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This is one of those weekends when you really don't need to go far. Berwyn Fall Fest takes over the Depot District, Lyons has two days of blues and fireworks, Western Springs has its own massive fall celebration, Brookfield Zoo is breaking out the Oktoberfest festivities, and Forest Park is showing a horror movie at a mausoleum. Oktoberfest and Fall Festivals In Full Swing And if you want to head into Chicago, this weekend is stacked with Riot Fest, Chicago Live!, World Dumpl

Oak Park IL Film Festival 2026 Returns September 16, 19 & 20 Opening Night with Tavi Gevinson • Independent Films • Documentaries • Shorts • Animation • Filmmaker Q&As • Industry Panels You don't have to head downtown for an independent film festival this September. The Oak Park IL Film Festival returns for its third year September 16, 19 and 20, bringing three days of movies, filmmakers and special events to two Oak Park venues. And this isn't just a collection of random ind

For decades, the James R. Thompson Center has been one of those Chicago buildings almost everyone recognizes. Now, its next chapter is getting closer. Designed by legendary Chicago architect Helmut Jahn and opened in 1985, the colorful postmodern building at 100 W. Randolph Street has been praised, criticized, threatened with demolition and debated for years. Now it is being transformed into something entirely new. Google Thompson Center Google is preparing to make the renova

This is one of those September weekends when staying home feels like a questionable life choice. Berwyn has a 17-band independent rock festival, an Irish block party and the Bears season opener. Head a few minutes out and you'll find fall festivals, bluegrass, art, mariachi, carnival rides and one of the area's biggest Hispanic festivals. Keep going into Chicago and you've got Oktoberfest, Printers Row Lit Fest, Mexican Independence Day celebrations and the Cubs at Wrigley. I

September 25–27, 2026 | Oak Park, Western Suburbs & Chicago The final weekend of September is absolutely packed. Oktoberfest season is still going strong, but this weekend also brings live music, Latin food and culture, African and Caribbean music and food, chicken wings, family activities and one of Oak Park's biggest annual street festivals. Chicago fall festivals and Oktoberfests September 25–27, 2026 From Oaktoberfest just down the road in Oak Park to Oktoberfest Chicago,

September 17–20, 2026 | Berwyn, Western Suburbs & Chicago Fall festival season is officially in full swing. The third weekend of September brings one of the strongest lineups of the season, with Berwyn Fall Fest right here at home, Oktoberfests from Downers Grove to Fulton Market, a full-day Harvest Fest in Western Springs, German-style fun at Brookfield Zoo, three days of music in Norwood Park and one of Chicago's biggest free performing-arts celebrations at Navy Pier. Oktob

The final weekend of August is going out with a bang. Right here in Berwyn, hundreds of classic cars take over historic Route 66 for one of the city's signature events. Oak Park is closing out its summer concert season, Brookfield has another Friday night block party, Riverside is exploring its architectural history, and Chicago has everything from Asian street food and fine art to House music, Kesha and Miranda Lambert. RT 66 Car Show In Berwyn Basically, staying home is goi

September 10–13, 2026 | Berwyn, Near West Suburbs & Chicago Labor Day may be over, but fall festival season around Chicago is just getting started. The second weekend of September brings one of the most diverse festival lineups of the season with Hispanic culture in Melrose Park and Grant Park, German beer and brats in Lincoln Square, carnival rides in La Grange, art in the West End, a huge throwback music weekend on the Northwest Side and even a little St. Patrick's Day cele

Who says the weekend has to start on Friday? This week, we're starting Thursday night in Downtown Oak Park and rolling straight through Sunday with live music, food trucks, art, craft beer, garage-sale treasure hunting, classic cars, outdoor movies, street festivals and plenty happening right here in Berwyn. Whether you're looking for a date night, something with the kids, live music, a bargain hunt or just an excuse to get out of the house, we've got you covered. Here's what

September 4–7, 2026 | Berwyn, Near West Suburbs, Chicago & Beyond Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but around Chicago, festival season is nowhere near finished. Labor Day Weekend Fests From September 4–7, you can catch four days packed with live music, carnival rides, Polish food, fresh Maine lobster, arts and crafts, fireworks, parades and some of the biggest suburban festivals of the year. Whether you're looking for something close to Berwyn or you'r

