Septemberfest FAQ

General Festival Information

What is Septemberfest?

Septemberfest, the Village of Schaumburg's flagship event, is an outdoor festival on the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus featuring a carnival, arts & crafts show, craft beer & wine garden, entertainment on three stages — including the Main Stage, Local Stage, and Craft Beer & Wine Stage — the Taste of Schaumburg, the Taste of Schaumburg’s Not-for-Profit Day, Bingo, a Drone Show on Sunday evening, and a Labor Day parade on Monday.

Since its inception, Septemberfest has seen a consistent increase in attendance. The Labor Day celebration historically draws over 100,000 patrons with most festival attendees from Schaumburg and the surrounding communities. Our Labor Day celebration is rooted in strong support and patronage from residents of Schaumburg and the surrounding suburbs. We're delighted to also welcome attendees from across the greater Chicagoland area and beyond state lines, making Septemberfest the destination to be for Labor Day weekend!

Admission, shuttle bus service, and all general admission lawn seating for musical acts are FREE!

When is Septemberfest?

Septemberfest is held on Labor Day weekend as the unofficial closure to summer. The 55th annual Septemberfest will be held Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026.

Septemberfest hours are:
Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Monday, September 7: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Please note that hours for specific attractions and features vary.

Where is Septemberfest being held?

While the layout of the festival grounds will be different due to the municipal center construction project, Septemberfest will continue to be held in its usual location on the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus at 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg, IL 60193.

Septemberfest will be held Saturday, September 5 - Monday, September 7, 2026.

Who plans Septemberfest?

Septemberfest is the Village of Schaumburg’s flagship event. A committee of 27 professionals responsible for planning and executing the festival each year compose the Septemberfest Committee. As a municipal event, Septemberfest is supported by every department in the village, including police and fire, public works, transportation and community development, as well as more than 100 volunteers!

As we always say, it takes a village!

Is Septemberfest free to attend?

Yes! Admission to Septemberfest and all entertainment is free.

Getting Here, Parking, and Traffic Advisories

I live in a neighborhood/HOA near the festival grounds. How is parking restricted/enforced?

Several neighborhoods/HOAs near the festival grounds have restrictions on parking during festival weekend:

• Ashton Park
• Bright Ridge
• Burnley Circle
• Gatewood
• Lexington Village
• New Mills Ct.

Street parking in these neighborhoods are restricted to permit-only parking and a parking pass must be displayed. Failure to display a parking pass on posted streets will result in a citation. Parking passes are provided by Septemberfest to management companies and/or HOAs and does not provide parking passes directly to residents (with the exception of New Mills Ct. & Burnley Circle). Please contact your HOA or management company with questions about Septemberfest residential parking passes.

How will the surrounding streets be impacted by the fest?

• Summit Dr. will be closed from Stock Port Ln. to Schaumburg Rd. from Thurs., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. through Tues., Sept. 8 at 6 a.m.

• Lambert Dr. will have no access to or from Summit Dr. from Thurs., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. through Tues., Sept. 8 at 6 a.m.

• Lambert Dr. will be right-turn-only onto Schaumburg Rd. from Thurs., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. through Tues., Sept. 8 at 6 a.m.

• New Mills Ct. is right-turn-only onto Summit Dr. from Thurs., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. through Tues., Sept. 8 at 6 a.m.

• The north side of Stock Port Ln. will be a no-parking zone between Summit Dr. and Carmelhead Ln. from Thurs., Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. through Tues., Sept. 8 at 6 a.m.

• Summit Dr. will be closed on Mon., Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. from Wise Rd. to Beech Dr.

• No parking will be allowed on Beech Dr. on Mon., Sept. 7 from 7 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. for parade dismemberment.

Where is the festival entrance?

