Get Out: Autumn Festivals Abound

It may not be officially fall yet, but the weather has certainly changed. It's sunny, cool, and there are lots of great local options to get out and enjoy it.

When/Where: Sept. 16-18: Friday 6-11 p.m., Saturday Noon-11 p.m., Sunday Noon-8 p.m., Lake Park Memorial Pavillion, 2200 Lee St. in Des Plaines.
Why Go: Billed as three days of family fun, Fall Fest is a combination of many activities including the Tour De Des Plaines bicycle race, a car show, carnival rides, live music, an open air market and food and drinks from local businesses.
Pricing: Free admission

Earlier:


When/Where: Friday, Sept. 16, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Countryside Saloon, 2501 E. Ballard Road in Des Plaines.
Why Go: Junkyard Groove Duo will perform some classic rock favorites. Acoustic duo will be playing this gig, according to the band’s website.
Pricing: No cover charge


When/Where: Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.
Why Go: In this class learn the basics of some good recipes for canning your crop or fresh finds from the Farmers’ Market. Red pepper relish, pickles, both sweet and dilled, chutneys to enliven your plate and more.
Pricing: Residents $27, Non-residents $33


When/Where: Saturday, Sept. 17, Noon-3 p.m., Lake Park, 1069 Howard Ave. in Des Plaines.
Why Go: Join the Friends of the Parks at Fall Fest for the new Lake Opeka Fishing Derby. It’s free for anglers of all ages and prizes will be awarded in two age groups: 12 and younger, 13 and older. Please bring your own fishing rod.
Pricing: Free

When/Where: Friday, September 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at, 6140 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053 (Location: Baxter Room - Auditorium (main floor))
Why Go: When a marketing executive for a huge burger chain finds a nasty secret ingredient in their burger recipe, he goes to the ranches and slaughterhouses of Colorado to investigate and finds that the truth is sometimes difficult to swallow.
Pricing: Free

Get Hooked: Make Paper Accessories for the Trashy Fashion Show
When/Where: Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Morton Grove Public Library 6140 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Why Go: Come to the Library to help "finish" the ensemble Karina G., MGPL Programming Assistant, designed and that Brenda M., MGPL Projectionist and Program Aide, will model at the Trashy Fashion Show sponsored by SWANCC on Thurs., Nov. 17, at a location to be announced. Limited to 20 crafters, age 12 and up.
Pricing: Free

Family Fun Day at IceLand
When/Where: Sunday, September 18 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at IceLand; 8435 Ballard Road, Niles.
Why Go: Bring the whole family to IceLand on Sunday to skate, play on-ice games and win prizes!
Pricing: $1.00

Ruby Radiance Weekend High Tea
When/Where: Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Niles Historical Society; 8970 N Milwaukee, Niles.
Why Go: Spend an afternoon rubbing elbows with high society on Saturday or Sunday at the Niles Historical Society. There will be tea, scones and other finger food. Be sure to wear the good jewelry.
Pricing: Call

Back To School Dance
When/Where: Saturday, September 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Niles Family Fitness Center; 987 Civic Center Drive, Niles.
Why Go: Leave your school books at home and get your groove on at the Niles Family Fitness Center Gym. Snacks and refreshments will be sold at the dance.
Pricing: $5; bring more for snacks.

Oktoberfest
When/Where: Saturday, September 17 from 7 to 11 p.m. in the Our Lady of Ransom parking lot; 8300 Greenwood Ave, Niles.
Why Go: Enjoy food, brats, sauerkraut, drinks, live music, face painting and much more at Oktoberfest! The winner of the $50,000 raffle will also be drawn.
Pricing: Free Admission

Northbrook's 33rd Annual Shermerfest
When/Where: Sunday, September 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Village Green, 1320 Shermer Avenue
Why Go: Take a step back in time at this fun-filled community fall festival. Shermerfest has something for everyone to enjoy – a collectible and antique car show, music in the gazebo, an afternoon of children’s activities on the Village Green, hot dogs, soup and home-made sweets. Come join us in the History Museum and under the trees on the Village Green!
Pricing: Visit www.northbrooknine.com

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