Ride on and rock out at the 15th annual Fall Fest in Des Plaines

Posted August 29, 2024 3:48 pm

Submitted by Des Plaines Park District

The Des Plaines Fall Fest returns Sept. 13-15 and features live music, food, fun, games and dozens of activities for families. Courtesy of Des Plaines Park District

Fall Fest, Des Plaines’ family-friendly festival, is back for its 15th year with food, music, fun, games and dozens of activities.

Lake Park, 2200 Lee St., Des Plaines, will once again be transformed into a lakefront wonderland where kids of all ages can ride the giant Ferris wheel, climb the rock wall, feed the animals in the petting zoo, chow down on corn dogs, feast on funnel cakes and enjoy a variety of 10 local and national touring bands.

The event, which was created for the community by the Des Plaines Park District, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Des Plaines History Center, takes place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 13-15, with free admission, free parking, and free concerts every day. The festival is presented by Rivers Casino and sponsored by many area businesses that will be on-site throughout the weekend.

Carnival rides are one of the top attractions at Des Plaines Fall Fest at Lake Park. Courtesy of Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce

Fall Fest features a full carnival presented by Fantasy Amusement with dozens of rides and games. The KidZone! is where you’ll find the rock-climbing wall, the petting zoo, face painting and interactive activities. At the Des Plaines History Center’s exhibit tent, you may talk to costumed historical re-enactors, and see the history of Des Plaines unfold in displays.

Costumed interpreters in the Des Plaines History Museum Country Fair Tent will talk about the history of Des Plaines at Fall Fest, taking place Sept. 13-15 at Lake Park. Photo by Lisa Haring

Participating restaurants include Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood, Midwest Citrus Smashers, Restaurant Mexico, RS Concessions, Tri Café, Charcoal Delights, Tiki Terrace, Slice Factory, Dipped & Sprinkles and more. Families can relax and eat in the dining tent, and adults can sip beverages just steps away from the Main Entertainment Stage.

Kids and families are the focus of Fall Fest. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. there are unlimited carnival rides for $30 per person, per day. KidZone! is open Saturday and Sunday until 6 p.m. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lakeview Center on Howard Avenue, there’s a custom car show that’s open to classics, antiques, American muscle cars and hot rods.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lakeview Center on Howard Avenue, there’s a custom car show that’s open to classics, antiques, American muscle cars and hot rods. Photo by Lisa Haring

Opening Friday night at 6:30 p.m., 90s Pop Nation plays pop hits and one-hit wonders from the ’90s. Headlining at 9 p.m. is Bella Cain, bringing their high energy country show to the Main Stage.

On Saturday, see Beatles tribute Kaleidoscope Eyes at noon, and enjoy classic and current hits by Soda at 2 p.m.; country music performers Joe Bachman Duo is featured at 4:15 p.m.; and Semple plays high energy originals and covers at 6:30 p.m. Arra headlines at 9 p.m. with classic rock covers.

Sushi Roll performs high-energy dance music and rock ’n’ roll at noon Sunday, followed by Serendipity rockin' your ’60s, ’70s and ’80s favorites at 2:15 p.m. Popular local band 7th heaven headlines at 5 p.m. to close out the entertainment for this year.

For details, visit FallFestDesPlaines.com.

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