While Septemberfest does not have a formal entrance, there are several ways to access the 40-acre festival grounds:

• North: Schaumburg Rd. and Schaumburg Ct. (formerly Prairie Center Dr.), located across from the School District 54 Administrative Building and Shuttle Bus area

• East: from Plum Grove Rd., near the Main Stage

• South: from Kenilworth Dr., near the Main Stage

• West: Summit Dr., near the Arts & Crafts area

Do you have on-site parking?

Septemberfest does not offer on-site parking for the general public. While patrons can park in nearby neighborhoods not restricted to permit-only parking, Septemberfest encourages the public to utilize the free park-and-ride shuttle bus service from Schaumburg High School, James B. Conant High School and Addams Jr. High School. While unaffiliated with Septemberfest and the Village of Schaumburg, several nearby churches offer festival parking for a fee.

Do you have ADA parking?

ADA parking is available in the School District 54 parking lot located at 524 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60194 (adjacent to the shuttle bus stop) north of the festival grounds.  Enter through the west entrance of the parking lot. ADA placards or license plates must be displayed upon entry.

How do I utilize the free shuttle bus service?

The service runs from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, and
9:30 a.m –9:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7. There are several busses on each route running continuously throughout the festival hours. 

Park for free & ride from one of three locations:

• Schaumburg High School
• Conant High School
• Addams Jr. High School 

Know Before You Go:

• Shuttle Bus Service is free of charge.
• Food or open beverages are not permitted on the shuttle buses.
• The last shuttle bus departs within 20 minutes of the end of each night's activities.

For a map and more information please visit the Shuttle Bus Service page 

Are walkers, rollators, strollers, etc. allowed on the shuttle busses?

Walkers, rollators, strollers and similar devices are allowed on busses as long as they can collapse and fit within the seat area and do not block the aisle. Passengers are responsible for getting their own equipment on/off the bus. Drivers cannot assist patrons. Please note that the shuttle busses are standard school busses and are not ADA accessible. If you are a senior or have a disability, please consider taking the DART (Dial-A-Ride-Transportation) Service to and from Septemberfest. For more information, please visit the Shuttle Bus Service page

How does DART service for seniors and disabled persons work?

Call 847-352-8097 to schedule your ride.
Free DART (Dial-A-Ride-Transportation) service to and from Septemberfest is available to persons 65 and older or for those with disabilities (plus accompanying party members). Know Before You Go:

• DART is ADA accessible.

• DART picks you up at your front curb.

• Let the dispatcher know when you plan to leave the fest. If your plans change, call the dispatcher to cancel your ride or reschedule.

• If you provide a phone number to the driver, you can receive a call 10 minutes before your bus arrives.

• Rides are first come-first serve, depending on scheduling.

• Service to/from Septemberfest is available to/from anywhere within the municipal boundaries of the Village of Schaumburg.

For more information please visit the Shuttle Bus Service page 

Entertainment

Who is performing at Septemberfest?

Details about our performances will be announced on our Main Stage Entertainment page and Local Entertainment page when available. 

Are tarps, chairs, and other items allowed at the Main Stage?

You may bring your tarps, chairs, blankets and other personal items to the general admission lawn section of the Main Stage. 

Tents, canopies, umbrellas and other structures that obstruct the view of others attending the festival or may present a hazard to patrons are prohibited and will be removed and confiscated.

For VIP Ticket holders please leave your chair at home as one of the many benefits of Main Stage VIP tickets is the festival-provided seating! Please visit the Main Stage Entertainment page for more information and to purchase VIP tickets. 

Main Stage Tarp Policy:

• No items may be placed on the festival grounds prior to Saturday, September 5.
• Tarps, blankets and chairs may not be placed on the festival grounds until 6 a.m. each day.
• Tarps, blankets and chairs must be removed at the end of each night.
• Items not taken at the end of each night will be removed and discarded by the cleaning crew.
• Tarps and blankets must not exceed 10' x 12' in size.
• Stakes must be flush with the ground.
• Trip hazards will be removed by festival officials.
• Violations will result in your tarp being removed and confiscated.

