There’s plenty to do in 2012

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Updated: January 16, 2012 3:46PM

Let’s face it — 2011 was epic.

We slurped down chili at
the Frankfort Chili Cook-off in January, drank gallons of green beer at Manhattan’s Irish Fest, partied like rock stars at Aurora’s Blues on the Fox and dribbled sauce all over our chins at Naperville’s RibFest.

From county fairs to Catfish Days, to Corn Boil and Oktoberfest, you can spend nearly every weekend this year at a free festival. Here’s a handy guide to help you out. Admission charges and details are available by calling or consulting websites.

JANUARY

Twelfth Night: A French Holiday Tradition. 7 p.m. Jan. 6. Isle a la Cache Preserve, 135th Street, Romeoville. Twelfth Night is a traditional French holiday celebrating the end of the Christmas festivities. In the 1700s, French-Canadian fur traders in Illinois celebrated this holiday with music, stories, games, food and dancing. At this event, participants will make a vintage French craft. Pre-registration required. (815) 886-1467. Fpdwc.org.

2012 Ice Fest: 1 p.m. Jan. 8. Breidert Green, Kansas and Ash streets, Frankfort. Frankfort’s Winter on the Green series kicks off with professional ice sculptors. Take a free (heated) trolley through downtown Frankfort and view sculptures on display. The Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association will be on hand with dogs. (815) 469-3356. Frankfortchamber.com.

Musher Mania: 12 p.m. Jan. 14. Monee Reservoir located on Ridgeland Avenue, west of Route 50 and south of Pauling Road, Monee. The Siberian Husky Club of Greater Chicago and the Forest Preserve District of Will County presents the 18th annual Musher Mania. Participants will learn about the Husky breed, the Iditarod race and the training of the sled dogs. “Human mushing,” snowshoe races, photos with sled dogs and marshmallows roasting over the fire will also be featured. No registration required. (708) 534-8499. Fpdwc.org.

Chocolate Festival: 10 a.m. Jan. 14. Neuqua Valley Freshman Center, 3220 Cedar Glade Dr. , Naperville. 360 Youth Services (formerly NCO Youth and Family Services) present the ninth annual Chocolate Festival and Chocolate Baking Competition. The fest includes cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, chocolate vendors, baking competition and free samples. (630) 961-2992. Ncoyouth.org.

Bridal Expo 2012: 10 a.m. Jan. 22. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet. Hosted by David Tutera, wedding expert and host of the reality show, “My Fair Wedding” on WeTV. Brides-to-be can do all of their wedding planning in one day. Tutera will also share tips, offer advice and take questions from the audience at a 3:30 p.m. show. $35-$50 expo and show; $15 expo only. (815) 726-7171. Rialtosquare.com.

Disney on Ice Dare to Dream: Jan. 25-29. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. New princesses Rapunzel and Tiana get in on the frozen fun; joining Cinderella in an all-star ice skating finale. $15-$75. (800) 745-3000. Allstatearena.com.

Husky Hereos: 11 a.m. Jan. 28. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Siberian husky sled dogs show their skills during the “Dogsled Spectacular.” Some of the dogs partner with skiers to demonstrate their talents in skijoring. Adopt A Husky, Inc. will be onsite with some dogs that are available to adopt. At noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. there will be a presentation on how huskies helped humans in the Alaskan wilderness in the early 20th century. (630) 968-0074. Mortonarb.com.

Follow the Drinking Gourd: 2 and 6 p.m. Jan. 28. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet. This program highlights the trials and tribulations of fugitive slaves on their road to freedom. Participants will become passengers on the Underground Railroad, and learn about looking for signs of danger, the importance of quilts, why spirituals were sung and other secret codes. Register by Jan. 22. $10. (815) 741-7275. Jolietpark.org.

Groundhog Daze: 11 a.m. Jan. 28-29. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Crawl through a tunnel, make a pop-up groundhog to take home, touch real fur and have a puppet show. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $9 ages 2-17, free kids under 2. (630) 968-0074. Mortonarb.org.

