Fall is finally here, and the western suburbs are packed with family-friendly events that you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re into pumpkin patches, hayrides, or Halloween fun, here’s a lineup of must-visit fall festivals and activities that are perfect for creating those cozy, autumn memories.
🎃 Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest (Sep 6 – Nov 3): Pumpkin chucker, hayrides, haunted barn, pig races, and gemstone mining.
🐑 Johansen Farms (Sep 15 – ongoing): Huge petting zoo, kid-friendly rides, and famous apple cider donuts.
🎨 Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest (Oct 1 – Oct 31): Thousands of pumpkins, up-close animal encounters, and fall gifts.
🍁 Morton Arboretum Fall Color Festival (ongoing; Glass Pumpkin Patch Oct 11 – 15): Stunning fall foliage, glass pumpkin patch, and color report.
🖼 Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair (Sep 21 – 22): 110 local artists, outdoor art displays, and scenic Riverwalk.
🎃 Boo! Ridge & Fall Craft Show (Oct 26 / Nov 2): Trick-or-treating, face painting, and unique craft vendors.
🪦 Living Cemetery (Oct 13): Historical reenactments of early founders in Main Street Cemetery.
🎵 Cantigny Fall Festival (Oct 11 – 13): Hayrides, petting zoo, craft vendors, biergarten, and live music.
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Andersen Realty Group
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📩 Email: eric@eandersenhomes.com
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Transcript:
I don’t know about you, but I’m done with the heat. Summer was great, but it’s time for sweater weather, pumpkin patches, and everything that makes fall my favorite time of year. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, and if you’re ready for pumpkin spiced lattes and fun family outings, you’ll want to stick around because we’re going through a lineup of great fall events in the western suburbs that you won’t want to miss.
First up is Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen, and let me tell you, this place is a fall wonderland. It’s not just pumpkins—it’s an entire experience. They have everything from their pumpkin chucker, an air-powered cannon that launches pumpkins like Mahomes throws footballs, to tractor-pulled hayrides, a completely animated haunted barn, and a petting zoo. You can also step back in time to the wild west with their gemstone mining attraction. Imagine water rushing down a sluice as you sift through the dirt to find hidden treasures like gemstones and arrowheads. It’s a great way to experience history and leave with some unique souvenirs. They also have pig races every hour, which they promise will make your family squeal with delight. Bengston’s Fallfest is ongoing from September 6th to November 3rd, so there’s plenty of time to head over and enjoy the fun. And if you’re into pumpkins, they have over 300 tons of them, including unique varieties and gourds.
If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back but equally festive, check out Johansen Farms in Bolingbrook. This spot is perfect for families with younger kids or if you want a slower-paced day. You can still pick out your pumpkins, but what really sets this place apart is their humongous petting zoo, which has hundreds of animals, from lamas to miniature ponies to little lambs that love to be petted and fed. You can also hold newborn baby chicks, and if you’ve ever wanted to feel the wool on a sheep, be sure to visit Goat Mania. Johansen Farms also has several kid-friendly rides, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll head straight for their famous apple cider donuts. Their children’s zoo, market, and pumpkin patch opened for the fall season on September 15, so stop by any time for a relaxing, family-friendly day.
Next, let’s head to the Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest. They have thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo lawn, perfect for picking the right pumpkin to carve at home. Plus, the zoo is a big part of this fest, so you can get up close with animals. They also have children’s rides for an extra fee, as well as some fall decor and merchandise available in their Wild Side Gift Shop. It’s a smaller, more intimate setting compared to the bigger farms, but that’s part of the charm. It’s open from 9-5 during the month of October.
If you’re looking for a setting that’s picture perfect, be sure to check out the Fall Color Festival at Morton Arboretum. The arboretum is a natural wonderland in the fall, with vibrant colors that look like they’ve been hand-painted. Be sure to check out their Fall Color Report. It will show you which areas of the arboretum are showing the best colors. And if you love unique art, you won’t want to miss the arboretum’s glass pumpkin patch, happening from October 11th to 15th. You’ll find over 7,000 hand-blown glass pumpkins in traditional and unique colors and every shape and size on display and available for purchase. It’s a really fun event. My family and I have been to it several times, and it’s one of the highlights of the season.
If you’re more into art than agriculture, you’ll want to swing by the Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair. Held on September 21st and 22nd, this event features the work of 110 talented artists in a stunning outdoor setting. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. Whether you’re looking to add something new to your home or just want to browse and admire the creativity, this fair is a great way to spend a fall afternoon. Plus, it’s right along the scenic Naperville Riverwalk, so you can grab a coffee (Sparrow is my favorite in the area) and enjoy a relaxing stroll while you’re there. And be sure to take a moment to appreciate the Riverwalk itself, a stunning path that was built in 1981 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Naperville’s founding.
If you love Halloween as much as I do, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Boo! Ridge at the Burr Ridge Village Center on October 26th from 2 to 4pm. It’s has a little bit of everything: trick-or-treating, face painting, an inflatable corn maze, and more. It’s the perfect way to get in the Halloween spirit without being too scary for the little ones. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss the Fall Craft and Vendor Show at Chuck’s Cafe in Darien happening on November 2nd from 9am to 1pm. This is a great spot to pick up unique fall decor or start your holiday shopping early. Nothing says fall is here quite like a craft show.
If you really want to get into the Halloween spirit, you won’t want to miss the annual Living Cemetery in Downers Grove on October 13 from 10am to 12pm. Imagine standing in the historic Main Street Cemetery, one of the oldest in the western suburbs. You’re there, surrounded by the graves of the town’s early founders, and suddenly, they begin to rise from history itself. These historical figures re-emerge for one day each year to share their stories of the pioneer days. It’s a unique experience where the people who shaped Downers Grove’s early years literally come back to life. They’ll tell you what it was like to live in the early days of the village, giving you a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those times. It’s part historical reenactment, part Halloween atmosphere, and entirely fascinating.
Last but not least is the Cantigny Fall Festival in Wheaton. This event starts with live music on the evening of Friday, October 11th and runs through Sunday. It’s a great all-ages event with a petting zoo, craft vendors, hay rides, lawn games, a biergarten, and guided walking tours. It’s one of those events where you can spend the whole day because there’s so much to do.
So, whether you’re into pumpkin patches, fall colors, or just want an excuse to wear that cozy new sweater, there’s no shortage of amazing fall events in the western suburbs of Chicago this season. Let me know in the comments which event you’re most excited about. And if I missed your favorite, be sure to let me know. If you found this helpful, please be sure to like this video, subscribe to my channel, and turn on notifications. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage where we treat our clients like family. Have a great fall!