Fall music and flavors return for SeptOberfest
Cooler evenings bring live music, glowing fire pits and plenty of reasons to linger at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville during SeptOberfest, Sept. 2 through Oct. 29.
Enjoy lakeside entertainment Wednesday and Thursday evenings with acoustic performances by local musicians playing everything from classic rock and country to folk, Americana and pop. On select dates, unwind with sunset yoga on the beach, a relaxing class designed for beginners.
“SeptOberfest gives visitors a chance to slow down and enjoy autumn at Independence Grove,” Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek said. “The music, lakeside setting and changing colors create a relaxing way to spend an evening outdoors.”
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove is open 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 1-9 p.m. on weekends through Nov. 1. Its menu features rotating taps from local breweries, along with wine, ciders, cold brew coffee, nonalcoholic drinks and packaged snacks.
Complimentary firewood is available while supplies last at waterfront fire pits, and s’mores kits are available for purchase. Relish Cafe offers light meals and snacks for delivery to Beer Garden tables.
This year’s lineup includes two limited-edition beers created through local partnerships. Trailhead IPA, brewed with Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein, is a West Coast-style IPA with bright citrus and pine flavors. Harbor Brewing Company’s 56 Quills: American Pils is a crisp pilsner with a hint of apple.
Musical Entertainment (6-7:30 p.m.)
• MAGNEEN plays acoustic rock featuring original songs and familiar covers on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
• Haley Klinkhammer blends acoustic pop, heartfelt songwriting and a touch of nostalgia on Thursday, Sept. 3.
• Maggie and Mark play favorite classic rock, pop and country genres from the ‘70s to today on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 29.
• Megan Lick entertains with acoustic renditions of well-known favorites alongside overlooked deep cuts on Thursday, Sept. 10.
• A mariachi band will perform Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Chuck Wilson plays folk and classic rock originals and covers on Thursday, Sept. 17.
• Ironwood presents contemporary folk, rock and Americana on Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Wednesday, Oct. 28.
• Mr. Myers Duo performs favorites on steel drums on Thursday, Sept. 24.
• Ryan Lindsey will present classic rock, country and pop on Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 22.
• Solo guitarist Liz Berg plays pop-rock music on Thursday, Oct. 1.
• Despina blends upbeat, easy-listening acoustic country and folk on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
• Jessica Brown will play acoustic favorites from the ‘60s to today, reimagined for ukulele on Thursday, Oct. 8.
• Mojo Daddies entertain with rock, pop and blues on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
• From folk to rock classics, Jimmy Carroll delivers acoustic covers and originals on Thursday, Oct. 15.
• Stu the Piano Guy will perform classical piano music, rock classics, country and upbeat mainstream hits on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Yoga
Free Sunset Yoga for beginners takes place on the beach from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Sponsorship Opportunities
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, at (847) 968-3110.
Independence Grove and Beer Garden Details
Vehicle parking is free for Lake County residents.
For weather and entertainment updates, visit LCFPD.org/ig.
Group rates and reservations are available at the Beer Garden. Email IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org for details.
With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.
The entrance to Independence Grove is on Buckley Road just east of Milwaukee Avenue and west of River Road in Libertyville.