As the feds descend on our city, it’s hard to think of much else. But Chicago is still Chicago. And Chicago is great in the fall.
There are so many ways to soak up autumn — carving pumpkins, watching scary movies, drinking Oktoberfest ales, dressing up for Halloween … Luckily, Chicago covers it all with festivals, parades, and pumpkin patches. Whether your ideal fall day is cozy, spooky, or crafty, we’ve got a recommendation for you!
Fall Fests
- 🚜 Fall Fest on the Riverwalk | Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 | Riverwalk
- Take a hayride along the river and enjoy apple cider donuts at Island Party Hut’s autumn Saturday celebrations.
- 🧑🌾 Scarecrow Weekend | Oct. 10-12 | Downtown St. Charles
- Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Scarecrow Weekend this year by voting on your favorite handmade straw watchman or making a scarecrow-to-go.
- 🌾 Fall Festival at NPV | Oct. 19 | North Park Village Nature Center
- Newsletter Editor Emmi highly recommends putting your scarecrow-making skills to the test in the scarecrow competition.
- 🦁 Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest | Through Oct. 26 | Lincoln Park Zoo
- Enjoy a stroll through decorated gardens and watch the animals participate in the fall fun with themed enrichment toys!
- 🍁 West Chicago Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch | Through Oct. 30 | Sonny Acres Farm
- Whether you want your hayride haunted or picturesque, this festival has options!
As a child, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack won “Zaniest” at the North Park scarecrow-making contest three years in a row … but never the coveted “Most Likely to Scare a Crow.” (Courtesy of Steve Mack)
Pumpkin Paloozas
- 👻 Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up | Through Nov. 2 | Goose Island
- Come for Chicago’s largest corn maze, stay to enjoy the food trucks and specialty cocktails.
- 🎃 Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns | Oct. 8-12, 15-19, 22-26 | Chicago Botanic Gardens
- Get inspired by hundreds of artist-carved gourds featuring tributes to Chicago sports teams, landmarks, and legends.
- 🚜 Pumpkin Fest | Oct. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 | Johnson’s Farm, Hobart, IN
- Pick your own pumpkins and squash — to eat or decorate with!
Spooky Shenanigans
- 🎥 Music Box of Horrors | Oct. 18 | Music Box Theatre
- For the serious horror movie marathoner, check out this 24-hour film line-up!
- 👻 Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade | Oct. 31 | Halsted & Belmont St
- This annual tradition has been named one of the best Halloween parades in the country, so don’t miss it!
- 😱 Fright Fest | Through Nov. 2 | Six Flags Great America
- Embrace the screams in the scare zones and enjoy terrifying live shows after dark.
Oktoberfests
- 🌮 Tacoberfest | Oct. 11-12 | Big Star West Town
- What happens when you combine fall flavors and Mexican cooking? An inspired menu featuring pumpkin ancho tostadas and apple empanadas.
- 🥨 Oktoberfestiversary | Oct. 11-12 | Ravenswood Corridor
- Help feed your neighbors and enjoy local brews at the same time! The entry is a suggested donation to The Friendship Center.
- 🍻 Oktoberfest Nation | Through Oct. 25 | Fulton Market
- The city’s largest Oktoberfest is back with brats, beers, and Bavarian vibes.
