Photo: Neil Beeson
Here are some of the best end-of-summer events to explore in Kankakee County.
September along the Kankakee River offers that perfect blend of late-summer warmth and the first hints of fall. With school back in session, the pace of life shifts into a calmer rhythm, but weekends still bring plenty of opportunities for families to get outside and make memories together.
It’s a time when communities across this corner of the Midwest host outdoor festivals, live entertainment, and cultural celebrations that help ease the transition from summer fun to fall traditions. Whether you’re drawn to history, music, carnival rides, or quirky community contests, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season.
French Heritage Day at The Grove in Bourbonnais
One of the most unique cultural events in the county, French Heritage Day brings the history of Bourbonnais to life in an interactive and family-friendly way. Hosted at The Grove with the help of the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society, this festival blends education with entertainment, making it a perfect outing for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.
Visitors can see history enthusiasts portray explorers like Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette, as well as daily life in the French colonial period. Storytelling, traditional music, and live performances showcase how deeply French roots shaped our community.
Stage performances, cultural dance troupes, and community pageants highlight the rich and diverse history of Bourbonnais in a way that is both engaging and interactive. Families are encouraged to bring wagons and lawn chairs for the evening shows, which combine theater, music, and even audience participation. With food and drink vendors available, it’s easy to make a full day of the experience. The best part? Admission is free, making this event accessible for everyone.
More information can be found on the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society website.
Manteno Oktoberfest
Few things capture the spirit of small-town celebration like Manteno’s annual Oktoberfest, held every September. What began as a modest carnival and beer tent has grown into a four-day extravaganza with more than 25 carnival rides, three live music stages, and entertainment from morning until night. The event is organized by the Manteno Chamber of Commerce and shines a spotlight on the community’s businesses while welcoming visitors from all over the region.
The heart of Oktoberfest is Main Street, where families will find food vendors, artisan booths, and local bars offering beverages to the adults. Carnival rides and midway games bring excitement for kids, while parents can enjoy browsing vendors or catching live entertainment. A lighted parade adds to the festive atmosphere, and many residents also take part in the community-wide garage sales that spring up around town.
Oktoberfest balances the energy of a county fair with the charm of a downtown street festival. Whether you come for the food, the rides, or just the lively atmosphere, it’s one of those events that feels like the perfect sendoff to summer.
More information can be found on the Manteno Chamber of Commerce website.
Scarecrow Festival Kickoff at Perry Farm
The Scarecrow Festival at Perry Farm is one of the most beloved Fall traditions in the area, and its September kickoff builds excitement throughout the community. Local businesses, schools, families, and organizations all take part by designing and displaying scarecrows, sometimes funny, sometimes spooky, and often wildly creative. Over the years, entries have included everything from cheerful Mario characters to eerie, ghostly figures that look right at home on a fall evening, giving the festival a mix of whimsy and seasonal spookiness that everyone can enjoy.
Community members can purchase voting tickets, with proceeds often benefiting local causes. Each ticket cast is both a vote and a small donation, making the contest a fun way to give back while enjoying the artistry on display. It’s not uncommon for more than a hundred scarecrows to appear, each one mounted along the long white fence that borders Perry Farm park. Dozens of scarecrows line Kennedy Drive in Bradley, creating a colorful seasonal display for everyone passing by, while the rest of the scarecrows turn inward with the fence toward the park’s 160 acres, drawing visitors in to explore the full collection.
For kids, it feels like a scavenger hunt, spotting as many scarecrows as possible, while adults can appreciate the creativity and community pride behind each design. Together, it creates one of the most charming and family-friendly traditions of the season.
More information can be found on the Bourbonnais Township Park District website.
Kankakee Estival Festival at Bird Park
Set against the scenic backdrop of Bird Park along the Kankakee River, the Estival Festival is a celebration of original art and music created right here in the community. Organized by CIRKA (Collaborative Initiative to Revive Kankakee Arts), this event is entirely donation-based and driven by local passion rather than city funding. That grassroots spirit makes it one of the most authentic cultural gatherings in the county.
The festival is all-ages and free to attend, with a lineup of musicians representing a variety of genres, from indie rock and folk to hip-hop, jazz, and everything in between. In addition to music, local artists and makers set up booths offering handmade goods, stickers, candles, and other creative wares. Food vendors keep families well-fed, and the relaxed park setting encourages everyone to spread out a blanket, bring lawn chairs, and simply enjoy the day.
What makes Estival special is its focus on originality. Rather than cover bands or mass-produced items, everything here comes from the creativity of local talent. It’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to the idea of supporting the arts, while parents can take pride in celebrating the unique culture of their hometown. And with the September weather typically mild and pleasant, the timing couldn’t be better for an outdoor day of music and art.
More information can be found on the Estival Festival website.
Looking Ahead to Fall
September in this part of the Midwest is more than just a bridge between summer and fall. It’s a chance for communities along the Kankakee River to come together and celebrate heritage, creativity, and fun. From exploring French history at The Grove in Bourbonnais, to carnival rides in Manteno, to discovering local art and music in Bird Park, families will find something for everyone. And with traditions like the Scarecrow Festival adding a whimsical touch, these events help mark the end of summer with memories that last well beyond the season.
