Turning a Leaf

by Mia Jones

As the days start to get a little cooler and kids are going back to school, there are a variety of fall events across DuPage for everyone to enjoy this year. Whether it’s a nature-filled walk or a fundraiser with brewery samples, we’ve got you covered.

Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest

Elmhurst History Museum
September 14, 2-6 p.m.
(early entry starts at 1 p.m.)
elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com

The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation will hold its 9th annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest
on Saturday, September 14, on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum. Come enjoy samples of many craft brews, meads, ciders, seltzers, and live music from the bands Live Stream and Lake Effect. There will also be food from Golden Boy Barbecue available for purchase. This event will raise money for the Elmhurst History Muesum and Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse. Early entry tickets and general admission tickets can be purchased on the website listed above.

Taste of Egypt Festival

St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Burr Ridge
September 14, 11 a.m. –
7:00 p.m. and September 15, 12 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
tasteofegyptfestival.com

Attend the annual Taste of Egypt festival – a weekend full of food, camel rides, inflatables, art, jewelry, crafts, and more. Spend the day perusing authentic Egyptian souvenirs, and jewelry at Nefertiti’s Treasures. King Tut’s Kingdom will excite every child with face painting and crafts. Camel rides and a petting zoo along with live music make for a fun family day. Free admission and parking.

Halloween Window Painting and Downers Grove Historical Society Living Cemetery

Downtown Downers Grove October 26
downtowndg.org

Hosted by Downers Grove Downtown Management Corp & the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, start off the day painting spooky windows in downtown Downers Grove from 9 a.m. – noon. Bring a food donation for the Downers Grove FISH Pantry in exchange for paints at 933A Curtiss Street. Paints are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to bring paintbrushes for Halloween fun. Between 10 a.m. and noon, take a walk back through time at Main Street Cemetery to see ‘guest’ actors portray early Downers Grove settlers. The actors will share the early settlers’ life stories and the colonial days of Downers Grove. This is a once-a-year opportunity, and free admission to the public!

Oak Brook Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail

Central Park West
October 5, 2-5 p.m.
obparks.org

Come dressed in costume and ready to trick-or-treat for the Oak Brook Halloween Trick or Treat Trail! First, venture through the woods on the trick-or-treat trail, where many fun characters will be waiting in Halloween spirit. Once at the end of the trail, board the Haunted Wagon for a spooky ride around the park. There will also be a pumpkin patch, bouncy houses, and arts and crafts. Admission costs are as follows: 17 years and older are $8, children 2-16 years old are $18, and children under two years old are free. More information can be found on Oak Brook Parks website above.

Abbey Farms

Aurora
abbeyfarms.org

Visit Abbey Farms this fall for their new up-and-coming apple orchard! The first apples are planned to be available for picking this fall! Information on sponsoring an apple tree can be found on Abbey Farms’ website. Additionally, Abbey Farms’ Pumpkin Daze will be running September 21-October 27. Pumpkin Daze is the perfect fall farm adventure, packed with activities such as a weekend petting zoo, the pumpkin patch, a tractor/hay wagon ride, and a corn maze! More information about park hours can be found on Abbey Farms’ website.

Herrick Lake Fall Foliage

Wheaton
dupageforest.org

Pay a visit to Herrick Lake this fall to get a glimpse of some gorgeous fall foliage. Located in Wheaton, the changing leaves create a stunning reflection on Herrick Lake. The park is open from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. There are more than seven miles of trails, and a path around the lake connects both parking lots to the picnic grounds and the trailhead. Warrenville Grove and St. James Farm, two other beautiful spots to observe the fall season, are located nearby Herrick Lake.

The Forge Trail Run Festival —Photo courtesy of The Forge: Lemont Quarries

The Forge Trail Run Festival

The Forge: Lemont Quarries
November 2, 8 a.m.
forgeparks.com

Multiple autumnal running events will take place at The Forge: Lemont Quarries on Saturday, November 2, including a 4 mile (ish), 10K, 20K, and 30K run. The challenge will lie within the terrain of the different trails. For runners who are more experienced, these runs are moderately challenging. However, the runs will be more difficult for runners who don’t have as much experience. Parking opens at 6:30 a.m. After the races, there will be food and beverages available along with the awards ceremonies. For more information and to register for an event, please visit the website above.

Hinsdale Wine Walk

Downtown Hinsdale
October 10, 5-8 p.m.
hinsdalechamber.com

The Hinsdale Chamber and the Village of Hinsdale will be hosting the 5th annual
Hinsdale wine walk on Thursday, October 10, at participating downtown businesses. Participants will go to a designated location prior to the event to have their ID checked, get their souvenir wine glass and a lanyard with a map of participating retailers providing samples of red, white, and sparkling wines. Tickets are currently on sale at the website above.