Cook County communities welcome autumn with plethora of events

Summer has come to a close, but that doesn’t mean festivals and activities are ending. Rather, they take on a different theme with Halloween and other autumn traditions the focus of events taking place over the next several weeks throughout western Cook County.

Berwyn

What: Fairy Tale Ball

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 19

Where: Proksa Park, 3001 Wisconsin Ave.

Cost: Free

Info: Attend the Berwyn Public Library’s 12th annual Fairy Tale Ball and spend the afternoon immersing yourself in a magical world. Participants get to meet characters and enjoy entertainment in Proksa Park’s enchanted woods. Attendees will receive a goody bag filled with prizes, crafts, books and more. For this year’s event, participants can expect to see the following attractions: fire shows by Firefly Entertainment, a baby dragon and trainer by Fairytale Entertainment, music by Mariachi Sirenas, magic by Total T Magic, the king and queen (Mayor and Mrs. Lovero), juggling and stilt walkers from Firefly Entertainment and a full cast of characters from Fairytale Entertainment.

What: Berwyn Brewfest

When: 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25

Where: Proksa Park, 3001 Wisconsin Ave.

Cost: $30 ticket before the event, $35 ticket at the gate, $10 designated driver ticket

Info: With more than 40 craft beers, participants are sure to find something they’ll like at the Berwyn Brewfest. Enjoy live music, food vendors and a wide selection of beers.

La Grange

Skeletober

When: Oct. 1 to 31

Where: Downtown La Grange

Cost: Free

Info: Every day throughout October, La Grange is bringing Halloween alive. Life-size skeletons will scatter the sidewalks throughout downtown. Take plenty of pictures and post them online using #skeletober to enter a random drawing. Go online and follow the skeleton map to join in on the Skeleton Scavenger Hunt. Local businesses are partaking in the festivities and featuring their own activities.

McCook

What: 10th annual Brew Moon Beer and Band Festival

When: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 16

Where: McCook Athletic & Exposition, 4750 S. Vernon Ave.

Cost: $16 general admission, $51 beer tasting

Info: Buy a ticket in advance to skip extra fees and be a part of the largest indoor craft and micro beer tasting in the western suburbs of Chicago. Choose from more than 70 breweries and 125 beers. A partnership between local businesses, municipalities and civic groups, Brew Moon’s purpose is to raise funds for local nonprofits. This year’s proceeds will benefit Beds Plus Cares, Chicago Area Alternative Education League and The Leadershop.

Riverside

What: Riverside Farmers Market

When: 2:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6

Where: Centennial Plaza, 10 Pine Ave.

Cost: Free

Info: The Riverside Farmers Market features produce, meats, flowers, plants, baked goods, confections and other specialty goods and services. Vendors have gone through an application process and are held to the rules and regulations of the market.

Brookfield

Boo at the Zoo

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 9 to 24

Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St.

Cost: Free with zoo admission (adults $24.95, seniors $19.95, children $17.96)

Info: Get your Halloween celebration on early at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo event. Wear a costume and snap memories at the themed photo frames, vignettes and the new Howl-O-Scene. A couple of your choices of backdrops will feature pumpkins, bales of hay and black cat cutouts. Find your way through the zoo’s Craized Maize corn maze located on the West Mall. Also be sure to snag a ride on the Creepy Carousel. Children will get a sweet treat to take home courtesy of Ferrara Candy.

Countryside

Countryside Collectors Classic Show

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 17

Where: Park Place of Countryside, 6200 Joliet Road

Cost: Adults $7, Children $2

Info: The show gives participants a chance to meet vendors from all over the Midwest. Featuring more than 150 tables showcasing old and new toys, it’s a collectors’ paradise. Items include die-cast cars, plastic model kits, promos, Franklin Mint, Danbury and Hot Wheels. The Collectors Classic Show also features the 1/43rd Collectors Club, which will showcase 1/43rd-scale hand-built models, white metal kits and factory stock cars.