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:
- The multi-venue World Music Festival, with musicians from across the globe
- The Chicago Bears take on the New York Jets at Soldier Field
- The start of autumnal events, like Apple Fest in Lincoln Square and Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Performances from the International Latino Theater Festival and the Rhinoceros Theater Festival
Check out just a few of the events and happening in Chicago this weekend, Oct. 2 – 4, 2026.
World Music Festival
The 26th annual World Music Festival is your passport to musical acts from across the globe.
This free, city-wide festival features artists from around the world at iconic venues around Chicago, including the Chicago Cultural Center and Humboldt Park.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest 2026
The 39th Annual Apple Fest runs on N. Lincoln Avenue between W. Lawrence and W. Sunnyside Avenues in Lincoln Square. Hours are Friday, October 2,…
Commemorative Day | Latine Heritage Month
Chicago History Museum marks Latine Heritage Month with a Commemorative Day on Saturday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Museum invites visitors…
Maxwell Street
Visitors to Maxwell Street will experience an eclectic mix of foods and finds—including handmade crafts, resale housewares, clothing, and much more.
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…
16th Annual West Town Art Walk
Celebrate Chicago’s creative community at the 16th Annual West Town Art Walk, a free, neighborhood-wide celebration featuring local artists, galleries, small businesses, music, food and…
SAUCED Night Market
The south side of Chicago is about to get a little saucier. On Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. at HOSTE (1857…
Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
How did a dead body, a fake love letter, and — of all people — Ian Fleming turn the tide of World War II? Olivier…
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 5th Annual Latina Comedy Festival
For five years running, the Latina Comedy Festival has done something the comedy industry doesn't do often often enough: handing the mic to Latina comedians…
Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
The 9th annual Destinos International Latino Theater Festival showcases Latino theatre companies from Chicago and across the country. Choose from a variety of works staged at some of the city’s top independent theatre venues.
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…
The Chicks – Taking The Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour
The Chicks are performing live in Chicago for a special two-night stand on Saturday, October 3, 2026, and Sunday, October 4, 2026, as part of…
Chicago Horror Film Festival
The 28th Annual Chicago Horror Film Festival takes over Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema October 2–4, bringing 150+ independent horror films to two big movie theater…
World Premiere of The Humanities
The Humanities is a provocative play by Zayd Ayers Dohrn in which faculty and students at an elite American university grapple with issues of gender, race,…
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…
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.
