12 Things To Do in Chicago This October

If you thought September was awesome, just wait until you see what October has in store.

From marathons to comedy shows and everything in-between, next month is absolutely jam-packed with some of the city’s most anticipated events. Not sure what to do first? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Advertisement

Here are 12 of the best things to check out in Chicago this October.

Celebrate the Spooky Season

Chicago's Ultimate Halloween Guide

Advertisement

All October @ Various Locations

There are so many Oktoberfests, Halloween bashes, pumpkin patches, and ale fests to hit up this year that we thought we’d just give you a comprehensive list of all of them. You’re welcome. Let us know if you hit all of them in the comments below!

Advertisement

Suburbs

Chicago

Advertisement

ACE Comic Con

ACE Comic Con
Photo Credit: ACE Comic Con Facebook

October 11 – 13 @ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont 

Everyone’s favorite comic book convention is headed back to Rosemont. This year’s guest speakers include Brie Larson from Captain Marvel, Tom Holland from Spider-Man, Kit Harington from Game of Thrones, and so many more. Get tickets for as low as $45/day before they sell out!

Advertisement

Bacon & Beer Classic

bacon and beer classic
Photo Credit: SF Fun Cheap

October 12 @ Soldier Field

Honestly, not much else to say here. If you’re not already on board, you’re probably crazy. Get tickets for all the bacon and beer you can stomach for just $55. Oh, and parking? Taken care of.

Advertisement

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

To Do Chicago October
Photo Credit: Chicago Marathon Instagram

 October 13 @ Grant Park

Cheer on the city’s fastest runners at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The route follows 26.2 miles of the city’s most beautiful scenery and welcomes athletes and leisure runners alike!

Advertisement

Coronavirus Restrictions Chicago
Photo Credit: Koi Evanston

Coronavirus in Chicago Updates: Restrictions to Be Lifted on October 1

The City of Chicago will be lifting several restrictions for bars and restaurants on October 1.

Coronavirus Updates in Chicago


Chicago International Film Festival

Chicago International Film Festival
Photo Credit: Chicago International Film Festival

October 16 – 27 @ Various Locations

Enjoy the best of cinema from around the world at several Chicago venues across 2 weeks of entertainment. Tickets go on sale soon!

Open House Chicago

Elks National Memorial
Photo Credit: The Elks National Memorial and Headquarters Facebook

October 19 – 20 @ Various Locations

The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House in back again as one of the best things to do this October. Showcasing over 200 of Chicago’s coolest buildings, the Open House allows visitors to explore some of the city’s best hidden gems. Better yet, its completely, 100-percent free.

Bloody Mary Fest

To Do Chicago October
Photo Credit: Bloody Mary Chi Instagram

October 20 @ Theater on the Lake

Is there anything better than sipping a Bloody Mary on Sunday morning? Drop by Theater on the Lake to try out Chicago’s tastiest Bloody Marys, craft beers, brunch bites, and more. The event also features a Bloody Mary competition, so place your bets now!

Chicago Ideas Week

To Do Chicago - Ideas Week
Photo Credit: Chicago Ideas Facebook

October 12 – 17 @ Various Locations

Get your life together this October at Chicago Ideas Week. The seven-day festival brings together thought leaders and innovators from around the world to discuss everything from the hottest new tech to leadership principals. This year, the event features headlining speakers like Jonathan Van Ness, Jennifer White, Abby Wambach, and more. Most individual events cost an economical $15, so don’t wait—buy your tickets here.

Arts in the Dark

october things to do
Photo Credit: Arts in the Dark

October 19 @ On State St from Lake to Van Buren, ending at Millennium Park

Enjoy a Halloween parade like you’ve never seen before. Artists from all over Chicago and beyond join together to showcase their spooky good talents with unique floats, terrifying puppetry, and creative performances. The parade is free and there’s an afterparty in Millennium Park! Get discounted skating packages at the Maggie Daley Park ribbon and the climbing wall for $20 per person.

Chicago Humanities Festival

october things to do
Photo Credit: Chicago Humanities Festival

October 26 – November 10 @ Various Locations

If you’re looking for things to do this October and November, enjoy inspiring talks and panels across a variety of Chicago venues during this nearly month-long Humanities Festival. Get tickets for individual sessions today!

Art-Inspired Dinner & Tour at Travelle

Photo Credit: Travelle

October 30 | 5:30 pm @ Travelle at The Langham

Travelle at The Langham presents an event for art and cocktail lovers, who will embark on a tour led by Chicago Chef Concierge Philippe Gills of the art installed throughout and around the hotel, including Ju Ming’s “The Gentlemen,” Virginio Ferrari’s “Ombre della Sera,” Carolyn Ottmers’ “Silver Pinecone,” Yorko Alexopolous’ “Beguiled by Mystery,” Jaume Plensa’s “Anna,” as well as pieces from Peter Halley and Monique Prieto. Once the tour concludes, guests will settle into Travelle for a unique, three-course dinner and drink pairings to enjoy sips from Travelle’s art-inspired cocktail collection. Designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, The Langham is a reputable Chicago hotel with a fantastic riverside restaurant, Travelle, and holds a strong connection to the city’s vast art scene.

Tickets run $95 and space is limited; to make a reservation, call 312.923.7705

Northalstead Halloween Parade 

Northalsted
Photo Credit: Northalsted Facebook

October 31 @ Halstead & Belmont

As far as things to do on Halloween goes, there’s really not that many. You could do a Haunted House or trick-or-treat if you have kids or nieces and nephews. But as far as adulting goes, a costume parade, followed by boozy bar-hopping, is as good as you can hope for, and what better neighborhood to do it right than Boystown? Head to this part of town at 7:30 pm for a wild riot of a Halloween parade you’re sure to remember.


Chicago Fall Bucket List

Build Your 2020 Chicago Fall Bucket List: Ideas & Tips

If you are creating a bucket list of activities and events to attend throughout upcoming fall season in Chicago, we have created a list of ideas and tips.

Build Your 2020 Fall Bucket List


At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

 

READ MORE LIKE THIS
DOWNLOAD THE URBANMATTER APP

About Author