Sonny Acres Farm’s Fall Festival opens Sept. 19

Seasonal fun for all ages returns with the annual Fall Festival starting Saturday, Sept. 19, at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave. in West Chicago. It continues through Oct. 30.

It features amusement rides, a full petting zoo, hayrides, seasonal eats, a full bar, train rides, the Sweet Shoppe, the Farm Fresh Store, live music by DJs, vocalists, and more.

Starting Oct. 2, the farm's Haunted Barn and Haunted Hayride experiences return on select nights, bringing dozens of live actors out for an evening of scares. It continues through Oct. 30. Whether it's a family day trip, a night out with friends or the ultimate fall date night, a visit to Sonny Acres Farm has become a can't-miss tradition each season.

“There's nothing quite like Fall at Sonny Acres, from picking the perfect pumpkin with the kids to daring a walk through our Haunted Barn after dark,” said Jeannine Fontana, owner and manager. “Our team works hard every year to make this season the most special, and we can't wait to share it with our community again.”

Every Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sonny Acres Farm offers free admission for all guests and a special wristband deal so the little ones can enjoy unlimited rides for $28 per child.

The farm's ride lineup includes an Apple Worm, Sheep Ride, Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, Bumble Bees, Frog Hopper, Giant Slide, Giant Swings, Tilt-a-Whirl, Sonny's Express Train, a Giant Jumping Pillow and the Kiddie Korral, filled with play areas and inflatables.

Outside of the weekday wristband deal, individual tickets are available for purchase and redeemable at each attraction. Tickets and wristbands can be purchased online or at the on-site ticket booth.

Beyond the rides, guests can pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home, browse the Farm Fresh Store for fresh produce, jams, jellies and sundries, grab a treat at the Sweet Shoppe, or graze through the farm's gourmet food stands, including roasted corn, elote and chascas, fresh apple cider doughnuts, funnel fries and more. Adults can head to the farm's full bar for seasonal drinks like spiked hot apple cider and spiked apple cider slushies, both also available non-alcoholic.

For thrill-seekers, the farm's Haunted Barn and Haunted Hayride return on select nights: Oct. 2-4, Oct. 9-11, Oct. 16-18, Oct. 22-25, and Oct. 29-30.

With dozens of live actors waiting around every corner, Sonny Acres' haunted experiences pull guests into an interactive world of spine-chilling sights, sounds and scenes.

Tickets are available online in advance or on-site, subject to availability, and advanced purchase is strongly recommended given the consistent demand each season.

Guests can buy tickets to the Haunted Hayride for $25 per person and Haunted Barn for $20 per person separately, or bundle both as a combo experience for $38 per person online. A “Fast Pass” is also available for the haunted barn, letting guests skip the line for an additional $10.

Fall Festival hours are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. Special hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29 for the Haunted Hayride and Haunted Barn. The Haunted Experiences will be open 7 to 10 p.m. on select Fridays to Sundays.

On Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12, the farm will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., an exception to the normal Monday closure

On Friday, Oct. 30, DJ Gizep performs at Sonny's Bar, plus a costume contest and party

Admission is free for all ages on Tuesday to Thursday. It is $10 on Friday to Sunday; kids, age 12 or under, are free. Each paid guest will receive a free ride ticket ($6 value), valid for use toward any of the following attractions including the daytime hayride, jumping pillow, amusement rides and Kiddie Korral. Free ride tickets are not valid for use on haunted attractions and can be used anytime during the 2026 Fall Festival.

Guests can enjoy free parking and shuttle service for off-site parking, subject to availability. Between its open space and party barns, Sonny Acres Farm also makes an ideal setting for school field trips, birthday parties, family reunions, corporate events, weddings and group outings.

For more on the Fall Festival, field trip and event bookings, wholesale inquiries or the farm's other annual programming, visit sonnyacres.com or follow along on social media @sonnyacresfarm.

Sonny Acres Farm is a West Chicago amusement farm located at 29W310 North Ave. Established in 1883, the farm offers year-round family entertainment including amusement rides, a full petting zoo, live music, a full bar, train rides, the Sweet Shop and Farm Fresh Store, and seasonal events such as its annual Pro Rodeo, Fall Festival, and Haunted Barn and Haunted Hayride. With ample space and party barns available, Sonny Acres Farm also serves as a destination for field trips, birthday parties, family reunions, corporate events, weddings and group outings.