What are the benefits of Main Stage VIP tickets?

Main Stage VIP tickets grant you reserved seating near the front of the Main Stage. Patrons can select their desired seats when placing their order and will find chairs waiting for them in the VIP area. Ticket holders also have access to a climate-controlled restroom near the stage, and VIP access to the Main Stage bar.

VIPs are also allowed to come-and-go as they please to allow patrons the opportunity to explore the festival.

Please go to the Main Stage Entertainment page to purchase VIP tickets.

What time does the Main Stage VIP area open?

The Main Stage VIP gate opens at 4:30 p.m. daily.

How do I purchase Main Stage VIP tickets?

For VIP tickets and information please visit the Main Stage Entertainment page. 

I can no longer attend Septemberfest. Can I receive a refund for my VIP ticket?

No. Septemberfest does not provide refunds for Main Stage VIP tickets. 

Food and Beverage

Which restaurants and vendors are participating in the Taste of Schaumburg and the Craft Beer & Wine Garden?

For participating restaurants please visit the Food & Beverage Menus page

For participating breweries and vendors please visit the Craft Beer & Wine Garden page 

Are there restaurants or vendors with vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options?

Yes! Participating Taste of Schaumburg restaurants have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free indicators next to these menu items. To check them out please visit the Food & Beverage Menus page

Attractions

What are the carnival wristband days and times?

Saturday 9/5 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.;  wristband sales end at 2 p.m. Sunday 9/6 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; wristband sales end at 1 p.m. Monday 9/7 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; wristband sales end at 1 p.m.

For more information on Carnival Hours and our Free rides for people with disabilities program please visit the Carnival page.

When is the Arts and Crafts show open?

Saturday 9/5 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 9/6 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday 9/7 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Do you have pony rides?

No, the pony rides attraction at Septemberfest has been permanently retired. We invite you to enjoy our many other family-friendly entertainment options and carnival attractions.

Why did Septemberfest replace fireworks with a drone show?

Septemberfest continually evaluates every aspect of the festival to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for the community. Recent changes to fireworks safety requirements now require significantly larger launch safety zones and buffer areas than in previous years. At our longtime launch location, these expanded safety requirements impact nearby parking and event operations, including limiting the availability of parking areas that support fundraising efforts for local churches and nonprofit organizations. In addition, mature trees between the launch site and the primary viewing area limit visibility of a traditional fireworks display. The site's layout and safety requirements also limited the scale of fireworks that could be used.

After carefully evaluating available options, Septemberfest determined that a drone show was the best solution to continue providing a memorable nighttime finale while addressing evolving safety requirements and site considerations. The drone show offers a unique and engaging experience while complementing the many attractions that make Septemberfest a Labor Day tradition, including live entertainment on three stages, the carnival, Arts & Crafts Show, Taste of Schaumburg, Taste of Schaumburg Not-for-Profit Day, Craft Beer & Wine Garden, Bingo, the Labor Day Parade, and more.

We recognize that some attendees will miss the fireworks, and we appreciate the feedback we have received. Community input is shared with the Septemberfest Committee and considered as part of the festival's ongoing planning and continuous improvement process.

Parade

When is the parade?

 The Schaumburg Septemberfest Labor Day parade takes place on Monday, September 7, 2026. The one-mile and approximately two-hour parade kicks off promptly at 10 a.m. and travels northbound on Summit Dr. towards the festival grounds.

What is the route for the Labor Day Parade?

The one-mile and approximately two hour parade moves south to north on Summit Drive from Wise Road to Beech Drive. 

Are tarps/blankets or other items allowed to “reserve” a spot to watch the parade?

No tarps, chairs, blankets, or other personal items are permitted in the parkway along the Summit Drive parade route prior to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 6. Any personal items found in the parkway prior to Sunday evening will be removed daily and confiscated for disposal.

Health, Accessibility, and Patron Services

Where is the first aid tent located?

