Fall Into Fun

The air is crisp and so are the apples: It's fall in Rockford! From apple orchards to community festivals, there is an endless supply of activities in our region.

Download a PDF of Fall Into Fun events here!

Jump to category:   Fall Colors  |  Local Orchards  |  Festivals & Events

Fall Colors

One of the best parts about living in the Midwest is the ability to experience all four seasons. This includes witnessing the splendor of the outdoors as the leaves change colors during the transition into fall. Winnebago County is home to plenty of forest preserves and parks, so there is no shortage of great places to view these colors!

Nygren Wetland Preserve - This 721-acre tract near the confluence of the Rock River and Pecatonica River is an important stopover and nesting spot for many species of birds, including the Sandhill Crane. The 2.5-mile grass footpath is open from dawn to dusk to hikers and cross-country skiers. 

Pecatonica Prairie Path & Bike Trail - An 18-mile long biking, hiking and nature trail extending from Illinois route 75 and River Road, east of Freeport, to the Village of Winnebago. The path is open to the public year-round for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing at no cost.

Rock Cut State Park - Beautiful Illinois state park with two lakes set off the park's 3,092 acres. There is fishing, boat launches, restored prairie and birdwatching, hiking, extensive campgrounds, paddleboat and canoe rental, horse and bike trails, cross-country ski trails and concessions.

Local Orchards

Three great orchards call Winnebago County home and delight families with a variety of activities throughout the season. There is something magical about handpicking your own bushel of apples or simply biting into a fresh apple cider donut.

Curran's Orchard - More than a dozen varieties of apples are available, either pre-picked or you can pick them yourself! You'll also find delectable apple pies, apple donuts, award-winning apple cider, pumpkins and more. Kids will have fun in the petting corral, corn tunnel, and looking at the glass-sided beehive.

Edwards Apple Orchard West - This orchard is located in the rolling hills of scenic Northwest Winnebago County and features apples, cider, pumpkins, raspberries, the dairy barn store and children's play areas.

Valley Orchard - This 35-acre family-owned orchard has approximately 5,000 apple trees. You can purchase or pick your own apples, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The store offers 100% pure apple juice cider, donuts, apple pies, fall decorations, jams, salsa and much more.

Festivals & Events

There's no better way to celebrate fall than taking a hayride, building your own scarecrow, or drinking hot cider while doing some afternoon shopping. Pack your fall full of fun by attending these local events and festivals!

Greek Fest
September 8 - 10 @ Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
This annual festival features music, dancing (both modern and traditional Greek), food, baked goods, Greek themed items for sale, and more!

Roscoe Lions Club Annual Fall Festival
September 8 - 10 @ Leland Park
The Roscoe Lions Club hosts the village's annual Fall Festival featuring amusement rides, live music, parades and a raffle.

Main Street Market by Urban Farmgirl
September 9 @ Midway Village Museum
Shop over 150 vendors from across the Midwest - handmade artisans and purveyors of vintage goods - while enjoying amazing food and local music on three different stages.

Greenwich Village Art Fair
September 16 - 17 @ Rockford Art Museum grounds
The annual two-day outdoor event features up to 150 artists from around the region and across the nation, live music, vendors, children's activities, and more.

Pec Thing Antique & Flea Market
September 16 - 17 @ Winnebago County Fairgrounds
Pec Thing has over 500 vendors selling everything from antiques and collectibles to crafts and home good items.

Hot Diggity Dog Festival
September 17 @ Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Pack up the pooch and get ready for a fun day dedicated to our lovable four-legged friends!

World War II Days
September 23 - 24 @ Midway Village Museum
Enjoy over 1,200 reenactors, 60 military vehicles, pyrotechnic battles, skirmishes, demonstrations, and displays.

Fall ArtScene
October 6 - 7 @ Various locations
ArtScene brings out thousands of art lovers to galleries and studios all over town to enjoy new exhibits of original works.

Scarecrow Harvest Festival
October 7 @ Midway Village Museum
Activities for all ages include scarecrow making, two horse-drawn wagons for rides, apple and pumpkin games, crafts, scavenger hunts, demonstrations and more!

Cider n' Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair
October 7 - 8 @Edgebrook
More than 70 vendors will be displaying a variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage decor, and so much more!

Oktoberfest
October 7 - 8 @ Loves Park City Hall
This annual event features live music, German food and beer, wiener dog races, and the "Bier Barrel Race."

Lockwood's Pumpkin Fest
October 7 - 29 @ Lockwood Park 
Enjoy Lockwood's Pumpkin Fest every Saturday and Sunday in October! Hand-pick you pumpkins, ride a pony or a horse, enjoy homemade pumpkin bars, or make your own s'mores.

Autumn at the Arboretum
October 8 @ Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
There will be scarecrow building, pumpkin decorating, face painting, horse-drawn wagon rides, and fall themed food and drinks available!

Head of the Rock Regatta
October 8 @ Along the Rock River
The Head of the Rock Regatta is a rowing race of 5,000 meters (3.2 miles) on the Rock River, beginning at Martin Park and finishing at the YMCA.

All Hallows Eve
October 21 @ Midway Village Museum
Bring your family to trick or treat in the safety of the charming Victorian Village! More than 20 buildings will be decorated for Halloween.

Trick or Trot
October 22 @ Midway Village Museum
Run or walk through the Victorian Village on the 3.1 mile certified course on paved or gravel trails. Wear your friendly Halloween costume!

Spook-Tacular Haunts
October 28 @ Anderson Japanese Gardens
Children are invited to come dressed in costume and explore the Garden in a new and spooky way! There will be trick or treating and birds in the garden from Hoo Haven.

Veterans 5K Run & Walk
November 4 @ Mercyhealth Sportscore One
The run benefiting the Veterans Drop-In Center is on a flat, fast, beautiful course along the Rock River.

The Price is Right Live - Stage Show
November 10 @ Coronado Performing Arts Center
This interactive stage show gives eligible individuals the chance to "Come On Down" to win prizes!