With colder weather approaching and rainy days taking over our school weeks, it’s easy to stay inside and hibernate. 

It’s tempting to stay indoors during the autumnal weather season and curl up with a hot cup of coffee and a good movie. But don’t let the gloomy weather take over your weekend plans. Here are three local fall activities worth leaving the house for. 

The Oswego Lantern Festival is hosting its first Lantern Festival and Night Market this Saturday, October 17, 2026. 

The event kicks off at 5:30 PM at the Oswego Public Library parking lot, where you can grab a free lantern for a glowing parade down to Hudson Crossing Park. Once you reach the park, you can explore a pop-up night market featuring live music, food trucks, and pumpkin carving. 

For a classic autumn weekend, make the drive over to Keller’s Farmstand at 2500 Johnson Road in Oswego. 

While the farmstand is open daily, the afternoon is the perfect time to explore their pumpkin patch and corn mazes. It is the premier local spot to go after school with your friends to try their apple cider donuts, fall-themed drinks, and freshly picked apples. 

For a nostalgic, small town country vibe, head over to Bronkberry Farms at 18061 Bronk Road in Plainfield. 

This local farm features a charming market filled with unique homemade fall treats and decorative art. It is a picturesque spot where you can visit farm animals, try homegrown vegetables and fruit, and shop for Fall decorations. 

No matter which spot you choose, make sure to grab your friends and enjoy everything local autumn has to offer before the winter cold starts to set in. 

Written by senior Gursimran Kaur. Edited by staff writers for the Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.