Best Fall Festivals To Attend Near Chicago
Fall is a beautiful season in Chicago, and one of the few times the city enjoys temperate and predictable weather. Take advantage of the season by attending one of these five festivals taking place around the city. For more, check out Best Fall Festivals In Chicago.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Andersonville Neighborhood
Chicago, IL
(773) 728-2995
www.andersonville.org
Date: Oct. 26, 2014
On Sunday, October 26, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the restaurants of Andersonville will bring out their most festive treats for the annual Dessert Crawl. Crawlers will pick up their passports and enjoy tasting-sized samples of each of the restaurants' offerings. Over 20 restaurants will be participating, so be sure to arrive hungry! Participants will be able to choose their route and examine the menus in advance. Check back at the website prior to the event for ongoing updates to the restaurants involved and the menu items.
The Berghoff Oktoberfest
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building
230 South Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60604
www.theberghoff.com
Dates: Sept. 10-12, 2014
For the past 29 years, Berghoff Restaurant has been hosting the longest running Oktoberfest in Chicago with traditional beer, brats and live music. The festivities kick off on Wednesday September 10, 2014 at 11 a.m. in Federal Plaza with a traditional toast, and run through September 12. Tickets are available throughout. Berghoff also partners with a charity each year; this year it's the Mercy Home and proceeds from various fun raffles and souvenirs will go direct to the charity.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Pioneer Court
401 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 344-2336
www.themagnificentmile.com
Date: Nov. 22, 2014
For the past 22 years, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been growing in popularity and becoming a holiday tradition for more and more people. Often seen as a kickoff for the holiday season, the 2014 Lights Festival will take place on November 22. The festivities will be family friendly and last the full day, beginning in the Lights Festival Lane and culminating in the Tree Lighting Ceremony following the parade down the Magnificent Mile. The entire festival is free of charge and open to all!
Galena Halloween Parade and Festival
Downtown Galena
Main St.
Galena IL 61036
(815) 777-9050
www.visitgalena.org
Date: Oct. 5, 2014
If you'd like to take a trip outside the city for something festive, try the Galena Halloween Parade and Festival that has been taking place in downtown Galena, IL for over 35 years. The festival itself starts at 2 p.m. on October 25 and the parade will commence at 6:30 p.m. Season-appropriate food and beverages will be available from a variety of vendors, and of course there will be ghosts, goblins and ghouls galore. The parade will feature marching bands and spectacular floats. Get a spot early so that you'll be sure to catch some candy as the floats pass by.
The Great Chicago Fire Festival
Chicago's Downtown Riverfront
Chicago, IL
(312) 744-5000
www.redmoon.org
Date: Oct. 4, 2014
On October 4, 2014, the City of Chicago will partner with Redmoon Theatre for the Great Chicago Fire Festival. Redmoon is known for its creative spectacular showcases, so the event will definitely be one to watch. There will be live music, food, drinks and dancing along the river while creative floats go by symbolizing the resurrection of Chicago following the great fire of 1871. Fifteen different neighborhoods around Chicago will be represented and there will be unique festivals in each neighborhood leading up to the final parade.
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
