The weather’s still warm enough in fall to muck around in the mud, take a walk through a cemetery among the autumn leaves and get lost in a huge corn maze. Lake County hosts myriad fall festivals and walks in September and October.
One of the festivals that’s been “a hit for decades” is Long Grove’s annual Apple Fest, said Ryan Messner, president of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. “It’s the last big festival of the year and the unofficial kickoff to autumn and the holidays,” he said.
Here are some to put on your calendar.
Muck Fest: Sept. 10. Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. $105 entry fee per person; spectators are free. www.mudrunguide.com/event/chicago-illinois-muckfest-ms-2016
No special training or equipment is required. Just bring your stomping shoes and a sense of humor. Take a mud dash through a 5K course with obstacles and plenty of wet soil. Funds raised support the National MS Society.
Oakwood Cemetery Walk: Sept. 10. Lilac Cottage, Bowen Park, 1911 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan. $3 to $5. www.waukeganparks.org/mc-events/oakwood-cemetery-walk/
Buses leave from Bowen Park at various times to take patrons on the living history walk at Oakwood Cemetery, where they’ll learn about the nasty mayoral battle of 1909, among other Waukegan events.
Mundelein Arts Festival: Sept. 10-11. Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour, Mundelein. Free. www.mundeleincommunityconnection.org/art-festival-general-information.html
The juried event highlights the talents of artists with works in various media. Artwork from students at Mundelein and Carmel Catholic high schools also will be shown, and food from local eateries will be available. Cash prizes will be awarded.
Maze Til Midnight at Richardson Adventure Farm: Sept. 16-17; Oct. 14-15. 9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove. $13 to $16.
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www.richardsonadventurefarm.comExplore one of the world’s largest corn mazes featuring 11 miles of trails when the moon is full. Bring flashlights or glow sticks or purchase some at the event. A wooded picnic area with free campfires will be open in the dark.
Legions of Craft Beer Fest: Sept. 17. Gurnee Mills Bass Pro Parking Lot, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee. $45; or $10 for designated driver. www.gurneelegionsofbeer.com
Patrons can sample craft beer and cider from more than 50 breweries and purchase gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches, sliders, barbecue and more from food trucks. Live music includes Chicago-area bands, and DJs from 102.3 XLC will be there to interact with the audience.
Oktoberfest: Sept. 17 and 24 and Oct. 1. German/American Cultural Center, 259 Grand Ave., Lake Villa. $8 per adult. www.americanaidsocietyofgd.org/
German dancers will perform Bavarian steps, and cultural food and beverages will be sold. A brass band will perform for those who want to dance.
One World Festival: Sept. 17. Kracklauer Park, 126 N. Seymour, Mundelein. Free. mundelein.org/our-community/one-world-festival
Visitors can observe dancing from various cultures, including Irish, Asian Indian, Japanese, Russian and Mexican. Ethnic food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. The event also features an arts and craft show and exhibitions.
Prairie Harvest Festival: Sept. 17. Casey Farm, 31330 N. Illinois Route 21, Libertyville. $100 to $125, $25 to $35 for children. conservelakecounty.org/component/rseventspro/event/65-prairie-harvest-festival
This Conserve Lake County fundraiser celebrates the flavors of local farms and includes entertainment, music and walks exploring the farm. Local food growers will provide food made from the season’s harvest.
Fiestas Patrias: Sept. 18. Downtown Waukegan, corner of Water Street and Sheridan Road. Free. www.facebook.com/WaukeganFiestasPatrias/
The festival celebrating Hispanic culture includes a parade at noon, live entertainment and food. Patrons can listen to Hispanic music and view colorful costumes by performers.
Harvest and Harmony Fest: Sept. 23-24. Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. Free. business.chamberhp.com/events/details/ravinia-district-s-2nd-annual-harvest-harmony-fest-09-23-2016-4382
The outdoor festival features live music, children’s activities and crafts, drum circle and percussion gatherings, wine, craft beer, mule flights and other food for purchase. The festival attracted 4,000 in its inaugural year in 2015.
Fall Wine Walk: Sept. 24. Downtown Antioch, Main Street. $40. www.antioch.il.gov
The event for those ages 21 and older includes a commemorative glass, wine tasting, a bottle of wine and food. Tickets must be purchased in person at the parks department, 806 Holbek Drive, Antioch.
Fall Festival Pig Roast: Sept. 24. Wadsworth Village Park, 14155 W. Wadsworth Road. Free. villageofwadsworth.org
The Blues Brothers Band will perform music in the park while the Savanna House roasts a pig and sells food and beverages. Patrons can also enjoy horse-drawn hayrides and a bonfire.
Oktoberfest Celebration: Sept. 24. Metra Station, 75 Route 45, Vernon Hills. Free. www.vernonhills.org/index.aspx?NID=101
Children and families can participate in free crafts and pumpkin painting. A petting zoo and entertainment including a magician and live music are also planned. Local nonprofit groups will sell beer, brats, burgers, hot dogs, taffy apples and other refreshments.
Apple Fest: Sept. 23-25. Long Grove Historic Village, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. $5 per day; free for children under 12. longgrove.org/festivals/apple-fest/
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Long Grove greets the autumn season with its annual apple fest, which includes face painting, pony rides, food made with apples, and specials at various businesses and restaurants.
Farm Heritage Festival: Sept. 24-25. Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda. $5 to $10. www.lcfpd.org/museum/events/farm-heritage-festival
Lake County celebrates its agricultural roots with a festival that includes an exhibition of antique tractors, cars and steam engines; a sheep-herding demonstration; and other farm-related activities. Families can make scarecrows, take wagon rides and visit a petting zoo.
Harvest Celebration Crush: Oct. 1. Vigneto del Bino, 42150 Crawford Road, Antioch. Free. www.vignetodelbino.com/content/events
Stomp on grapes, make a special T-shirt, taste wine and listen to music during this annual celebration of grape harvesting and winemaking.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival: Oct.7-9. Highwood City Park, 17 Highwood Ave. $2. highwoodpumpkinfest.com
Lit jack-o’-lanterns at night serve as the annual fest’s highlight. But patrons can also watch a parade, take hay and pony rides, and participate in crafts. Live music will be performed. Food and beverages will be sold.
Beer and BBQ Walk: Oct. 8. Downtown Antioch, Main Street. $40. cm.antiochchamber.org/events/
Adults ages 21 and older can sample beer and barbecue and receive a keepsake beer mug and coupon for a six-pack. Tickets are limited.
CROCtoberfest: Oct. 23. Wildlife Discovery Center, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. $10. www.cityoflakeforest.com
Children especially enjoy this festival where they can meet and learn about alligators and other interesting reptiles. Face painting, children’s activities, vendors, food and refreshments will be available.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.