Table of Contents
Beer & Wine with the Goats (Itasca): $50
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue: Springbrook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave, Itasca, IL 60143
This popular outdoor social event blends adult beverage tastings with a unique nature preserve interaction. Registered guests can enjoy a curated selection of regional craft beers and fine wines while mingling directly with the resident herd of friendly goats. The event focuses on community connection and support for nature center programs.
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McHenry Music Festival (McHenry): $59+
Date: Thursday, September 10 – Saturday, September 12, 2026 (Thursday 3:30 PM - 10:30 PM, Friday 3:30 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday 3:30 PM - 11:00 PM)
Venue: Petersen Park, 3500 Peterson Park Rd., McHenry, IL 60050
Enjoy three days of live music featuring more than 12 national acts, including Shinedown, Daughtry, Kane Brown, Hardy, and more, along with food vendors and a large outdoor festival atmosphere.
(Link)
19th Annual Just 4 the Health of It Health & Wellness Expo (Bartlett): Free
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Venue: Hanover Township Senior Center, 240 South Illinois Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103
Hanover Township’s 19th annual health-and-wellness expo brings local health providers, wellness organizations, social-service agencies, and community resource groups together for free screenings, information, referrals, and demonstrations. The family-oriented event also advertises a bounce house and petting zoo, making it more than a traditional senior-resource fair and suitable for attendees of varied ages.
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Itasca Oktoberfest (Itasca): Free
Date: Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12, 2026 (Friday 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Saturday 3:00 PM - 10:30 PM)
Venue: Washington Park, 350 E. Irving Park Rd., Itasca, IL 60143
Enjoy Itasca’s 18th annual Oktoberfest with live music, authentic German food, family-friendly activities, a stein-holding contest, and a stock-car racing simulator. Admission and parking are free.
(Link)
Platzkonzert Germanfest (Hoffman Estates): Free
Date: Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13, 2026 (Friday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Venue: Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
This 20th annual Bavarian fall festival features authentic German cuisine, Paulaner and Hofbräu beer, and continuous live Oompah and German music across two stages. The weekend offers a Kinderplatz children's activity area, a Makers Market, stein-hoisting and Hammerschlagen contests, Saturday night drone shows, and Sunday's beloved Dachshund Dash races.
(Link)
La Fiesta de Elgin (Elgin): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 (11:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
Venue: Downtown Elgin City Plaza, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
Elgin's official kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month brings a lively cultural street celebration to downtown with traditional mariachi performances, ballet folklórico dance groups, and live salsa music. Festival-goers can browse artisan craft vendors and sample authentic regional Latin American dishes and street tacos from local restaurants.
(Link)
Rock the Block (Lake Zurich): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Venue: Downtown Lake Zurich (Main Street & Old Rand Rd.), 70 E. Main St., Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Downtown Lake Zurich closes Main Street to traffic for an energetic outdoor street party that typically draws thousands of residents. The event features food trucks, local restaurant tents, outdoor beer and wine stations, and a stacked live rock lineup headlined by regional tribute groups including The Ron Burgundys and Libido Funk Circus.
(Link)
8th Annual Pet Event (Bartlett): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Venue: Bartlett Gazebo Park, 102 North Eastern Avenue, Bartlett, IL 60103
Hosted by Arts in Bartlett, this animal-friendly community event brings together more than 15 rescue organizations, 20-plus pet-related vendors, animal experts, fundraising groups, and food vendors. Highlights include a pet costume contest, visits with reptiles from the Chicago Herpetological Society, naturalist-led animal encounters, and food-truck service from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.
(Link)
17th Annual Bourbon & Beer Festival (Grayslake): $55+
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Venue: The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar, 101 Center Street, Grayslake, IL 60030
Enjoy an outdoor autumn block party featuring over 20 craft breweries with 40+ beers, a premium selection of 80 to 100 whiskeys and bourbons to sample, live tribute bands, local food trucks, and a cigar lounge.
(Link)
Wauconda Latino Heritage Festival (Wauconda): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Downtown Main Street, Wauconda, IL 60084
Hosted in partnership with Transfiguration Parish, this vibrant cultural block party transforms Main Street into a celebration of Hispanic culture and history. The schedule includes authentic regional food vendors, traditional games, and breathtaking Mexican folk dance showcases. A live mariachi band highlights the musical lineup, welcoming all local residents to join the late summer dance party.
(Link)
Kids Quarchella Lakeside at The Quarry (Crystal Lake): $10
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Venue: The Quarry Cable Park & Grille, 5517 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake, IL 60039
This family festival features a DJ, live performances, games, photo opportunities, kid-focused vendors, face painting, caricature drawing, hair braiding, desserts, and more. Activities also include kids’ yoga, an Aqua Park, and story time.
(Link)
Parkway Bank Park Family Fall Fest (Rosemont): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, IL 60018
This autumn harvest celebration delivers an expansive slate of children's activities, including large bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, and balloon sculptors. Families can participate in custom pumpkin painting workshops to take their creations home for October decor. The outdoor afternoon festival features live, interactive, and energetic children's rock music performed by Jeanie B & The Jelly Beans.
(Link)
Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 21 (Schaumburg): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13, 2026 (Saturday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Venue: Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL
Explore the history of computing with vintage computers, hands-on exhibits, classic technology, vendors, and fellow retro-computing enthusiasts. The annual festival is organized by Chicago Classic Computing and celebrates the preservation and restoration of computer history.
(Link)
Festival de Independencia (Mexican Independence Family Festival) (Hanover Park): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, starting with a parade at 12:00 PM and continuing with daylong festivities
Venue: St. Ansgar Roman Catholic Church, 2040 Laurel Avenue, Hanover Park, IL 60133
The annual celebration honors Mexican Independence with a patriotic parade and family-friendly festivities featuring Mexican culture, food, music, dancing, and community entertainment.
(Link)
Art on the Fox (Algonquin): Free
Date: Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13, 2026 (Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Venue: Main Street, Downtown Algonquin, Algonquin, IL 60102
Browse original artwork from 75 artists, enjoy live music and live painting classes, and visit the Kids Art Zone for art projects, games, face painting, giant bubbles, and more. Admission is free, and the festival is walkable and family-friendly.
(Link)
First Pres Fall Fest (Arlington Heights): Free
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Venue: First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights — West Parking Lot, 302 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Enjoy a free community fall kick-off celebration with fun for all ages, including a bouncy slide, face painting, crafts, games, food, and a new Ministry & Activity Fair. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and family fun!
(Link)
Festival of Cultures (Palatine): Free
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue: Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Rd., Palatine, IL 60067
Celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the community with live performances, hands-on activities, local cultural and community organizations, and food trucks. Performances begin at 12:10 PM, making this a fun afternoon for families and neighbors to experience music, dance, food, and traditions from different cultures.
(Link)
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Community Block Party (Palatine): Free
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 12:00 PM
Venue: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1190 N. Hicks Rd., Palatine, IL 60067
Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of kids and family activities, live music, food, and time with neighbors. Rep’s Place Food Truck will have food available for purchase, and the Faith Forward Foundation will provide free ice cream.
(Link)
Vernon Hills Card Expo (Vernon Hills): Free
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue: Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Browse sports cards, Pokémon, TCGs, memorabilia, sealed products, and collectibles from vendors around the region. Visitors can buy, sell, trade, and explore cards in a family-friendly environment.
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