10 Local Events to Check Out This September

September is packed with fun things to do throughout the western suburbs! From festivals and parades to art fairs and markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 10 local events worth adding to your calendar!

1. Naperville Last Fling – September 4th - 7th | Naperville

Labor Day weekend wouldn’t be complete without one of Naperville’s biggest annual traditions, the Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling! Taking place September 4th through 7th in downtown Naperville, the four-day festival features live music, carnival rides, food vendors, family-friendly activities and more. john greene Realtor is proud to be a sponsor of the Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling!

Kids and families can check out Dave DiNasso’s Traveling World of Reptiles, try their hand at a spaghetti eating contest and balloon toss, watch an Elite Athletes demonstration, build with LEGOs, and even meet the Island Princess for a special song and dance meet and greet. There will also be youth activities from Scouting America, live performances and more throughout the weekend.

And don’t miss one of the biggest highlights, the annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 7th! Come find a spot along the parade route and enjoy one of Naperville’s favorite Labor Day traditions!

Learn more about the event HERE.

2. Water Lantern Festival – September 5th | Lemont

Head to The Forge in Lemont on September 5th for the Water Lantern Festival, a magical evening filled with live entertainment, food trucks, activities and plenty of fun for the whole family.

Create your own personalized lantern with a message, wish or special memory. Then, as the sun sets, join hundreds of others as you launch your lantern onto the water. Watching the water glow with hundreds of floating lights creates a beautiful and unforgettable experience centered around reflection, connection and community. Whether you’re bringing the family, meeting up with friends or planning a special evening with someone you love, this is one September event you won’t want to miss!

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

3. Arcada Theatre Centennial Celebration & Parade – September 6th | St. Charles

St. Charles is celebrating a major milestone this September as the historic Arcada Theatre turns 100! On Sunday, September 6th, downtown St. Charles will come alive with a free Centennial Celebration and Parade beginning at 3:00 PM.

The celebration will feature music, dancing, community groups and special guests, including rock legends Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) and Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge). Chubby Checker will also be on hand to lead a huge twist dance party!

The parade will travel through downtown St. Charles, making this a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate a century of music, entertainment and local history.

Learn more about the event HERE.

4. Firefly Market - September 12th | Lisle

The Firefly Market at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle offers a unique outdoor shopping experience featuring more than 60 local makers, artists, bakers and small businesses.

Browse handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork, home décor, candles, specialty foods, gifts and other unique finds while enjoying food trucks and drinks throughout the market. The event takes place Saturday, September 12th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a special VIP event on Friday evening for those who want early access to the market.

Set among the beautiful grounds of The Morton Arboretum, it’s a great opportunity to shop local, discover something new and enjoy a fall day in one of the area’s most beautiful outdoor settings.

Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 65 and older, and $19 for children ages 4 through 17. Children under 4 are free.

Learn more about the event HERE.

5. DuPage Comic Con – September 12th | Wheaton

Calling all comic book and pop culture fans! DuPage Comic Con is coming to Wheaton on Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds.

With more than 150 comic book dealers, toy and collectible vendors and TCG vendors, there will be plenty to browse and discover. Attendees can also meet special guest artists, check out the cosplay contests, and enjoy a full day celebrating all things comics and pop culture.

General admission is $10, and kids 12 and under get in free, making this a fun and affordable event for families, longtime comic fans and anyone looking for something a little different this September.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

6. Boots, Bourbon & BBQ Fest – September 19th | Oswego

Visit Venue 1012 in Oswego on Saturday, September 19th for the Boots, Bourbon & BBQ Fest, starting at 2:00 PM. This event brings together live country music, great food and plenty of activities for a fun evening with friends.

Enjoy performances by Hayden Coffman, Noah Hicks, Tim Gleason Band and School of Rock Oswego while grabbing some BBQ from local food trucks and sipping on bourbon cocktails. Looking for a little more excitement? Try your hand at axe throwing, challenge your friends to a round of mini golf or check out the arcade games!

With tickets starting at $25, it’s a great way to enjoy live music, good food and a little friendly competition right here in Oswego.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

7. Artisan Collective Market – September 19th | Batavia

Love shopping local and finding unique treasures? Head to downtown Batavia on Saturday, September 19th for the Artisan Collective Market, where local artisans come together to showcase their handmade goods, vintage finds and creative pieces.

The market takes place alongside the Batavia Farmers’ Market from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, giving you the perfect opportunity to browse unique items, meet local makers and support small businesses.

Make a morning of it by exploring the market, grabbing some local goodies and enjoying everything downtown Batavia has to offer.

Learn more about the event HERE.

8. Riverwalk Fine Art Fair – September 19th & 20th | Naperville

Spend the weekend exploring downtown Naperville during the 41st Annual Naperville Art League’s Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, taking place September 19th and 20th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day. Set along Jackson Avenue and the scenic Naperville Riverwalk, this free event brings together more than 100 national and regional artists showcasing their original work.

Browse paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more, all featured under the fair’s “originals only” policy.

Whether you’re looking to find a unique piece for your home or simply want to spend a beautiful fall weekend exploring downtown, the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair is a great way to enjoy art and the Naperville community.

Learn more about the event HERE.

9. Oktoberfest – September 18th & 19th | Lisle

Get into the fall spirit at Oktoberfest Lisle, taking place September 18th and 19th at Benedictine University.

Enjoy traditional German favorites, live entertainment and a chance to gather with friends and experience a little Oktoberfest fun close to home.

Admission is $15.

Learn more about the event HERE.

10. Fiestas Patrias Parade – September 20th | Aurora

Celebrate Mexican heritage and culture at Aurora’s annual Fiestas Patrias Parade on Sunday, September 20th. The parade begins at 11:00 AM at the corner of Broadway and Benton Street in downtown Aurora and brings the community together for a vibrant celebration.

Visitors can enjoy colorful floats, music, dancing and community groups as the parade makes its way through downtown. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Aurora’s diverse culture and enjoy a fun morning with family and friends.

Learn more about the event HERE.

So get out there and make the most of the last few days of summer with lots of local fun and plenty of memories along the way!