Embrace the crisp fall days with exciting activities that’ll make your autumn glow. From checking out charming boutiques to savoring pumpkin spice treats at seasonal festivals, there is so much to see and enjoy. Venture into fall foliage trails and local landmarks to infuse a dash of adventure into your autumn plans. Don’t miss out on these activities scheduled for this weekend to fully savor the changing leaves!
Halloween Fun for All in Evanston
Get ready to experience a family-friendly Halloween event that’s tons of fun at Central Street Trick or Treat 2023. This charming community gathering offers Halloween fun for all ages. Along picturesque Central Street, families can wander through local businesses, each offering a unique treat for costumed participants. It’s a fantastic opportunity for little ghouls and goblins to collect goodies and enjoy the festive spirit of the season.
Date: October 21
Time: 9AM-3PM
Cost: Free
Location: Various Locations in Downtown Evanston
More info: centralstreetevanston.com
Welcome to Wicked Wilmette
Everyone is welcome to enjoy Wicked Wilmette! This family-friendly occasion is brimming with inflatables, face painting, mesmerizing magic shows, and a delightful hay maze. Attendees can explore various Spooky Stations scattered throughout the park to collect giveaways and treats. Don’t forget to peruse the pumpkin patch and select a favorite pumpkin to decorate. There will be delicious food options available for purchase, too. It’s a spirited celebration not to be missed!
Date: October 21
Time: 4-6PM
Cost: $25+
Location: Hibbard Park, 3000 Glenview Rd, Wilmette
More info: wilmettepark.org
Holiday Season Starts Now at the Fall Frenzy Gift Market
Kick off your holiday shopping season with the enchanting Fall Frenzy Gift Market! Whether you’re on the hunt for a thoughtful birthday present or looking for some early holiday shopping, this event will have an eclectic array of unique and handcrafted treasures from local artisans and crafters. Come and discover the magic of this market – a haven for those in search of memorable and meaningful presents.
Date: October 21
Time: 10AM-4PM
Cost: Free
Location: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St, Skokie
More info: skokieparks.org
Explore the Garden of Decay at Navy Pier
Navy Pier invites you to embark on a Halloween-themed immersive theater experience within the Garden of Decay, a scary setting that was once a renowned genetic plant lab that is now haunted! Venture into the world guided by captivating audio narration as you navigate through these handcrafted art installations. Get your ticket for a night of spine-tingling fun and eerie enchantment.
Date: October 20-21
Time: 6-12PM
Cost: $42+
Location: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave
More info: navypier.org
Sing the Monster Mash at Chicago Athletic Hotel
Masha’s Monster Mash Karaoke is the ultimate fusion of musical revelry and Halloween fun, where ghouls and goblins gather to unleash their inner rock stars amidst a spooktacular atmosphere. Hosted by iconic queen Masha Potato, this one-of-a-kind karaoke night promises a hair-raising good time. From classic monster ballads to contemporary hits with a macabre twist, the playlist is as diverse as the characters in attendance, ensuring a karaoke experience that’s perfect for those who want to sing their hearts out in the spirit of Halloween.
Date: October 21
Time: 10PM-1AM
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Athletic Hotel, 12 S Michigan Ave
More info: chicagoathleticevents.com
Magic & Mystery with The Zabrecky Hour
Don’t miss The Zabrecky Hour, a comedy magic and variety show that defies convention. Rob Zabrecky’s unique blend of humor and magic offers a spellbinding evening of surprises and audience engagement. Drawing from his award-winning Magic Castle act, the show seamlessly merges magic, comedy, song, dance, and more. Zabrecky’s distinctive style blurs the lines between comedy and mentalism, creating a wonderfully weird world all his own.
Date: Runs through October 31
Time: 2PM and 7:30PM
Cost: $40
Location: Rhapsody Theater, 1328 W Morse Ave, Rogers Park
More info: rhapsodytheater.com
See the Haunts at the Arts in the Dark Parade
The Arts in the Dark Parade in Chicago is a celebration that turns the city streets into a unique nighttime showcase of Halloween creativity. This annual parade unites a wide range of artists and performers who bring the night to life with their displays, costumes, and acts. The Arts in the Dark Parade underscores the city’s dynamic arts scene, promoting unity and fostering a deep appreciation for the power of creativity beneath the night sky.
Date: October 21
Time: 6-8PM
Cost: Free
Location: State St from Lake to Van Buren
More info: artsinthedark.com
Have an ‘Eerie Evening’ on the Riverwalk
Dive into the chilling allure of Chicago’s ghostly history at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum’s Eerie Evening. This hauntingly elegant event along the Chicago Riverwalk invites you to explore the city’s sinister tales and electrifying hauntings. Immerse yourself in spooky stories, delightful drinks, and delectable snacks while celebrating the haunted season in a historic museum setting. Your ticket not only grants you access to an evening of the supernatural but also supports the Bridgehouse Museum’s educational and outreach initiatives!
Date: October 19 and 20
Time: 5-10PM
Cost: $40
Location: 99 Chicago Riverwalk
More info: interland3.donorperfect.net