 The First Aid Tent is located on the plaza in the middle of the festival grounds, just east of the Command Center (Al Larson Cultural Center).

Where are restrooms located?

Bathroom facilities are located around the festival grounds for the convenience of patrons. Head over to the Festival Grounds Map where the primary banks of restrooms are located.

Indoor restroom facilities are not available to the general public.

Does Septemberfest have accommodations for nursing mothers?

Yes! Accommodations for nursing mothers are located inside the Command Center (Al Larson Cultural Center) located on the plaza in the middle of the festival.

Do your vendors and restaurants accept credit/debit cards? Is there an ATM?

The majority of our restaurants, attractions and other vendors accept credit cards. An ATM is available to patrons if cash is needed.

Is the festival ADA friendly? Do you offer wheelchairs, scooters and transportation at the festival?

Septemberfest makes use of the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus which includes paved and grass surfaces. While much of the festival makes use of grass surfaces, these areas are accessible via paved paths. The Main Stage also offers an ADA-friendly viewing area with a hard surface accessible from the paved path on the east side of the stage. We encourage patrons with mobility disabilities to utilize personal forms of transportation, including wheelchairs and scooters. Septemberfest does not offer wheelchair or scooter rentals. Septemberfest does not provide transportation services to patrons on the festival grounds.

Can I bring my service dog?

Yes. ADA-recognized service animals are allowed on the festival grounds. Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds per village ordinance. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

Where is the Lost and Found and how do I get in touch?

Septemberfest's Lost & Found is located inside the Command Center (the Al Larson Cultural Center) accessible during festival hours from the plaza in the middle of the festival grounds. After the festival, the items will be taken to the Police Department, located at 1000 W. Schaumburg Rd. The Schaumburg Police Department can be contacted at 847-882-3586.

Weather and Safety

Do you provide on-site security?

Yes! As a municipal festival planned and executed by the Village of Schaumburg, Septemberfest benefits from the support of all municipal departments to ensure a successful event. In addition to support from the Schaumburg Police Department, the security is supplemented by a private security contractor ensuring the safety of all patrons.

How can I receive emergency notifications?

Attendees of Septemberfest can sign up online to receive timely fest-related emergency notifications on their mobile devices. Notifications will alert attendees of a fest closure or suspension due to inclement weather or other types of emergencies.

Where can I seek shelter due to inclement weather?

Signage will be readily available at the fest to help guide participants to safe locations. Emergency shelter locations can also be found on the interactive Septemberfest map online. Please refrain from seeking shelter in tents.

Under what circumstances can the festival be canceled or suspended?

The festival may be canceled, delayed, or temporarily suspended due to:

• Severe weather (e.g., lightning, high winds, flooding, extreme heat)
• Unsafe conditions in the event area
• Local, state, or federal emergency declarations
• Public safety threats or law enforcement activity
• Equipment failure or loss of essential services (e.g., power outage)
• Health and safety concerns as determined by event organizers or public health officials

The decision to cancel, delay or temporarily suspend is made by the public safety officials, emergency management personnel, and Command Staff personnel. The goal is always to prioritize the safety of patrons, staff and volunteers.

How will I be notified if the event is canceled or suspended?

Notifications will be posted as quickly as possible through:

• Official festival website and social media platforms
• Public address announcements at the event
• The optional emergency notification opt-in program

Will the event be rescheduled if it is canceled?

Whenever possible, we will attempt to resume the event once conditions are deemed safe. If a full cancellation is required, we will communicate any rescheduling details as they become available.

What happens if the weather clears up? Will the event resume?

If conditions are deemed safe, the festival may resume after a suspension. The decision to continue will depend on the specific threat or hazard that prompted the pause. In the case of severe weather, there will be a mandatory minimum 30-minute wait after the last observed threat before activities can resume. All updates will be shared through the official communication channels noted above.

Will I get a refund if the festival is canceled?

