Fall Fests Worth Checking Out In Chicago Area

It's all about the German food and beer, apple cider doughnuts and enjoying great live music outside before winter hits. That's right -- fall with its comfortable temps, beautiful fall colors and, of course, awesome fall festivals will be happening every weekend over the next month in the Chicago area.

So, before it's time to get in the spirit for Halloween, here are some great fall festivals worth checking out.

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September 13 to September 23

Glendale Heights Oktoberfest runs from September 13 through 23 at Camera Park in Glendale Park. The 10-day festival will feature authentic German food prepared by renowned Chef Wolfgang of the acclaimed Schnitzel Platz Restaurant. There will also be authentic Oktoberfest Bier imported directly from the Hofbräu Brewery in Munich, as well as beer from the oldest brewery in the world, Weihenstephan Hefe Weiss Bier. Friendly Dirndl-dressed servers will be there to provide service with a smile. The fest will include entertainment daily including strolling German “Oompah” entertainers. There will be a pumpkin patch, a plant sale and many more family friendly activities. Parking is free. For daily hours the Oktoberfest tent will be up and running and more information, visit the event's website.

Sept. 21 to Sept. 23

Long Grove Apple Festival in Long Grove: Sept. 21 to Sept. 23. From apple popcorn to apple lattes, Apple Fest’s claim-to-fame is the hundreds of delicious apple-inspired treats for apple lovers young and old. Musical entertainment is scheduled all weekend on three stages spread out throughout fest grounds. There is a Kid Zone for fun events for the kiddos. The festival is held in Historic Downtown Long Grove. More via the event website.

Elim's Dutch Festival in Palos Heights: Sept. 22 in Palos Heights. A pancake breakfast, Dutch and American cuisine, Dutch Village shops, a colorful farmer's market, musical entertainment, children's entertainment area and more. The festival is held at Elim Christian Services in Crestwood. More via the Dutch Festival website.

German American Heritage Center Oktoberfest in Frankfort: Sept. 22. More information via the event website.

American Aid Society of German Descendants Oktoberfest in Lake Villa: Sept. 22, Sept 29 and Oct. 6.This fest is held for three consecutive Saturdays with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Music is provided by lively German bands and a variety of entertainment is on hand. Food and drinks are available all evening. More information via the event website.

Vernon Hills Oktoberfest in Vernon Hills: Sept. 22 in Vernon Hills. The 14th Annual Oktoberfest will be held at the Vernon Hills Metra Station, located on U.S. Route 45, and will include food, beer and musical entertainment. Free kids crafts and free pumpkins to paint will be available while supplies last. More information via the event website.

Sept. 28 to Sept. 30

Oktoberfest Chicago in Chicago: Sept. 28 to Sept. 30 in Chicago. The 17th annual Chicago Oktoberfest will kick off Friday evening at St. Alphonsus, 1429 W. Wellington, with beer, brats, seasonal revelry, and music from Rod Tuffcurls, Polkaholics, DT Funk, and Stache. The popular Craft Beer Night is limited to 650 people and held on Friday and Saturday evenings. Kinderfest is available for family-friendly fun on Saturday and Sunday.More via the event website.

American Aid Society of German Descendants Oktoberfest in Lake Villa: Sept. 22, Sept 29 and Oct. 6. This fest is held over three consecutive Saturdays with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Music is provided by lively German bands and a variety of entertainment is on hand. Food and drinks are available all evening. More information via the event website.

October 5 to October 7

Scarecrow Festival in St. Charles: Make your own scarecrow and then hit the town to vote for your favorite. Over 100 hand-made and mechanical scarecrows will be on display during this three-day fest, which runs from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7. There is also an arts and crafts show, live music and carnival rides. Admission is free. If you want to sign up to make your own scarecrow, entrant applications are now being accepted. More information via the event website.

American Aid Society of German Descendants Oktoberfest in Lake Villa: Sept. 22, Sept 29 and Oct. 6. This fest is held over three consecutive Saturdays with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Music is provided by lively German bands and a variety of entertainment is on hand. Food and drinks are available all evening. More information via the event website.

Naperville Oktoberfest in Naperville: Naperville's Oktoberfest will be held under a large heated tent on Oct. 5 and 6 at Naper Settlement. Live music ranging from classic German oompah music to classic rock along with German beer and cuisine will be be on hand. All proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. More via the event website.

Batavia Oktoberfest in Batavia: Batavia's Oktoberfest has added an extra day this year--making the typical two-day festival now a three-day fest. Running from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7, the last day of the festival will be a family day, with kid-focused entertainment on stage and a Xfinity Sports Zone viewing area for football fans. The Oktoberfest is held in downtown Batavia and includes authentic German food, music, entertainment and beer. More via the event website.

• Did we miss an awesome fall festival worth mentioning? E-mail the editor at amie.schaenzer@patch.com.

Photo caption: Polish girls, dressed with traditional Polish costume enjoy drinking beer after participating in the opening parade during day 2 of Oktoberfest beer festival on September 22, 2012 in Munich, Germany. Photo credit: Getty Images