Chicago Events Calendar for October 2016
Chicago
Enjoy the best Chicago events, festivals, and things to do with this calendar of events.
Mileage is from the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Discount tickets marked green are from trusted sellers (Goldstar, Groupon, and LivingSocial).
Bacon and beer
October 1, 2016
2 miles south
Enjoy craft beer, bacon-inspired tastes from local restaurants, music, and interactive games at Bacon and Beer Classic at Soldier Field.
Discount tickets are $65 at Groupon and LivingSocial.
Art fair indoors
October 1, 2016 (begins Sept. 30)
2.5 miles west
Enjoy visual art, music, and fashion in restaurants and shops duringWest Town Art Walk at Chicago Avenue & Ashland Avenue. Free.
Beer festival
October 1, 2016
7 miles NW
Try 50 beers from 20 breweries at Logan Square Beer Festival in Logan Square Auditorium.
Vegan event
October 1, 2016
9 miles north
VeganMania includes samples, speakers, live music, and a food court at the Broadway Armory. (Unlike vegetarians, vegans don’t eat eggs and milk.) Free.
Oktoberfest in Naperville
October 1, 2016 (begins Sept. 30)
32 miles SW
Enjoy live music from classic German to classic rock, German beer and food, and family-friendly activities on Saturday at Oktoberfest.
Beer run at Joliet Airport
October 1, 2016
45 miles SW
Run a mile on the runway at 10:30 a.m., or taste beer at noon if you are age 21+, or do both at Run the Runway 1 Mile Run at Joliet Regional Airport.
Woodstock ale festival
October 1, 2016 (1 to 5 p.m.)
61 miles NW
Woodstock Ale Fest features 80 craft beers, bacon, and bluegrass music.
Apple festival
October 1 – 2, 2016
7 miles NW
Get some apple pie and cider, listen to local music, or visit the kid zone at Apple Fest at Lincoln & Leland Avenues. Free.
Neighborhood Oktoberfest
October 1 – 2, 2016 (begins Sept. 30)
8 miles NW
St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest features German food, beer, and party bands under tents in St. Benedict’s Courtyard, plus a kids’ carnival. Free entry.
Art, food, and music festival
October 1 – 2, 2016 (begins Sept. 30)
13 miles north
Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival features restaurant food, live music, and an art festival, all beginning Friday at 4 p.m. Free.
Musical: Funny Girl
October 1 – 2, 2016 (also Sept.)
14 miles north
Based on the film starring Barbra Streisand, Funny Girl tells the true story of legendary comedian and vaudeville great Fanny Brice at Skokie Theatre. Discount tickets $24.
Oktoberfest in Roselle
October 1 – 2, 2016
30 miles west
Oktoberfest at Lynfred Winery includes a pig roast, grape stomping, wine tasting, and crowds.
Odd bike show
October 1 – 2, 2016 (begins Sept. 30)
30.3 miles SW
See recumbent, folding, tandem, and even electric bicycles and test ride them (age 16+ with a helmet) at Chicagoland Unconventional Bicycle Expo, which also includes seminars at Tinley Park Convention Center.
Dinner cruise
October 1, 8, 14, 2016
1 mile east
Enjoy a buffet meal, DJ dance music, and views of the Chicago skyline aboard the Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruise, which departs from Navy Pier.
Circus in the park
October 1 – 16, 2016 (begins Aug. 27)
Chicago locations
Midnight Circus in the Parks is a series of daytime shows on weekends at eight parks, which is perfect for families.
Game of Thrones parody
October 1 – 16, 2016 (also Sept.)
3.8 miles north
Described as “darkly humorous and beautifully vulgar,” Thrones! The Musical features hilarious songs about six seasons of the HBO show at Apollo Theater for age 16+. Discount tickets $20.
Dr. Seuss in Des Plaines
October 1 – 16, 2016 (begins Sept. 23)
21 miles NW
See a family-friendly version of Seussical, featuring the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, the Grinch, the Whos, and Gertrude McFuzz.Discount tickets $15.
Funny musical
October 1 – 16, 2016 (begins Sept. 29)
27.8 miles north
An ambitious window washer learns how to climb the corporate ladder inHow To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, an award-winning musical at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Discount tickets $20.
Diverse circus
October 1 – 23, 2016 (begins Sept. 28)
9 miles south
UniverSoul Circus includes Caribbean dancers, Chinese acrobats, African clowns, and exotic animals in a heated tent in Washington Park.Discount tickets $12 to $23.
Adult variety show
October 1 – 29, 2016 (also Sept.)
7 miles north
Kiss Kiss Cabaret is a fun mix of burlesque, off-color comedy, music, magic, and variety acts at Uptown Underground. Reviews.