FEBRUARY

Celebrating Chocolate: Weekends in February. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Learn all about chocolate (and how it relates to trees) through exhibits, expos and workshops. Kids will want to make note of the Chocolate “Pizza” Party on Feb. 19; parents will want to book a sitter for the Chocolate and Beer Pairings event on Feb. 26. (630) 968-0074. Mortonarb.org.

Fish ‘N’ Freeze: 9 a.m. Feb. 4. Blackhawk Pond, 1479 Blackhawk Circle, South Elgin. Bring your poles and bait and come ice fishing at Blackhawk Park. Adults and kids will compete n separate divisions. Winners receive a trophy. Bait and poles not provided. (847) 622-0003. Southelgin.com.

Dancing with the Geneva Stars: 7 p.m. Feb. 4. Eagle Brook Country Club, 2288 Fargo Blvd., Geneva. Hors d’oeuvres, dessert and a cash bar. $35. Online voting begin Jan. 3. (630) 232-7494. Geneva.il.us.

Daddy-Daughter Dance: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Centre Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. Dads and daughters can dine and dance. The evening will include a buffet dinner, dancing, golf, and a chance to win an American Girl doll. $30-$35; $8 additional child. (847) 931-6123. Cityofelgin.org.

Fireside Sunday: 1 p.m. Feb. 19. Durant House Museum, LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve, Dean Street approximately a mile west of Randall Road, St. Charles. Get a glimpse of what winter life was like on an 1843 homestead; with costumed docents, parlor pastimes and pioneer hospitality. Visitors can also tour the Pioneer Sholes School. Call for admission fee. (630) 377-6424. Ppfv.org

DuPage Engineers Week Expo: 11 a.m. Feb. 25. School of Applied Technology-Rice Campus, 201 E. Loop Road, Wheaton. The 28th annual free expo will feature interactive displays and presentations that are fun and educational, designed to enhance children’s interest in math, science and engineering. (630) 682-3000. Dupageeweek.iit.edu

MARCH

Maple Sugaring: 10 a.m. March 1. Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, 35W076 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles. The sap’s rising at the Kane County Forest Preserve. Participants will learn how to tap a maple tree and also have the opportunity to try drilling and setting a tap. (847) 741-8350. Kaneforest.com.

Manhattan Irish Fest: 5:30 p.m. March 2 and 9 a.m. March 3. Downtown Manhattan. The 17th annual Irish fest is presented by the Irish American Society of County Will and the Manhattan Park District. Rugby and tug of war tournaments, a parade, live music, traditional Irish mass, a Guinness toast, beer garden, children’s entertainment, teen dance and Irish history. Must have an Irish Fest admission button, available online or at the gate. Manhattanirishfest.com.

Maple Sugaring Days: 10 a.m. March 10 and 1 p.m. March 11. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. See the time-honored method of collecting sap. Sample real maple syrup and take home tasty recipes. (630) 420-6010. Napersettlement.museum.

St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade: 11 a.m. March 10. Main Street from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue in downtown St. Charles. Celebrate a favorite Irish tradition in historic downtown St. Charles. The annual parade features bands, dancers, bagpipes, floats and an Irish queen and court. Authentic Irish food, dancers, marching bands, floats and leprechauns of all sizes. New in 2012 is a tentful of fun in front of city hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for games, contests, music, dog decorating contest and more. (630) 444-7460. Prideofthefox.com.

West Fest: 9 a.m. March 17. Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 S. Gougar Road, New Lenox. This arts and crafts vendor show supports the Lincoln-Way West band program. Live entertainment from young musicians, local food vendors and raffles. (815) 717-3500. Lwwmb.org.

West Suburban Irish Parade: 10 a.m. March 17. The parade starts at Naperville North High School, proceeds south on Mill Street, east on Jefferson to Main streets, south on Main to Water streets, then west on Water Street and ends at Naperville’s Municipal Center. Registrations are ongoing for parade entries and Irish Queen applicants. Floats, bands, dancers, bagpipes, drums and plenty of blarney. wsirish.org.

Sugar Bush Fair: 9 a.m. March 17-18. Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. A celebration of maple sugaring, this event features a pancake breakfast, demonstrations of maple syrup production, a pioneer sugar camp, children’s puppet show and a hayride. Syrup and other goodies are available for purchase. Free, breakfast $4-$5. (847) 985-2100. Parkfun.com.

