harbor:</b> Noon to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 15-17, at The Harbor's Edge, 175 N. Harbor Place, Waukegan. A three-day celebration of Fiestas Patrias, Mexican Independence Day. Cultural entertainment and food. Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday starting at Robert Abbott Middle School, 1319 Washington St. Free. waukeganmainstreet.org.

<b>Sixth Annual Glendale Heights Oktoberfest:</b> 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday; and 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 24, in Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Beer, German fare, vendors with German products including steins and hats, a pumpkin patch, a plant sale and more. Oompah music from Alpine Thunder, Illinois Brass Band, The Tempos and more. $5 for adults after 4 p.m.; free for kids 16 and younger. glendaleheightsoktoberfest.com.

<b>Heritage Fest:</b> 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at various locations in downtown East and West Dundee; park at Spring Hill Mall and ride the free shuttle to the fest on Saturday and Sunday. Music from Final Say at 9 p.m. Friday; 2017 Suburban Chicago's Got Talent winner Garrett Ryan at 12:30 p.m., HiFi Superstar at 6 p.m. and 7th Heaven at 9 p.m. Saturday; and The Lennys! at 3 p.m. and Mr. Capone's Bootlegger Band at 5:30 p.m. Sunday and more. Antique fair, arts and crafts fair, carnival, baggo tournament, food, farmers market, entertainment, pancake breakfast, kids' activities, fireworks at 8 p.m. Friday over the Fox River, and an antique car show at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. wdundeeheritagefest.org.

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Rotary Club of Palatine Oktoberfest:</b> 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 15; noon to midnight Saturday, Sept. 16; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Slade and Smith streets, near the Metra station, Palatine. Tented event features German music from Phenix at 6 p.m. Friday, Die Musikmeisters at 3:30 p.m. and Phenix at 8 p.m. Saturday, and Die Musikmeisters at noon and Johnny Wagner at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, food, beverages and activities. Family Day is Saturday; includes face painting, balloon art, children's games and more. Free. palatinerotary.com/oktoberfest.

<b>Bourbon and Beer Fest:</b> 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at The Vine Martini & Wine Bar, 101 Center St., Grayslake. Sample a range of bourbon, whiskey, scotch and beer; also music, food and cigars. Music includes Mallory Lennon & The Sykadelix at 6 p.m., Concrete Roots at 7 p.m., and Kai Andersen & The Pickups at 9 p.m. Must be 21 or older. Tickets are $25 beer pass, $35 bourbon pass, $50 beer-and-bourbon pass or $20 designated driver. (847) 543-0900 or thevineofgrayslake.com.

<b>Des Plaines Fall Fest:</b> 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; noon to 7 p.m. (carnival open until 8 p.m.) Sunday, Sept. 17, at Lake Park, 2200 Lee St., Des Plaines. Music includes Infinity at 6 p.m. and Boy Band Review at 9 p.m. Friday; R-Gang at 4 p.m., Generation Sixties at 6:30 p.m. and Hi Infidelity at 9 p.m. Saturday; and The Roosevelts at 2:30 p.m. and 7th Heaven at 5 p.m. Sunday. Entertainment, food, beer and wine garden, kids' entertainment and activities, arts and crafts, pony rides, fishing derby from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, carnival, car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Country Fair Tent and more. Free admission and parking. fallfestdesplaines.com.

<b>Gurnee Touch-a-Truck:</b> 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at the Hunt Club Park Community Center, 920 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee. See vehicles from the Gurnee Park District, public works, police department and fire department, as well as Warren Township, Wildwood Towing, Burris Equipment and more. Free. gurneeparkdistrict.com.

<b>St. Pius X Fall Fest:</b> 6:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 15; 5 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at St. Pius Social Center, 601 S. Westmore, Lombard. Texas Hold'em tournament at 6:30 p.m. Friday; car show at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by music at 7:30 p.m.; polka mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by a pig roast at noon. Free. (630) 627-4526.

