Summer may have officially ended but there are so many activities to keep us busy through the end of the year that even Billie Eilish couldn’t get bored in Chicago.
Of course, Chicago Fire, P.D. and Med have returned for the new season to keep us busy on One Chicago Wednesday, but the list of fun Fall activities is growing, and there is something for everyone.
Fall Fests, Film Fests, Beer Fests, Blue Fests, Apple Fests, Parades and Marathons, and that’s just October! Have a look at the list and rest assured, there’s no being bored in Chicago.
October
Chicago Marathon: Runners from all over the world come to Chicago to run a scenic 26.2 miles through the city’s neighborhoods.
Chicago Beer Festival: Sip seasonal brews from more than 60 local breweries while wandering through the iconic Field Museum.
Logan Center Bluesfest: Headliners span generations and genres at this third annual fest held at the University of Chicago.
Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: Discover emerging voices in the local Latino theater community during this multi-faceted fest.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
WingOut Chicago: This outdoor block party showcases more than 20 varieties of chicken wings, plus live music, in Old Town.
Chicago International Film Festival: After more than five decades, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival gets bigger and better each year.
Open House Chicago: This one-of-a-kind (free!) architecture festival takes you inside many of Chicago’s coolest buildings, skyscrapers, and more.
Historic Pullman House Tour: Tour the interiors of private homes, from workers’ cottages to landmark mansions, during this unique event in historic Pullman.
Lincoln Square Apple Fest: Celebrate the fall harvest with apple pie, apple cider, artisan goods, and more.
Lincoln Park Wine Festival: Sip wines while strolling through an open-air market of sommeliers, food tastings, and live music.
Columbus Day Parade: A celebration of Chicago’s Italian community, the festivities include a mass and wreath-laying ceremony.
Arts in the Dark: Celebrate the artistic side of Halloween at this twilight parade, featuring puppets, performers, whimsical floats, and more.
Northalsted Halloween Parade: In the Northalsted neighborhood, this spooky spectacle includes a costume contest, trick or treat for dogs, dance performances, and more.
November
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: A beloved tradition, this spectacular holiday event includes a parade and the official lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier: Light sculptures, a skating rink, holiday beer garden, kiddie train, and more take over Navy Pier for the holidays all season long.
Christkindlmarket Chicago: Grab a mug of hot wine and stroll through this magical holiday bazaar, styled after traditional German Christmas markets.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: A holiday favorite, the annual lighting of the towering tree in Millennium Park is always spectacular.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: This over-the-top light display, which includes more than one million twinkling bulbs, is a beloved local tradition.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Be awed by this magical outdoor light show that takes over these sprawling Glencoe gardens.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Each winter, the trees at this Lisle nature attraction come to life with festive lights and music.
Winterland at Gallagher Way: Find ice skating, curling lessons, a Hanukkah celebration, family-friendly events, and a holiday market at this winter wonderland.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Winter Flower Show: Discover a winter oasis at this colorful flower show, set inside the stunning Garfield Park Conservatory.
Thanksgiving Parade: Head to historic State Street to catch giant floats, dancers, horses, special guests, and more.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Grab your skates and check out the two scenic (and free!) ice rinks that pop up in iconic Millennium Park each winter.
Intersect Chicago: Held at Navy Pier, this long-running art fair focuses on three-dimensional artworks along with talks and events.
Festival of Barrel Aged Beers: Taste the rarest, most exclusive wood and barrel-aged beers from more than 100 brewers at this cult-favorite competition.
December
Christkindlmarket Chicago: Grab a mug of hot wine and stroll through this magical holiday bazaar, styled after traditional German Christmas markets.
One of a Kind Show and Sale: Find unique items, housewares, jewelry, gifts, and more handmade by local creators.
Winterland at Gallagher Way: Find ice skating, curling lessons, a Hanukkah celebration, family-friendly events, and a holiday market at this winter wonderland.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier: Light sculptures, a skating rink, holiday beer garden, kiddie train, and more take over Navy Pier for the holidays all season long.: Light sculptures, a skating rink, holiday beer garden, kiddie train, and more take over Navy Pier for the holidays all season long.
Historic Pullman Candlelight House Walk: This magical neighborhood event includes tours of stunning historic homes decked out for the holidays.
Maxwell Street Market: Browse an eclectic array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors at this long-running Sunday market.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Be awed by this magical outdoor light show that takes over these sprawling Glencoe gardens.
Winter Flower Show: Discover a winter oasis at this colorful flower show, set inside the stunning Garfield Park Conservatory.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: This over-the-top light display, which includes more than one million twinkling bulbs, is a beloved local tradition.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: Each winter, the trees at this Lisle nature attraction come to life with festive lights and music.
Ice skating in Millennium Park: Grab your skates and check out the two scenic (and free!) ice rinks that pop up in iconic Millennium Park each winter.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier: Ring in the New Year with a breathtaking fireworks display over Lake Michigan.