Magic lounge
October 1 – 29, 2016 (also Sept.)
7 miles north
Chicago Magic Lounge is an old-school magic show with close-up magic, bar magic, table-hopping magicians, and main stage acts at Uptown Underground. Discount tickets $14.
Female Sherlock Holmes
October 1 – 30, 2016 (also Sept.)
10.2 miles north
Miss Holmes (private investigator) and Miss Watson (doctor) are unconventional women solving a murder mystery at Lifeline Theatre.Discount tickets $20.
Hitchcock play
October 1 – 30, 2016 (begins Sept. 27)
31 miles north
Based on the thrilling film, The Birds features two strangers holed up in an abandoned house to escape avian attacks at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. Discount tickets $6 to $19.
Halloween farm
October 1 – 30, 2016 (starts Sept. 17)
32 miles SW
The Haunted Barn at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen is fine for mature kids. The Fun Barn will entertain even the youngest children. Also visit the corn maze, kids’ rides, and petting zoo.
Pumpkin patches & corn mazes
October 1 – 31, 2016
Chicago area
Visit pumpkin patches at local farms for fun family activities, or romp through the cornfields in corn mazes.
Aurora haunted house
October 1 – 31, 2016 (starts Sept. 23)
38 miles west
A ticket to Basement of the Dead [website has sound] also includes the 3D flashlight haunt. See schedule.
Joliet haunted house
October 1 – 31, 2016 (starts Sept. 29)
38 miles SW
Take a 40-minute trip through 40 terrifying rooms and play Zombie Paintball at Statesville Haunted Prison & City of the Dead in Crest Hill. See schedule.
Intense haunted house
October 1 – 31, 2016 (begins Sept. 30)
45 miles NW
The Realm of Terror Horror Experience is halfway to Milwaukee in Round Lake Beach. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday plus Oct. 20, 27, and 31.
Haunted house at Rosemont
Oct. 1 – Nov. 5, 2016 (begins Sept. 30)
14 miles NW
Disturbia: Screams in the Park is a 35-room nightmare at MB Financial Park at Rosemont. See hours.
Morton Grove haunted house
Oct. 1 – Nov. 5, 2016 (begins Sept. 23)
14 miles NW
House of Torment has two themes at 8240 N. Austin Ave. in Morton Grove. (Closed on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 10, 17, and Nov. 1, 2, 3.)
Young Frankenstein the musical
October 1 – Nov. 6, 2016 (begins Sept. 28)
26 miles NW
Young Frankenstein is a live musical by Mel Brooks that spoofs the horror-film genre at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights. Discount tickets $19.
Comedy dinner
October 1 – Nov. 12, 2016 (also Sept.)
5.8 miles north
We Gotta Bingo delivers corny, bawdy, slapstick humor, lasagna, bread, and salad, as you participate in a bingo game between rival parishes at Chicago Theater Works. Discount tickets $35.
Magic show
October 1 – Nov. 26, 2016 (also Sept.)
0.7 miles south
The Magic Parlour is an evening of close-up magic by an award-winning magician in the beautiful Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Discount tickets $49.
Blue Man show
October 1 – Dec. 24, 2016 (also Sept.)
4.5 miles north
Blue Man Group puts on an exciting show that combines comedy, theater, music, and special effects at Briar Street Theatre. Discount tickets $36.
Tasting event
October 2, 2016 (12 and 2:30 p.m.)
9 miles NW
Sample signature dishes made by renowned chefs at grilling stations with a cash bar during Taste Talks All-Star BBQ at Palmer Square Park.
Dating comedy
October 2 – 30, 2016 (also Sept.)
2.1 miles north
Based on actual online-dating conversations, #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment is a comic mix of original music, improvisation, and multimedia elements at Up Comedy Club. Discount tickets $17.
Funny racial drama
October 3 – Nov. 27, 2016 (begins Sept. 28)
9.4 miles north
Red Velvet recalls the “shocking” night in 1863 when the first black man appeared on a London theater stage at Raven Theatre East Stage.Discount tickets $16 to $23.
Wine at the conservatory
October 6, 2016 (6 to 9 p.m.)
5 miles west
Enjoy artisan wine paired with local, sustainably grown food at Wine under Glass, and explore the Garfield Park Conservatory. This event is for age 21+.
Comedy: Scooby-Doo
October 6 – Nov. 4, 2016 (7:30 p.m.)
8 miles north
Skooby Don’t is a send-up of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon classic Scooby-Doo in quaint Hamburger Mary’s theater. Discount tickets $11 to $19.
