Hello, October: Fall Events in Northwest Illinois

October has arrived in Northwest Illinois, bringing crisp days, colorful roads and plenty of reasons to get out and explore. From longtime festivals and lumberjacks to castle tours and lighted Halloween rides, the October calendar offers a little something for everyone.

Grab a sweater, pick a weekend and make some fall plans. Here are a few October events in Northwest Illinois worth adding to the calendar.

 

Kick Off October in Oregon | Oct. 3–4

Oregon starts the month in a big way with two favorite fall traditions happening the same weekend.

Autumn on Parade fills downtown Oregon Oct. 3–4 with more than 200 vendors, food, family activities, a car and tractor show, and plenty of fall atmosphere. Sunday’s popular Harvest Time Parade brings around 100 entries through downtown beginning at 1 p.m.

Just up Route 2, Stronghold Olde English Faire turns the wooded grounds surrounding Stronghold Castle into a medieval village. Visitors can catch live performances, browse artisan wares, take a castle tour, and mingle with Vikings, royalty, and jesters. The faire runs from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

 

Lumberjacks Take Over Rock Falls | Oct. 3

Yes, there will be flying axes—and skillets.

The 6th Annual Lumberjack Show returns to Selmi’s Greenhouse and Farm Market in Rock Falls on Oct. 3. Lumberjack Enterprises presents three action-packed shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., along with a kids’ lumberjack camp and plenty of fall fun.

And don’t miss the returning Women’s Skillet-Tossing Competition, where participants put their strength and aim to the test by sending skillets flying. Add food vendors and Selmi’s seasonal attractions, and you’ve got one lively fall afternoon.

 

Tour Havencrest Castle | October Weekends

For something completely different, head west to Savanna and spend part of an October weekend exploring Havencrest Castle.

The five-story, 63-room mansion opens for self-guided tours every Saturday and Sunday in October, including Halloween. Visitors can explore 27 rooms filled with antiques, artwork, and collections while discovering the love story behind this one-of-a-kind hilltop home. Tours run from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with the final tour beginning at 4 p.m.

 

Scarecrows by Day, Glowing Rides by Night | Oct. 17

Make Oct. 17 a two-stop fall adventure.

Downtown Dixon celebrates the season with the Scarecrow Festival from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., bringing family activities, vendors and plenty of autumn fun to the heart of the city.

 

Then head to Rock Falls after dark for the Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade from 6:30–8 p.m. Decorated and illuminated rides will travel along West 2nd Street, giving spectators a delightfully different way to get into the Halloween spirit.

 

Finish October at Pumpkin Fest | Oct. 31

Halloween morning starts early in downtown Mount Carroll with Pumpkin Fest, running from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Expect a farmers market, food, live music, and family-friendly activities, capped off by the annual Ping-Pong Ball Drop.

October doesn’t last forever, so enjoy it while you can. Whether your perfect fall day involves a parade, a castle, flying axes, or pumpkins, Northwest Illinois has a weekend waiting for you.

Find even more seasonal happenings on the Visit Northwest Illinois Event Calendar.

Make a Weekend of It 🍎🎃

Round out your fall getaway with a stop at one of Northwest Illinois’ apple orchards, pumpkin patches, or farm markets. Pick apples, hunt for the perfect pumpkin, grab a cider donut—or do all three—before or after one of these October events. Check out our latest guide to apple-picking season in Northwest Illinois and turn your day trip into a full fall weekend.