Lombard families can grab a free pumpkin, pet some animals and help stock a local food pantry at the Lombard Park District's annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The event runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Four Seasons park, a new venue for the festival. Fall Fest was previously held at Lombard Common on East St. Charles Road. Admission is free.

Activities include games, dancing, face painting, a candy hunt, a petting zoo and food trucks, according to a Lombard Park District press release. Each child can pick one pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to take home. The park district board also approved Poupee Puf Mobile Cotton Candy as a vendor for the event at its Jan. 27 meeting.

Program Manager Danielle Scarpiniti said in the district's August announcement that the event brings the community together around food, animals and games for the whole family.

Food drive returns

The Lombard Park District asks families to bring a food or monetary donation if they can. Contributions go to The Outreach House, a Lombard nonprofit at 805 S. Main St.

The food drive is a Fall Fest tradition stretching back years. The district's 2025 year-in-review report shows last year's event drew 2,500 participants and collected 100 pounds of food and $379 in cash for The Outreach House. Board minutes from 2021 also reference the annual food drive as a Fall Fest staple.

Organizers are looking for volunteers to help with setup, games and the donation table. Residents can contact the park district at (630) 627-1281 or visit the Lombard Park District's website for details.

More to do Saturday, Oct. 3

Fall Fest is not the only free option in Lombard that day. The Butterfield Park District hosts its Fall Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Glen, Butterfield Road and Route 53, with more than 20 local crafters and live music, according to the Daily Herald.

The Lombard Park District and the Lombard Historical Society also host a cemetery walk on Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Pre-registration is required.