<b>Uncorked and Untapped:</b> 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at the Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Fundraiser for Friends of Hoffman Estates Parks Foundation. A selection of wine and beer paired with food. Reverse raffle and live entertainment. $30-$35. (847) 885-7500 or heparks.org.

<b>Elgin Fringe Festival:</b> Friday through Sunday, Sept. 15-17, at various venues in downtown Elgin. Features dozens of performances of dance, comedy, drama and music, along with kids' activities and more. All-festival pass button costs $65 or $5-$10 per show, with a $3 Fringe button. elginfringefestival.com.

<b>Paws for Tales 5K Run/Walk:</b> 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16, Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, 83rd Street trailhead, Naperville. Supports reading program that provides schools with a certified volunteer and a dog team. $10-$40. napervilleareahumanesociety.org.

<b>Civil War Encampment and Battle:</b> 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, off South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Military battles with infantry, cavalry and artillery; bivouacs and encampments; period-dressed civilians; portrayals of Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis and more; period music and food vendors; and local area history talks. Free admission and parking. hainesville.org.

<b>Home Building and Remodeling Show: </b>10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Home show with local and national home-improvement companies, giveaways, prizes, special events, hundreds of exhibits, food and more. Free. (630) 468-2237 or homeshowevent.com.

<b>B-Well Bensenville Walkathon and Family Fest:</b> 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Redmond Park, 735 E. Jefferson Ave., Bensenville. Walkathon starts at 10 a.m. from Village Hall, 12 S. Center St., and ends at Redmond Park, where activities will include hockey, baseball, basketball, softball and a health fair. Free admission and lunch. bensenville.il.us.

<b>Big Truck Show: </b>10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16, at James O. Breen Community Park, 3615 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles. Explore emergency vehicles, a garbage truck, a street sweeper, a tractor, a dump truck and a crane. Representatives will be on hand to offer tours and answer questions. Free. stcparks.org.

<b>DuPage Care Center Fall Festival: </b>10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at DuPage Care Center, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. Crafts, live music, food, games, bake sale, garage sale, car show, pet expo and adopt-a-thon and raffle. Free. dpccfoundation.org.

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32nd Annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair:</b> 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, on the Naperville Riverwalk, Main Street and Jackson Avenue, Naperville. Juried art exhibition and sale is sponsored by the Naperville Art League. See works in painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber, graphics, mixed media, jewelry, glass, wood, digital art and more. Free. napervilleartleague.com.

<b>Art on the Prairie/Music Festival: </b>10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Warrenville City Hall parking lot, 28W701 Stafford Place, Warrenville. Artist demonstrations, art to buy, music and kids' activities. Free. (630) 393-7279.

<b>Illinois Railway Museum's Bus Day:</b> 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, at the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Take trolley bus rides and see other buses that will be open and on display. Also, the “Bus Stop Shop” will be open to buy artifacts from the collection. Grounds open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fares are $10-$14; $50 for a family. irm.org.

<b>Worldwide Day of Play:</b> 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Century Park North, 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Vernon Hills Park District staff leads old-school picnic games including sack races, hula hoop contests and egg tosses. Free. vhparkdistrict.org.

<B>Fright Fest:</b> 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, and select days through Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Daytime hours are family-friendly, with shows and a trick-or-treat trail from noon to 3 p.m. Evening hours include haunted houses and costumed zombies and monsters. For a schedule and admission fees, see sixflags.com/greatamerica.

<b>Autumn Fair:</b> 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Explore the observation silo, Hawks Hallow Nature Playground and the Butterfly House. Plus, pony rides, petting zoo, family activities, children's games, crafts, a birds of prey presentation and music. Free admission; fees for some activities, food and beverages. All proceeds benefit special projects of the Geneva Park District Foundation. genevaparks.org.

<b>Family Fun Fest:</b> 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood. Food, entertainment, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, bike tuneups and more. Free. streamwoodiucc.org.

