Des Plaines Fall Fest returns with free admission, concerts
Fall Fest, Des Plaines' family-friendly festival, is back for its 13th year with food, music, games, and dozens of activities.
Lake Park, 2200 Lee St., will once again be transformed into a lakefront wonderland where kids of all ages can ride the giant Ferris wheel and climb the rock wall, feed the animals in the petting zoo, chow down on corn dogs, feast on funnel cakes, and enjoy a variety of family entertainers, as well as 10 local and national touring bands.
The popular event, which was created for the community by the Des Plaines Park District, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and the Des Plaines History Center, takes place from 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18.
Admission, parking and concerts are free every day.
Fall Fest features a full carnival with dozens of rides and games, and all your favorite carnival eats. The KidZone! is where you'll find the rock-climbing wall, petting zoo, family entertainment, face painting, and interactive activities.
At the Des Plaines History Center Exhibit Tent, you may talk to costumed historical re-enactors and see the history of Des Plaines unfold in detailed displays.
Opening Friday, Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m., the Hillbilly Rockstarz brings the sounds of country and rock to the Main Stage. Headlining at 9 p.m. you'll party to local favorites Radio Gaga.
On Saturday, see The MacKenzie O'Brien Band at noon and NEWSKI & the NoTomorrow at 2 p.m. Generation is featured at 4:15 p.m., and 52nd Street plays the music of Billy Joel at 6:30 p.m. Arra headlines at 9 p.m. with the best of classic rock.
Gen Fuze performs at noon Sunday, followed by 7th heaven rocking out with '80s favorites at 2:15 p.m. Joe Bachman Band headlines at 5:15 p.m. to close out the entertainment.
Local and area restaurants will offer festival foods and beverages. Vendors include Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood, Charcoal Delights, E.J. Pierogi Truck, Illusions Café, Johnny and Tess, Midwest City Smashers, Rep's Place, Restaurant Mexico, RS Concessions, The Curious Crow Food Truck, Tri Café, and Triple Scoop'd Ice Cream.
Families can relax and eat in the dining tent, which is 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 will be unlimited carnival rides for $25 per person. The KidZone! is open Saturday and Sunday until 7 p.m.
On Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Lakeview Center on Howard Avenue, there's a custom car show that's open to classics, antiques, American muscle cars, and hot rods.
Make sure to visit the sponsors that make this event possible, including the festival's presenting sponsor Rivers Casino, community sponsors Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, as well as the activity sponsors.
Free parking is available courtesy of Abbott, corner of Touhy and Lee and 1350 E. Touhy, as well as at Lakeview Center, Lee and Howard.
For details, visit www.FallFestDesPlaines.com.