Welcome to Chicago, the most spooktacular city in the Midwest! As the leaves start to change color and the air gets a little cooler, we know that fall is finally here. And what better way to celebrate the season than by attending one of Chicago’s many fabulous fall festivals?
From Octoberfest-inspired celebrations to family-friendly pumpkin patches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the spooky season. So whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with the kids or a night of terror at one of the city’s haunted houses, be sure to check out our guide to Chicago’s best fall festivals.
The Chicago Marathon is an annual event in which runners from all across the world compete in a beautiful 26.2-mile circuit through the city’s streets.
Come enjoy over 60 local seasonal brews at the Chicago Beer Festival, where you’ll have the chance to explore the iconic Field Museum.
This third annual fest at the University of Chicago features headliners from various generations and genres.
Get to know the newest voices in Chicago’s Latino theater community at this multi-faceted festival.
Come to Maxwell Street Market for a great mix of handmade crafts, live music, and delicious food from street vendors. This beloved Sunday market has been around for years!
Chicagoans rejoice! The WingOut outdoor block party is back and better than ever. This year, it features more than 20 varieties of chicken wings plus live music in Old Town. So come out and enjoy the best that Chicago has to offer!
The Chicago International Film Festival is one of North America’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals. Each year, the festival features a diverse selection of films from around the world, attracting some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Chicago’s Open House architecture festival is free for all and provides exclusive access to many of the city’s coolest buildings, skyscrapers, and more.
The Historic Pullman House Tour is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover the interiors of private residences, from modest workers’ cottages to famous mansions, in historic Pullman.
Join us in Lincoln Square for our annual Apple Fest, where you can enjoy freshly-baked apple pies, soothing warm cider, and delicious artisan goods – everything you need to get into the autumn spirit!
You may sip fine wines at the Lincoln Park Wine Festival while walking through an open-air sommelier market, food tastings, and live music.
The Columbus Day Parade is a celebration of the city’s Italian community, with a mass and wreath-laying ceremony.
Come see Halloween in a whole new light at the Arts in the Dark parade. With dazzling puppets, performances, floats, and more, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
The Northalsted Halloween Parade is the perfect event for anyone who loves all things spooky! There will be a costume contest, trick or treating for puppies, dance shows, and much more.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a much-anticipated annual event that features a parade and the official lighting of Michigan Avenue’s trees.
Light sculptures, a skating rink, a holiday beer garden, a kiddie train, and more light-up Navy Pier all year round.
At Christkindlmarket Chicago, pick up a steaming mug of wine and amble through this festive holiday bazaar modeled after classic German Christmas markets.
Join fellow park-goers in a holiday sing-a-long held in front of the iconic “The Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park.
A holiday tradition, the magnificent lighting of Millennium Park’s towering tree is always breathtaking.
Come to the Lincoln Park Zoo this winter and enjoy over a million beautiful twinkling lights!
The lights at Chicago Botanic Garden will immersively transport you to a different world. Be astonished by this breathtaking outdoor light show that occupies these vast Glencoe gardens.
Maxwell Street Market has been a fixture in the Chicago area for years and features an array of handmade crafts, live music, and street food vendors.
On Thanksgiving Day, the city of Chicago hosts the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which attracts thousands of spectators and performers. The holiday season is filled with excitement! Head to historic State Street to see enormous floats, performers, horses, surprise guests, and more.
Looking for a great art fair to check out in Chicago? Intersect Chicago, held at Navy Pier, is definitely worth a visit! This long-running event focuses on three-dimensional artworks but also offers talks and other events.
The Festival of Barrel Aged Beers is your chance to taste the rarest, most exclusive wood and barrel-aged beers from more than 100 brewers. This cult-favorite competition is not to be missed!
And these are just a few of the many fall festivals happening in Chicago! To make the most of your time here, make sure you book your plane tickets in advance to save money and enjoy everything the city has to offer this autumn.
Your accommodation is also important – there are many great hotels in Chicago, but make sure you choose one that’s centrally located so that you can easily walk to all the festivals and attractions.
As for getting around, a Chicago charter bus is the best way to see everything that the city has to offer. With a professional chauffeur, you can relax and enjoy the ride as you take in all the sights of this great city.
And because it’s fall, remember to pack your warm clothes! Chicago can get chilly this time of year, so make sure you’re prepared.
So whether you’re in the mood for some Halloween fun or just looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall, be sure to check out our guide to Chicago’s best fall festivals. Happy Halloween!
About Carson Derrow
