Summer is winding down, yet fall is one of the most lively seasons in our corner of the world. Farmers market mornings turn crisp, downtown streets fill for festivals, and every community seems to have a tradition worth marking on the calendar.
If you missed some of our late summer favorites, like the Will County Fair in Peotone, the Lake County Fair in Crown Point, or the Rockopelli Music Fest at Bulldog Park, do not worry. There is still plenty to enjoy over the next several weeks. Here is what I have on my list for September and October across the Chicago South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana.
Chicago South Suburbs
Frankfort Fall Festival
September 5 through 7 on Kansas and White Streets in downtown Frankfort. This is the 58th annual Fair, one of the most recognized arts and crafts festivals in the country, drawing more than 300 artisans and families from across the region. Expect carnival rides, main stage entertainment, food and a great sense of community. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tinley Park Oktoberfest
September 18 through 20 at Harmony Square in downtown Tinley Park. Traditional Oktoberfest food and beer, live entertainment and family activities make this a lively way to welcome the fall season. Hours are Friday 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
Palos Park Autumn in the Park
September 18 and 19 at the Palos Park Recreation Center. A warm community festival with vendors, food and activities for all ages.
Orland Park America 250 Patriot Day Concert
Friday, September 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Southwest Community Concert Band plays a free Patriotic Day celebration, a thoughtful way to honor the day with the community.
Farmers markets and fall fun
New Lenox Farmers Market runs Thursdays at the Village Commons through September 24. The Tinley Park Fall Farmers Market returns Saturdays from September 28 through October 12 with fall produce, flowers and handmade goods. Mokena hosts its Family Fall Fest October 1 through 4. And if you love live music, Wu-Tang Clan and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony play the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Friday, September 4.
Northwest Indiana
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Saturday, September 12 in downtown Valparaiso. The 47th annual celebration of the city that Orville Redenbacher put on the map. The Popcorn Parade steps off at 10 a.m., and you will find more than 340 vendors, main stage music and a Lanyard Garden in Central Park Plaza. Free admission and plenty of family fun.
Crown Point Wine Fest
Saturday, September 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bulldog Park. Wines from Northwest Indiana, Southwest Michigan and Chicagoland paired with food from local restaurants. A lovely evening out in one of our area's most popular parks.
Schererville Street Fest
September 18 and 19. A lively street celebration with music, food and community in downtown Schererville.
Dyer Fall Family Fest
Saturday, September 19. A family friendly celebration to mark the change of season.
Hobart Sunflower Festival
Weekends from September 12 through 27. Stroll the sunflower fields, take in the scenery and enjoy activities for all ages.
Valpo Brewfest
Saturday, September 26 at Central Park Plaza. A craft beer sampling event that draws a great crowd.
Munster fall traditions
Munster celebrates the monarch migration with its annual Monarch Festival, and on Saturday, October 3, Centennial Park hosts Pumpkins, Witches and Hayrides, Oh My! with a pumpkin patch, characters, a candy hunt and pony rides. A wonderful family event as October gets underway.
Crown Point Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 3. Crown Point holds its Oktoberfest in October, another chance to enjoy fall with the community.
Valparaiso Fall Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Park Plaza. Pumpkin painting, apple cider, caramel apples, bounce houses and face painting makes for a perfect fall family afternoon.
Make the Most of the Season
One of the things I love about this area is how each community marks the seasons with its own traditions. Whether you are wandering the artisans at the Frankfort Fall Festival, watching the Popcorn Parade in Valparaiso, or carving out a Saturday at a farmers market, these small experiences are what make a place feel like home.
If you are thinking about moving to one of these communities, I encourage you to visit during one of these events. Walk the streets. Talk to the vendors. 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, I am here to help you make that next move confidently. You Can With Joanne!™