Park Ridge Trucktoberfest is Saturday, Sept. 19

It’s that time of year again. The Park Ridge Park District’s Trucktoberfest is your chance to come celebrate everything we love about Oktoberfest — and the fall season in general. This year’s event, held in Hodges Park, will run from 12-9 p.m. and offer an assortment of beer and food from local food trucks from 12-9 p.m. The children’s activities area (inflatables, petting zoo, games, crafts, face painting, hay play zone, etc.) will run from noon-6 p.m. with a $10 wristband per child.

Competitions include adult and child stein-holding contests at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and a strudel-eating contest at 2 p.m.

The ceremonial tapping of the keg happens at 12:30, and the Ascension Dance Team will perform at 12:35. A DJ (noon-7 p.m.) will give way to the Jolly Ringwalds (7-8:30 p.m.).

Hodges Park is located at 101 Courtland Ave. in Park Ridge.

Sketchbook Brewing’s sixth annual Oktoberfest Sept. 18-20

Sketchbook Brewing’s annual Oktoberfest celebration will take place Sept. 18-20 at their Skokie taproom. This free event will boast live music, stein-hoisting and hammerschlagen competitions, a variety of food truck options, giant soft pretzels and, of course, plenty of fresh Oktoberfest beer.

4901 Main Street in Skokie. More info: SketchbookBrewing.com

Chicago Gourmet Sept. 23-27

It’s time to skip lunch, because one of the nation’s top culinary festivals, Chicago Gourmet, returns September 23-27 with a combination of award-winning chefs, delicious food, master sommeliers, acclaimed winemakers, premium spirits, a gorgeous setting, and plenty of music to keep the party going.

Chicago Gourmet has something for every taste during a stacked lineup of events on the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park. For tickets and more information, visit ChicagoGourmet.org

Rosemont’s Rosetober Fest at Parkway Bank Park Sept. 26

A fun and festive Saturday is lined up from 12-6 p.m. in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park on Sept. 26. Expect live authentic music from Paloma, German dancing by the Society of Danube Swabians Youth Group, plenty of fun competitions, and even live wood carving. The star of the show, however, might just be Crust Brewing’s Crustoberfest, their signature Oktoberfest brew.

The Parkway Bank Park venues will be selling food and drinks, dishing up their own fun twist on German cuisine (as well as some of their regular favorites). There will be picnic tables set up, but feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets.

Parking for Rosetoberfest is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues. 5501 Park Place in Rosemont. ParkwayBankPark.com

First annual Pumpkin Palooza in Park Ridge Oct. 3

An exciting new family-friendly event is heading our way courtesy of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Pumpkin Palooza will take over the Park Ridge Farmers Market lot on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 4-10:30 p.m. Get ready for an evening of live entertainment, an assortment of food from local restaurants, beverages, artisans, and loads of activities for the kids like bounce houses, face painting and more. Visit ParkRidgeChamber.org for more information.

Olson’s Ace Hardware Harvest Fest Oct. 10

Olson’s Ace Hardware in the Village Green Plaza on Northwest Highway will be hosting their annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 3-7 p.m. Come enjoy a family-friendly evening of food, music, artisans, and activities to celebrate the best of autumn. A $10 wristband to the kid zone includes inflatables, face painting, crafts, glitter tattoos, pumpkin patch, caricature artists, pony rides, wall climbing and more. Make a $5 donation and receive a complimentary tote bag and 20% off everything you can fit in the bag that day at Olson’s Ace Hardware. Proceeds benefit Advocate Children’s Hospital. Parking will be available on the south side of Village Green Plaza. 700 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge.

Harp & Fiddle Chili Cook-Off Oct. 11

Think you make the best chili in town? It’s time to prove it at Harp & Fiddle’s annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, Oct 11 from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring your best recipe, your secret ingredients, and your competitive spirit and go up against the best in town. Or just come as a patron and enjoy more than a dozen chili options, as well as beer, wine, and spirit tastings throughout the day, and then stick around for a Bears vs. Packers watch party afterward. If you’re interested in competing, you must register by Sept. 25 (call or text 847-312-6272). Tickets available at the door. 110 Main Street in Park Ridge. TheHarpAndFiddle.com

Spirits of Park Ridge Prohibition-style fundraiser Oct. 24

Step back into the shadows of Prohibition, when gangsters ruled, spirits flowed, and secrets were whispered. Join the Pennies for Pennyville non-profit on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 6-10 p.m. for an unforgettable night of Prohibition-era cocktails, fine wine, exclusive raffles, and ghostly tales all in support of the Maine Township Food Pantry. To purchase tickets, visit PenniesForPennyville.com

High School Halloween fundraiser from the Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club Oct. 29

Come dressed as your stylish high school self — or your high schooler — on Thursday, Oct. 29 for what figures to be a fun night of raising funds for the Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. at Harp & Fiddle’s Studio 108 space and will include bar-style trivia, a fortune teller, costume contest, games, and more. A $40 minimum donation includes two drinks and light appetizers. Visit MSParentsScholarshipClub.org for tickets.

Park Ridge Park District’s walk through Trunk or Treat Oct. 30

Save the date for some spooktacular fun at the annual Park Ridge Park District Trunk or Treat event, which will be held Friday, Oct. 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. Held in the Centennial Fitness Center parking lot, local businesses and organizations create a maze of themed trunks filled with treats and surprises for kids. The registration deadline for families to partake is Oct. 24, so don’t miss out. Cost is $15/$20 per family. Visit PRParks.org for more information and to register.

Harp Wine and Art event Nov. 14

Swing by Harp & Fiddle’s Studio 108 event space and sample more than 100 wines, bourbons and other spirits — plus enjoy light bites and an array of art and handmade gifts — at this annual event on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets ($40) are available at the door. 110 Main Street in Park Ridge.

Oakton Driving Range reopened Sept. 9

In case you haven’t heard, the Park Ridge Park District announced that the long-awaited reopening of the Oakton Driving Range happened on Sept. 9. In addition to new poles and netting and restored grounds, golfers will notice improvements to the admissions building and restrooms, as well as new dividers in the hitting bays. Limited concessions will be available, and Harp and Fiddle will offering alcoholic beverages for sale in the evenings and on weekends.