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.
A few of highlights this weekend include:
- Arts in the Dark (Saturday, Oct. 24), a fantastical evening Halloween parade
- The last screenings from the 62nd annual Chicago International Film Festival (ends Sunday, Oct. 25)
- Fun autumnal events like Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls (Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24)
- The free Día de los Muertos Xicágo (Saturday, Oct. 24) event in the Pilsen neighborhood
Check out just a few of the events and happening in Chicago this weekend, Oct. 23 – 25, 2026.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
LUMA8 proudly announces the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly event featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets, and all forms of creative…
Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls
Come for the brews, stay for the boos! Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls is an adults-only Halloween party at Lincoln Park Zoo that lets you…
Día de los Muertos Xicágo
In Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art hosts this annual community gathering to honor Day of the Dead. Enjoy live music and performances, art activities, and a stunning illuminated ofrenda.
62nd Chicago International Film Festival
As the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, The Chicago International Film Festival brings more than 150 films from around the world to Chicago.…
Slightly Spooky October at Navy Pier
Join us for free movies at Navy Pier in Crystal Gardens on Saturdays, October 17 and 24, plus trick-or-treating throughout the Pier on Halloween, October…
Fright at the Field
Spooky season has arrived at the Field Museum! Join us for Fright at the Field, a Halloween experience featuring the return of Underground MISAdventure, and…
Chicago Fall Market
Markets for Makers is coming to Chicago on October 24 + 25 at Artifact Events (4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613). Come shop 90+…
Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise
Where are the pet parents who count down to dressing up their dog every Halloween? This one’s for you! Our 2026 Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise is…
Spooktacular: Lincoln Avenue
Get ready for two days of trick-or-treating fun in Lincoln Park! Spooktacular returns with a weekend of Halloween festivities for the whole family. Dress up…
Gompers Park Ghoulfest
Gompers Ghoulfest is back by popular demand for a second year! "Little" Gompers Park will transform into an enchanted fall landscape for the occasion. The…
The Séance: Live (and dead) in Chicago
We play with the dead. The Séance returns to Chicago's Stars & Garters for Saturday nights this fall. Recreating the atmosphere and techniques of 19th-century…
Creepy Cruise
From strange sightings to eerie haunts, mobsters and more, our latest nighttime tour takes you into Chicago's shadowy past. Cruise along the Chicago River as…
Yes, Chef! Chicago: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour
This is the ORIGINAL Chicago food tour that takes you to the restaurants featured on the TV phenomenon, The Bear. We'll take you to the actual…
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago’s favorite free and family-friendly festival is back at Lincoln Park Zoo for another season of harvest-time fun! From September through October, stop by the…
The 37th Annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival Returns September 20 – October 26 at Four Chicago Venues
Curious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, September 20…
Jekyll& Hyde
Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of the 10-time 2025 Jeff Award–nominated musical JEKYLL & HYDE will make its Broadway In Chicago debut at the Broadway Playhouse at…
INCREDIBLE INSECTS: Interactive Live Bug Exhibit
This Halloween season, join us for the third year of Incredible Insects at The Butterfly House at Navy Pier: an interactive exhibit featuring wacky and…
BOO! at the Zoo
Get ready for a boo-tiful day of Halloween fun at BOO! at the Zoo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's family-friendly fall tradition! Enjoy festive décor, not-so-scary surprises,…
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
Please note that all events are subject to change.
