Ride On and Rock Out at the 14th annual Fall Fest, Sept. 15-17 in Des Plaines
Fall Fest, Des Plaines' favorite family-friendly festival, is back for the 14th year, with food, music, fun, games and dozens of activities. Lake Park, at 2200 Lee St., will once again be transformed into a lakefront wonderland where kids of all ages can ride the giant Ferris wheel and climb the rock wall, feed the animals in the petting zoo, chow down on corn dogs and feast on funnel cakes, and enjoy a variety of family entertainers as well as 10 great local and national touring bands.
The popular event, which was created for the community by the Des Plaines Park District, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Des Plaines History Center, takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 15-17, with free admission, free parking, and free concerts every day. Fall Fest is once again generously sponsored by Rivers Casino.
Fall Fest features a full carnival presented by Fantasy Amusement with dozens of rides and games. The KidZone! is where you'll find the rock-climbing wall, the petting zoo, lots of great kids & family entertainment, face painting, and interactive activities that are perfect for parents & tots. At the Des Plaines History Center Exhibit Tent, you may talk to costumed historical reenactors, and see the history of Des Plaines unfold in displays.
Local and area restaurants showcase their delicious festival foods and beverages. This year, some tasty specialties from Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood, Midwest Citrus Smashers, Restaurant Mexico, RS Concessions, HD Cuisine, Triple Scoop 'd Ice Cream, Slice Factory Pizza, Tri Café, Charcoal Delights, and more. Families can relax and eat in the dining tent, and adults may enjoy a selection of refreshing beverages just steps away from the Main Entertainment Stage.
Kids and families are the focus of Fall Fest. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. there are unlimited carnival rides for $30 per person per day. KidZone! is open Saturday and Sunday until 6 p.m. On Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Lakeview Center on Howard Avenue there's a custom car show that's open to classics, antiques, American muscle cars, and hot rods.