Fall in the Stateline: apples, markets, and hometown traditions
Your guide to orchards, festivals, and local stops across Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit
October has arrived in northern Illinois. Orchards are in full swing, pumpkins are ready to pick, and the calendar is filling with local events. In Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit, fall traditions continue with markets, community gatherings, and family activities.
Poplar Grove and Winnebago
A fall tradition for families across the region, Edwards Apple Orchard opened for the season on Friday, August 22. Visitors can pick apples, sip cider, and enjoy hot donuts from the fryer. The market barn is stocked with produce, sauces, and baked goods to take home. The orchard is known for its family-friendly activities, wagon rides, and petting zoo.
Pumpkin patches and local stops
Fall is a great season to wander our local villages. In Rockton, Settlers Park is a favorite for a walk among changing leaves, and Main Street shops welcome visitors with seasonal décor at Frosted Farmhouse, coffee at DeeDee’s, baked treats from La Croute and Wicked Sweets by Kate, and more.
South Beloit’s Nature At The Confluence offers trails and river views. Find seasonal dishes at Shorty’s Kitchen.
For pumpkin season, families can head east to Lindberg Pumpkin Patch in Caledonia, which runs daily through October 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The patch has pumpkins, gourds, wagon rides, corn mazes, baked goods, and a play area for kids.
Community events
Vintage Shop Hop — Oct. 3–4
Hundreds of shops across Illinois and Wisconsin, including Roscoe and Rockton, take part in this semiannual event with sales, raffles and extended hours.
Roscoe Township Historical Society Antique Sale — Oct. 4–5, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Held at the Roscoe Township Community Center, 4562 Hononegah Road. On Sunday at 11 a.m., a program will cover “Medicine in the 1800s and Early Roscoe Physicians.”
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prevention Open House — Oct. 4, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Station #1, 10544 Main Street, Roscoe. Families are invited for fire safety demonstrations and kids’ activities.
4th Annual Double Flippin’ Tournament — Oct. 5, 3:30 p.m.
Louie’s Tap House, 5689 Elevator Road, Roscoe. Pinball fundraiser for Project Pinball Charity.
Masks, Metaphor and Meaning — Oct. 12
5290 Williams Drive, Roscoe. Community art program. (Listings differ on time; some note 10 a.m.–noon, others 3 p.m. Confirm with organizer.)
Jaimie Cox Memorial Run/Walk — Oct. 18, 10 a.m.
Roscoe Middle School, 6121 Elevator Road. Annual 5K and 2-mile walk in memory of Officer Jaimie Cox.
Truck or Treat — Oct. 18, 3–6 p.m.
Porter Park, Roscoe. Families can trick-or-treat from decorated trunks, see community vehicles and enjoy food trucks and games.
Beloit Farmers Market — Saturdays in October, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Downtown Beloit, at State Street and Grand Avenue. Seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers and local crafts.
Pumpkins, donuts, and flannel weather— fall in the Stateline feels like home wherever you spend it.