Pioneer Festival and Pancake Breakfast: 8 a.m. March 24-25. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Ave., Joliet. Pancakes, sausage and pure maple syrup at pancake breakfast, then watch syrup making or try your hand at pioneer chores. $7-$9. (815) 741-7277. Jolietpark.org.

APRIL

Community Garage Sale: 8 a.m. April 15. East Parking Lot/ATI Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Table rental is available. Pre-registration only; no home business vendors. $15-$20. Rain date April 21. (815) 741-7275. Jolietpark.org.

Kane County Cougars: 1 p.m. April 9. Elfstrom Stadium, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva. The 22nd season begins on the road April 5, with the first home game against Beloit April 9. Highlights this season include White Sox organist Nancy Faust performing at nine home games and themed nights; including Halfway to Halloween, Harry Potter and Star Wars. In addition, the Cougars host the Midwest League All-Star game on June 19. (630) 609-6238. Kccougars.com.

Touch-A-Tractor: 10 a.m. April 14-15. Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles. See the big farm equipment up close and talk to farmers about their jobs, as well as ride pedal tractors, shell corn, see farm animals, explore a kiddy-pool full of corn and enter for a chance to win their own pedal tractor. (630) 584-8660. Kanecfb.com

Artistry in Wood Woodcarving and Woodworking Show: 9 a.m. April 28 and 10 a.m. April 29. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The North Suburban Carvers and Cantigny Park present a woodcarving and woodworking show featuring unique artwork, gifts, hand-crafted collectibles and carving demonstrations. $5 per car. (630) 668-5161. Cantigny.org.

Organ Extravaganza XV: 7 p.m. April 28. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet. The Rialto Square Theatre’s Barton Grande Theatre Pipe Organ is the star of the show. Featuring the sounds of the John Burnett Orchestra and other world-renowned theater organists, this year the orchestra will present a battle of the big band music highlighting the famous songs of that era. $30. (815) 726-7171. Rialtosquare.com.

MAY

Chocolate Fest: May 4-6. Downtown Long Grove. Chocolate-dipped strawberries; popcorn drizzled with melted chocolate and other chocolaty treats. Chocolate demonstrations and workshops, wine pairings, live music and children’s activities. (847) 634-0888. Visitlonggrove.com.

Fairy Festival: 9 a.m. May 5. Pilcher Park Nature Center, Gougar Road, Joliet. Fairy flower walks, fairy food, enchanted crafts and winged hostesses. Come dressed in wings, make a wand, learn a few magic words and make new fairy friends. Have breakfast with the fairies. $10-$15. (815) 741-7275. Jolietpark.org.

Six Flags Great America: May 5. New in 2012 at Great America is the extreme winged roller coaster X-Flight: 3,000 feet of twisted steel track with five inversions, zero gravity rolls and extreme fly-throughs. (847) 249-4636. Sixflags.com.

Wine on the Fox: May 5. Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego. Illinois wineries serve tastes of their finest wines, live music and culinary delights. Hosted by the Village of Oswego, with partnership support from the Oswego Visitors Bureau and the Oswegoland Park District. (630) 554-3618. Wineonthefox.com.

60 Men Who Cook: 6 p.m. May 11. Prairie Events Center at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Tri-Cities area (Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles) men prepare hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, side dishes and desserts made and attendees will vote for their favorites by paying $1. Online voting available. $30. (630) 232-6060. Genevachamber.com.

Civil War Days: 10 a.m. May 19-20. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Become part of history at this all-ages event. Hundreds of re-enactors participate, staging a battle complete with raging cannons and artillery. Battle begins at 2:30 p.m. each day. (630) 420-6010. Napersettlement.com.

Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. May 28. Intersection of South River and Benton streets, Aurora. Aurora annually remembers all those who gave their lives to our country during a ceremony and parade. (630) 420-6010. Aurora-il.org.

Taste of Glen Ellyn: May 18-20. Main Street parking lot between Hillside and Duane streets, Glen Ellyn. This fest kicks off the summer festival season and celebrates all that Glen Ellyn has to offer. It features the Jaycees Village Fair, Chase to the Taste 5K, live music, a carnival, food vendors and business expo. (630) 469-5510. Glenellynchamber.com

A Bloomin’ Festival: 10 a.m. May 19-20. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. This festival features a plant sale and springtime market with gardening tips and demonstrations. Parking $20. (847) 835-5440. Chicagobotanic.org.

