Wait, it's just now officially fall? All those fall festivals every weekend in September were just a warm-up round? Well, good thing those apple-picking and corn-mazing muscles are warmed up, because this weekend delivers the harvest season fun in a big way. Fall Fest kicks off this weekend at Lincoln Park Zoo, fall colors explode (literally) at Bolingbrook's fireworks-and-foliage Fall Fest celebration, and fall festivals swing into action in Downers Grove and Oak Park. But holding onto a last breath of summer is encouraged at the Indian Summer Festival in Woodridge.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar opens at the Chicago Children's Theater this weekend with 75 oversize puppets acting out the classic tale. Meanwhile, family-friendly music performances run all weekend at the world-class Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

The big Oktoberfest party at St. Alphonsus hosts a special Kinderfest both days, or if gyoza is more your taste than oompah, head to the World Dumpling Fest at Navy Pier. Treat the family pooch to a fun day of dog-friendly activities and fun at Barkapalooza, or bring your favorite pint-sized Jedi to Star Wars Reads Day.

And those are just the highlights! For more ideas, see our roundup below or check out our ever-expanding event calendar.