Welcome, fall! The colder weather brings fun seasonal events, including Oktoberfest celebrations around the city and suburbs, Apple Fest in historic Long Grove, and more. Here are five of the best events and fests to check out this weekend.
Check out each event’s website for current Covid-19 safety measures and possible cancelations.
All Weekend: Oktoberfest at The Publican
837 W. Fulton Market
Through Oct. 3, you can enjoy hearty eats, plenty of beer and good times all around at The Publican in Fulton Market. A perennial highlight, Publican’s expansive dining room and outdoor patio are upgraded for a mega German-themed fest, offering a daily taste of its Oktoberfest revelry with a menu featuring six family-style courses of traditional fare for two. Reservations are encouraged.
All Weekend: Long Grove Apple Fest
308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
A beloved family-friendly tradition, Long Grove’s Apple Fest is known for apple treats, such as doughnuts and apple wine, music, local artisans, a carnival and more. Many of the small shops in the historic town will have special sales and fall merchandise on display. A highlight of the weekend will be the popular local band Sixteen Candles, taking the stage at 9 p.m. Friday. Grab your tickets online or at the gate; admission is $5, and a three-day pass is for only $10. Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26
Sept. 24-25: Chicago LIVE Again! at Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave.
Head to Navy Pier this weekend for a special two-day celebration, with live performances from more than 40 of the city’s cultural icons including Broadway in Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Second City and more. Check out the schedule on Navy Pier’s website. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, and noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25
Sept. 25: PAWS Chicago Angels with Tails Adoption Event
Winnetka along Elm Street and Chestnut Street
Saturday, animal shelters are coming together to showcase homeless pets. PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest No Kill humane organization, and three other local rescue and shelter organization will bring homeless pets to nine beautiful storefronts and sidewalks in Winnetka. To see the animals that will be at the event, check out PAWS Angels with Tails Winnetka event website.
Sept. 25-26: Hyde Park Jazz Festival
1130 Midway Plaisance
A celebration of the arts, the Hyde Park Jazz Festival is a collaborative platform dedicated to supporting the presentation and ongoing development of jazz, particularly on the South Side of Chicago. The event is free with a $5 suggested donation.
More events to keep on your radar for this weekend:
- Sept. 25: Fall Fest at Duke Childs Field in Winnetka, featuring food, drinks, a pumpkin roll and more from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sept. 25: Vino in the Ville from 1 to 4 p.m. in Libertyville, that will showcase local merchants with discounts, wine and treats. $35 per person.
- Sept. 25-26: Brookfield Zoo Oktoberfest from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Featuring live polka music in the beer garden, a seasonal menu and more. Free with zoo admission.
- Thru Sept. 26: American Craft Expo virtual show week, presented by the Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem.
- All Weekend: Goebbert’s Fall Festival, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- All Weekend: Jack’s Pumpkin Patch, an amazing outdoor experience in Goose Island.
- All Weekend: Andersonville Homecoming featuring live performances on three stages, artisans, food, carnival games, and more.
- All Weekend: Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. With homemade bratwurst and pretzels, Sam Adams beer and live music.
More from Better:
- Get to Know Your Local Bakers and Confectioners: 5 Farmers Market Dessert Vendors
- Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking and More Fall Fun Around Chicago and the Suburbs
- A Perfect Fall Weekend in Madison: What to Do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay
Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.
