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
fall events
Ravenswood Costume Crawl
Dive into the joy of the season with a visit to the Ravenswood Costume Crawl, filled with Halloween-themed fun, seasonal goods, treats and drinks on October 29, 2025. This thrill-filled event will transform Ravenswood's Montrose Avenue of shops and restaurants into a spooky space for sipping, … [Read more...] about Ravenswood Costume Crawl
Super Horror Rama Film Fest
Dive into the creepiness of the scary season with two nights of obscure horror films at Super-Horror-Rama Film Fest on October 10-11, 20245 in the Lakeview neighborhood at the Music Box Theatre. Prepare to have petrified fun with a showcase of horror film oddities with the theme of … [Read more...] about Super Horror Rama Film Fest
Free Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
Spend Halloween trick or treating at Navy Pier and enjoy interactive art and performances during Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier on October 25, 2025. Put on your costume and stop by 30 indoor candy stations during this all-day, free event. Besides sweet treats, look out for aerial … [Read more...] about Free Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
The ultimate Chicago Halloween celebration kicks off with the 26th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and costume contest on October 31, 2025. Throw together your most creative, witty costume for the dramatic spectacle of the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Prepare to see … [Read more...] about Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Open House Chicago
Explore the architectural and cultural treasures that Chicago is famous for during the annual Open House Chicago events. Visit over 170 sites in more than 20 neighborhoods across the city during the in-person activities on October 18-19, 2025. Go behind the scenes in members-only clubs, … [Read more...] about Open House Chicago
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 15th annual West Town Art Walk on October 3-5, 2005. The West Town neighborhood bubbles with color, food and art in all forms during this popular … [Read more...] about West Town Art Walk
Chicago Fashion Week
The cultural and stylistic diversity of the Windy City will take the stage with the return of Chicago Fashion Week, from October 9-19, 2025. Runway shows, activations, exhibits and events will highlight Chicago's design and fashion history in neighborhoods across the city. The … [Read more...] about Chicago Fashion Week
Free Festival del Arte Popular at National Museum of Mexican Art
Start your holiday shopping early by checking out the masterful work of Mexican artisans at the annual Festival del Arte Popular at the National Museum of Mexican Art on October 10-19, 2025. Witness live demonstrations of intricate Mexican folk art and meet artists from all over Mexico at … [Read more...] about Free Festival del Arte Popular at National Museum of Mexican Art
Free Bird Walks at North Park Village
Enjoy a free guided walk and search for migratory birds every Saturday in September and October at the North Park Village Nature Center. Join Jorge Garcia of Windy City Bird Lab and discover the beauty of birding on September 20, 27 and October 4, 11, and 18, 2025. The walk is less than … [Read more...] about Free Bird Walks at North Park Village
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
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
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