Chicago's suburbs are gearing up for a series of pumpkin-themed events this October. These include the Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival, and Jack-O-Lantern World. All to eagerly mark, the arrival of the fall season and Halloween.

Reported by NBC Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns. From October 11-15 and 18-22 in Glencoe, this event features over 1,000 pumpkins carved by professional artists. The event also offers carving demonstrations, costumed entertainers, and other surprises for family-friendly fun.

On October 5, the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival begins, running through October 8. Now in its 13th year, the festival hopes to set a world record with "Most jack-o'-lanterns on display." In addition to pumpkin carving, there will be live music, pet and children's costume contests, and a pumpkin pie-eating contest, among many other activities.

In Lake Zurich and Lemont, Jack-O-Lantern World boasts a display of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins from renowned artisans. The event is scheduled to open on October 6 and will continue to bring its excitement to till October 29. This family-friendly event offers a mile-long walking trail filled with uniquely carved pumpkins, with required paid reservations.

Other than these dedicated pumpkin events, there are several other fall attractions in suburban Chicago. Patch Illinois lists Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago, Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm in Waukegan, and Didier Farms in Lincolnshire as excellent pumpkin patches and corn mazes to visit during the season.

All of these boost the the area's vast array of fall-focused activities and events. For both children and adults alike, these offer a fantastic chance to engage with local businesses and explore the season's charm. So dust off your carving tools, for your chance it’s at stake enjoy these festivals and share in the love of autumn. Happy carving!