Joliet Slammers: 7:05 p.m. May 22. Silver Cross Field, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet. The Joliet Slammers look to defend their Frontier League championship when they open their second season of play. The first home game is against the Traverse City Beach Bums. (815) 722-2287. Jolietslammers.com.

Schaumburg Boomers: 6:30 p.m. May 25. Schaumburg Baseball Stadium, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. The expansion team enters the West Division of the Frontier League with its first home game against the Florence Freedom. (847) 461-3695. Boomersbaseball.com.

JUNE

Pride of the Fox RiverFest: June 8-10. Along the Fox River from Pottawatomie Park to Lincoln Park, St. Charles. The 30th annual fest features a juried craft show, traditional Chinese dragon boat races, live music on two stages, water ski shows, sand sculptures, a rugby tournament, food vendors and more. (630) 513-5386. Prideofthefox.com.

Elgin Brewfest: June 16-17. Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. This annual charity event serves the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin and features a large selection of premium beers, classic festival grub from local food vendors and live music from local bands. Located off the Corner of South Grove Avenue and Prairie Street in the Community Park. (847) 842-0006. Elginbrewfest.com.

Scottish Festival and Highland Games: June 15-16. Hamilton Lakes, I-290 and Thorndale Ave., Itasca. The 26th festival promotes Scottish tradition and culture through family entertainment such as food, music, dancing and athletics. Highlights include piping and drumming competition, the Caber Toss (flipping a 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar), Kilted Mile Fun Run/Walk, British car show, haggis hurling contest for women, knobbly knees contest for men, haggis eating contest and shortbread contest. (708) 447-5092. Chicago-scots.org.

Blues on the Fox: June 15-16. Along the Fox River at New York and River streets, Aurora. Blues on the Fox is the City of Aurora’s annual festival that celebrates the city’s rich history in blues music — in the late 1930s hundreds of blues recordings were made in Aurora’s downtown at the Sky Club. The fest features two days of local and national blues recording artists, as well as food. Free. (630) 896-6666. Downtownaliveaurora.com.

Oswego PrairieFest: June 14-17. PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Road, Oswego. Entering its 23rd year, the festival is presented by the Oswegoland Park District and attended nearly 40,000 folks during the course of the weekend. Main stage entertainment, children’s performers, petting zoos, pony rides, camel rides, free children’s activities and more. (630) 554-1010. Prairiefest.com.

Old Canal Days: June 15-17. State and Ninth streets, Lockport. Parade, juried craft show, live music, skills tournaments, food vendors, duck race on the I&M Canal, beer garden and children’s activities. (815) 838-4744. Oldcanaldays.com.

Old Campground Festival: June 16. The United Methodist Church Campground, off U.S. Route 30, one mile east of I-80 at Exit 137 in New Lenox. Old Campground Festival features arts and crafts booths, live entertainment all day on the outdoor stage, children’s games, free parking and free admission. Refreshments sold separately. (815) 485-8271.

Midsommar Festival Swedish Days: June 19-24. The annual fest includes music, food, crafts, a pie-eating contest, carnival, parade, Swedish rosemaling and those delectable Swedish meatballs on a stick. (630) 232-6060. Genevachamber.com.

River Night: 5:30 p.m. June 22. 131 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville. In its sixth year, Yorkville welcomes visitors to the scenic Riverfront Park, located along the new whitewater course on the Fox River. Free, live music, food and beverage tents are included. Family area with children’s activities. (630) 553-6853. Yorkvillechamber.org.

The Taste of Joliet: June 29-July 1. Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. REO Speedwagon is the headlining act at this year’s fest, which includes a carnival, car and truck show, kids’ activities, food vendors, eating contests, bag tournament and several more bands. (815) 741-7275. Tasteofjoliet.com.

Strawberry Fest: June 22-24. Long Grove Historic Village, 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Long Grove’s historic business district hosts the fest devoted to strawberries, live music and more. Chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry drinks, strawberry ice cream, strawberry donuts and farm-fresh berries. (847) 634-0888. Longgroveonline.com.

