This page will be updated with more information closer to the event.
Can I bring outside drinks?
No outside food or drink may be brought into the Fall Fest food/beverage area. Sealed water bottles only.
No alcoholic beverages allowed outside of the food/beverage area.
What bags are permitted?
Only clear or small bags, such as purses, will be allowed in. Bags will be searched.
Can I bring lawn chairs for the concerts?
Lawn seating is available at the Main Stage. You may bring your own chairs and blankets.
Are pets allowed?
The Des Plaines Park District allows family pets (maximum of two under the control of each person) to access public areas outside of main fenced within the Fall Fest area. Unless the animal is a service animal, no pets would be allowed in the main fenced Fall Fest area.
Definition: Family pet means any dog that is individually trained to obey its handler. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not family pets for the purpose of this definition.
Permission: A family pet is not permitted in public areas on Fall Fest property if either of the following conditions exists:
1. The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it; or
2. The animal is not house-broken.
A family pet shall have a harness, leash, or other tether and must be always be under the handler’s control (e.g. voice controls, hand signals or other effective means).
Family pets must be under the control of their owner(s) and/or handler(s) at all times.
What is the policy regarding service animals?
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Des Plaines Park District allows service animals to access public areas within the Fall Fest.
Definition: Service animal means any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purpose of this definition.
Permission: A service animal is not permitted in public areas on Des Plaines Park District property if either of the following conditions exists:
1. The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it; or
2. The animal is not house-broken.
A service animal shall have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless the handler is unable to use a harness, leash or other tether because of a disability, or unless the use of a harness, leash or tether would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler’s control (e.g. voice controls, hand signals or other effective means).
Service animals must be in their official roles and under control at all times.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not allowed in the food court, dining, or main stage areas.
Where is parking available?
Abbott lot secured and will be locked at midnight. Park District staff will be based at the front of the gates controlling traffic flow. Police will also be stationed at each entrance and monitoring the lot during the event times.
Additional parking available at Lakeview Center, and Lake Park. Crossing guards will be present to assist pedestrians across Lee Street.
Where are the accessible parking spaces?
ADA-compliant accessible parking is available in the lot on Touhy Ave., on the street on Lee St., and in the Lakeview Center parking lot. No prior permit is needed for using this lot; parking is first come first serve. Visitors with certain disabilities may not be able to attend events safely unless they can park in these spaces. Please only park in the marked spaces if someone traveling in your vehicle qualifies for the parking placard or disability plate.
Where is the Fall Fest Operation Command Center located?
The Des Plaines Park District Operation Command Center has a tent located at the North Entrance with a different appearance than the others. This tent is identified as the “Information and Lost & Found Tent.” Operations for the Fall Fest will be coordinated from the Operation Command Center. This tent will be continuously staffed.
Park District staff coordinate and operate the day-to-day operations of the event, including alcohol sales, entertainment and amusements. The Chamber of Commerce coordinates food vendors and sponsors. Staff will assist with coordination and will supervise key positions.
Where is first aid located?
A small first aid station is handled by Park District staff at the Information Tent. Anything requiring more serious attention will be called into the Police Command Post and 911.
Where are washrooms located?
Washrooms (i.e. portable privies) are provided containing hand sanitizer (see map for locations). Handwashing stations equipped with adequate supplies of liquid soap and paper towels are provided next to the washroom
Where is the lost and found located?
Guests can find lost items at the Information and Lost & Found Tent at the North Entrance.
Fall Fest Map
The map of the Fall Fest grounds can be found HERE.
How can I contact Fall Fest?
You can email us at FallFest@DesPlainesHistory.org. The inbox will be monitored leading up to the event.