Festivals and Fairs
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Celebrate tradition at the 40th annual St. Charles Scarecrow WeekendOct 01, 2025 5:05 pm - The 40th annual St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend features the popular scarecrow contest with over 120 creative entries across four categories, displayed along Riverside Avenue, Lincoln Park, and First Street.
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Celebrating 200 years of Norwegian immigration to America on Oct. 3-5Oct 01, 2025 11:46 am - A 200-year celebration of Norwegian immigration to America is taking place in Norway, Illinois, featuring Norwegian food, music, crafts, and educational displays.
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Best Bets: ‘Forbidden Forest’ welcomes Harry Potter fans and Naper Settlement celebrates OktoberfestOct 01, 2025 9:41 am - “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” thrills fans starting this weekend, Naper Settlement hosts Oktoberfest, Karen Mason headlines a special tribute to Davenport’s at the Skokie Theatre, and “Carmina Burana” comes to the MAC.
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Monochronicle curating Aurora’s second annual Lumenaura, an art & light festivalOct 01, 2025 7:15 am - Aurora’s second annual Lumenaura on Oct. 10-26 featuring cutting-edge light installations and interactive experiences by national and international artists.It showcases innovative artworks like responsive light sculptures, laser graffiti, enchanted fountains, and installations that react to human presence, transforming public spaces.
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Oktoberfest celebration at Naper Settlement: Beer, brats, and live musicSep 30, 2025 11:50 pm - Naper Settlement's annual Oktoberfest features traditional German cuisine, beer, and music on Oct. 3-4.
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Things to do Oct. 3-9: Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival, Cider and Ale Festival, Oktoberfests and moreSep 30, 2025 9:47 am - Mark your calendar for the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival, Harmony Fest Featuring the Taste of Arlington Heights, the Morton Arboretum’s Cider and Ale Festival, Oktoberfests, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden and more.
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Lumenaura Fest brings live music, local flavor and light to AuroraSep 29, 2025 8:53 pm - Lumenaura, Aurora's annual immersive art, light, and sound experience, returns from Oct. 10-26, spanning the entire downtown district.It kicks off with Lumenaura Fest Weekend from Oct. 10-12, featuring live outdoor music on the main stage, food trucks, and local businesses.
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Enjoy fun fall family time at S’mores & More Oct. 4 in BataviaSep 29, 2025 7:59 pm - Sign up by Oct. 3 for the Batavia Park District event offering fall activities like hayrides, crafts, and s'mores on Saturday, Oct. 4/
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Morton Arboretum hosts Cider & Ale Festival with over 60 varietiesSep 28, 2025 11:18 pm - This October, treat yourself to hard cider and seasonal beers curated from more than 30 local breweries and cideries, taking in the crisp autumn air as you sip and stroll...
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All Hallows Eve returns on Oct. 17-18 with family fun at Naper SettlementSep 28, 2025 10:21 pm - Naper Settlement's All Hallows Eve is a family-fun Halloween festival featuring spine-chilling attractions and activities, including a costume contest, alien autopsy, zombie hotel funhouse, and more.