Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.
This weekend in Chicago is jam-packed with fall and Halloween celebrations, artisan markets, jaw-dropping art exhibits, Chicago Fashion Week runway shows, riveting live theatre, Chicago International Film Festival screenings, family-friendly fun, exciting cultural events, and so much more.
Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Oct. 17 – 19, 2025.
Arts in the Dark Parade
LUMA8 and the City of Chicago return with the 11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly event featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets,…
Open House Chicago 2025
Each October, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) hosts Open House Chicago (OHC), a free public festival that offers rare behind-the-scenes access to sites of architectural,…
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind presents one of the most comprehensive exhibitions to date of Yoko Ono, the trailblazing artist, celebrated musician, and formidable campaigner…
Chicago Fashion Week
The Chicago Fashion Week 2025 schedule includes more than 50 runway shows, exhibits, and educational and social events that celebrate the past, present, and future of Chicago’s evolving fashion scene. All events are open to the public to enjoy.
DESTINOS - Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Chicago’s dynamic Latino theatre community shines during this month-long festival, featuring performances, workshops, and events across the city. The 8th annual edition includes a variety of shows and up-and-coming talent.
Ear Taxi Festival
The Ear Taxi Festival 2025, themed "The Composer’s Voice," is a landmark event showcasing contemporary concert music across Chicagoland from October 3 through November 2,…
SAUCED Night Market
That chill in the air—it only means one thing. Sweater weather! Well, and also beer weather. And scented candle weather. SAUCED Night Market is the one-stop-shop for…
Bronzeville’s Fall Festival 2025
Bronzeville’s Fall Festival 2025 Games, music, shopping & the resources you need to advance wellness, build wealth, and grow in wisdom—all in one place. Hosted…
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Explore cutting-edge projects and ideas from global contributors at North America’s largest architecture and design festival. All events are free and open to the public.
Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance
The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most extraordinary traditions, which celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is holding their 39th annual exhibit dedicated to Day of the Dead customs and traditions.
The Fall West Loop Contemporary Fine Art Expo
An Art Expo unlike any in Chicagoland! The Fall West Loop Contemporary Fine Art Expo is a curated boutique expo showcasing over 40 invitation-only fine…
Yacht Rock at Navy Pier
We Love Yacht Rock and join us in celebrating the effortless cool of the late ’70s and early ’80s. The day will feature Yacht Rock…
iOktoberfest
iO Theater is raising a glass to fall with iOktoberfest, a one-of-a-kind Chicago twist on the traditional German festival. The event will feature local breweries,…
BOO-seum Bash
Trick or Treat! It's time to have some merry mischief at the museum! Join us for an afternoon of animal encounters, crafts, and Halloween fun.…
Coco in Concert Live to Film
Join Lyric for Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert Live to Film, the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of being an accomplished musician,…
Discover HH Holmes for Halloween: The Devil in the White City Bus Tour by American Ghost Walks
Join American Ghost Walks for an immersive 3-hour experience on The Devil in the White City Bus Tour in Chicago. Uncover the chilling tale of…
Woodworking and Tomfoolery with Nick Offerman
Join us for an evening of conversation and tomfoolery with the one and only Nick Offerman. Offerman makes his return to Chicago to discuss his…
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up
This over-the-top Halloween pop-up includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks, and tons of pumpkin-packed fun.
Chicago Seadog Haunted River Tour
Step aboard our Seadog Haunted Tours for a fun-filled journey through Chicago's history of ghosts, spirits, scandals, and sins. As you cruise along the Chicago…
The Lion King
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from…
Pumpkin Lights & Playful Frights
Step into WNDR this October for a seasonal spectacle like never before. Celebrate fall fun at WNDR Museum next month where treats, surprises, entertainment and…
Boo! at the Zoo
Get ready for a fang-tastic time at BOO! at the Zoo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s family-friendly Halloween celebration. This event is packed with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations,…
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect…
Mr. Wolf
12 years ago, Theresa was stolen from her parents. Now a precocious 15-year-old, she has been rescued and returned to a family that had nearly…
Living in the Shade: Open Space and Public Housing
This exhibition at the National Public Housing Museum explores the role of open space—large lawns and tenant gardens, paved paths and play spaces, shady seating…
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
Please note that all events are subject to change.