Lisle Eyes to the Skies: June 27-July 1. Short Street and Illinois 53, Lisle. The famous hot air balloon festival celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2012. Carnival, two musical stages, bags tournament, children’s area, craft fair and parade with fireworks each night. (630) 541-6095. Eyestotheskies.org.

JULY

Ribfest: July 1-4. Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., Naperville. Naperville Exchange Club’s Ribfest features several national recording artists, a carnival, ribs, petting zoo and other kid-friendly entertainment. (630) 779-2702. Ribfest.net.

Windmill City Festival: July 6-8. Riverwalk, downtown Batavia. Carnival, 5K run, pet parade, ice cream eating contest, live music, food vendors and children’s activities. (630) 879-7134. Windmillcityfest.org.

Fine Art Fair: 10 a.m. July 14-15. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. The Naperville Woman’s Club 53rd annual Juried Fine Art Fair features original artwork in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, metal, painting, photography, sculpture and wood. Live entertainment and a children’s activities tent. Free. (630) 420-9680. Napervillewomansclub.com.

Plainfield Fest: July 20-22. Fox River and Chicago streets, downtown Plainfield. Food, rides, inflatables, games, beer tent, bands, crafts and family fun. (815) 436-5510. Plainfieldfest.org.

Kane County Fair: July 18-22. Route 38 and Randall Road, in St. Charles. 4-H livestock and projects, a carnival, farm animals, entertainment, live music, food and more. (630) 584-6926. Kanecountyfair.com.

Catfish Days: July 19-22. North Island, Wilmington. Carnival, food vendors, beer garden, sand volleyball, live music and more. (815) 476-7597. Catfishdays.com.

DuPage County Fair: July 25-29. 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. 4-H and open class exhibits, demolition derby, live music, carnival, talent show, petting zoo, food vendors and more. (630) 668-6636. Dupagecountyfair.org.

Proud American Days: July 26-29. Lions Community Center, One Manor Drive, New Lenox. A huge mud volleyball tournament, beautiful baby contest, pet parade, big wheel race, car show, talent show, bag tournaments, karaoke contest, live music and food vendors. (815) 485-1737. Proudamericandays.com.

Will County Celtic Fest: July 27-28. Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Food and live music. Willcountycelticfest.com.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil: July 27-29. Volunteer Park, Sugar Grove. Live music, a carnival, car show, 5K run, fireworks and corn. (630) 466-5166. Sugargrove60554.com.

Geneva Arts Fair: July 28-29. South Third Street, Geneva. More than 150 artists — photography, pottery, fiber, printmaking, glass, mixed media, watercolor, oil/acrylic, wood, sculpture and jewelry. (630) 232-6060. Genevachamber.com.

Woodstock Mozart Festival: July 28-Aug. 12. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. (815) 338-5300. Mozartfest.org.

AUGUST

Warrenville Summer Daze: Aug. 3-4. Route 56 and Batavia Road, Warrenville. Formerly the Car Show and Street Dance, Summer Daze features children’s rides, car show, garage sale, a craft show and bazaar, bands and local talent, karaoke and food. (630) 393-9427. Warrenville.il.us.

RomeoFest: Aug. 2-5. 900 W. Romeo Road, Romeoville. Carnival rides, games, live music, food, beverage garden, sports tournaments, children’s activities and more. (815) 886-6222. Romeoville.org.

Crossroads Festival: Aug. 3-5. Four Seasons Park, 25520 W. Seil Road, Shorewood. The 36th annual Crossroads Festival offers carnival rides, live music, a beer tent and food from local restaurants, a 5K race, the Miss Shorewood contest, a parade and fireworks. (815) 725-2900. Shorewoodchamber.com.

North Aurora Days: Aug. 3-5. Oak Street and Randall Road, North Aurora. Community garage sale, book sale, parade, night golf, ice cream eating contest, live music, food vendors, carnival, 5K run, fireworks, beer tent, kids fishing derby, softball games, craft fair, Touch-a-Truck, kids’ safety checks, bag tournament and pet parade. Northauroradays.com.

