Come out for second Harvest Hoot in Des Plaines

Music, food, craft vendors and more will be part of Des Plaines’ second annual Harvest Hoot festival Saturday, Oct. 19.

The fun will run from noon to 4 p.m. at Oakton College, 1600 E. Golf Road. Admission is free.

Live entertainment, a pumpkin carving demonstration, balloon-animal making and an artisan market featuring more than 25 vendors are planned. The Des Plaines History Center will hold activities for Dia del los Muertos — the Day of the Dead — too.

Additionally, representatives of the Stillman Nature Center will have a booth where attendees can learn about birds of prey.

An inflatable corn maze and food trucks will be on the scene as well. Mobile kitchens are scheduled to include Savory Crust, Serna's Grill, My Cocina, Hello Boba, Lincoln Land Kettle Corn and The Spin of It.

A musical act called “Super Stolie’s Halloween Daydream” will hit the main stage at 12:15 p.m. Dancing and singing is encouraged during this all-ages show. Magician Steve Belliveau will go on at 1:30 p.m.

And at 2:30 p.m., musicians Despina Pafralides and Caleb Peters — also known as Lucky Pickers — will perform bluegrass music.

Des Plaines officials have been working to build a sense of community and create places for people to go and gather, Mayor Andrew Goczkowski said. The Harvest Hoot is an opportunity for folks to do just that, he said.

Rain put a damper on the inaugural event last year, though.

“We’re hoping for better weather this year so we can build a new tradition in the city,” Goczkowski said.

The Harvest Hoot will be in Oakton’s Parking Lot A. Parking will be available there and in Lot D. People with disabilities should park in Lot A.

No alcohol is allowed and pets are discouraged.

For more information, visit desplainesil.gov/harvesthoot.