<b>Ravenswood ArtWalk:</b> 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, along Ravenswood Avenue from Irving Park Road to Leland, Chicago. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce hosts the 16th Ravenswood ArtWalk with an arts market, open houses, gallery hop, beer garden, music, food trucks and children's activities. $5 suggested donation. ravenswoodartwalk.org.

<b>Cary Main Street Fest:</b> Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, in downtown Cary. Fourth annual festival will feature local restaurants and businesses, a marketplace of vendors and artists, Rotary Club of Cary-Grove Steak Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, entertainment and a children's area. Cary Shuffle 5K benefiting Cary District 26 Education Foundation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday. $5 donation is requested. carygrovechamber.com.

<b>Lisle Depot Days:</b> Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, at The Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., Lisle. Petting farm; model train layout; demonstrations of blacksmithing, beekeeping and baking; old-fashioned games and contests. Free. lisleparkdistrict.org.

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Family Days at Danada: </b>Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton. Fall colors is the theme, with “Nick” the painting horse, self-guided barn tours, tractor-drawn hayrides and more. Free. (630) 668-6012 or dupageforest.org.

<b>It's Our River Day: </b>1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, in Cornish Park, 101 S. Harrison St., Algonquin. Sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the Village of Algonquin. Learn about local environmental groups, participate in cleaning up the river with the Sierra Club, watch a live water rescue demonstration and more. Free. algonquin.org.

<b>Moraine Valley Community College's 50th Anniversary Community Celebration: </b>1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Food trucks/vendors, bands, a car show, face painting, a bounce house, interactive activities, giveaways and more. Free. morainevalley.edu.

<b>Brew at the Bridge: </b>1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Hudson Crossing Park, 65 N. Harrison St., Oswego. Sample brews from more than 20 breweries, local food and music. $20 or $35 tasting packages available. brewatthebridge.com.

<b>Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest:</b> 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Early entry at noon. More than 30 craft and microbreweries will be represented. $50 at the gate. elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.

<b>Fiestas Patrias: </b>1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at River Edge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Concerts, food, kids' activities and more. The Fiestas Patrias parade in downtown Aurora begins at 11 a.m. Sunday. Admission for the River Edge events is free until 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; after 5 p.m., admission is $10 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday. Free both days for kids 12 and younger. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com.

<b>Legions of Craft Beer Fest:</b> 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. Beer from more than 50 breweries, food trucks, live music and more. All proceeds benefit local veterans at the Gurnee American Legion and Lake County Honor Flight. General admission is $40 in advance, $50 at the gate; $75 VIP; $10 designated driver. gurneelegionsofbeer.com.

<b>Bluesmobile Cruise Nights:</b> 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, in the Metra parking lot, near the intersection of Route 83 and Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect. Classic cars and entertainment. facebook.com/BMBCruiseNights/.

<b>Pollyanna Brewing Company's Oktoberfest:</b> 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Pollyanna Brewing Company, 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont. Beer, bratwurst and bands. Food provided by Weber Grill. $10 admission includes a souvenir mug. (630) 914-5834 or pollyannabrewing.com.

<b>West Chicago's Viva Mexico Independence Day Fest:</b> 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, on Main and West Washington streets, West Chicago. Parade, mariachi music, dancing equestrian unit, Miss Mexican Heritage, build-a-pinata events and more. Parade at noon Sunday. Free. mccdupage.org/.

<b>Guitars Under the Stars Fete: </b>6 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Danny's on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave., Elgin. Eighth annual music festival to benefit the Almost Home Foundation. Entertainment includes A Pretty Mind, Liverpool Acoustic, Maht & Ian, and Face N Time. Silent auction, raffles and more. $15 admission includes all-you-can-eat pizza and soda; $10 for kids. thefete.org.

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Cantigny Car Show:</b> 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, in Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Car show features more than 400 vintage vehicles. Entertainment by Joe Kalish, plus food and more. Free with paid $10 parking. Free for exhibitors. cantigny.org.

<b>Show & Shine Car Show and Swap Meet: </b>10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, in Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Craft fair, food, music and games. Free. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 24. glendaleheights.org.