Beer & music event
October 7, 2016 (5:30 p.m., VIP 4:30)
0.5 miles west
Enjoy craft beer, food pairings, and live music at Local Brews Local Grooves at House of Blues.
Beer tasting
October 7, 2016 (5 to 8 p.m.)
0.5 miles south
A ticket to Harvest Hopdown includes unlimited seasonal beer tastings from 23 local breweries, passed beer bites, and live music at 11 N Michigan Avenue. Discount tickets $30.
Contemporary ballet
October 7 – 8, 2016
1.2 miles north
Ballet 5:8 performs five works by two choreographers at Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Discount tickets $13.
Sample 12 plays
October 7 – 8, 2016
17.5 miles south
See a scene from six different plays per day for $20 at A Taste of Theater at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy.
Marathon & fitness expo
October 7 – 9, 2016
Chicago locations
The free Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo is Friday and Saturday at McCormick Place. The Chicago Marathon begins and ends Sunday in Grant Park, with a post-race party in Butler Field.
Beer festival
October 7 – 9, 2016
2.2 miles west
Rocktober Beerfest offers beers, bratwurst, and live music under a heated tent at Randolph and Ogden.
Pumpkin festival
October 7 – 9, 2016
28 miles north
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival has a parade, pet costumes, 5K races, hayrides, vendors, pumpkin carving and lighting in Highwood. See schedule.
Scarecrow festival
October 7 – 9, 2016
37 miles west
Vote for your favorite handmade scarecrow at Scarecrow Fest, which includes live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, a carnival, and a petting zoo in St. Charles. Free.
Adventure day at Northerly Island
October 8, 2016 (12 to 4 p.m.)
3 miles south
Enjoy arts and crafts, storytelling, a nature hike, and kayaking at Fall Adventure Day, which has outdoor education on the lakefront at Northerly Island. Free.
Farm festival
October 8, 2016 (rain date Oct. 22)
22 miles west
Heritage Day celebrates fall with arts and crafts, a bluegrass band, demonstrations (spinning, weaving, candle making), and colonial soldiers who fire a cannon on the hour at Fischer Farm in Bensenville. Free except pony rides, petting zoo, and food items.
Flower bulb festival
October 8 – 9, 2016
24 miles north
Find more than 200 varieties of bulbs, gourmet foods, gardening demonstrations, live music, and kids’ activities at the Fall Bulb Festivalat the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Free except parking.
Columbus Day Parade
October 10, 2016 (12:30 p.m.)
1.3 miles south
The Columbus Day Parade celebrates the historic voyage of Christopher Columbus to America and Italian-American culture on State Street from Wacker to Van Buren. Free.
Drink beer for the beasts
October 10, 2016 (6 to 8 p.m.)
5 miles NW
Enjoy unlimited appetizers and five house beers during Pints for Pets to protect animals at Revolution Brewing on Milwaukee Avenue for age 21+.
Pinball Expo
October 12 – 16, 2016
32 miles north
Pinball Expo has a game hall, tournament, vendors, speakers, and a banquet at the Westin in Wheeling.
Beer tasting in the garden
October 13, 2016 (6 to 8 p.m.)
24 miles north
Sample seasonally selected beers, and then purchase them by the bottle at Autumn Brews at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.
Cinderella ballet
October 13 – 23, 2016
1 mile south
Joffrey Ballet presents a bold contemporary version of Romeo & Juliet, the timeless story of star-crossed lovers at Auditorium Theatre. Discount tickets $60.
Film festival
October 13 – 27, 2016
0.5 mile east
The Chicago International Film Festival [website may be slow] features 100 short and full-length films from 50 countries, free panel discussions, and an opening night gala. Films show at the AMC River East 21.
Beer festival
October 14, 2016 (7 p.m., VIP 6)
1.9 miles west
Festiv-Ale offers fine Midwest beers, excellent food, music, and a silent auction for charity at Revel Fulton Market.
Culinary events
October 14 – 15, 2016
Chicago downtown
Taste Chicago features a cocktail reception and dinner by celebrity chefs at LondonHouse on Friday, plus cooking demonstrations on Saturday.
Wine tasting
October 14 – 15, 2016
1.7 miles west
Choose from 250 wines to taste at Wine Riot at Venue One, and track your favorites on the free mobile app. Repeats March.
Andersonville Arts Weekend
October 14 – 16, 2016
8 miles north
Andersonville Arts Weekend starts Fri. night with receptions in galleries and shops, followed by scheduled exhibits, readings, shows, and art walks.
Family Halloween
October 14 – 16, 2016
36 miles SW
Halloween Hollow has carnival rides, hayrides, pony rides, laser tag, contests, treats, entertainment, and food at 10925 W La Porte Road in Mokena.
