Des Plaines Fall Fest is a family-friendly affair
Des Plaines Fall Fest returns Sept. 17-19 to Lake Park, 2200 Lee Street. Festival hours are 6-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Carnival rides stay open until 8 p.m. Sunday.
The festival offers free admission, parking and concerts.
The festival's main draw is a full carnival with 20 different rides, a midway with games and plenty of food. Enjoy unlimited carnival rides from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for $25.
For the younger set, the KidZone offers entertainment for kids and families, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, arts and crafts, face painting, a family photo area, games and more.
At the History Center exhibit tent, visitors can make a traditional corn husk doll, see exhibits about early Des Plaines, talk with costumed historical re-enactors, and learn about fur trading up and down the Des Plaines River.
The main stage will present 10 local and touring bands playing classic and contemporary rock, country hits and originals, and a variety of genres. Headliners include Semple Band at 9 p.m. Friday, Bella Cain at 9 p.m. Saturday and Carbon Leaf at 5:15 p.m. Sunday.
There will be plenty of choices for eating and drinking, including traditional festival fare and ethnic specialties, a beer tent and wine garden, and a huge food court tent where you and your family can listen to the bands and enjoy your meal.
Another festival highlight will be the Custom Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Lakeview Center, 1177 Howard Ave., at the north end of the festival. See dozens of classics, antiques, American muscle cars, hot rods and motorcycles.
Fall Fest 2021 is produced by the Des Plaines Park District, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and the Des Plaines History Center.
Visitors are asked to follow a few rules: no outside food or beverages are allowed in the food court and main stage areas; no smoking in the food and beverage court; and no pets are allowed other than service animals. It's OK to bring your own folding chairs.
For details and a complete schedule, visit www.dpparks.org/event/fall-fest-2021.