This weekend is packed with reasons to get out and explore! Berwyn's Taste of Cermak Road returns Thursday night after its weather postponement, the Corrida del Mariachi takes over Berwyn on Saturday & Chicago Air & Water Show takes over the lakefront all weekend, FitzGerald's has an incredible lineup of live music, Summer Cruise Nights rolls back into the Depot District on Monday, and you'll also find festivals, family events, car shows, and outdoor entertainment happening

One of Chicago's most iconic summer traditions is back! The 2026 Chicago Air & Water Show returns to the lakefront Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with a full rehearsal on Friday, August 14. Best of all? Admission is completely FREE. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, bringing the family, or just looking for an unforgettable weekend in the city, here's everything you need to know before you go. Event Details 📅 Dates Friday, August 14: Public Rehearsal Saturday

Looking for one of Chicago's best free summer festivals? Edgewater Music Fest 2026 returns for an incredible three-day celebration featuring 35+ live bands, 100+ local vendors, great food, local drinks, family activities, and one of the city's most diverse music lineups. Edgewater Music Fest Taking over Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore, this neighborhood festival has quickly become one of Chicago's can't-miss summer events. Whether you're coming from Berwyn, Oak Park, t

September 4–6, 2026 | Maywood Veterans Park | Free Admission Looking for one of the biggest Labor Day weekend celebrations in Chicago's western suburbs? Maywood Fest 2026 returns Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6 with three days of live entertainment, delicious food, shopping, community pride, and family fun at Maywood Veterans Park (4th Avenue & Oak Street). Whether you're coming from Berwyn, Oak Park, Forest Park, Broadview, Bellwood, Elmhurst, or Chicago, Ma

Summer isn't over yet, and this weekend is one of the busiest of August. Whether you're looking for live music, amazing food, family activities, classic cars, or a fun night out, there's no shortage of things to do within a short drive of Berwyn. Taste Of Elmwood Park From the 41st Annual Taste of Elmwood Park just minutes away to Oak Park's Thursday Night Out, free concerts at FitzGerald's, and several iconic Chicago festivals, here's your complete Discover Berwyn guide to t

If you're looking for a relaxing Saturday filled with live music, local food, and a laid-back community atmosphere, add the Countryside Bluegrass Festival to your September calendar. Taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, this free outdoor festival brings together talented bluegrass musicians, local food trucks, craft beverages, and plenty of room to spread out with friends and family. Only about 15 minutes from Berwyn, it's an easy afternoon or evening trip for anyone

September 18–19, 2026 If you're looking for one of Chicagoland's biggest fall festivals, put Downers Grove Oktoberfest on your calendar. Downers Grove Oktoberfest Returning to downtown Downers Grove for its 13th annual celebration, this two-day festival combines nationally known rock bands, local entertainment, authentic Oktoberfest food, German beer, family activities, wrestling, and one of the best downtown festival atmospheres in the western suburbs. Best of all? It's just

If you love finding vintage décor, tools, collectibles, furniture, toys, records, or just enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this weekend is one you won't want to miss. The Village of Stickney Village-Wide Garage Sale returns Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 2026, with dozens of neighborhood sales taking place throughout the village. Whether you're a reseller, collector, first-time homeowner, or simply looking for a bargain, this annual event is one of the best ways to spend

Looking for something to do this weekend? You picked one of the biggest weekends of the summer. From Fiesta Del Sol in Pilsen and Wicker Park Fest, to Blues Traveler and Nelly at Brookfield Zoo, free concerts in Oak Park, and an incredible lineup at FitzGerald's in Berwyn, there are dozens of events happening within minutes of home. Fiesta Del Sol Whether you're looking for live music, great food, family activities, or a quick day trip into Chicago, here's everything worth ch

This fall, Berwyn is kicking off an exciting new tradition with Berwyn Fall Fest, a two-day celebration packed with live music, incredible local food, cold beer, carnival rides, kids activities, and everything that makes our community special. Whether you're looking for live music Friday night, family fun on Saturday afternoon, or just an excuse to grab great food with friends, Fall Fest is shaping up to be one of the biggest weekends of the year in Berwyn. Located in the hea