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:
- Open House Chicago, with inside access to the city’s architectural gems
- Screenings from the 62nd annual Chicago International Film Festival
- Chicago Fashion Week, with runway shows and pop-ups around the city
- Fun autumnal events like Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Check out just a few of the events and happening in Chicago this weekend, Oct. 9 – 11, 2026.
Open House Chicago
Each year, participants can explore over 200 Open House Chicago sites across more than 30 different neighborhoods.
The 16th annual Open House Chicago will include sites in every corner of the city, including 25 sites that have never participated before.
Loop Arts Fest
Grab your dancing shoes and head downtown for the first-ever Loop Arts Fest. Chicago Loop Alliance, the team behind Sundays on State, is closing State…
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.…
Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo hosts this free trick-or-treating extravaganza for kids of all ages, with costumed characters, family-friendly entertainment, and candy stations winding through the zoo grounds.
Chicago Fashion Week
This week-long celebration of creativity will shine a spotlight on the city’s groundbreaking design community with more than 50 events and runway shows.
Black Poetry Day Readings & Reflections
In celebration of Black Poetry Day, local Chicago poets from the Guild Literary Complex present readings from their favorite Black poets. Join us for a…
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…
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars
Cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center!
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…
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.
