September 2-4
ON THE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
State & Wyman Streets, downtown Rockford
The On the Waterfront Festival presented by Associated Bank and FatWallet.com is Illinois’ largest music festival. Five music venues jam all day and all night with rock, R&B, country, classic rock, blues, jazz, pop, oldies, reggae, and world music. Encompassing 25 city blocks, with numerous special events and over 125 hours of non-stop music in just three days. Headline acts during the weekend include Drive A, RED, and Stone Temples among others.
815-964-4388
www.onthewaterfront.com

September 2-4

PALESTINE'S FAMOUS LABOR DAY PARADE

Palestine

Marching bands, beautiful floats, color guards, horses, antique cars and more make an interesting and colorful event year after year. Thousands of people line the 2 1/2 mile parade route each year with many of them reserving their favorite spot as early as 5:00am. Shrine clowns and pre-parade entertainment begins at 9:00am, so plan to arrive early so you won't miss anything.

pioneercity.com

September 2-4
SUMMER SUNSET FESTIVAL
Sunset Park, Miller Road west of Randall Road, Lake in the Hills
This end-of-summer party has it all: parade, arts & crafts show, carnival rides, music, food, beer garden, kid’s corner, car show, skateboard competition, watermelon toss, horseshoe competition, fireworks and more.
847-960-7400
www.summersunsetfest.com

September 2-4

30TH ANNUAL TASTE OF MELROSE PARK

Melrose Park

The Taste of Melrose Park is the most family affordable suburban festival! All 74 one of a kind, ethnic food items, priced at $3.00 or less! FREE admission and 4 stages of entertainment, parking and shuttle make this Taste a perfect place to plan a family outing!

708-343-4000

www.melrosepark.org

September 2-5

OPC POWERBOAT NATIONALS

Kankakee River at Beckman and River Road Parks, Kankakee

815-932-4411

www.kankakeeregatta.com

September 3
VINTAGE WHEELS SHOW
Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
The Museum will host a display of the midwest's finest vintage cars, planes, tractors and horse-drawn carriage by invitation. Local restaurants will feature food specialties in a "Taste of Poplar Grove". Also featuring Orion Samuelson with "Air Orion" celebrating 50 years on the air at WGN in Chicago. Special carriage category too. Call for more information.
815-547-3115
www.thevintagemuseum.com

September 3

MUSIC ON MAIN

Downtown Galena

Come join us for a night of great music and dancing!  Fall Music on Main will be located on Green Street Plaza.  Grilled butterflied pork chop sandwiches and brats, Happy Joe's Pizza, as well as beer, soda, water and chips will be available for sale.  Admission is free.

www.galenachamber.org

September 3

MT CARROLL BRICK STREET SATURDAY

Downtown Mount Carroll

Great entertainment for the entire family! Carnival games, classic car and tractor show, food venders, music and more!

www.mtcarrollil.org

September 3-5

FALL FEST

Frankfort

www.frankfortfallfestival.info

September 3-5

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Illinois Railroad Museum, Union

Celebrate the end of summer by joining us for three days of fun! Pack a picnic, ride the trains, and enjoy. "Music at the Museum"-the West End Jazz Band will entertain on Monday.

www.irm.org

September 4-6
ALL SEASONS APPLE ORCHARD OPENING and CORN MAZE OPENING
14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock
Be the first to enjoy the season's harvest! We start with two great apples, the Gala which is sweet and crisp and the McIntosh which is spicy and tart. They are great for eating, and you can satisfy all you baking and cooking recipes between them both! We open at 10am and hope you can spend the day with us and take pleasure in all that fall has to offer! Visit our free petting zoo and take a relaxing walk around the new 10 acre Corn Maze or our professionally landscaped farm and get your fill of fresh air. For a little excitement you can try your luck - and aim- at our Apple Cannon. It is fun for children young and old! In addition to children's activities, the open grounds have more than enough space for kids to chase butterflies and just use all that energy that comes with youth. Stop by our all new CORN MAZE too. Hey, everybody sleeps well after a day in the country!
815-338-5637
www.allseasonsorchard.com

September 7-11
DEKALB COUNTY FAIR
Route 34, south of DeKalb, Sandwich
An old-fashioned agricultural fair held annually during the week after Labor Day, this event is the last county fair in northern Illinois, and the oldest continuous fair in the Midwest.
815-786-2159
www.sandwichfair.com

September 9-10

MIDDLEWEST FEST

DeKalb Illinois

Middlewest Fest is Nothern Illinois' annual celebration of the live music and arts, taking place in downtown DeKalb.

