One of Chicago's most iconic holiday traditions is viewing the holiday trees from around the world at the Christmas Around The World exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, which opens on November 7, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027. This year's display includes Holidays … [Read more...] about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
family friendly
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago holiday season roars into gear with the 92nd annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which marches down the heart of downtown on State Street on November 26, 2026. This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from … [Read more...] about Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Free Creatures of the Night at Garfield Conservatory
Visit creepy, crawly critters for the Halloween season while learning about tropical plants and their connection to the animal world at the annual Creatures of the Night free event on October 28, 2026, at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Discover the relationship between animals and plants … [Read more...] about Free Creatures of the Night at Garfield Conservatory
Free Lincoln Park Spooktacular
Join the haunted fun tradition of celebrating Halloween along Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at the annual Lincoln Park Spooktacular on October 24 -25, 2026. Participating businesses on Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue will transform into trick-or-treat stops … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Spooktacular
Free Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
Go pumpkin hunting, dance to live music, create arts and crafts and enjoy the season at Gallagher Way's annual Pumpkin Party on October 24, 2026, in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Bring the kids for a fun-filled day of costumes, trick-or-treating and non-stop activities. The Old Town … [Read more...] about Free Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
Free Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier
Spend the spooky season watching movies, creating fun projects and trick-or-treating at Navy Pier. Enjoy interactive art and performances during Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier on Saturdays throughout the month on October 17, 24 and 31, 2026. Dive into fun and watch movies like … [Read more...] about Free Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier
Free National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago
Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, with the free "Día de Los Muertos Xicago" event organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art on October 24, 2026, in the Pilsen community. Honoring loved ones who have passed away with ofrendas or altars filled with … [Read more...] about Free National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago
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 13-18, 2026. 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
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 24, 2026, 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 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
