Ride on and rock out at Des Plaines Fall Fest

Posted September 08, 2025 11:21 am

Submitted by Des Plaines Park District

Carnival rides offer fun for kids of all ages at Des Plaines Fall Fest, which returns to Lake Park this week. Courtesy of Des Plaines Park District

Fall Fest, Des Plaines’ family-friendly festival, is back for its 16th 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 enjoy rides at the carnival, climb the rock wall, feed the animals in the petting zoo, chow down on corn dogs and feast on funnel cakes, and enjoy 10 great bands.

Fall Fest is once again generously presented by Rivers Casino and sponsored by many area businesses that will be on-site throughout the weekend.

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, petting zoo, face painting, and interactive activities that are perfect for parents and 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 will showcase festival foods and beverages. This year features some tasty specialties from Blackhawk BBQ, Charcoal Delights, Mexico Restaurant, Midwest Citrus Smashers, RS Concessions, and more. Families can relax and eat in the dining tent, and adults may enjoy a selection of beverages just steps away from the Main Entertainment Stage.

Kids and families are the focus of Fall Fest. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, there are unlimited carnival rides for $30 per person, per day. KidZone! is open Saturday and Sunday until 6 p.m. Check out a custom car show from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Lakeview Center on Howard Avenue.

Opening Friday at 6:30 p.m. is Libido Funk Circus with rocking disco hits, and headlining at 9 p.m. are local favorites Too Hype Crew, who bring their high energy hip- hop show to the Main Stage.

Experience the sounds of the 1980s when Sixteen Candles plays at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Des Plaines Fall Fest. Courtesy of Sixteen Candles

On Saturday, see Chicago’s premiere salsa band Latin Swing Factor at noon, and enjoy country music by the MacKenzie O’Brien Band at 2 p.m. and Blooze Brothers performing your favorite rhythm and blues and soul classics at 4 p.m.

Are You Ready For It, A Taylor Swift Experience performs all of your Taylor favorites at 6:30 p.m., and Sixteen Candles headlines at 9 p.m. with your favorite ’80s music and an energetic stage show.

Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press will close out the musical entertainment at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Des Plaines Fall Fest. Courtesy of Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press

Generations performs all of your favorite rock at noon on Sunday, followed by Beyond the Blonde, Chicago’s tribute to Pink, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga, at 2:15 p.m. Don’t miss popular local rockers Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press at 5 p.m. to close out the entertainment for this year.

For details and a full schedule of events, visit FallFestDesPlaines.com.

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