Fall is officially here in Springfield, and there's no shortage of ways to make the most of it. From festivals and farmers markets to pumpkin patches, live music and other seasonal fun, October brings plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy what's happening close to home.
Here are some events and activities happening in and around Springfield this October.
Dates, hours and other event details can change. Check with organizers before heading out.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10–Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL
Celebrate the season outdoors at the Lincoln Memorial Garden Fall Harvest Festival, a two-day event held amid the garden's woodlands and restored prairie. The annual festival features children's activities, live music, artisan demonstrations, exhibits, food and other fall fun in Cawley Meadow. Visitors can also explore the 100-acre garden and its more than 6 miles of trails while they're there.
When: Friday, Oct. 16–Saturday, Oct. 17, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Washington Park, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., Springfield, IL
See Washington Park aglow during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, when more than 2,000 hand-carved pumpkins are displayed around the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon and Botanical Garden. The two-night event also features special carillon music, lighting and food vendors, with many of the pumpkins carved by community members the previous weekend. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 4–11, while children 3 and younger are free; discounted advance tickets are also available.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2–31, 7–11 p.m.; Kids Day Saturday, Oct. 24, 1–4 p.m.
Where: Carter Brothers Haunted Hayrides, 1580 S. Sherman Blvd., Springfield, IL
A local favorite, Carter Brothers Haunted Hayrides celebrates its 43rd anniversary of scares with nighttime rides every Friday and Saturday throughout October. The family-friendly haunt also offers a bonfire and refreshments, with admission priced at $15 per person, cash only. Younger children can get in on the fun during Kids Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, featuring a daytime hayride from 1 to 4 p.m. for $5 per child and $10 per adult.
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 31, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Adams Street between Third and Fifth streets, Springfield, IL
Shop for local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, plants and artisan goods at the Old Capitol Farmers Market, held every Wednesday and Saturday in downtown Springfield through the end of October. The season wraps up with Halloween at the Market on Saturday, Oct. 31, featuring costume contests for kids, families and pets, character appearances and family-friendly activities in the Kidzeum courtyard. The market and Halloween festivities are free to attend.
When: Tuesdays through Sundays through Nov. 1; Tuesdays–Thursdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sundays, noon–6 p.m. (Also open Monday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Where: Pumpkin Creek Farms, 7392 Barclay Road, Sherman, IL
Just down the road from Springfield, Pumpkin Creek Farms offers plenty of ways to celebrate fall throughout October, including a 7.5-acre corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, U-pick pumpkin patch, giant slide, barrel train rides and other farm activities. New additions for 2026 include a pumpkin photo house, tractor-pull challenge and custom candle-making in the Country Store. Activity admission at the gate is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and Columbus Day, with discounted advance tickets available; visitors don't need to pay admission simply to pick pumpkins, shop or purchase food.
Looking for more things to do in Springfield this fall? Check out the Patch events calendar for more local events and activities.
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