Free and low-cost fall fests and pumpkin patches in Chicago & the suburbs (October 2025)
Fall in Chicagoland is pure magic — crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkins on every porch, and festivals nearly every weekend. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly pumpkin patch, a community fall fest, or a grown-ups-only Halloween bar crawl, there are plenty of free and budget-friendly options this October and into the first weekend of November 2025.
Here’s your guide to the best free and low-cost fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween events in Chicago and the suburbs.
🎃 Family-friendly fall fests & pumpkin patches
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest (Chicago)
📍 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
📅 Sept. 26 – Oct. 26, 2025
💲 Free admission; some attractions ticketed
Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a fall wonderland with a pumpkin patch, hay mountain, animal enrichment, and photo ops. Admission is free, with optional ticketed rides and activities.
Details here
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival (West Chicago)
📍 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago
📅 Sept. 20 – Oct. 30, 2025
💲 Free admission and parking
A classic family tradition: pumpkins, hayrides, sweet treats, and seasonal fun.
sonnyacres.com
Highwood Pumpkin Festival (Highwood)
📍 Downtown Highwood, IL
📅 Oct. 2 (Community Night) + Oct. 3–5, 2025
💲 Free admission
This North Shore favorite is known for thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns, live music, and a Guinness World Record attempt for most pumpkins lit.
highwoodpumpkinfest.com
Cantigny Park Fall Festival (Wheaton)
📍 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton
📅 Weekend of Oct. 11, 2025
💲 Low-cost activities ($1 hayrides, $1 petting zoo feed, crafts)
A family event with hayrides, games, pumpkin decorating, and more.
cantigny.org
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm Pumpkin Fest (Lockport)
📍 17250 Weber Rd., Lockport
📅 Sept. 20 – Nov. 2, 2025
💲 Admission applies, but lots of included activities
A farm favorite with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, animals, and shows.
ourpumpkinfarm.com
Kuipers Family Farm (Maple Park)
📍 1N318 Watson Rd., Maple Park
📅 Sept. 20 – Nov. 2, 2025
💲 Admission applies
Apple picking, pumpkin fields, and a full lineup of fall fun that runs through Halloween weekend.
kuipersfamilyfarm.com
Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm (Sugar Grove)
📍 4S041 Merrill Rd., Sugar Grove
📅 Open through Oct. 30, 2025
💲 Affordable family pricing (e.g. $5 pair + child, $10 family package)
Great low-cost option for smaller kids who just want pumpkins and some gentle activities.
🍂 Seasonal festivals & cultural events
Autumn in the Park Festival (Palos Park)
📍 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park
📅 Sept. 19–20, 2025
💲 Free admission and free parking
A charming community festival with food, music, and fall-themed activities.
palospark.org
IPHS Fall Fest on the Riverwalk (Chicago)
📍 Chicago Riverwalk
📅 Saturdays in October: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
💲 Free / low-cost activities
Family-friendly entertainment with hayrides and fall décor right along the river.
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns (Glencoe)
📍 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
📅 Late October 2025 (select evenings)
💲 Ticketed but affordable for the experience
See hundreds of artist-carved pumpkins illuminated along the garden paths.
chicagobotanic.org
👻 Halloween weekend fun (Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2025)
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up (Chicago – Goose Island)
📍 1465 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
📅 Sept. – Nov. 2, 2025
💲 Admission applies
Chicago’s largest outdoor fall pop-up with a corn maze, food trucks, games, and tons of Instagram-worthy backdrops.
jackspumpkinpopup.com
Crawl-O-Ween (Rosemont)
📍 Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
📅 Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 — 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
💲 $10 in advance (includes drink/food specials + 2 Zanies Comedy Club vouchers); $15 walk-up
An adults-only Halloween bar crawl with themed cocktails, food specials, and a chance to win prizes if you hit every stop. Costumes encouraged!
rosemont.com
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm Fall Fest (Homer Glen)
📍 13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen
📅 Through Nov. 2, 2025
💲 Admission applies
A Chicagoland classic — pumpkins, rides, petting zoo, pig races, and more.
pumpkinfarm.com
📝 Final tips for enjoying fall in Chicagoland
- Free vs. paid: Many of these festivals have free entry but charge for extras like rides or food.
- Crowds: Mid-October weekends are peak — go early or on weekdays if you can.
- Weather: Fall weather here is unpredictable — pack layers, and check event pages for rain plans.
- Mix it up: Do a family pumpkin patch outing by day, then try an adult-friendly event like Crawl-O-Ween by night.
✨ Whether you’re a city dweller or suburban explorer, Chicagoland’s fall festivals offer something for everyone. Mark your calendars, grab your pumpkin spice latte (or spiked cider), and soak up every last bit of autumn magic before the snowflakes fly.
P.S. While you’re out picking pumpkins, don’t forget about picking your next home too 😉. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or downsizing in Chicago or the suburbs, I’d love to help make your move as smooth as fall apple cider.