Patch Fall Guides: Polka and Pumpkins Delight at Fall Festivals

Area fall festivals offer a range of activities from hayrides to polka bands to pumpkin decorating.

Check out these nearby festivals:

• Long Grove Oktoberfest runs Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Established by German farmers, Long Grove offers European charm. The festival combines traditional Oktoberfest staples, like beer tents, polka bands and dancing, with Halloween activities, including pumpkin decorating and a “haunted walk” through historic Long Grove.

• Lake Bluff’s PumpkinFest runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15. The festival starts with a pasta dinner on Friday night and a haunted house at Artesian Park. The 5K Pumpkin Chase is on Saturday as well as activities for children, craft and bake sales.

• The Grayslake Park District Pumpkinfest is planned for 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20, at Central Park, and includes a variety of kids activities, a family scavenger hunt in the woods and a spooky fun zone.

• Hallowfest: A Garden of Good and Evil at the Chicago Botanic Garden will be held Oct. 21 to 23. Tickets are $14 for members and $16 for nonmembers. There is a spooky path as well as a friendly path to activities. Guests can take a 15-minute train ride around the decorated gardens and view the Model Railroad Garden decorated in ghostly lights. Guests can even visit with a fortune teller.

• Barrington’s Scarecrow Fest is Saturday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and offers free family entertainment including pony rides, pumpkin and scarecrow decorating. Families can also enjoy a walk through town to view the creatively decorated scarecrows in front of Barrington merchants.