As the days grow cooler, the Lake County Forest Preserves has planned a variety of entertainment as part of SeptOberFest at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Music by local artists, events and programs will take place Wednesdays and Thursdays through the end of October.

Lakeside fire pits and free firewood are available on a first come, first served basis. S'mores kits are also on hand for purchase.

Throughout SeptOberFest, the Beer Garden at Independence Grove is open 5–9 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 1–9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The venue features an array of  local craft beers on tap from Lake County breweries. Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, cold brew coffee and packaged snacks are also available. Beer flights and tastings will be included in the lineup this fall.

"The beer garden has been a very popular place to enjoy the outdoors," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "The scenic venue overlooking a 129-acre lake provides a fantastic opportunity for family fun as we move into fall."

Musical Entertainment (6:30–8 pm)

• Ryan Lindsey performs acoustic covers of classic rock, pop and country on September 6.
• National slide guitar champion Kraig Kenning plays on September 7 and 21 and October 5 and 19.
• Singer and guitarist James Bruebach will perform September 13.
• Mariachi Viva Jalisco, a mariachi trio, performs September 14 in advance of Mexican Independence Day.
• Singer, songwriter Brett Ratner plays acoustic guitar on September 20.
• Todd Donnelly plays steel drums on October 11 and 18.
• Vocalist, guitarist Liz Berg performs solo pop rock on October 12.  

Programs

• Trivia Night takes place from 6–7 pm, September 27.
• Meet the brewmaster from Harbor Brewing from 6:30–8 pm, September 28.
• Enjoy a guided walk from 5:30–7 pm, October 4 at Independence Grove during Hike & Hops and relax by a bonfire. Registration required.
• Take a guided walk from 5–6:30 pm, October 25 at Independence Grove during Hike & Hops and enjoy a bonfire. Registration required.
• Meet the brewmaster from Phase Three Brewing from 6:30–8 pm, October 26.

Independence Grove Entrance Fee and Beer Garden Details

• Entrance is free for Lake County residents. Nonresidents are charged $12 on weekends and holidays.
• For weather and entertainment updates, view status map here.
• Pack a picnic and bring your own blanket and lawn chairs.
• Group rates and reservations are available at the beer garden. Email IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org for details and pricing.

Pets Not Permitted

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at 847-968-3110.

Directions

The entrance to Independence Grove is located on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road in Libertyville.

Media Contact: Stephanie Bosack, Event Operations Manager, sbosack@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3474

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