Fall is the best time of year in the northwest suburbs. The leaves, the crisp air, the smell of apple cider and bratwurst drifting through a park on a Saturday afternoon. And this year? The lineup of fall festivals and Oktoberfests in the area is packed.
Whether you've lived here for decades or you're just starting to explore what this area is all about, this is your full guide to every fall festival and Oktoberfest happening in the northwest suburbs in 2026. Bookmark it, share it with your neighbors, and get your weekends planned.
SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS
Oktoberfest in Itasca
September 11 | 5:00pm to 10:30pm
September 12 | 3:00pm to 10:30pm
Kick off fall festival season right here in the suburbs with Itasca's beloved annual Oktoberfest. German traditions, great food, and good company. The perfect way to welcome September.
Platzkonzert Germanfest in Hoffman Estates
September 11 | 5:00pm to 11:00pm
September 12 | 11:00am to 11:00pm
September 13 | 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Three days of delicious German food and live music at this family-friendly celebration in Hoffman Estates. One of the area's most beloved Germanfests, and for good reason.
Fall Fest in Des Plaines
September 18 | 6:00pm to 11:00pm
September 19 | 12:00pm to 11:00pm
September 20 | 12:00pm to 7:00pm
A true fall celebration with a carnival, KidZone, and all the classic fall festival fun. Des Plaines throws a great party and this one is perfect for families with kids of all ages.
Oktoberfest in Palatine
September 18 | 5:00pm to 12:00am
September 19 | 12:00pm to 12:00am
September 20 | 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Three full days of traditional German music, food, and activities at Palatine's annual Oktoberfest. One of the bigger celebrations in the suburbs, so plan to stay a while.
Oktoberfest in Elk Grove Village
September 18 | 6:00pm to 10:30pm
September 19 | 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Live music and delicious German food at this annual Elk Grove Village tradition. A great two-night event if you're making an Oktoberfest tour of the suburbs this month.
Oktoberfest in Mount Prospect
September 19 | 4:00pm to 11:00pm
September 20 | 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Celebrate German heritage in the heart of Downtown Mount Prospect over two days. If you haven't explored downtown Mount Prospect lately, this is a great excuse to do it.
Trucktoberfest in Park Ridge
September 19 | 12:00pm to 9:00pm
A unique twist on fall fun. Trucktoberfest brings children's activities, inflatables, and more to Park Ridge. Great for little ones who need to burn some energy on a Sunday.
Fallapalooza in Wheeling
September 20 | 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Food trucks, a petting zoo, inflatables, and much more. Fallapalooza in Wheeling is a fun way to wrap up a packed September of fall festivals. The name alone should tell you it's going to be a good time.
Scarecrow Festival in Barrington
September 26 | 11:00am to 2:00pm | Memorial Park
Head out to Barrington for fall games and a classic scarecrow festival at Memorial Park. A charming, laid-back way to spend a late September Saturday.
OCTOBER FESTIVALS
Harvest Fest in Medinah
October 3 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Harvest Fest returns to Medinah for another year of family-friendly fun. A great smaller festival if you're looking for something a little more relaxed to kick off October.
Octoberfest in Schaumburg
October 3 | 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Family fun, face painting, inflatables, and more at Schaumburg's Octoberfest celebration. A solid choice for families looking to pack in some weekend fun.
Autumn Harvest Festival in Schaumburg
October 4 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm | Heritage Farm
Kids' crafts, games, and old-fashioned fall fun at Heritage Farm. There is nothing quite like celebrating fall harvest on an actual farm.
Autumn Harvest in Arlington Heights
October 10 | 11:00am to 2:00pm
Crafts, hayrides, live music, local food, and family-friendly fun right here in Arlington Heights. This community shows up for its own and this event is a perfect example of why so many people love living here.
Barrington Hills Fall Festival
October 11 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Family-friendly events, live music, fantastic festival food, and more in beautiful Barrington Hills. A great fall outing if you want a scenic drive to go with your festival.
Harvest Hoot in Des Plaines
October 17 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm | Oakton College
Hosted at Oakton College, Harvest Hoot is a family-friendly event with plenty of fall fun. A nice late-October option to keep the season going.
Fall Festival at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook
October 18 | 10:00am to 3:00pm | Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Celebrate fall with the Forest Preserve District at the River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook. Nature, fresh air, and seasonal activities. A beautiful way to close out fall festival season.
This Is Why People Love Living Out Here
This list is exactly what makes the northwest suburbs such a special place to live. There is always something happening, always somewhere to take your family, always a reason to love where you are.
If you're thinking about making a move to this area, or you're already here and curious what your home is worth in today's market, we'd love to help. GetBurbed is your local northwest suburban real estate resource, and Holly Connors is Arlington Heights' #1 broker in units sold and dollar volume. Reach out anytime at 773.383.2490.
GetBurbed, @properties Christie's International Real Estate, Holly Connors #1 in Arlington Heights in units sold and dollar volume. (MRED® and InfoSparks, 9/1/2025-8/31/2026.)
