Fall is finally here and with the leaves changing color and the harvest beginning, there are festivals happening across the state. Whether you are a foodie or a family, or just looking for fall fun, check out these September events below:

9/22-9/28 – Bengtson’s Fall Fest – Homer Glen
9/22-9/28 – Goebbert’s Farm Fall Festival – South Barrington
9/24-9/28 – Grundy County Corn Festival – Morris
9/25 – Taste of the Heights – Peoria Heights
9/25-9/28 – Manteno Oktoberfest – Manteno
9/25-9/28 – Haunted Hollows Fest – Peotone
9/26 – Rock Falls Taco Throwdown – Rock Falls
9/26-9/27 – Bartlett Oktoberfest – Bartlett
9/26-9/27 – East Dundee Oktoberfest – East Dundee
9/26-9/27 – St. Ambrose Applefest – Godfrey
9/26-9/27 – Lansing Autumn Festival – Lansing
9/26-9/27 – Mt. Vernon Fall Fest – Mt. Vernon
9/26-9/27 – Nashville Fall Festival – Nashville
9/26-9/27 – Oaktoberfest – Oak Park
9/26-9/27 – Woodridge Oktoberfest – Woodridge
9/26-9/28 – Beardstown Fall Fun Festival – Beardstown
9/26-9/28 – Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest – Chicago
9/26-9/28 – Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus – Chicago
9/26-9/28 – Huntley Fall Fest – Huntley
9/26-9/28 – Prairie Land Heritage Museum Fall Festival and Steam Show – Jacksonville
9/26-9/28 – Long Grove Apple Festival – Long Grove
9/26-9/28 – Milton Corn Carnival – Milton
9/26-9/28 – Paris Honeybee Festival – Paris
9/26-9/28 – International Route 66 Mother Road Festival – Springfield
9/26-9/28 – Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival II – West Chicago
9/27 – Food is Love Festival – Alton
9/27 – Hispanic Heritage Fest at Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield

Illinois has a rich history of agriculture, music and more, and it’s thanks to the contributions of Illinoisans over the last few centuries that the state has seen increasing economic value and opportunities available to its residents.

To uplift and highlight these unique contributions, several State-Designated Cultural Districts were announced to highlight and celebrate specific cultural identities and history while also promoting equitable growth and opportunity without generating displacement.

Every month here on I Like Illinois, we highlight a wide variety of artists and musicians, showcasing the diversity and uniqueness of our state and its role and impact in the music and creative industries. This month, we are highlighting a Bluegrass legend: Alison Krauss.

Born in Decatur in 1971, Alison grew up in the Champaign-Urbana area with an early influence of the banjo and acoustic guitar from her mother. From age five, she was given classic violin lessons until age eleven. Her mother, Louise, was a pivotal figure in her life, encouraging her to delve into the musical world at a young age as an artist and illustrator of magazines and textbooks herself.

The Illinois State Fair has kicked off in Springfield – transforming into more than a celebration of rides and treats—it’s a showcase of the future of Illinois agriculture. From the early morning sounds in the livestock barns to the learning stations tucked inside the Agriculture Education Tent, the fair is packed with opportunities to see, touch, and understand what makes Illinois a national leader in farming and sustainability.

Young 4-H and FFA members proudly show cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry they’ve raised with care—demonstrating the responsibility and dedication it takes to be part of the next generation of Illinois farmers. The competitions go beyond ribbons, fostering leadership and lifelong skills, and connecting communities through a shared agricultural heritage.

Visitors eager to learn about farming innovation flock to the Agriculture Education Tent. Here, hands-on activities where kids can participate in agricultural-themed crafts, games and meet young farmers who explain modern practices. These demonstrations make agriculture tangible, inviting visitors to ask questions and see firsthand how things like the food they eat everyday reaches their tables, connecting everyday fairgoers with the practical side of environmental stewardship.

One of the most popular stops each year is Conservation World, hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This interactive area highlights everything from prairie restoration to river habitats, and features live demonstrations on how farmers and conservationists work together to protect land and water for generations to come.

Whether you’re sampling Illinois-grown produce, cheering at a showmanship contest, or learning about native wildlife, the Illinois State Fair brings together the best of agriculture and environmental care. It’s a reminder that the state’s rural roots and forward-thinking spirit are working hand in hand to grow a greener, stronger Illinois.

This month we are highlighting one of the most revered masters of tap dancing — Reginald "Reggio the Hoofer” McLaughlin. For more than 50 years McLaughlin has pioneered his inspired distinctive “hoofing” across the nation, showcasing his talents to a variety of festivals and classrooms with the goal of keeping this dance tradition alive.