<b>Motoring at the Museum Car Show: </b>11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Food, vendors, music and more. All vehicles welcome. Trophies awarded. Free to spectators, $15 car entry fee; proceeds benefit the museum. ahmuseum.org.

<b>Caboose Days:</b> 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 17 and 24, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. La Fox St. (Route 31), South Elgin. Ride with the conductor in the big red Illinois Central caboose or up front with the motorman on the demonstration freight train. Regular fares $5; $3 for 65 and older; $2 for kids 3-11; $1 per additional ride; $8 for an all-day pass. (847) 697-4676 or foxtrolley.org.

<b>Two Brothers Oktoberfest:</b> Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Annual festival celebrates the beginning of Oktoberfest in Germany and the release of the Two Brothers' Oktoberfest lager, Atom Smasher. German food, live German Oompah music from The Happy Wanderers and Jimmy's Bavarians and a stein-holding competition. Free. (630) 264-2739 or twobrothersbrewing.com.

<b>Dog-Tober Fest:</b> Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Deicke Park, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Ninth annual event features contests, “wiener dog” races, pet blessings, sporting dogs, rescue/shelter organizations, vendors, raffles and more. All dogs must be leashed. Free. Second annual Leashes & Legs 1-mile fun walk at 1 p.m. costs $10. Register with the Huntley Park District or on-site until 12:40 p.m. huntleydogtoberfest.com.

<b>Shermerfest:</b> Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Village Green Park, at Shermer and Meadow roads, Northbrook. Step back in time with the collectible and antique car display, children's activities, music and food. Free. nbparks.org.

<b>Pioneer Day: </b>1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. Petting zoo, crafts and games, music and dancing, historic demonstrations and more. Help stuff (and then take home) a scarecrow ($10). Free admission. elkgroveparks.org.

<b>Durant Hearth Cooking: </b>1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Durant House in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Celebrate the fall harvest with hands-on demonstrations of pioneer cooking. $1-$3. ppfv.org.

<b>David Adler Music and Arts Center Open House: </b>2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the David Adler Music and Arts Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Family-friendly event includes tours of the center, an architectural scavenger hunt, art exhibition and an introduction to the Adler Center's music and art classes, an instrument petting zoo and more. Free. adlercenter.org.

<b>2017 Starry Night Chicago 5K:</b> 4 p.m. registration; 5:30 p.m. 5K on Sunday, Sept. 17, at Arlington Race Track, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Walk/run to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Shorter courses and children's dash plus food, music and entertainment. curethekids.org/events/starry-night.

<b>Glow in the Park Lantern Walk:</b> 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Family-friendly event features food and music and concludes with a parade around Lake Ellyn, with participants carrying lighted paper lanterns. Presented by the Glen Ellyn Park District and Charlie's Corner Foundation, the event is a benefit for the Lurie Children's Hospital. Free. gepark.org.


Next week

<b>Daily Herald Cruise Night:</b> 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Stratford Square Mall, 152 Stratford Drive, Bloomingdale. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, food trucks, music and more. Free. facebook.com/dailyheraldcruisenights/.

<b>MainStreet Libertyville's Car Fun on 21:</b> 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Milwaukee Avenue and Church Street, Libertyville. Vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years old and older for viewing. Music by OTR; food available for purchase. Free. (847) 680-0336 or mainstreetlibertyville.org.

<b>12th Annual Huntley Fall Fest:</b> 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Deicke Park, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Carnival, craft-and-home-business show, car show, model train display, pancake breakfast, beer garden, kids' area, tractor show and more. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Saturday. Music from Lava Rock at 6 p.m. and 7th Heaven at 9 p.m. Friday; Serendipity at 2 p.m., American English at 4 p.m., Hillbilly Rockstarz at 6:45 p.m. and The Lounge Puppets at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Semple at 2:15 p.m. and Hi Infidelity at 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Carnival mega passes for $60 if bought by Wednesday, Sept. 20, or $75 at the fest. huntleyfallfest.com.