Spend a Fall Weekend at Danada October 10 & 11

A Full Weekend Across Danada

Horses, History, Family Activities and Fall Fun

The weekend brings together the equestrian traditions that have long been part of Danada with hands-on activities for families, live performances, food trucks, and plenty of opportunities to explore the grounds. The Main Arena will feature a changing lineup throughout both days, while Paddock 1, the Main Barn, Kids Zone, The Yard, and Danada House will each have their own activities.

Whether you want to watch a vaulting or riding demonstration, meet the Danada horses, take a wagon ride, bring the kids for fall activities, or step inside Danada House for a tour, the festival offers several ways to experience the property in one visit.

Main Arena And Paddock

Equestrian Demonstrations Throughout Both Days

Danada's equestrian heritage takes center stage in the Main Arena. Saturday's lineup includes the Stateline Spitfires, Arabian breed demonstrations, Dales Pony driving, Chicago Vaulting, the Stateline Hot Shots, HorsePower Therapeutic Riding, Pas de Deux, Hobbyhorse Romps, and a St. James Pony Club jumping demonstration.

Sunday features the Midwest Renegades, North Central Liberty Club, Arabian breed demonstrations, Gypsy Vanners, Chicago Vaulting, bareback and bridleless riding, Western Pas de Deux, tandem trick riding, Hobbyhorse Romps, and the Midwest Renegades Dare Devils.

In Paddock 1, visitors can meet the Danada horses from 11:30 a.m. to noon and again from 4:30 to 5 p.m. both days. Trail demonstrations are scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m.

For Families

Kids Activities, Live Entertainment and More

The Kids Zone will include a straw maze for children 10 and younger from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and pony rides from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a fee. Grammy-nominated Wendy and DB Blues Duo performs from 1 to 1:45 p.m. both days, followed by Firefly Family Theatre performances at 2:30 and 3:15 p.m.

In The Yard, visitors can stop by the Hobbyhorse Craft and Giddy-Up Corral, learn from participating organizations, try corn-shucking with Graue Mill, visit the Ranger Adventure Station, and connect with Forest Preserve District staff. A harnessing demonstration is scheduled in the Round Pen from 2 to 3 p.m. both days.

Food And Barn Activities

Explore the Main Barn and Come Hungry

The Main Barn will be open for self-guided tours throughout the festival, and tractor-drawn wagon rides will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a fee. The barn and surrounding grounds are an important part of the Danada experience and offer another way to connect the weekend's activities with the property's history.

Food trucks scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday include Kona Ice of Wheaton, La Cocina de Maria, Nick's Pizza, Serna's Grill, Stix & Noodles, and Travelin' Tom's Coffee.

Complete Weekend Lineup

Fall Festival Schedule

The festival has activities happening across several areas at the same time. Use the schedules below to plan the parts of the weekend you most want to see. Schedules are subject to change.

Plan Your Visit

Check the Official Schedule Before You Go

Fall Festival at Danada runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road in Wheaton. Admission is free, with fees for some activities. Because schedules are subject to change, check the Forest Preserve District's official event page before heading out.

View the Official Fall Festival Page

Event schedule and activity details are provided by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and are subject to change.

From Previous Festival Weekends

A Look at Fall Festival at Danada

These photos offer a glimpse of the family activities and welcoming atmosphere visitors have enjoyed during previous Fall Festival weekends at Danada.