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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Save The Date for this year's Hoot on October 17, 2026

The City of Des Plaines hosts Harvest Hoot at Oakton College every October, which includes 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, food trucks, and more.

Family Activities

Touch a Truck Experience at Harvest Hoot - Climb into the drivers seat, snap some photos, and explore a variety of vehicles up close!

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. 

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. 

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.

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

Harvest Market

Shop from a wide array of vendors at the Harvest Market! Visit the 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.).

Please check back soon for the artisan lineup. 

 

Schedule of Events

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 a variety of 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.

 

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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