September 9-10

TWO RIVERS FESTIVAL

Aroma Park

Reasonably priced, family friendly event that provides food, music, crafts, games and fun for the whole family.

www.tworiversfestival.net

September 9-11

GALENA GIRLFRIENDS' GETAWAY

Ladies...this weekend is for you!  Grab your best girlfriends and get ready for great food, shopping, spas and more!

www.visitgalena.org

September 9-11
FESTIVAL OF THE VINE
West State Street (Route 38) and Fourth Street, Geneva
Savor the flavor of Geneva restaurants under an outdoor tent. Wine tastings, seminars and events, grape stomping, flower market, craft and gorgeous gourds show, musical entertainment, Kids’ Patch activities plus great shopping in the historic downtown. Geneva's train station is located just blocks from the festivities.
630-232-6083 or 866-4-GENEVA
www.genevachamber.com

September 9-October 9

THE FANTASTICKS

11 West Main Street, St Charles

Steal Beam's 11th season opens with The Fantasticks, billed as the world's longest running musical.

www.steelbeamtheatre.com

September 10
CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY
Oswego
World class polo players will compete in an exhibition match to benefit local charities.
630-554-4400
www.oswegorotaryclub.org

September 10

YOUTH FISHING DERBY

Rockwood State Park: 18750 Lake Road

Held the Saturday after Labor Day at Morrison Rockwood State Park, Children 15 and younger may participate, with registration starting at 8:30am. It's not necessary to catch a fish to be eligble to win one of the many prizes awarded.
815-772-4044
www.whiteside.org

September 10

SCREW CITY BEER FEST

Downtown Rockford

The Screw City Beer Fest highlights crafts breweries from around the country. Taste samples from participating breweries, enjoy excellent food from a few locally owned Rockford restaurants, and be entertianed with live music throughout the afternoon. Open to anyone 21 and older. ID's will be checked at the gate.

www.screwcitybeerfest.com

September 10

HISTORIC ROUTE 66 CAR SHOW

Berwyn

Every year, in early September, the Berwyn Preservation of Historic Route 66 Committee of the BDC hosts the Historic Route 66 Car Show, which is held on Ogden Avenue in Berwyn.

708-788-8100

www.berwynrt66.com

September 10
THIN MINT SPRINT
Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois announces the 6th annual Thin Mint Sprint Event, presented by Joseph Behr & Sons, on Saturday, September 11, at Camp McCormick in Stillman Valley. The Thin Mint Sprint Event consists of an 8K run, 2-mile family fun walk/run, and 4-mile Tough Cookie trail run, presented by Harris Bank. For an additional challenge, participants can sign up to "Do the Double," which includes both the 8K and trail run. Pregistration is required.
815-962-5591 ext. 7172 or ext. 7139
www.girlscoutsni.org or www.active.com

September 10-11
RADIO EXPO 2011
Boone County Fairgrounds, US Route 20 & IL 76, Belvidere
Annual electronics show the Chicago FM Club has presented for over 40 years in Lake County and the last two years at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Newest amateur equipment from major manufacturers, computer hardware and software, 2 large buildings for indoor flea market tables, large areas for outdoor flea marketing. Free parking.
708-457-0966
www.chicagofmclub.org

September 11-12
BOY SCOUTS 100TH YEAR AT ALL SEASONS APPLE ORCHARD
14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock
We welcome the Scouts to the orchard and farm this weekend with discounts for the whole family! Children who are active in the Scouts can participate. We ask the scout to come in uniform and every member of the family will receive a discounted admission price. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo and all the outdoor activities! Inside visit the Farmer's Market or Country Kitchen and Bakery for the season's finest!
815-338-5637
www.allseasonsorchard.com