KidzFest: 10 a.m. Aug. 4. Downtown Joliet. Sponsored by Lewis University, children will be able to make and take crafts, get their KidzFest Campus diploma and much more. (815) 774-6066. Jolietdowntown.com.

World of Faeries Festival: 10 a.m. Aug. 4-5. Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. This year, pirates are invited to the eighth annual festival. Live music and other entertainment, the highlight is a vendor village of fantasy artists and craft merchants. No pets, no alcohol. (815) 788-1630. Theworldoffaeries.com.

Art in Your Eye: Aug. 4-5. Batavia Riverwalk, Batavia. Juried outdoor fine art show, exhibits by local artists, Student Legacy Project, Art in Your Ear stage, children’s stage and more. (630) 761-3528. Artinyoureye.com.

Montgomery Fest: Aug. 11-12. Downtown Montgomery. Musical performances, a carnival, food vendors, free pony rides and petting zoo, a fishing derby, a car show and a parade. (630) 896-8080. Ci.montgomery.il.us.

RiverFest: Aug. 16-19. Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St., South Elgin. Live entertainment, craft show and small business expo, carnival, special needs night, trolley rides, car show and fireworks. (847) 774-1151. Riverfestexpress.net.

The Family Fiesta: Aug. 18-19. Spanish Community Center, 309 N. Eastern Ave., Joliet. Formerly the Latin Music Festival, the event offers family entertainment like live music and a Kid’s Zone. (815) 727-3683. Spanishcenter.org.

Elburn Days: Aug. 17-19. 500 S. Filmore St., Elburn. 5K run, main stage and community stage entertainment and parade. All proceeds go to charity. (630) 365-6315. Elburnlions.com.

Naperville Wine Festival: Aug. 24-25. CityGate Centre, I-88 and Route 59, Naperville. Taste wines from around the world while listening to live music. (847) 382-1480. Napervillewinefestival.com.

Aurora Alley Art Festival: 12 p.m. Aug. 25. Water Street Mall, Aurora. The epitome of an independent community event, the Alley Art Fest features local artists and musicians, as well as children’s activities. downtownauroran@gmail.com. Find the fest on Facebook.

Yorkville Hometown Days: Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Beecher Community Park, 908 Game Farm Road, Yorkville. Carnival, food, Pride and Joy Car Show, pet parade, baby contest and live music. (630) 553-2582. Yorkville.il.us.

SEPTEMBER

Last Fling: Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Main Street and Jackson Avenue along the Riverwalk, Naperville. This last blast of summer offers a carnival, business expo, Family Fun Land, live music, food vendors and a Labor Day parade. (630) 961-4143. Lastfling.org.

Frankfort Fall Fest: Sept. 1-3. Kansas Street, downtown Frankfort. This craft fair has more than 300 vendors, a parade, carnival, live entertainment and food court. (815) 469-3356. Frankfortfallfestival.info

Sandwich Fair: Sept. 5-9. U.S. 30 and Pratt Road, Sandwich. This popular fair has country music stars, open class judging, a carnival, arts and crafts, horse shows, truck and tractor pulls, music, demolition derby, petting zoo and livestock judging. (815) 786-2159. Sandwichfair.com.

Festival of the Vine: Sept. 7-9. Downtown Geneva. Celebrate anything grown on a vine. There’s also live music, an arts and crafts show, merchant wine offerings, flower market, live demonstration stage, Kids’ Corner, trolley and horse-drawn carriage rides. (630) 232-6060. Genevachamber.com.

Elgin’s Largest Block Party: Sept. 8. Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Send out summer in style with music, games, children’s activities and food. (847) 931-5601. Cityofelgin.org.

Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival: Sept. 8-9. See the work of 130 juried artists exhibiting original art. (847) 926-4300. Amdurproductions.com.

Fall Harvest: Sept. 9. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. See how pioneers lived. Guests can purchase apple cider, cornbread and hot corn on the cob. Make butter and shell corn, dye wool and create corn-cob dolls. (630) 892-1550. Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Scandinavian Day Fest: Sept. 9. Vasa Park, Route 31, South Elgin. Traditional Nordic food, crafts and entertainment. (847) 695-6720. Scandinaviandayil.com.

