As summer fades, Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville comes alive with SeptOberfest, a mix of music, food and good company.

Every Wednesday and Thursday evening in September and October, enjoy performances by local musicians and take part in free themed programs and activities.

“SeptOberfest brings people together,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “It’s a chance to relax outdoors, enjoy local music and celebrate the beauty of the season.”

Gather around lakeside fire pits—firewood is free while it lasts—and toast marshmallows with s’mores kits available for purchase. Relish Cafe offers light dinners and snacks for delivery to your table at the Beer Garden.

The Beer Garden at Independence Grove rounds out the experience. Open 5–9 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 1–9 pm on weekends, it highlights local craft breweries with rotating taps, plus wine, cider, cold brew, nonalcoholic drinks and packaged snacks. 

Exclusive brews are still available at the Beer Garden. We partnered with Harbor Brewing Co. to create two limited-edition beers inspired by the Heroes & Villains exhibition at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Heroes is a blueberry golden ale with a hint of natural sweetness and a bold blue hue from blue spirulina. Villains is a cherry hibiscus golden ale with bright cherry flavor and a vibrant red color.

Musical Entertainment (6–7:30 pm)

• The Up Down, an acoustic trio, performs Wednesday, September 3.
• Solo guitarist Liz Berg plays pop rock music on Thursday, September 4.
• Ryan Lindsey will perform classic rock, country and pop on Wednesday, September 10.
• Donna Brooks & Ironwood present contemporary and folk-rock-Americana on Thursday, September 11.
• International de Oro performs mariachi on Wednesday, September 17.
• Despina blends bluegrass on Thursday, September 25.
• Solo guitarist Liz Berg plays pop rock music on Wednesday, October 1.
• Steel drums performer Todd Donnelly entertains on Thursday, October 2.
• The Up Down, an acoustic trio, performs on Wednesday, October 8.
• Mojo Daddies play rock, pop and blues on Thursday, October 9.
• Rock 'n' roll duo Billy Nixon & Steve Menke specialize in '50s and '60s on Wednesday, October 15.
• Ryan Lindsey will present classic rock, country and pop on Thursday, October 16.
• Women-led bluegrass group Fox Crossing Stringband plays on Wednesday, October 22.
• From folk to rock classics, Jimmy Carroll delivers acoustic covers on Thursday, October 23.
• Donna Brooks & Ironwood present contemporary and folk-rock-Americana on Wednesday, October 29.
• Megan Lick entertains with acoustic renditions of well-known favorites alongside overlooked deep cuts on Thursday, October 30.

Programs

• Enjoy Hike & Hops from 6–7:30 pm on Thursday, September 11 and learn facts about nature. Registration required.
• Sunset Yoga on the beach runs from 6–7 pm, on Thursday, September 18, for beginners. Registration required. 
• Trivia Night takes place 5:30–7 pm, Wednesday, September 24. No Registration. Arrive on time for a spot.
• Enjoy Hike & Hops on Wednesday, October 8 from 5–6:30 pm and learn facts about nature. Registration required.

Independence Grove Entrance Fee and Beer Garden Details

• Vehicle parking is free for Lake County residents.  
• For weather and entertainment updates, view status map here.
• Group rates and reservations are available at the Beer Garden. Email [email protected] for details.

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. 

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