September 11
61ST GRAND DETOUR ART FESTIVAL
John Deere Historic Site, 8393 South Main Street, Grand Detour
Two and three dimensional art is shown in this juried show that is held on the grounds of the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour. It is a unique spot for an art show allowing patrons to walk about the storied site viewing the art work and visiting with the artists. A small admission fee of $2.00 is charged to enter the grounds. Come out to the Grand Detour Art Festival and enjoy a stroll through the historic site and enjoy art from midwest artists.....have a lunch and a beverage....enjoy the music, and return home with an original art piece from an artist that you met on a warm sunshiny day in early September.
815-946-2108
www.bwcvb.com

September 11

WORLD WAR II DAYS- THE MARCH TOWARDS GERMANY

Routes 171 and Woods Drive, Lockport

Experience the World War II era like never before at this inaugural events! WWII Days will include elaborate and realistic battles complete with uniforms, weapons, artilert, vechicles and campsite displays.

www.lockportwwii.com

September 11

DEKALB KITE FEST

Corner if Lucinda and Kishwaukee Drive, DeKalb

Stunt kites, dancing and fighting kites, food, and activities for kids & family. Kite Fest will go from 11:00am-4:00pm.

September 12
STOCKTON MUSEUM'S FALL GARDEN WALK
Stockton
Join the Stockton Heritage Museum for a self-guided walk in five different gardens around the Stockton area from 11am to 3pm.
815-947-3963

Mid-September - October 31
THE PUMPKIN PATCH CORN MAZE
3178 Route 173, Caledonia
An ideal family outing for fall! Explore two miles of trails, turns, deadends and U-turns at this newly designed six-acre corn maze (assistance available). Then stop by the Pumpkin Patch for a bite to eat at the Goblin Grill.
815-765-2587
www.thegreatpumpkinpatch.com

September 15-October 2

MY FAIR LADY

23 East Galena Blvd, Aurora

My Fair Lady has been hailed as one of the greatest American musicals ever written. This sweeping tale of a common flower girl and the distinguished professor who bets he can make her a refined lady is the glourious musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaws's 1912 classic masterpiece. Single tickets: $34.40-$44.90.

September 15
DUTCH ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND REAGAN TOUR
Heritage Square, 620 North Ottawa, Dixon
Heritage Square is the residence of many acquaintances/friends of Reagan.We will be serving Dutch Ice Cream and Dutch Apple pie, among the huge selection of pies. Sit outside and enjoy the sounds of the 30's , 40's live band. Follow the big white Reagan Hat trail inside our wonderful facility which is accented with much Reagan Memoribilia.and of course our many residents are here to talk about Ronnie.
815-288-2251 or 815-912-2130

Oak Park

20th annual fall fesival on Marion Street and North Blvd.  This free two-day event offers seasonal foods from local restaurants, microbrews, wine and music. Enjoy the kids area and root beer garden on Saturday.

708-383-4145

www.downtownoakpark.net

September 16-18

HERITAGE FEST

West Dundee

The annual Heritage Fest Entertainment line-up offers something for everyone! Local and professional musicians, cover bands, children's performers and many others perform on two stages, the Main Stage Downtown, and the Grafelman Park Gazebo, and strolling throughout the festival.

September 16-17

OKTOBERFEST

Berwyn

The BDC's Historic Depot District Special Events Committee is celebrating is 11th annual Oktoberfest this year. The successful two-day event takes place in the Depot District on both sides of the Metra tracks between Oak Park and Homes Avenue. In addition to record attendance of resident and visitors over the two days, it includes lots of food, live performances, amusement rides, kids' activities, crafters, vendors and a beer garden. Once again dogs will be able to participate by attending Dog-toberfest, presented by the Urban Mutt.

708-788-8100

www.berwynoktoberfest.com

September 16-18

THE BIG ROCK PLOWING MATCH

48W508 Hinckley Road, Big Rock

Tons of activities for any age group. For example juniors fair, grain and vegtable show, horseshoe tournament, petal tractor pull, field plowing competition, and much more.

www.bigrockplowingmatch.com

September 17

AUTUMN ON THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL

Franklin Grove

The Nature Conservancy's Nachusa Grasslands Preserve presents its annual Autumn on the Prairie Festival. The day's activities include steward-guided tours of restored native prairie and savannas, educational exhibits, butterfly hikes, self-guided prairie plant exploration hikes and rides through the prairie in a horse-drawn wagon.

www.nachusagrasslands.org

September 17
AUTUMN IN THE VILLAGE
Various location in Franklin Grove
Step back in time as you exit the free shuttle bus to the Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Creek Grist Miss, Chaplin Creek Historic Village, and the Lincoln Building.  Wander a prairie, experience a working gristmill, explore a restored village, and visit the National Headquarters for the Lincoln Highway Association.
815-990-5090
www.chaplincreek.com

September 17

ELGIN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

45 Symphony Way, Elgin

The Elgin Short Film Festival is the only short film festival in the area.

