Fall is our favorite season, and Joliet does it well.

To help you enjoy it, we’ve put together a guide of what's opening and happening nearby — from pumpkin patches to concerts at the Rialto and The Forge, to Restaurant Week downtown.

Here are a few highlights to get you started:

• Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm opens September 4. Stop by for the rides, the hayrides, and the apple cider donuts people drive in for. Learn more: pumpkinfarm.com

• Siegel's Cottonwood Farm opens September 19. This farm features over 35 attractions on one admission. Details: cottonwoodfarms.net

• Joliet Restaurant Week is October 9–18. Check out special menus at venues across downtown. See participating restaurants: jolietccp.com/joliet-restaurant-week/

• Buddy Guy plays the Rialto Square Theatre on October 16. See the legend as part of his 90th-year tour. Tickets: rialtosquare.com/event/buddy-guy-90/