News Release
Celebrate the Horse and the Season at Fall Festival at Danada Oct. 10 & 11
Two-day event features equestrian performances and family fun
Join a celebration of the horse and the fall season at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Fall Festival at Danada on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Danada Equestrian Center at 3S507 Naperville Road in Wheaton.
Over the course of the two-day event, the main arena will feature trick riding, vaulting, carriage driving, drill teams, therapeutic-riding demonstrations, and breed demonstrations by performers including the Midwest Renegades, Chicago Vaulting, Stateline Hotshots Rodeo Drill Team, Stateline Spitfires Drill Team, St. James Pony Club, and the North Central Liberty Horse Club. The full schedule is at dupageforest.org/fall-festival-danada.
Horse fans can tour the historic barn that once housed Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair and learn about horse care, grooming, and tack. There will be tractor-drawn wagon rides through the autumn woods, a “meet-and-greet” with the horses, and an area where kids can decorate paper hobbyhorses before riding them in the giddy-up corral.
The festival’s Kids Zone will have pony rides, a straw maze, and an entertainment stage, where the Grammy-nominated Wendy and DB Blues Duo and the Firefly Family Theatre will perform both days.
Food trucks will be provided by La Cocina de Maria, Nick’s Pizza, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Kona Ice of Wheaton, Serna’s Grill, and Stix & Noodles.
Fall Festival at Danada takes place rain or shine. Admission and parking are free, but there are fees for some activities (cash and check preferred). For questions, call 630-668-6012.
“Fall Festival at Danada brings the community together to celebrate horses and the beauty of the season,” said Wayne Zaininger, the center’s manager. “We’re excited to showcase two full days of dynamic equestrian performances alongside family activities, music, and food that highlight the best of fall in DuPage.”
“Fall Festival at Danada has become an autumn tradition for thousands of families,” said Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with horses, enjoy the season, and celebrate community in the preserves.”
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.9 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube pages.