It's Burgoo weekend in La Salle County, but there's plenty of activities throughout the area, including the inaugural Monster Mash Balloon Bash in Princeton and Smoketoberfest in Ottawa.

Oktoberfest is not limited to human parties, Ottawa's Barktoberfest is proof of that. Along with Barktoberfest, there are fall/Oktoberfest celebrations planned in Princeton, Marseilles and Walnut over the weekend.

Here are five things to do this weekend in the Illinois Valley, including a train ride opportunity in Bureau, Ottawa's weekend seasonal festivals, a Renaissance Faire at Cedar Creek Ranch and Quiet Fest in La Salle.

A wiener dog race is set Saturday in Ottawa, the state's largest wine festival will be this weekend in Utica and a Stage 212 in La Salle performance takes its inspiration from Oregon Trail as there's no shortage of unique activities in the Illinois Valley.

Streator will host the combined Pluto Fest and Fall Food Truck Festival, and Marseilles will host the Renaissance Faire this weekend, among other activities planned in the Illinois Valley.

Sublette’s Hops & Harmony will feature an appearance by country music band Diamond Rio this weekend.

Here are five things to do in the Illinois Valley this weekend and in upcoming weeks: Homestead Festival in Princeton, the Sandwich Fair, BBQ-n-Blues and Jazz N’ the Street in La Salle, Pluto Fest and Fall Food Truck Festival, and the Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens.

Labor Day weekend will feature festivals and events in Toluca, Streator and Mendota.

Along with the Bureau County Fair, Mendota will host its Family Safe Night, Tonica Fest will kick off and a children's business fair in Ottawa will be held over the weekend in the Illinois Valley.