Join us for the first-ever Foxtober at the McHenry Riverwalk District on Saturday, October 17 from 10 AM–4 PM!
Bring the family, shop local, carve a pumpkin, and celebrate fall at Foxtober!
Click here for more info on the Pumpkin Carving Contest.
FOXTOBER VENDORS
Shop 55+ local artisans, makers, and small businesses throughout the Riverwalk District.
Our full vendor list will become available on October 16th!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
El Vado and Stix & Noodles | 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
Foxhole Pizza | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
AteaCo Coffee & Tea | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Stop by for lunch and enjoy food from El Vado, Stix & Noodles and Foxhole Pizza and a refreshing, fall beverage from AteaCo Coffee and Tea!
ENTERTAINMENT
Sundown Entertainment | Throughout the Day From 10:00AM-4:00pm
Enjoy live entertainment from Sundown Entertainment while you shop and explore the Riverwalk.
Whirly Girls | Beginning at 11:30 AM
Catch performances from the Whirly Girls beginning at 11:00 AM and continuing on the hour throughout the event.
LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
Live Maker Demonstrations | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
11:00 AM – How to Make a Fall Bouquet | jh Events & Flowers
12:00 PM – Scarecrow Building | Adam’s Memorials and Memorable Gifts
1:00 PM – Candle Making | Hello Darling Books & Beyond
FOXTOBER EVENT GUIDES
Pick up a Foxtober sheet at the Riverwalk Shoppes or one of the event sheet stations. Use it to discover special deals, promotions, and activities happening at businesses throughout McHenry. Pick up at any McHenry Riverwalk Shop or at any “take one” station.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Stop by the fall photo area near the river for a picture and enjoy the autumn scenery along the Riverwalk.
Foxtober Pumpkin Carving Contest
Enter the Foxtober Pumpkin Carving Contest for a chance to win cash prizes! Bring a pumpkin from home or purchase one from Harms Farm and carve it at our station, sponsored by Cedarhurst Senior Living of McHenry.
Register by 4:00 PM on October 17. Winners will be announced at 5:00 PM, followed by the community pumpkin display from 4:00–9:00 PM.
How Do I Enter the Pumpkin Carving Contest?
Pumpkins can be entered anytime between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 17.
To enter, you must complete a registration form at the Pumpkin Carving Station, sponsored by Cedarhurst Senior Living of McHenry. A registration form is required even if you carved your pumpkin at home.
Didn’t bring a pumpkin? No problem! Harms Farm will be selling pumpkins on site next to the carving station, so you can purchase a pumpkin, carve it at the event, and enter it into the contest.
4:00 PM is the absolute deadline to register and enter your pumpkin. No late entries will be accepted.
What Are the Pumpkin Contest Rules?
Pumpkins must be hand carved or hand painted only to be eligible for a cash prize. Pumpkins may not include additional decorations, embellishments, or other materials.
Foxtober is a family-friendly event. All pumpkins and artwork should be appropriate for all ages. Event organizers reserve the right to refuse or remove any entry deemed inappropriate or unsuitable for the event.
How Will the Pumpkins Be Judged?
Three judges will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age group.
Winners will be announced at 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 17 and will be contacted using the information provided on their registration form.
What Are the Pumpkin Contest Age Groups and Prizes?
Ages 1–9
1st Place: $50
2nd Place: $25
3rd Place: $15
Ages 10–18
1st Place: $75
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25
Ages 19+
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $75
3rd Place: $50
What Happens to the Pumpkins After the Contest?
Following the contest, the Riverwalk will be illuminated with the community’s pumpkins from 4:00–9:00 PM.
LED tea lights will be provided if you do not have your own.
If you enter a pumpkin, you are responsible for picking it up after the event. Pumpkins can be picked up anytime after 9:00 PM Saturday or all day Sunday, October 18. Any pumpkins left behind will be disposed of during the day on Monday, October 19.
Can I Bring My Own Pumpkin to Carve?
Yes! You can bring your own pumpkin and carve it at the Riverwalk or bring a pumpkin you have already carved at home to enter into the contest.
If you need a pumpkin, Harms Farm will be selling pumpkins on site next to the carving station.
What Time Does the Pumpkin Display Start?
The community pumpkin display will be illuminated from 4:00–9:00 PM following Foxtober.
Come back after the daytime festivities to see the Riverwalk lit up with pumpkins along the riverfront.
Where Can I Park?
Parking is available in the City of McHenry’s municipal parking lots throughout downtown.
Please note: Municipal Lot 13 will be closed for vendor unloading until approximately 9:45 AM on Saturday. Please do not park in Lot 13 during vendor setup.
Click here to view the City of McHenry Downtown Public Parking Map
Please help us keep parking available for customers and event attendees by using designated municipal parking areas.
What Is the Foxtober Mystery Bag?
The Foxtober Mystery Bags are sold out!
If you purchased a Mystery Bag, pickup is from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM near the Riverwalk Shoppes at the stairs closest to the river.
Be sure to bring the QR code that was sent to you after your purchase.
Is Foxtober Family-Friendly?
Yes! Foxtober is a family-friendly fall event with activities for all ages, including pumpkin carving, live entertainment, demonstrations, shopping, food, and more.
Do I Have to Pay to Attend Foxtober?
No! Foxtober is free to attend. Come shop, explore, enjoy the entertainment, and participate in the community activities throughout the day.
Please note that individual vendors, food purchases, pumpkins, and other activities may have their own costs.
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EVENT SPONSORS
