Experience the Best of Fall in Carroll County!
As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, Carroll County comes alive with exciting fall festivals and family-friendly events. Whether you’re a fan of Halloween thrills, Oktoberfest fun, or simply love the charm of autumn, there’s something for everyone this season.
Check out all the festive happenings and make plans to join us for an unforgettable fall in Carroll County!
Thomson Harvest Days: A Weekend of Fun for the Whole Family!
Get ready to dive into a weekend of excitement at Thomson Harvest Days, happening from September 13th to 15th in Thomson, IL! This highly anticipated annual event promises a jam-packed schedule of activities, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking for thrilling carnival rides, live music, or delicious local food, Thomson Harvest Days has something for everyone.
September 17, 23, & 26 – Fall Arrangement Workshop at Mt. Carroll Library
Bring your creativity to life this fall with Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro at the Mt. Carroll Library! Learn how to create stunning fall arrangements using both natural and store-bought decor. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just getting started, this workshop will inspire your creativity for the autumn season.
- Dates: September 17, 23, & 26
- Location: Mt. Carroll Library
- Time: Contact the library for details
Feel free to bring your favorite fall decoration or container to use for your take-home piece. Space is limited, so be sure to register by calling the library at 815-244-1751.
Fall Decor | Mt. Carroll Library | Facebook
September 28 – Fall Fun at the Church of God
Kick off the fall season with a day of fun and games at the Church of God! Enjoy activities for the whole family, including square dancing, a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and more. Plus, grab a bite with hot dogs, chips, and water available for a donation. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the early autumn atmosphere!
September 28 – Annual Oktoberfest at Lake Carroll
Celebrate the season at our annual Oktoberfest event, open to the public! Enjoy a variety of tastings including:
Beer from Generations, Galena Brewing, and Pecatonica Brewing
Wine tastings brought to you by Sugar Bakers
Whiskey tastings to keep you warm
There will also be plenty of activities for the whole family including pumpkin painting, a bounce house, and fun games for all ages. Live music will be provided by Northside Brass and Brushville to keep the energy high all day long.
Don’t miss out on this festive day filled with local flavors, fun activities, and great music!
Lake Carroll Annual Oktoberfest | Facebook
October 12 – Oktoberfest at Timber Lake Playhouse (12 PM – 6 PM)
Prepare for a day of festive revelry at Timber Lake Playhouse’s Oktoberfest! Families can partake in fun activities like hayrides, barrel rides, pumpkin decorating, and a bouncy house for the kids. Feeling competitive? Take part in yard games while enjoying delicious food like hamburgers and hot dogs. For the adults, the Craft Beer Tasting will feature top-notch offerings from local breweries such as Lena Brewing Company, Pecatonica Beer Company, and more.
Don’t miss out on this day filled with laughter, food, and the best craft beer Carroll County has to offer!
October 12 – Backroads Barn Sale at Carroll County Fairgrounds
If you’re looking for the perfect fall shopping experience, the Backroads Barn Sale at the Carroll County Fairgrounds is a must-visit! Spend the day exploring unique boutiques, local crafts, food vendors, and live music. With a petting zoo and more family fun, it’s the perfect way to spend a fall Saturday. Admission is just $5 for those over 12.
Backroads Barn Sale Fall 2024! | Facebook
October 13 – Fall Fest in Lanark
Come celebrate the season at Lanark’s annual Fall Fest! This fun-filled afternoon offers something for everyone, from pumpkin painting and live music to a variety of food vendors and seasonal activities. It’s the perfect spot to embrace the fall spirit with friends and family!
October 19 – Trick or Treat Trail (7 PM)
Get ready for a spooktacular evening at the Trick or Treat Trail! Kids (and kids at heart) are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and journey through a festive Halloween trail full of surprises. The trail will be filled with delightful decorations and trick-or-treat stations, and the night concludes with a screening of the Disney classic, Halloweentown. It’s a magical way to celebrate the Halloween season with the whole family!