Home Movie Day
October 15, 2016 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
1.8 miles north
See home movies and bring your own to be shown at Home Movie Dayat Chicago History Museum. Free.
Spirits tasting at the zoo
October 15, 2016 (6 to 10 p.m.)
2.5 miles north
Taste 12 samples of 50 spirits in animal houses at Wild Spirits in Lincoln Park Zoo.
Cheese tasting
October 15, 2016 (2 sessions)
3 miles SW
Taste cheesy foods like pizza, grilled cheese, poutine, and macaroni & cheese from restaurants and cheese vendors during Say Cheese at Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC.
Green Halloween
October 15, 2016
11 miles west
The Green Pumpkin Trail begins at Oak Park Visitors Bureau and includes healthy snacks and activities in local shops for kids 3 to 8. Costume optional. Free.
Beer tasting
October 15, 2016
17 miles SW
Taste 150 craft and import beers with food and live entertainment at indoor Brew Moon Fest in McCook.
Architectural open house
October 15 – 16, 2016
Chicago locations
Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at 200 of the city’s finest buildings during Open House Chicago. Free.
Party cruise
October 15 & 22, 2016
0.7 miles east
A Booze Cruise aboard the Anita Dee II offers amazing views from the open top deck, dancing, and a cash bar, departing from 200 N Breakwater Access. Discount tickets $25.
Ideas Week
October 17 – 23, 2016
Chicago locations
Attend talks, labs, and dinners with inspirational thought leaders (artists, scientists, musicians, inventors, explorers) during Chicago Ideas Week.
Whisky tasting
October 20, 2016
1 mile south
The Whisky Extravaganza includes unlimited tastes from distillers and a buffet at the Union League Club. The dress code requires a jacket.
Halloween festival
Oct. 20 – 23, 2016 (6:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
24 miles north
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is full of spooky sights and fun activities for children and adults during Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns(formerly HallowFest). Buy tickets early.
Halloween festival & parade
October 22, 2016 (2 to 8 p.m.)
Downtown Chicago
Halloween Gathering includes a daytime festival at Millennium Park and Sir George Solti Garden 2 to 5 p.m., and a parade on Columbus Drive from Balbo to Monroe 6 to 8 p.m. Free.
Latin opera singers
October 22, 2016 (8 p.m.)
16 miles NW
Il Divo is three tenors and a baritone singing sultry music from Spain, Cuba, and Central and South America at Rosemont Theatre. Discount tickets $35 to $75.
Halloween flea market
October 22, 2016
31 miles west
Come in costume to the Wheaton Haunted Halloween Flea Market, which features a zombie crawl and dance with live music, plus antiques & collectibles for sale at DuPage County Fairgrounds.
Street party in Elgin
October 22, 2016
37 miles NW
Nightmare on Chicago Street is a zombie-themed party with two stages of entertainment, bands, food, booze, food vendors, a costume contest, and graffiti artists on Chicago Street between Douglas & Villa.
Chili festival
October 22 – 23, 2016
1 mile NW
Chili Fest Chicago has three kinds of tickets (taste chili, or drink craft beer and Mimosas, or both) at 218 West Ohio Street in River North.
Halloween pub crawls
October 22 – 29, 2016
Multiple locations
Get drink specials at bars (costume optional).
- Oct. 22: Zombies vs. Vampires Pub Crawl
- Oct. 28 – 31: Halloween Pub Crawls
- Oct. 29: A Nightmare on Hubbard Street
- Oct. 29: Halloween Trolley Bar Crawl
Boo at the Zoo
October 22-23 and 29-30, 2016
14 miles SW
Boo at the Zoo has games and activities for kids, a hayride, and a costume parade at 1 p.m. at the Brookfield Zoo.
Wearable art show
October 23, 2016
47 miles west
Uncommon Threads is a luncheon and juried fashion show of fine textile works at Q Center in St. Charles.
BatFest for families
October 24, 2016
44 miles west
BatFest has a parade, pumpkin roll, entertainment, trick-or-treating, hayrides, games, and a farmers’ market in Batavia. Free.
Journey to Mars
October 24 – 25, 2016 (7 p.m.)
0.5 miles SW
Hear a columnist with National Geographic describe the thrilling first flight to the planet Mars in Mankind to Mars, and see stunning feature-film quality visuals at Goodman Theatre. Discount tickets $28.
Halloween movies
October 24 – 31, 2016
10 miles north
Scarefest shows a different scary movie every night, with $3 cocktails available at The New 400 Theaters.
Halloween party – opera house
October 28, 2016 (8 p.m.)
