It’s fall festival season in and around Chicago, with events like Lincoln Square Apple Fest and Fall Fest at the Lincoln Park Zoo ushering in the spirit of the season.
Well, we’ve got one more festive celebration for you to have on your radar—the annual Harvest Festival is back in suburban Vernon Hills this October.
Here’s a look at all the fun in store.
Harvest Festival 2026 at Mellody Farm
Harvest Festival (formerly Hoptober Fest) is coming to Mellody Farm mall on Saturday, October 24.
The all-day festival will feature free activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a fall gardening workshop, food and beverage tastings, kid-friendly activities like face painting, a pet costume contest, and more.
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. the festival will transition into two ticketed events, the Harvest Festival Bites & Sips and Bourbon & Bonfires experiences.
Harvest Festival Bites & Sips will feature live music, along with curated food and beverage offerings from local restaurants.
Bourbon & Bonfires will include a bourbon tasting and workshop, plus fire pits and other cozy fun.
Located less than an hour from downtown, a trip to Harvest Festival is the perfect day trip from Chicago this season.
Know before you go
When: Saturday, October 24 | 10–8 p.m.
Where: Mellody Farm mall | 851–1101 Milwaukee Ave.—Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Tickets: Free admission from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Harvest Festival Bites & Sips tickets: $35 | Bourbon & Bonfires tickets: $35
Festivalgoers can get access to both the Harvest Festival Bites & Sips and Bourbon & Bonfires experiences for a $55 ticket package.
Those who are opting out of drinking can take advantage of a $20 designated driver ticket.
Grab your passes and learn more here.
