Autumn Festivals on Chicago’s North Shore
It's time to say goodbye to summer and hello to cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and all things pumpkin spice. Chicago's North Shore knows how to celebrate the season, and there are plenty of fall events you’ll want to add to your calendar ASAP. Plus, all of those events are located near (or take place at) a must-visit destination where you can take in all of the autumn colors.
For more info on what to see and do on Chicago's North Shore visit our detailed
Calendar of Events and follow our
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Oktoberfests
What’s fall without an Oktoberfest celebration? How about four Oktoberfest celebrations? Kick it all off with Temperance Oktoberfest (2000 Dempster St., Evanston) on Sept. 20. Partake in Bavarian pretzels, Oompah music and liters of fresh beer (specially made for Oktoberfest) at this party for Temperance Beer Company's 6th birthday. Head out to Wheeling's Oktoberfest (201 Community Blvd.) on Sept. 28 for this free festival featuring German and domestic beers and food available for purchase, plus live music. Closer to Glenview on Sept. 28? Stop by Blocktoberfest (Downtown Glenview) for bodacious beer, tasty eats, live music and a “humdinger of a good time”. Visit Evanston’s Oktobefest (University Place and Oak Avenue) the next day, Sept. 29. This event gives you the chance the sample from more than 40 craft beers and hard ciders from breweries like Smylie Brothers Brewing Co., Temperance Beer Co., and Peckish Pig. Plus, enjoy a DJ, traditional German band, traditional German dancers, a stein holding contest, costume contest, tricycle racing, and more.

Evanston Oktoberfest
North Suburban YMCA Fall Fest
2705 Techny Road, Northbrook
On
Oct. 5, join North Suburban YMCA for this new event, a combination of favorite old events 50fest and the Halloween Spooktacular Party. This celebration of the season will include music from Northside and local bands, plus food, beer and wine, trivia, bounce houses, pony rides, a haunted trail, and more. Nearby
River Trail Nature Center (3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook) is a great place to take in all of the fall colors thanks to three walking trails and free exhibits, plus educators are available to discuss the history of the area. Find out what events are coming up at the center
here.
The Grove Folk Fest
1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
Go back in time during this festival on
Oct. 6. Meet costumed interpreters who will share details about Glenview's history as you enjoy folk music, square dancing, hayrides, and a Native American flute circle. There will also be food available at the outdoor dining hall. Before you head home, explore the walking trails throughout
The Grove's 145 acres, and historic buildings, like the Log Cabin, Native American Longhouse, and One-Room Schoolhouse, are open seasonally and during some events. Plus, the Interpretive Center, which houses The Grove Store and educational areas, will re-open this fall.
Autumn Brews at Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
On
Oct. 10, explore Chicago Botanic Garden while also sampling seasonal beers from local breweries during this annual fall event. Some of your favorite brews will even be available for purchase, in addition to small bites. Be sure to arrive early to see all you can of the garden's 385 acres, which feature areas like the Aquatic Garden, Evening Island, Japanese Garden, and Waterfall Garden. It's a must-visit as Chicago’s North Shore is transformed by the arrival of fall.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Hullabaloo at The Talking Farm
3669 Howard St., Skokie
Say goodbye to the growing season with The Talking Farm at this fall event on
Oct. 12. Take tours of the farm, rock out to live music, enjoy food and drinks, and play games. The Talking Farm works to "grow fresh, hyper-local food using innovative and sustainable practices while educating our community about the environment, agriculture, biodiversity, permaculture, horticulture, gardening, and social justice and health issues." Their main location is the Howard Street Farm, where Hullabaloo will take place, which covers 2.5 acres that will be perfect for spotting fall colors.

The Talking Farm, Skokie
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