Harvest Hoot

Two young boys and an older man pose with Oakley, the Oakton College owl mascot, inside an inflatable corn maze at the City of Des Plaines annual Harvest Hoot.

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Two young girls pose together, smiling among bright yellow, red, orange, and green balloons during the City of Des Plaines annual Harvest Hoot event.

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A band performs on the Hootenanny Stage at the City of Des Plaines annual Harvest Hoot, featuring two guitarists, a violinist, and an upright bass player.

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A young boy dressed in a rainbow skeleton costume throws a ball toward a target game as his father watches nearby at the City of Des Plaines annual Harvest Hoot.

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Two pumpkin carvers pose behind a table filled with carved pumpkins, showcasing their creations at the City of Des Plaines annual Harvest Hoot.

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An exhibitor leans in for a closer look while helping participants create felt ghost crafts at the City of Des Plaines annual Harvest Hoot.

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Harvest Hoot on October 17, 2026, from Noon-4 p.m. at Oakton College

Free admission!

Join us at Oakton College for the City of Des Plaines Harvest Hoot! There will be live entertainment on two stages, an inflatable corn maze and bounce house, a live pumpkin carving demonstration, a variety of family activities (including a Touch a Truck area), a harvest artisan market with 25+ vendors, food trucks, and more!

This event is for all ages - adults can shop at the market, enjoy lunch from the food trucks, listen to live music, and visit the community booths. Families can enjoy organization sponsored activities (paint a pumpkin, crafts, etc.), participate in interactive family-friendly stage entertainment, and so much more. Everyone in the community is invited to attend and costumes are encouraged. 

Entry to the event and family activities are free. Food trucks and market vendors will have products available for purchase. Please note that no alcohol is permitted on Oakton property.

NEW HIGHLIGHTS IN 2026: We are thrilled to welcome the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to the Hoot this year! Be on the lookout for new artisan vendors to shop from, community groups to engage with, and vehicles at the Touch a Truck area to explore too. 

 

Family Activities

Touch a Truck Experience - Climb into the driver's seat, snap some photos, and explore a variety of vehicles up close including a police squad car, garbage truck, tow truck, and more! Special thanks to the Des Plaines Police, Fire, EMA, and Public Works Departments, Maine Township Highway Department, Septran, Belmont-Kolmar, and LRS for providing this experience.

The Wienermobile is coming to Harvest Hoot! Take a picture with this American icon and sing the Oscar Mayer theme song for all to hear. Free giveaways while supplies last. 

We'll have a giant inflatable corn maze that all ages will have fun navigating! This activity is ADA accessible. The fun continues with an inflatable bounce house and yard games. Play in the inflatable bubble as balloons whirl past! This is sure to be the perfect fall photo op. 

Stop by the Wings and Talons booth for a Squawk and Gawk with birds of prey and learn how these animals are an important part of our ecosystem. 

Another Pretty Face Entertainment will be on site providing FREE balloon animals for all!

Take a photo with the tallest scarecrow we could find! They'll be roaming around the event from 1-3 p.m. Multiple photo opportunities (with and without characters) will be available at the event. Bring your cameras and your smiles! 

Watch a professional food carver create two pumpkin sculptures live at the event. Be amazed as the artist carves intricate details into everyday pumpkins. 

Enjoy a variety of live entertainment on two stages including live music and family-friendly performances. A country bluegrass band, science show, drum circle, and more! Move The Beat will even teach you how to country line dance! See the entertainment schedule tab for the full lineup. 

Get creative and paint a pumpkin! Pie pumpkins will be available to decorate for children. This activity is while supplies last.

Visit the community booths for fun activities, giveaways, and more! 

Harvest Market

Shop from a wide array of vendors at the Harvest Market! Visit these artisans for delicious treats, handmade products, jewelry, and more. Market will be open from 12-4 p.m. and vendors will accept a variety of payment methods (cash, card, Venmo, PayPal, etc.). With 65% of the following vendors located in Des Plaines, you are shopping local and supporting your neighbors!