1 mile SW
Halloween Masquerade includes DJ music, an open bar, and appetizers at the Civic Opera House. Costumes welcome.
Halloween dance class
October 28, 2016
6.4 miles NW
Halloween Tango Dance Party has a new theme every year, a dance class with guided practice, a costume contest, and BYOB at Duet Dance Studio for age 21+.
Alternative dance party
October 28, 2016 (11 p.m.)
7.2 miles north
Nocturna All Hallow’s Eve Ball by American Gothic Productions has DJ dance music (goth, industrial, post-punk, deathrock, ethereal, ebm, new wave, darkwave, dark indie), performances, and a costume contest for age 18+ at Metro Chicago on N. Clark.
Halloween party – O’Hare
October 28, 2016 (8 p.m.)
18.3 miles NW
The Halloween Costume Party has a DJ, dance floor, cash bar, food for sale, and prizes at Galaxy Banquet for age 21+. Pay at the door.
Ghost stories
October 28, 2016
41 miles north
The award-winning Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival features ghost stories, macabre fables, and creepy tales at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.
Trick or treat in Crystal Lake
October 28, 2016 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
49 miles NW
Bring kids in costume to Trunk or Treat, where they get candy from 25 decorated car trunks, with hayrides, face-painting, an outdoor movie, and Halloween games at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. Free.
Children’s film festival
October 28 – Nov. 6, 2016
Chicago locations
Billed as North America’s largest film festival for children, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF) showcases the best in culturally diverse, non-violent, value-affirming new cinema for children and offers interactive workshops.
All-American musical
October 28 – Nov. 6, 2016
27.8 miles north
Singin’ in the Rain is a song and dance classic about actors in the early days of Hollywood at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Discount tickets $40.
Halloween party – Congress Plaza
October 29, 2016 (9 p.m.)
1 mile south
Haunted Halloween Ball is a giant costume party with “celebrity DJs playing house & top 40 hits” at the Congress Plaza Hotel for age 21+.
Halloween party – Navy Pier
October 29, 2016 (8 p.m.)
1 mile east
Join 3,000 revelers age 21+ at The Haunted Halloween Ball in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, which also includes access to the Saints & Sinners Halloween at Lakeview Terrace. Discount tickets $11.
Halloween at the zoo
October 29, 2016
2.5 miles north
Kids can wear costumes, trick-or-treat, hear music, make crafts, and see a haunted house at Spooky Zoo Spectacular at Lincoln Park Zoo. Free.
Halloween parade for dogs
October 29, 2016 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
24 miles north
Dogs in costume are allowed to enter the Chicago Botanic Garden for two hours each year during Spooky Pooch Parade and costume contest.
Freaky Halloween party
October 29, 2016 (8 p.m.)
40.3 miles west
Midwest Freakfest is a multi-stage music and entertainment show with food and drinks for sale in McCook for age 17+ with ID. Video.
Halloween cruise
October 29 – 31, 2016
1 mile east
Put on a costume and arrive early for a cruise on Lake Michigan with DJ music and a cash bar for age 21+.
- Oct. 27 (7:30 p.m.) – Halloween Booze Cruise – Discount tickets $25.
- Oct. 29 (4 p.m.) – Halloween Costume Party
- Oct. 29 (midnight) – Haunted Ghost Ship
- Oct. 31 (6 p.m.) – Shipwrecked Halloween Party Cruise – Discount tickets $10.
Expand your mind
October 29 – Nov. 12, 2016
Chicago locations
Chicago Humanities Festival is a series of talks and events that explore the human condition and feature exciting thinkers, artists, and performers.
Clark Street Spooktacular
October 30, 2016 (1 to 4 p.m.)
3 miles north
Clark Street Spooktacular has family-friendly games, trick-or-treating, street magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, and a costume contest. Free.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
October 30, 2016 (2 to 5 p.m.)
8 miles north
A ticket gets you sweet treats at 11 local restaurants on Andersonville Dessert Crawl.
Halloween for kids
October 30, 2016 (1 to 4 p.m.)
32 miles west
Kids 10 and under will enjoy fun activities, games, fairytales, and treats at Halloween Happening at Naperville Riverwalk’s Grand Pavilion.
Halloween parade
October 31, 2016 (4 p.m.)
4 miles north
Register and wear a Halloween costume to join the Northalsted Halloween Parade, or watch from the sidewalk on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison. Free. Schedule.
Halloween carnival
October 31, 2016 (6 to 9 p.m.)
32 miles NW
Kids will enjoy hayrides, crafts, carnival games, entertainment, and trick-or-treating at Halloween Boonanza in Schaumburg.
