Mount Prospect gears up for Fall Fest, Oktoberfest this weekend

Don your lederhosen, put on your Alpine hat and head out to Mount Prospect this weekend for the annual Fall Festival and Oktoberfest in the village's downtown.

Hosted by the Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association, the two-day event Friday and Saturday will take place at the intersection of Emerson Street and Busse Avenue, next to the village hall.

Oktoberfest kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday with entertainment and traditional German food and beverages until 11 p.m. Phenix German Band will perform traditional tunes and favorite covers. Featured beers will include Hacker Pschorr, Hop Valley Bubble Stash, and Miller Lite.

The Fall Fest begins at noon Saturday with a special needs hour. People of all ages with special needs are encouraged to come out early and beat the crowds. Food, rides, and activities will be offered. Preregistration is required for the special needs hour at www.downtownmountprospect.com.

The Fall Fest opens to everyone else at 1 p.m. and continues to 4 p.m. with pumpkin decorating, a trick-or-treat candy line, hay rides and food and music. There will also be a bounce house, balloons and a stilt walker.

Day two of Oktoberfest begins after Fall Fest, and continues until 11 p.m. with live music and entertainment, food and more.