After the close of the beloved Summertime Chicago season, the fun continues with a hearty lineup of activities that celebrate the flavors, scents and visions of fall. As the red and gold foliage reflects off the lake, the city vibrates with autumn fests, apple-picking events, Oktoberfest and artisan … [Read more...] about Chicago Free and Cheap Fall Events
fall events
West Town Art Walk
Enjoy visual art, music, and fashion while browsing restaurants and shops along Chicago Avenue in the bustling West Town neighborhood during the 16th annual West Town Art Walk on October 2-4, 2026. The West Town neighborhood bubbles with color, food and art in all forms during this popular … [Read more...] about West Town Art Walk
Oktoberfestiversary
Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing serve up their annual fall street festival with Oktoberfestiversary on October 10-11, 2026, in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Enjoy brews, live music and food in the spirit of the season. Sip on special tapings from Beglye and Dovetail while munching on … [Read more...] about Oktoberfestiversary
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up
Wander through pumpkin patches and corn mazes while you enjoy the season at Chicago's largest fall festival, Jack's Pumpkin Pop Up, located near Goose Island, from September 19 to November 1, 2026. The large number of all-ages festivities make Jack's one of the most popular fall excursions. … [Read more...] about Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
Enjoy Fall fun with apple-inspired food, drinks and artisan goods at the beloved Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest, October 2-4, 2026. Celebrate the new season with a bounty of edible goodness. Midwest farms will be serving up fresh apples and related dishes and local restaurants and … [Read more...] about Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
First Lady Fall Cruises
One of Chicago's most iconic experiences is sailing on the scenic Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise aboard First Lady and absorbing the city's stunning skyline while learning about its design history. The fun continues through the fall, with cruises floating along the shore … [Read more...] about First Lady Fall Cruises
St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
Get ready for the welcoming traditional German toasts of "Prost!" to echo throughout the courtyard during the 60th annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest on October 2-4, 2026. St. Benedict parish celebrates its German roots with a family-friendly fest that includes German food and … [Read more...] about St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
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 19- October 31, 2026. Enjoy autumn festivities like hay rides on the river, pumpkin patches and eating apple cider donuts along … [Read more...] about Riverwalk Fall Fest
Chicago Free and Cheap Halloween Events
Whether you like parades, tours, parties or old school trick or treating, there are lots of free and cheap Halloween events to explore all over Chicago. Check out everything from boat rides to shopping and fall fests in our roundup below. Chicago Halloween Cruises Float along … [Read more...] about Chicago Free and Cheap Halloween Events
Free Chicago Hauntings Night Tour Walk
Listen to creepy stories, walk around spooky downtown landmarks and discover Chicago's eerie past with the free Hauntings Chicago Night Tour with Chicago Walking Tours on October 31, 2025. Follow the trail of the most haunted spots in Chicago with this guided two-hour tour. Learn … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Hauntings Night Tour Walk
Free Meet Me on Milwaukee
Roaming through car-free streets is one of the joys of Chicago street fests and just because the summer is over doesn't mean you can't still experience this favorite pastime. Head to the Wicker Park neighborhood for the Meet Me on Milwaukee event, where the busy intersection of Milwaukee at … [Read more...] about Free Meet Me on Milwaukee
Adults Night Out Howl-o-ween at Lincoln Park Zoo
Get ready for spooky animal shenanigans at Adults Night Out Howl-o-ween at Lincoln Park Zoo. Visitors 18 and over can stroll the zoo after dark, sip cocktails and have a fang-tastic time on October 24, 2025. Pop-up bars, corn hole, Jenga and free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species … [Read more...] about Adults Night Out Howl-o-ween at Lincoln Park Zoo