Bartlett Heritage Days: Sept. 7-9. Events will take visitors back to the “good old days” when Bartlett was a farm community in the late 1800s. Also, wine tasting, bags tournament and annual arts festival. (630) 924-4263. Bartlettheritagedays.com.

Homer Harvest Days: Sept. 8-9. Homer Township Trantina Farm,15800 W. 151st St., Homer Glen. Food, live music, old-fashioned entertainment and games, children’s activities, living history and pioneer demonstrations, a petting zoo, pony rides, antique tractors, hay rides, arts and crafts vendors. (708) 301-0632. Homerharvestdays.org.

Country Folk Art Festival: Sept. 21-23. Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles. Look for baskets, wood carving, floor cloths, needlework, dolls, pottery, rugs, Shaker items, whirligigs, tin, tavern signs or gameboards, painted gourds, handwoven textiles, furniture, painted items, metal art, Halloween and Christmas decorations. (815) 772-3279. Kanecountyfair.com.

Huntley Fall Festival: Sept. 21-23. Deicke Park, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Live music, fireworks, scarecrow contest, carnival, straw maze, craft show and more. (847) 669-3180 Ext. 394. Huntleyfallfest.org.

Harvest Pow-Wow: Sept. 22-23. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Experience Native American dancing, cultural demonstrations, traditional crafts, storytelling and children’s activities. Presented by Midwest SOARRING Foundation. Admission charged. (773) 585-1744. Midwestsoarring.org.

Grundy County Corn Festival: Sept. 26-30. Washington and Armstrong streets, Morris. Baby contest, craft show, flea market, carnival, live music, food, a grand parade and fall harvest decorations. (815) 942-2676. Cornfestival.org.

Apple Festival: Sept. 28-30. Routes 53 and 83, Long Grove. Brown bag apple pies, apple cider donuts, hot apple cider, caramel apple lattes, apple martinis and more. Live music and activities for kids. (847) 634-0888. Longgroveonline.com.

OCTOBER

Oktoberfest: Oct. 5-6. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Hear live music as you enjoy authentic German cuisine during this fun salute to Naperville’s German heritage. Children’s activities. (630) 420-6010. Napersettlement.com.

Scarecrow Festival: Oct. 5-7. Lincoln Park, Main and Fourth streets, St. Charles. More than 100 scarecrows are on display at this large festival. There’s also make-your-own scarecrows, Autumn on the Fox Arts and Crafts show, storytelling tent, kids’ crafts, petting zoo, carnival, model train exhibit, paddlewheel riverboat cruises, live music, guided trolley tours, food vendors and more. (630) 377-6161. Scarecrowfest.com.

Aurora ArtWalk: Oct. 12. Downtown Aurora. Fox Valley artists will be painting, sculpting, drawing, dancing, singing and strumming. (630) 723-2465. Auroraartwalk.com.

Oktoberfest: Oct. 13-14. Illinois 83 and Long Grove Road, Long Grove. This Oktoberfest celebrates Long Grove’s German heritage with an old-fashioned parade through town, folk dancing, German bands and traditional German food. There are also fall-themed children’s activities. (847) 634-0888. Longgroveonline.com.

BatFest: A family festival with morning trick-or-treating and blood drive, followed by story telling, pumpkin roll, parade, hayrides, farmers’ market, games and contests. 10 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Batavia Riverwalk, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia. 630-897-5235. www.bataviaparks.org

All Hallows Eve — Village of Fear: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26-27. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. During All Hallows Eve, the most sinister and diabolical characters of the past, present and future come to life for two dark nights. Rated PG-Creepy. Not recommended for children under 8. Admission charged. (630) 420-6010. Napersettlement.museum.

Elgin’s Halloween Howl: Oct. 27. Downtown Elgin.The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin hosts a family-friendly afternoon of fun activities. (847) 488-1456. Downtownelgin.com.

NOVEMBER

Symphony of Lights Celebration: 3 p.m. Nov. 10. Bolingbrook Promenade mall, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. The Promenade Bolingbrook and the Village of Bolingbrook present the annual tree lighting ceremony and the first Symphony in Lights show. Also horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, crafts, ice sculpture demonstrations, a live nativity scene and more. Showing nightly on the hour from 5 to 9 p.m. (630) 296-8340. Thepromenadebolingbrook.com.

