fun things to do in chciago in october
Chicago in October is a wonderful place to be, with the fall foliage in full swing and a plethora of exciting events and activities to enjoy. Here are some fun things to do in Chicago in October:
- Chicago Oktoberfest: Celebrate German culture with traditional food, drinks, and music at this annual festival in Grant Park (mid-October).
- Chicago International Film Festival: Catch the latest independent films and Hollywood blockbusters at this prestigious festival, which takes place at various venues across the city (mid-October).
- Northalsted Halloween Parade: Get spooky and join the fun at this annual Halloween parade in the Northalsted neighborhood, featuring costumes, floats, and live music (late October).
- Lincoln Park Zoo’s Spooky Zoo: Bring the kids to this family-friendly event, featuring trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and a haunted house (late October).
- Chicago Food Truck Festival: Savor the flavors of Chicago’s diverse food scene at this festival, featuring over 40 food trucks and live music (early October).
- Chicago Marathon: Cheer on runners from around the world as they tackle the 26.2-mile course through the city’s neighborhoods (early October).
- The Great Chicago Fire Festival: Commemorate the 1871 Great Chicago Fire with a festival featuring live music, food, and a fireworks display (early October).
- Chicago Botanic Garden’s Fall Color Festival: Take in the stunning fall foliage at the Chicago Botanic Garden, featuring scenic walks, live music, and a marketplace (mid-October).
- The Field Museum’s Ancient Egyptian Collection: Explore the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, featuring mummies, sarcophagi, and other treasures (year-round).
- Take a stroll along the Lakefront Trail: Enjoy the crisp fall air and stunning views of Lake Michigan on this 18.5-mile path, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking (year-round).
- Visit the Christkindlmarket: Get a head start on holiday shopping at this German-style market, featuring handmade crafts, food, and drinks (late October to December).
- Go on a ghost tour: Explore Chicago’s spooky side with a guided tour of haunted sites, such as the Congress Hotel and the Biograph Theater (year-round).
- Attend a sports game: Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field or a Bears game at Soldier Field, both of which offer exciting experiences in October.
- Take a brewery tour: Sample some of Chicago’s best craft beers on a guided tour of local breweries, such as Lagunitas or Half Acre (year-round).
- Visit the Museum of Science and Industry’s Coal Mine: Explore a replica of a 1930s coal mine, featuring historic equipment and interactive exhibits (year-round).
These are just a few of the many fun things to do in Chicago in October. Whether you’re interested in festivals, museums, or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.