10 Bloomington-Normal IL Fall Events & Attractions You Don't Want to Miss

Oct 8

Fall is a great time to explore all that Bloomington-Normal IL has to offer! With the leaves changing and the air getting cooler, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. From grabbing a warm drink and exploring the great outdoors to visiting local attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the fall. Here are a few of our favorite Bloomington-Normal IL fall events. And if you need a fun place to stay while in the area, be sure to book House of Games!

1. Rader Family Farms

Rader Family Farms is the perfect fall destination for the whole family! With plenty of fun activities like apple blasting, barrel sliding, and corn ball, everyone will find something to enjoy. You can also explore their 10-acre corn maze, and don't forget to try their delicious pumpkin donuts and famous apple cider slushy!

2. Ropp Roundup at Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm

When it comes to Bloomington-Normal IL fall events, you really can’t beat supporting local farmers. Come to Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm for a free day of fun once a year! Activities include wagon rides, facility tours, face painting with The Zoo Lady, balloon creations by Aaron’s Balloons, food trucks and more.

3. Wild Harvest Honey Farm

Come and explore this buzzing honey farm! With a variety of fall decor on sale, and a raw honey bar, it's the perfect place to spend an autumn afternoon. The farm is open Thursdays & Fridays 1 pm-5 pm and two Saturdays a month.

4. Funk's Grove & Sugar Grove Nature Center

Looking for a fun and educational nature outing? Sugar Grove Nature Center is an ideal spot for a fall event in Bloomington-Noraml! Located in historic Funks Grove, the nature center offers interpretive exhibits, live animals, 5 miles of hiking trails, and much more. Kids will especially love the Imagination Grove Nature Play Area, where they can explore, play in the creek, and climb trees. Other features of the nature center include a picnic shelter, astronomy observatory, blacksmith forge, corn crib prairie lookout, and a variety of gardens.

5. Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market

Looking for fresh, locally grown produce? The Farmers' Market is your perfect destination in the fall months! Open every Saturday from 7:30am-Noon in Museum Square, you'll find an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers, and more. Don't miss your chance to shop before the season ends.

6. ISU Horticulture Center

Come explore, learn, and engage at Illinois State University's Horticulture Center for a Bloomington-Normal fall activity you won’t forget. With a variety of gardens and a sunflower maze, it's the perfect place to enjoy the fall colors. The children's enchanted garden is perfect for little ones to explore, play in fairy houses, or find a quiet place to sit.

7. Evergreen Cemetery Walk

Looking to get a taste of McLean County history? Every fall, the Evergreen Cemetery Walk features costumed actors portraying different individuals from the county's past. With 201 different characters featured to date, there's sure to be someone whose story speaks to you. Plus, the event takes place on the beautiful grounds of Evergreen Memorial Cemetery – making it a perfect way to spend a fall day.

8. Haunted Trail

Fall events in Bloomington-Normal IL wouldn’t be complete without some Halloween-themed fun. Two weekends in October, come prepared to be spooked by sound and lighting effects, spooky creatures, and displays! The Constitution Trail provides the perfect setting for a Haunted Trail.

9. Bruegala

Looking for a fun way to support the community? Check out Bruegala, a local charity beer festival hosted by the Bloomington-Normal Jaycees. Since its inception, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for multiple charities in the area. In 2019 alone, Bruegala raised over $40,000 for charities right in the community. So come out, have some fun, and support a good cause!

10. Sugar Creek Arts Festival

If you're looking for a fun (and free!) fall event in Bloomington-Normal IL, look no further than the Sugar Creek Arts Festival. With over 100 artists, two live music stages, and food trucks, there's something for everyone! The festival was first held in 1983 by the Town of Normal. What started as 16 artists selling from the trunks of their cars has now grown into a nationally recognized event, attracting over 20,000 attendees each year.

11. Treat Feast

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Uptown Normal's annual trick-or-treat event! Businesses will be open and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Ghosts and ghouls of the kiddie variety will be filling the streets in a safe and fun setting.

12. Festival of Trees

End the season of fall events in Bloomington-Normal with this long-standing community tradition that raises funds to support the Baby Fold's children's programs. The Festival of Trees is a holiday event that features over 500 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses. You can bid on your favorites in the mobile auction, visit the charming cookie and coffee shops, see Santa in his workshop, pick up a Christmas craft bag for the kids, enjoy a delicious Avanti's dinner while enjoying live music, and more!

Make House of Games Your Place to Stay for Fall Events in Bloomington-Normal IL

If you’re visiting Bloomington-Normal during fall events season, make your stay a blast by booking House of Games—the best vacation rental for maximizing your fun. With arcade games, video game consoles, digital board games, and lots of space, you’re guaranteed to have a great time in the area whether you’re out on the town or hanging back at the house. Book today!

Ryan Curtis