Summer favorites like the Will County Fair and the Lake County Fair have wrapped up for the year, yet this is when our communities really start to shine. The air turns crisp, the calendars fill up, and every town seems to have something worth putting on the list. Here is what I have on mine over the next several weeks. As always, double-check details with the host before you go, since dates and venues can shift.
Labor Day weekend and beyond: September 5 through 7
Frankfort Fall Festival
September 5 through 7 on Kansas and White Streets in downtown Frankfort. This 58th annual show is one of the most recognized arts and crafts festivals in the country, with more than 300 artists and artisans, a carnival, live entertainment, food and a wonderful, genuine sense of community. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested $10 donation for parking. It is the classic way to spend Labor Day weekend in the South Suburbs.
New Lenox Restaurant Week
September 8 through 15, hosted by the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce. A full week to taste your way through New Lenox restaurants, from long-time favorites to newcomer kitchens. A lovely excuse to visit a few places you have been meaning to try.
Friday, September 11
Orland Park America 250 Patriot Day Concert
From 5 to 8 p.m., the Southwest Community Band plays a free Patriot Day celebration in Orland Park. A thoughtful and graceful way to mark the day with neighbors.
New Lenox 9/11 Remembrance
New Lenox holds its annual commemoration, which this year includes the community's 25th anniversary observance at 101 Veterans Parkway. It is a reminder of why this area feels like home.
Weekend of September 12 and 13
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Saturday, September 12 in downtown Valparaiso along Lincolnway. Free entry, more than 250 arts, crafts and food booths, live music, a parade and the Popcorn Panic race. The festival kicks off Thursday, September 10 with a concert and Friday, September 11 with the Popcorn Pit Stop, so there are several chances to celebrate the town that Orville Redenbacher's popcorn put on the map.
A few more good spots
Garwood Orchards hosts its annual Apple Fest on September 12 and 13, and Whiting hosts Empanada Fest at its Lakefront Park on Saturday, September 12 with food, music and community. In Crown Point, the well-loved Crown Point Wine Fest runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bulldog Park the same Saturday for a lovely evening out.
Weekend of September 18 through 20
Tinley Park Oktoberfest
September 18 through 20 at 18001 South 80th Avenue. German-style food, beer, live music and rides make this a lively way to welcome the season, and the $10 entry keeps it a budget favorite.
Schererville Street Fest
September 18 and 19. Music and a community street celebration, traditionally in downtown and the park areas of Schererville. Confirm the exact spot on the town's pages before you head over.
Dyer Fall Family Fest
Saturday, September 19. A family friendly celebration that marks the season's turn and a nice chance to wander Dyer with the community.
Concerts at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
The B-52s and DEVO play Thursday, September 17, and Breaking Benjamin with Chevelle plays Friday, September 18, at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. Two strong reasons to catch one last outdoor concert as the season turns.
Weekend of September 26 and 27
Valpo Brewfest
Saturday, September 26 at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso. A dedicated craft beer sampling event that draws a great crowd and an easy, fun evening out.
Fair Oaks Farms Oktoberfest
September 26 and 27. Harvest activities and farm favorites at one of Northwest Indiana's favorite family destinations. Worth the drive with the kids.
Saturday, October 3: the pumpkin weekend
Orland Park Great Pumpkin Party
Centennial Park, 15600 West Avenue, with two sessions: 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch and straw maze, barrel train rides and a costume contest. Tickets run $5 per Orland Park resident and $7 per non-resident, and folks make sure to register in advance, because this one fills up.
Crown Point Oktoberfest
Also Saturday, October 3 at Bulldog Park. Free and family friendly with live music, German food and a beer garden, face painting, hayrides and a bean-bag tournament. A great way to spend a sunny fall afternoon at one of the area's favorite parks.
Munster Pumpkins, Witches and Hayrides, Oh My!
Munster's Parks and Recreation hosts its always-popular family Halloween kickoff on October 3 at Centennial Park: a pumpkin patch, characters, a candy hunt and pony rides. The perfect warm-up to Halloween month.
Later in October
Valparaiso Fall Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Park Plaza. Pumpkin painting, apple cider, caramel apples, bounce houses and face painting. A gentle, happy way to spend a fall morning with little ones.
Tinley Park Boo Bash
Sunday, October 25. A family Halloween celebration that keeps the month building toward Halloween. Check the Park District calendar for details.
A note on making plans
Fall dates fill up fast, so if something catches your eye, put it on the calendar now. And if you are thinking about moving to one of these communities, this is the best season to test the fit: wander the pumpkin patch, catch a concert, sit on a bench and watch the neighborhood go by. That is when you will know if it feels right. And when you are ready to make the move, I would love to help. You Can With Joanne!™