Withlovebyamalia - Personalized items, holiday gift bags, hot chocolate glasses, and more

The Crafty Corner - Jewelry

Wongami Designs - Paper flower art and 3D pet portraits

Rose Likes Crochet - Handmade crochet items including toys, bags, kitchen accessories, and more

Refreshingly Bold Creations - Faux leather accessories and paper floral arrangements

The Pretzel Place - Gourmet chocolate dipped pretzels including gluten free options

Fabulous Flowers and Finds - Fresh flowers and floral holiday decor

Firesign Crystal Jewelry - Crystal and seashell jewelry

Art Worth Sharing - Paint by Color kits, greeting cards, stickers, and more

Snackified - Freeze dried candies, fruits, veggies, foods, and more

Wild Grove Bakery - Gourmet and seasonal cookies

Betty Who Crochets - Crocheted characters and stress balls, stickers

Pie O'Clock - Assorted fillings and flavors of pies, pie drops, and tea

Love, Your Diamond Girl - Assorted diamond art items including greeting cards, keychains, coasters, and more

Crafty Cottage - Casserole cozies, paintable plaster kits, cat toys, Halloween bags, and more

SJM WoodXwork - Wooden cutting and serving boards, utensils, bowls, boxes, and more

Lolli-Lyn's Confectionery - Sweet breads, sourdough breads, focaccia breads, cookies, and more

Chef Seba - Sourdough breads

Dulce's Crafted Creations - Custom cups, unique tumblers, and more 

TNW Creative Edge - Handmade fused glass succulents and magnets

LP Designs - LED nightlights, wood decor, acrylic serving trays, and more

Nava Sisters Creations - Handmade beaded items including pens, jewelry, keychains, and more

Angels and Dragons Emporium - Crystals, jewelry, incense, sage, jewelry, and more 

Grandma Dan's Bakery - Gourmet cookies and cookies mixes

Evaz Bead Designs - Handmade crystal and gemstone jewelry, custom bracelets available

Flavor Chain Peppers - Variety of hot sauces and spicy condiments 

Entertainment Schedule

Lil' Hoot Stage

12:15 - 1 p.m. The Physics Dimension Spooky Science Show

This fun, educational science show is perfect for kids 4-14! See the creepy side of science like rolling fog, spooky sounds, extreme cold, and more. 

1:15 - 2 p.m. Jared the Juggler

Prepare to be amazed at this autumn themed variety show! All ages can expect a fun show full of audience participation, zany props, and lots of laughs.

3 - 4 p.m. Rhythm Revolution Drum Circle

You don't want to miss this interactive musical show! Join Rhythm Revolution and become an instant musician with various instruments to choose from. Groove to the beat and enjoy this rhythmic experience as you drum together with people of all ages.

Hootenanny Stage

12-4 p.m.The Bootleggers

Back by popular demand, enjoy a foot-tapping country, roots-rock concert by The Bootleggers! Dancing is encouraged, and the band will have three sets throughout the day for a full line up of live entertainment. 

Get on your feet to learn how to country line dance with local dance studio Move The Beat! Instructors will show you how to boot scootin' boogie step-by-step so that you can dance along to the music the entire afternoon. 

Schedule of Events:

12-4 p.m. Pumpkin carving demonstration, harvest artisan market, stage entertainment, inflatable corn maze, balloon twisting, food trucks, Touch a Truck, and organization sponsored activities. 

12-3 p.m. Wings and Talons Squawk and Gawk

Meet birds of prey and learn about their role in our ecosystem. 

1-3 p.m. Take a photo with the tallest scarecrow we could find! They'll be roaming around the event from 1-3 p.m.

 

Food Trucks

Check back soon for the food truck lineup!

We sincerely appreciate your patience, as you may experience longer wait times at this highly popular event. Food service ends at 4 p.m. Food vendors may cutoff their queue lines to ensure those in line are served before the event ends. 

In addition to trash waste bins, we will have composting and recycling bins available. Visit the WasteNot booth to sort your food scraps, serving containers, soda cans, and more!

Directions and Parking

Oakton College is located at 1600 E. Golf Rd., Des Plaines, 60016. Follow Circle Drive and directional signage towards Lot A. Event will be held in Lot A. 

Parking is available in Lots A and D. There is no parking allowed in the lanes of, grassy areas, or unpaved areas on College or Circle Drives. Accessible parking for the event is located in Lot A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a free event?

Yes, all family activities and stage entertainment are free. Food trucks and artisans will have food and goods available for purchase.

Where can I park?

Lot A on Oakton College campus will be the closest event parking. Lot D is available for overflow parking, and there is an accessible path around the pond to access the event.

Is there accessible parking?

Accessible parking spaces are available in the first row of Lot A. Please have your parking placard available to show the parking attendant. 

What are the event hours?

Saturday, October 17, from noon to 4 p.m.

What if it rains?

The event will be held rain or shine. Harvest Hoot will operate as normal until our Public Safety Team deems there is a severe weather threat. In the event of a cancellation, the City will share communications on our website and Facebook page. 

Can I bring my dog?

Pets are discouraged at this event with the exception of service animals.

 

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