Fall is maybe the most magical time in the land of Lincoln. The foliage goes wild, the temperatures drop, and we finally get to emerge from the comfort of the AC. Before you go too wild, you need to make a plan to make sure you can hit up all the best destinations throughout the area. First thing on the to-do list? Find a fall festival where you can make memories with the people you love the most. I can help with that! As a Springfield milestone photographer, I love working with clients to make sure they can make the most of every moment. Here are the fall festivals in Springfield, IL I think you should check out!
Don’t Let These Fantastic Fall Festivals In Springfield, IL Fall Through The Cracks Of Your Seasonal Planning
Fall Harvest Festival At Lincoln Memorial Gardens
2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62712
The very first place on the list is Lincoln Memorial Gardens, where you can visit their annual Fall Harvest Festival. This event happens the second weekend in October and gives your family so many ways to have the time of your lives! There will be live music throughout the course of two days, as well as tons of delicious food from some of the best chefs in the city. Kids can build a fairy house or learn about butterflies by playing the Migrating Monarch Game. There are other crafts like making scarecrows, painting pumpkins, and creating a walking stick. They also have tons of photo booths for family pics!
Night Glow Festival at Southwind Park
4965 S 2nd St, Springfield, Illinois 62703
If you really want to find a sight you just can’t get anywhere else, be sure to head out to Southwind Park in the middle of September, where you can check out the Night Glow Festival. During this event, you can watch as balloon pilots light up their hot air balloons. The baskets are tethered to the ground the entire time, so you can explore the balloons and find out what it takes to make them float. In between balloon visits, you can stop by some food carts and grab a meal and some ice cream. The park does charge a small fee for admission, and at this time, they only take cash. Oh, and be sure to check the event ahead of time since it is weather-dependent.
Clayville’s Annual Fall Festival
12828 State Route 125, Pleasant Plains, Illinois 62677
If you have someone in your family who just can’t get enough of history, you need to check out Clayville’s Annual Fall Festival! This event takes place each year in Pleasant Plains and lasts for two days. While you will be able to enjoy all the standard hits like live music, bar services, and food, they take everything up a notch. You can check out living history that takes you back through the pages of the past, so you can see how people lived. Get ready to watch Civil War re-enactments or take a look inside historic buildings. You can even enter for a chance to shoot the cannon! The event has free admission for all ages.
Fall Market at Golden Hour Bake House
11 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62701
If you prefer your celebrations with a side of carbs, don’t miss the Fall Market at Golden Hour Bake House! While this cafe is fabulous all year round, it’s especially magical once fall rolls around. The event takes place in early October and gives you a way to sample some of the sweetest food in the capital! As you sample foods made by Golden Hour, you can browse products from local vendors like Heartland Charms, Majestic 13 Co. Candles, Flames and Chains Permanent Jewelry, and Ceramics Made by Rosie. It’s the perfect way to get out, shop local, and get a head start on your holiday shopping!
Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat
2941 S Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, Illinois 62711
If you are looking for the best way to let your child safely trick-or-treat, Springfield First has you covered! This United Methodist Church hosts an annual celebration that gives kids the chance to rock their costumes and have a welcoming spot to run around. The Trunk or Treat tends to be the main event, with something for every kid in 5th grade and under. All the cars are careful to ensure there’s no blood or gore in any of the trunk displays. Once your child is all sugared out, you can check out some of their other fall-themed events, including games, arts and crafts, and a sensory area. You can top all of it off with chili and s’mores!
Beardstown Fall Fun Festival
206 Washington St, Beardstown, Illinois 62618
Beardstown Fall Fun Festival is an event that cannot be rivaled! Each year, the festivities kick off on Friday evening with carnival rides and tons of delicious food. You can spend some hours appreciating the atmosphere before it’s time for them to shut down for the night, so they can get ready for the next day. Things kick off early the following morning with a parade put on by the entire town. From Saturday into Sunday, you can check out events like the car show, pinfall wrestling, and music. There will be a 5K for those who want to see how they compare to other runners. There’s even a kids’ corner complete with balloon animals, inflatables, and a petting zoo!
Area 66 Haunted School
908 Veterans Memorial Drive, Livingston, Illinois 62058
There’s a good chance you’ve seen the Pink Elephant Antique Mall on I-55 (yes, the one with the giant ice cream stand and the UFO outside). Did you know they host a yearly family-friendly celebration each fall? The Area 66 Haunted School is a low-scare event designed to be fun for kids of all ages. Things kick off with a haunted house where your child will have a few mild thrills. From there, they can participate in the egg “haunt,” where they will use their own flashlights to find big prizes. Things wrap up with a costume contest for kids ages 0-20. For admission, all they require is two cans or boxes of non-perishable food.
Autumn With The Family Is Not Complete Without Visiting Fall Festivals In Springfield, IL
If you are looking for the best way to celebrate autumn, you are going to love these fall festivals in Springfield, IL. With all these destinations, you’ll have a time you’ll never forget!
Are you looking for more ways to make this season last for years to come? Then why not plan a photo session? I can help you with that, too! As a Springfield milestone photographer, I love working with families to remember all the moments that matter the most. If you would like to learn more about planning a session, let’s chat about it! Send me a message so we can connect!