October 19 – Spring Lake Halloween Party (3 PM)
Packing in the fun at Spring Lake Campground with trick or treating around the campground, followed by a potluck and live music by Liliana Asta and Grant Beck. This event is fun for the whole family and has some of the most spooktacular views of Spring Lake!
October 26 – Pumpkin Fest in Mount Carroll (8 AM Race Start, 7 AM Registration)
Pumpkin Fest is back in Mount Carroll, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever! Start the day with the Pumpkin Fest race, then stick around for a day full of free family fun. From pumpkin painting and games to live music and delicious food, this event is packed with activities everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this unforgettable day of fall fun!
Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk | Facebook
Pumpkin Fest! Mt Carroll, IL | Facebook
October 27 – Haunted Garden (5 PM – 9 PM)
Ready for a frightfully fun night? Bring the kids to the Haunted Garden for a family-friendly Halloween experience! Rock out to Bone Jet & The Skeletor’s as you explore the spooky garden. Make sure to grab a photo in Dracula’s coffin and take home a free Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag filled with goodies. This free event is perfect for young ones who want to experience the fun side of Halloween without the scares!
(Please note that this is a drive-by event, and some attractions are weather permitting.)
Rice’s Pumpkin Patch & Vegetables Haunted Garden!! | Facebook
October 27 – Halloween in Savanna
Get ready for a spooktacular day of Halloween fun in Savanna! The day kicks off with a Jeep-or-Treat at Poopy’s, where decorated jeeps will be handing out candy to all the little ghosts and goblins. Don’t miss the downtown Halloween parade, featuring festive floats and costumes, followed by trick-or-treating throughout the area. It’s the perfect event for families looking to enjoy the Halloween spirit.
For a full list of activities and event details, please visit the Halloween in Savanna Facebook Event Page. Make sure to mark your calendars for a day full of spooky fun!
October 29 – Rocky Horror Picture Show (8 PM)
Calling all Rocky Horror fans! Timber Lake Playhouse is hosting a special one-night-only interactive showing of the 1975 cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Come dressed in your best costumes and get ready for some audience participation with call-backs, contests, and prop bags (available for pre-purchase). With light-up novelties, snacks, and drinks available for sale, it’s going to be a night to remember. Costumes are encouraged, and the event is rated R for adult themes.
October 31 – Halloween Boo Bash – Shannon, IL 4pm-8pm
Get ready for a spooktacular time at the Halloween Boo Bash in Shannon, IL! Join us on October 31st from 4 PM – 8 PM for an evening full of festive Halloween fun. Dress up in your best costume and bring the whole family out for an unforgettable night of trick-or-treating, games, spooky surprises, and more!
Located right in the heart of Shannon, IL, this event is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with the community. Don’t miss out on all the frights and delights—we can’t wait to see you there!
(1) Halloween Boo Bash | Facebook
November 2 – Overnight Paranormal Investigation at the Historic Pulford Opera House
Are you ready for a spine-tingling adventure? Join 2:00 a.m. Paranormal for the first-ever overnight investigation at the Historic Pulford Opera House in Savanna, IL! Explore this historic site and uncover its ghostly secrets during this thrilling paranormal investigation.
- Event Date: November 2, 9:00 p.m. – November 3, 7:00 a.m.
- Cost: $40.00 per person
- Location: Historic Pulford Opera House, Savanna, IL
Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or a curious newcomer, this event is sure to offer a night of excitement and mystery. Stay tuned for updates on the 2:00 a.m. Paranormal Facebook page, and don’t forget to book your spot early!
For more information or to reserve your spot, PM 2:00 a.m. Paranormal on Overnight Investigation at The Historical Pulford Opera House | Facebook or call 402-604-4816.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Fall in Carroll County!
From cozy hayrides and pumpkin painting to spooky trails and craft beer tastings, Carroll County is the perfect destination to celebrate the season. Whether you’re here for family fun, a romantic weekend, or a day out with friends, these fall festivals offer something for everyone.
Be sure to follow our social media for more updates on these events, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for your favorite fall festivity! Facebook
