🍂 Chicago in October 2025: Festivals, Classes & One-Time Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest (Weekends through Oct 26)
Ride the pumpkin-themed carousel, wander through the corn maze, and enjoy seasonal treats at this free, family-friendly fall festival.
Details here
Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo (Oct 18)
Trick-or-treat, games, and animal fun in one of Chicago’s favorite family destinations.
Lakeview Roscoe Village Halloween Parade (Oct 26)
A neighborhood tradition with costumes, floats, and music right in the heart of Lakeview.
Halloween Family Walk at Chicago Botanic Garden (Oct 26)
A seasonal stroll designed for children and families.
Trick or Treat on Southport (Oct 31)
Businesses along Southport open their doors for neighborhood trick-or-treating fun.
Music Box Theatre: 31 Days of Horror (All October)
Older kids and teens will love scary movie marathons at this historic Lakeview theater. Bonus: a special Silent Film Halloween with Live Organ on Oct 25–26.
Music Box Calendar

Glitterati on the Gold Coast Walking Tour (Oct 4, 10 AM–12 PM)
Step back into the glamour of Chicago’s Gold Coast and learn the stories of its grand mansions.
Reserve tickets
Historic Old Town Walking Tour (Oct 11)
Discover the charm and bohemian roots of Old Town with Chicago History Museum guides.
OUT at CHM: Downtown LGBTQIA+ Stories Tour (Oct 18)
Learn about LGBTQIA+ history woven into downtown’s streets and spaces.
Pilsen Murals Tour (Oct 25)
Explore some of Chicago’s most powerful public art and the community stories behind them.
Paseo Boricua & Humboldt Park Tour (Oct 25)
Celebrate Puerto Rican culture and heritage through this guided neighborhood walk.
Aquí en Chicago Exhibition Opening (Oct 25)
A new Chicago History Museum exhibit honoring Latine heritage and stories.

Chicago Beer Fest at the Field Museum (Oct 4)
Craft beer tasting inside one of Chicago’s most iconic museums.
Chicago International Film Festival (Oct 15–26)
Red carpets, premieres, and international cinema take over venues like AMC River East.
Festival details
Open House Chicago (Architecture Center) (Oct 18–19)
Get behind-the-scenes access to 100+ architectural gems across Chicago.
Explore sites
Gallagher Way Pumpkin Carving & Halloween Movies (Mid-October, dates TBD)
Outdoor screenings of spooky classics and pumpkin carving fun in Wrigleyville.
See Gallagher Way events

Zoo Fiesta at Lincoln Park Zoo (21+) (Oct 11)
Celebrate Latinx culture with music, food, and cocktails in a vibrant zoo setting.
Tea Tasting & Blending at Chicago Botanic Garden (Oct 24, 2–4 PM)
Learn the art of blending your own tea in a serene garden setting.
Botanic Garden calendar
Fall Preserving & Fermenting Demo (Oct 25, 10 AM–12 PM)
Discover tips for turning fall produce into delicious preserved goods.
Adults Night Out: Rewilding at the Zoo (Oct, date TBD)
After-hours at the zoo — DJs, drinks, and animal chats for a grown-ups-only evening.

Abbott Chicago 5K (Oct 11)
A fun, high-energy run through downtown Chicago — the perfect warm-up to marathon weekend.
Event info
Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Oct 12)
26.2 miles through 29 neighborhoods, thousands of runners, and one unforgettable atmosphere. Even if you’re not running, grab a spot along the route and join the cheering crowds.
Marathon details
Lincoln Park Zoo Haunted History Tours (Tuesdays & Wednesdays in October)
For a different kind of workout: a guided walk through the zoo’s haunted past.

Barktoberfest (One Tail at a Time) (Oct 18)
Pups, pints, and fundraising at this West Loop festival in support of dog adoption.
Eventbrite tickets
Día de los Muertos Ofrenda Walk (Saturdays in October)
A South Chicago community celebration with altars, music, and cultural workshops.
See Fall Fest events