Septemberfest and festival vendors do not offer refunds on purchases on items or services, including—but not limited to— carnival tickets/credits. In the event that the headlining performance is canceled due to inclement weather, VIP tickets may be refunded or exchanged. Entertainment will not be rescheduled in the event of cancellation. 

Allowed and Prohibited Items

Are outside food and beverages permitted?

Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. However, we encourage patrons to support our on-site restaurants and vendors by enjoying the wide variety of food and drinks available at the festival. Outside alcohol is not permitted. Coolers are subject to inspection by festival officials. For the safety of patrons, glass containers of all types are prohibited.

Are coolers allowed?

Coolers are permitted but are subject to inspection by festival officials. Outside alcohol is not permitted. For the safety of patrons, glass containers of all types are prohibited. We encourage patrons to support our on-site restaurants and vendors by enjoying the wide variety of food and drinks available at the festival.

Is smoking allowed?

Septemberfest is an outdoor festival and does not have designated smoking areas. Alas, smoking is not prohibited except under tents/structures and inside buildings. Please respect your fellow patrons when choosing where to indulge.

Please note that narcotics and other drugs—including marijuana—are prohibited on the festival grounds.

Are bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, hoverboards, skateboards, rollerskates/rollerblades, etc. allowed?

Skates, skateboards, bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and e-scooters and all similar modes of transportation are prohibited on the Septemberfest grounds. These must be left at home or parked in the bike racks made available for patron use on the bike path located off of Summit Dr. 

Are UAVs/drones allowed?

Flying a drone/UAV within 100 feet of any village-owned property is not allowed.   Drones/UAVs may be operated by or on behalf of the village for purposes of monitoring or documenting a special event, or for any law enforcement purposes. For more information, please refer to VOS Ordinance No. 25-057.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds per village ordinance.

Vendor, Participation and Sponsorship Inquiries

I'm a vendor, sponsor or other exhibitor and can no longer participate. Can I receive a refund?

No. Septemberfest does not provide refunds under any circumstances for any vendor, restaurant, sponsor or other participant accepted to participate in the festival.

Can my band/group perform at Septemberfest?

If you are interested in performing at Septemberfest, please visit our Band Application page and fill out our "Band Submission Form". 

Band information should be submitted January through April to be considered for the current year on the Main Stage, Local Stage, and Craft Beer & Wine Garden Stage. Bands/musicians booked at the fest must be suitable for all ages. 

I’m interested in sponsoring Septemberfest. What opportunities are available?

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring Septemberfest! Sponsorship opportunities include on-site activations (booths/displays), digital on-site advertising on up to three LED billboards, social media posts on Septemberfest's official Facebook and Instagram accounts, and physical banners on the festival grounds.

For more information, please visit our Sponsorship webpage.

How can my restaurant participate in the Taste of Schaumburg?

Thank you for your interest in participating in Septemberfest’s Taste of Schaumburg! Please check back in February for more information on participating at next years fest. 

How can my nonprofit organization participate in the Taste of Schaumburg’s Not-for-Profit Day?

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Taste of Schaumburg’s Not-for-Profit Day. At this time we are fully booked. Please check back in February for more information on participating at next years fest. 

Can food trucks or food vendors participate in the Taste of Schaumburg?

The Taste of Schaumburg is only open to restaurants. Food trucks and food vendors may participate in the Taste of Schaumburg’s Not-for-Profit Day event on Labor Day Monday.

Please visit our Taste Not-for-Profit Day application page for more information 

How do I sign up to volunteer? What volunteer opportunities are available?

Thanks for your interest in joining the more than 100 volunteers who help us make Septemberfest a success! We have multiple locations on the festival grounds that are available for volunteering and volunteers may select multiple shifts in multiple locations. Please note all volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Volunteer shifts are available in four-hour increments. If you want to be with us longer you are more than welcome to register for multiple shifts.

Head over to the Volunteer page to learn more.