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Best Fall Festivals In Chicago

By Irene Lankin-Duffy

Chicago is such a unique city that it constantly has something new and exciting going on. Celebrate the fall season by experiencing some of this great city's arts and culture. And who doesn't like a festival? Get out to enjoy one of these great festivals happening throughout the upcoming months. You will walk away from each with a smile on your face.

Ravinia
(credit: ravinia.org)

Ravinia Music Festival 2012
200 Ravinia Park Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 266-5000
ravinia.org

Dates: now through September 9

Ravinia Music Festival 2012 is one of the most significant festivals in Chicago. Its history goes back to 1904 and it is associated with great music, family fun and food. This festival features phenomenal music throughout the summer months, offering performances for all tastes. "The Ravinia Experience" means different things to different people. For some, it means a picnic on the lawn with friends and family, while for others it might mean a romantic evening under the stars. Whatever your desired experience, if you love classical music and enjoy fine dining in a great outdoor environment, Ravinia is a festival for you.

Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden (credit: lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com)

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts 2012
along Broadway from Belmont Ave to Hawthorne Place
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-8608
lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com

Dates: September 8-9

This festival is a juried event that gives 150 local and national artists the opportunity to display and sell their unique work. There is an eclectic range of art mediums for sale including photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, clay, collage, fiber, glass, sculpture, furniture and more. If you're looking to give your eyes and feet a break from the constant perusing, sit back and enjoy music on the entertainment stages with some delicious food and drinks. Local artist Nancie King Mertz is one of the prominent exhibitors. She is the owner of Art De Triumph. Stop by her booth to see her latest creations.

World Music Festival
(credit: World Music Festival: Chicago's facebook)

World Music Festival: Chicago 2012 
Various Locations, including the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-1938
www.explorechicago.org

Dates: September 21-27

World Music Festival is a real treat for music lovers. It features traditional and contemporary music from diverse cultures and countries around the world. The festival is a city-wide, multi-venue, eight-day event presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture (COTC). It is a mix of free and ticketed performances. Bring the whole family out for the fun.

Film Festival
(credit: chicagofilmfestival.com)

Chicago International Film Festival 2012
AMC River East 21
322 E Illinois St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 683-0121
chicagofilmfestival.com

Dates: October 11-25

Chicago International Film Festival started 48 years ago with the help of Michael Kutza, founder and artistic director, with the idea to "introduce audiences to the daring work of new filmmakers from around the world" and to learn and appreciate different views, cultures, ideas and more.   If you enjoy cinema and thought-provoking entertainment, this oldest competitive festival in North America is for you. There will be a series of special events happening throughout the festival. Attend one of these to make it a truly memorable experience.

Film Festival
Maya Dinerstein signs autographs (credit: Chicago International Children's Film Festival's facebook)

Facets' Chicago International Children's Film Festival 2012 
Facets Multi-Media, Inc.
1517 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-9075
facets.org/kids

Dates: October 26 through November 4

The 29th annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival is one of the largest children's festivals in the country and features 250 animated and live-action films from a handful of countries. The event is juried by the kids registered in the Facets Kids Film Camp 2012. The Festival showcases 23,000 action and animated feature films ranging in the forms of TV series, documentaries, shorts and child-produced works. The breakdown of the festival includes competition between adult filmmakers and competition between youth ages 18 and younger. This is a great opportunity to see the talent of aspiring filmmakers, leaving you both impressed and entertained.

Irene Lankin-Duffy is a professional photographer living in Chicago and owner of Aron Lankin Photography, a father and daughter company. She is married and has one daughter, who is the love of her life. As a professional photographer Irene has developed her unique sense of style, which she would be happy to share with anyone. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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