847-931-5900

September 17

HARVEST HAMMER RACE

Morrison High School, 643 Genesee Avenue

The Harvest Hammer event is held at the Morrison High School.  The major race event, sponsored by and under, a 1-mile challenge run for 5th-8th grade students, and a 5K run/walk for all. 
815-772-3249
www.harvesthammer.org

September 17
HARVEST HAMMER - PAINT THE TOWN
Morrison
The third weekend in September, Morrison comes alive with great community events starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday with the Harvest Hammer; which includes a Duathlon for men and women, a Children's Fun Run for children 5th grade and under, a 1-mile challenge run for 5th thru 8th grade, and a 5k run/walk for all. At noon, the downtown is transformed into an outdoor canvas for hundreds of amateur artists of all ages who gather to Paint the Town, enjoy great food, and listen to various genres of music, in this unique family art event. On Sunday, Main Street is again closed to allow people to stroll and view the art work.
815-772-7657
www.harvesthammer.org

September 17

LOCK 16/HALF SAINT PATRICKS DAY TOUR

754 First Street, LaSalle

www.lasallecanelboat.org

September 17

CAPA PAINT THE TOWN

Downtown Morrison

Morrison's downtown is transformed into hundreds of works or art and self-expression durning this popular Children's Art Preservation Association sponsored event, held the thrid Saturday in September. Painting begans at noon on Saturday and streets remain closed on Sunday for viewing. Entertainment, street musicians, food, and live bands add to the festivies. 
815-772-7657
www.paintthetownmorrison.com

September 17
ROCKFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - DAVID SYME
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 North Main Street, Rockford

Three generations of composers: one ecstatic celebration of American music! “American original” David Syme returns to play George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, one of the world’s most popular piano works. George Whitefield Chadwick used impudent Yankee wit and technical brilliance to create Symphonic Sketches, four scenes of turn-of-the-century America. 
815-965-0049
www.rockfordsymphony.com

September 17

HUSKIE FOOTBALL VS. WISCONSIN

Soldier Field, Chicago

Game kickoffs at 2:30pm.

September 18

SYCAMORE BLOCK PARTY

Kids parade and activites including games, prizes, crafts and more. Free concerts, bags tournament, beer garden and food venders.

September 17-18
PEC THING ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET
Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 West 1st Street, Pecatonica
Over 400 dealers spread out over the fairgrounds for this semi-annual antique and flea market. Great bargains can be found everywhere...from antique tools and quilts to yard art and jewelry to stamps and postcards to furniture and glassware and everything in between.
815-239-1641
www.winnebagocountyfair.com

September 17-18
VINTAGE ILLINOIS WINE FESTIVAL
Starved Rock State Park, Utica
Vintage Illinois, an annual collaborative wine tasting event hosted by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association and Starved Rock State Park, showcases some of the finest wineries in the beautiful setting of Starved Rock State Park. Call for a complete schedule of events or visit our website.
815-784-4540
www.vintageillinois.com

September 17-18
TRACTORS FOR CHARITY
Stade Farm and Market, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
From 9am to 5pm. Adults $3, All children $1.
847-514-7082
www.tractorsforcharity.com

September 17-18

Illinois Railroad Museum, Union

MUSEUM SHOWCASE WEEKEND

www.irm.org

September 17-18
THE LAKE COUNTRY HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REMODELING EXPO
1060 East Peterson Road, Grayslake
The Lake County Fall Home Improvement and Remodeling Expo is being held on September 17 and 18th, at the well known New Lake County Fairgrounds. It is a fun, uniqye home improvement and remodeling marketplace where homeowners and contractors can unite and discuss projects in a positive and friendly environment. Free Admisson and parking.
www.homeshowevent.com

