Head to State Street to celebrate Halloween as the "artist's holiday" with an evening of wonder and creativity at the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on October 18, 2025, in the Loop. Recognized as one of the top six Halloween events in the world, the tenth annual Arts in the Dark parade … [Read more...] about Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Entertainment
Oktoberfestiversary
Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing serve up their annual fall street festival with Oktoberfestiversary on October 11-12, 2025. Enjoy brews, live music and food in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Sip on special tappings from Beglye and Dovetail while munching on sausages, lobster rolls and … [Read more...] about Oktoberfestiversary
Riverwalk Fall Fest
Experience the beauty of the fall season with the Chicago River as the backdrop at the Island Party Hut Fall Fest on the Chicago Riverwalk on Saturdays, September 20-October 25, 2025. Enjoy autumn festivities like hay rides on the river, pumpkin patches and eating apple cider donuts along the … [Read more...] about Riverwalk Fall Fest
Reeling International Film Fest
The second-oldest LBTGQ+ film festival in the country kicks off with an exciting line-up of international features, documentaries and shorts with the 43rd annual Reeling International Film Festival on September 19-28, 2025. The rich diversity of the queer community is showcased during the … [Read more...] about Reeling International Film Fest
St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Get ready for the welcoming traditional German toasts of "Prost!" to echo throughout the courtyard during the 59th annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest on October 3-5, 2025. St. Benedict parish celebrates its German roots with a family-friendly fest that includes German food and … [Read more...] about St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Randolph Street Market
In honor of the fall season, Chicago's signature open-air market, the Randolph Street Market, is hosting its fall market with vintage treasures, live bands, food and fun on September 27-28, 2025, in the West Loop. Celebrating 22 years, the Randolph Street Market Festival features an … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market
Free Sundays on State
State Street, that great street, will be closed to traffic and open for an interactive, fun-filled block party in the heart of the Loop. Sundays on State is scheduled this summer for September 7 and October 5, 2025. From 11 to 6 pm on the designated Sundays, State Street between Lake and … [Read more...] about Free Sundays on State
Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Celebrate the joys of autumn in the fun-filled setting of Lincoln Park Zoo during the ninth annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, September 26-October 26, 2025. Step into the vibrant world of pumpkins, harvest mazes and fall photo ops during this family-friendly event. Admission to the zoo is … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago
It's that time of year when Chicagoans welcome the autumn season with polka, lederhosen and lots and lots of beer. St. Alphonsus Church celebrates its 21st annual Oktoberfest Chicago in the west Lakeview neighborhood with Bavarian food, live music and craft beer tasting on September 26-28, … [Read more...] about St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest Chicago
Chicago Live! at Navy Pier
Witness the excitement of Chicago's extensive performing arts scene during the fifth annual Chicago Live! festival on September 20-21, 2025. Navy Pier will host free, non-stop performances featuring Chicago dance, theater, music and more during the two-day event. The breadth of Chicago's … [Read more...] about Chicago Live! at Navy Pier
Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
The new season for World Music Wednesday has been announced! Every Wednesday, through December 3, 2025, at 8:00 pm, the Old Town School of Folk Music will host a free concert series, World Music Wednesdays, featuring musicians from all around the world. Culture and countries represented … [Read more...] about Free World Music Wednesday Concerts
Englewood Jazz Fest
The 26th annual Englewood Jazz Festival presents an exciting line-up of established and emerging Chicago musicians for three days in the Englewood community on September 18-20, 2025. Live the Spirit Residency at Hamilton Cultural Center educates and mentors the next generation of … [Read more...] about Englewood Jazz Fest