Christmas Fest: Nov. 17. Downtown Mokena. Kids become elves at Santa’s Workshop. They can write letters to Santa, listen to music, create Christmas decorations and hang them on the town Christmas tree. The traditional Parade of Lights is followed by the tree lighting ceremony and caroling. The day is capped off with the Family Christmas Dance at the VFW Hall, 19852 S. Wolf Road. (708) 479-2468. Mokena.org

Christmas Crossroads Craft Show: Nov. 17-18. Lockport East High School Field House, 1333 E. 7th St., Lockport. Presented by the Lockport Woman’s Club, this large juried craft show features more than 180 crafters and only handmade crafts. Shuttle bus. No strollers. Christmascrossroads.com.

Holiday Under the Stars: Nov. 16-18. Downtown Yorkville, Route 47 and Hydraulic Street, Yorkville. Tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s first visit of the season; plus a Kris Kringle market, Taste of Yorkville, free trolley rides, ice skating and the annual Chili Chase 5K run. (630) 553-4357. Yorkville.il.us.

Hometown Holidays: Nov. 23. Free trolley rides, specials in downtown shops, Little Friends Electric Light Parade and Grand Illumination. (630) 544-3372. Downtownnaperville.com.

ComEd Festival of Trees: Nov. 18-23. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Teddy Bear Tea, Rialto Idol singing contest and Festival of the Vine wine tasting, as well as hundreds of trees and wreaths, then Joliet’s Light Up The Holidays Parade.(815) 774-6066. Visitjoliet.org.

Festival of Lights: Nov. 23-Dec. 26. Phillips Park, 615 S. Smith Blvd., Aurora. Families can drive through a mile of lighted holiday displays, many of them animated. New displays added each year. (630) 256-3730. Aurorafestivaloflights.com.

Holiday Homecoming and Electric Christmas Parade: Nov. 23-25. Downtown St. Charles. The annual Lighting of the Lights on 1st Street Plaza is Nov. 23. (630) 513-5386. Downtownstcharles.org

Celebration of Lights: Nov. 25. Riverwalk, Batavia. Free tractor-pulled wagon rides, caroling, a bake sale, roasted chestnuts, family photo opportunities, sparkling lights, a visit from Santa and a community sing-along. (630) 879-5235. Bataviaparks.org.

DECEMBER

Holiday in the Grove: Dec. 1. Sugar Grove Community House, 141 Main St., Sugar Grove. Breakfast with Santa and a Children’s Holiday Shop, as well as sleigh rides, nativity sets, Christmas caroling and crafts. (630) 466-7160. Holidayinthegrove.com.

Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic: Dec. 1-31. Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. One million twinkling lights illuminating the zoo’s walkways. Look for live entertainment, model trains, a train ride, ice carvers and more. (708) 688-8000. Czs.org.

Lights of Lisle: Dec. 1. Main Street east to Burlington Avenue, Lisle. Santa Parade, ice carver, tree lighting ceremony, caroling and music provided by the Lisle Community Band. Downtown streets will be aglow with luminaria. (630) 271-4100. Villageoflisle.org.

Festival of Gnomes: Dec. 1. Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Celebrate the wee folk who do good works at the 36th annual Festival of the Gnomes. Two shows. (815) 724-3760. Bicentennialpark.org.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Dec.1. Civic Center Plaza, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin. The mayor and Santa Claus turning on the holiday lights. (847) 931-6100. Cityofelgin.org.

Christmas Walk and House Tour: The walk begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 with the arrival of the queen, Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season. Swedish cookies, carolers, hot cider, a tour of five bedecked homes and a traditional tea at the Congregational Church in Geneva. (630) 232-6060. Genevachamber.com.

Holly Days: Dec. 7. In the gazebo and parking lot of Albright Park across the street from City Hall on Stafford Place, Warrenville. The City’s annual holiday celebration marks Santa’s official entry into Warrenville. Bonfire, free horse and carriage rides, hot cider and cookies, and live entertainment from local groups. (630) 393-9427. Warrenville.il.us.