September 17-18
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR
Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford
Established in 1948, the Greenwich Village Art Fair is one of the oldest continuous art fairs in the area and combines juried artists with family-friendly children's activities, live music, and food in a vibrant and art-filled setting. More than 100 artists are juried into the show by an independent juror in several categories. In the old-world tradition of an open-air market, the Fair also features a Gourmet Marketplace.
815-972-2870
www.rockfordartmuseum.org

September 18-19
APPLE FEST WEEKEND
Royal Oak Farm Orchard, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard
Come enjoy the Fall 2011 Harvest at All Seasons Orchard! We will have apples galore as most of our varieties are ready for picking. Apple Fest Weekend marks the First Annual All Seasons Orchard Apple Pie Competition. Participants young and old bake up their best in this two day contest. Select a new recipe to go with your hand picked apples! We will celebrate the weekend with special events and activities throughout the farm. Face painters will add an apple or ladybug on you little one’s face. In the Kids Zone we will have guided group activities for children and toddlers. Old fashioned favorites like Simon Says, Follow the Leader, Red Light - Green Light, and Hop Scotch to name a few. We hope you can spend the day with us and take pleasure in all that fall has to offer! Visit our free petting zoo and see just how cute a miniature billy goat can be. Take a relaxing walk around our professionally landscaped farm and get your fill of fresh air. For a little excitement you can try your luck – and aim- at our Apple Cannon. It is fun for children young and old! Professional photographers will be at the orchard to commemorate our 20th Anniversary. Be sure to capture these magic moments with your family that your children will be sure to remember for a lifetime. As we come to dusk on Saturday come get toasty by the campfire and listen to acoustic local music. Or challenge you sense of direction in the 10 acre Corn Maze with help from the stars!
815-648-4141
www.royaloakfarmorchard.com

September 22-25

MANTENO OCTOBERFEST

South Main Street, Manteno

From carnival rides to food vendors, family entertainment to street merchant - there is something for everyone.

www.mantenooktoberfest.com

September 22-25

SYCAMORE FILM FESTIVAL

Sycamore City Center, 308 West State Street, Sycamore

Join us for 30-40 outstanding films from around the world, as well as initmate gatherings with filmmakers at parties, forums and out nightly LOUNGE wrap up.

September 23-25
STILLMAN VALLEY FALL FESTIVAL
Downtown Stillman Valley
Great fun for all ages and prizes awarded to winners. Other events include a fireworks show on Friday evening, Antique Tractor & Steam Engine Show, baking contest, car show, craft show, flea market, horticulture show, musical entertainment, parade, quilt show, talent show, and more.
www.stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com

September 23-25

ST. ANNE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

St. Anne

www.villageofstanne.com

September 24 - End-October
SHADES OF AUTUMN
Stade Dairy Farm, 3709 West Miller Road, McHenry
A wonderful fall tradition for the family. Enjoy nature's bounty during the most beautiful tim of the year. Free hayrides to pick your pumpkin. Petting zoo, pumpkin cannon, live entertainment, etc. Saturdays and Sundays only.
815-675-6396
www.stadedairyfarm.com

September 24-26
SEPTEMBER FEST
St. Mary School Campus, 210 Gurler Road, DeKalb
Annual event held at St. Mary Parish in DeKalb.
www.stmaryseptemberfest.com

September 24
ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Ottawa's Old Town District, Ottawa
Ottawa presents the 25th annual Scarecrow Festival! Bring the kids for buckboard rides, face painting, and a petting zoo! While you're downtown don't forget to check out the farmer's market as well as our mix of shops, boutiques, and restaurants that will be offered special events inside their facilities! And don't forget what this fest is all about & our scarecrows will once again line the streets!
815-434-2737

September 24
JOHNNY APPLESEED FESTIVAL
Downtown Crystal Lake
An all day event which brings visitors together to celebrate fall. Meet Johnny Appleseed! Enjoy pony and wagon rides, a craft fair and farmers market, plus games and food.
815-479-0835
www.downtowncl.org

September 24

HARVEST TIME FESTIVAL

Waterman

Enjoy a parade, pie auction, pumpkin decorating/ carving contest, pork chop bbq and pet parade.

www.watermanil.com

September 24