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!
Search for Scaries in Wheaton
Bring the whole family for a Spooky Halloween Geocache Hunt in Wheaton! Your group will be provided with a GPS unit to help you hunt for pumpkins at night throughout the Lincoln Marsh. Learn to navigate the trails to celebrate Hallo-weekend with the whole crew (and no need for costumes!)
Date: October 27 and 28
Time: 6:30PM
Cost: $20+
Location: Lincoln Marsh, Harrison St and Pierce Ave, Wheaton
More info: myvscloud.com
Get Your Howl on in Naperville
Join us for an adults-only Halloween event in Naperville with Howlin’ at the Moon. Enjoy live music, indulge in local cuisine at the Food Truck Graveyard, and savor beverages at the BOOze Bar. Encounter a 15’ werewolf in the haunted forest, browse the Moonlight Market, explore the Dark Art Gallery, and participate in a costume contest. Other attractions include fire dancers, axe throwing, photo ops, and more!
Date: October 27-28
Time: 5PM
Cost: $20
Location: Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville
More info: napersettlement.org
Trek Along the Ackerman Haunted Trail
Embark on a bone-chilling adventure as you wander through a haunted trail teeming with creatures and spine-tingling sounds and scenes. This sinister journey is a gateway to the realm of the macabre. Come early for a tamer experience but stay late for a more intense and thrilling encounter as the night deepens. After your scary stroll, enjoy themed games and tantalizing bites from local food trucks!
Date: October 27
Time: 4PM
Cost: $5
Location: Ackerman Park, 800 St Charles Rd, Glen Ellyn
More info: gepark.org
Celebrate Hallo-weekend with the Haunted Soiree
Step into the chilling world of Haunted Soiree, an immersive theatrical spectacle that blends the allure of an upscale cocktail party with the intrigue of an old-school variety show. Watch an interactive and sinister narrative with live performers and artisanal mini cocktail tasting flights. Guests can partake in this eerie gathering at their own pace, or they can dive deeper into the experience by engaging in spine-tingling activities and rituals.
Date: October 27-29
Time: Varies by Day
Cost: $77+
Location: International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N Lakeshore Dr
More info: hauntedsoiree.com
Bin-GO to Holy Ghost Bingo
Uncover peculiar saintly tales at the uproarious show, Holy Ghost Bingo: God, Goblins, & Games, perfectly timed for Halloween weekend. Join Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, a former nun, as she takes center stage to collect funds, mixing bingo with spirited discussions on Halloween customs, spine-tingling films, cursed board games, sweet confections, and more! With a wild mix of Halloween facts, lively audience participation, and an uproarious costume competition, it’s a night of laughter you won’t want to miss.
Date: October 27-29
Time: 8PM
Cost: $37+
Location: Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N Lincoln Ave
More info: ovationtix.com
Happy Foodie Halloween at Momotaro
Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure at Izakaya’s Halloween Party, as this underground hideaway transforms into a vintage horror cinema. Your ticket offers entry to the eerie movie experience, a feast of Izakaya’s dishes, and movie-themed cocktails (three drinks included)! Cap off the night with hauntingly delicious desserts. Tickets are limited, so grab yours for a night of vintage horror and delectable delights.
Date: October 28
Time: 7PM
Cost: $95
Location: Izakaya at Momotaro, 820 W Lake St
More info: exploretock.com
Learn about the Retro Arcade Game Q*bert
Q*bert, a classic arcade game invented in 1982, is known for its inventive gameplay and unique character features, with the titular character hopping on cubes while evading enemies, setting it apart from the shooting and racing games of its time. The exhibition @!#?@!: Art, Design and Sound of Q*bert presents the arcade game, console versions, board game, design documents, and collectibles, exploring the game’s impact across various media.
Date: Runs through December 17
Time: Varies by Day
Cost: $8
Location: Chicago Gamespace, 2418 Bloomingdale Ave
More info: chicagogamespace.com
Make Room for Mahler at the CSO
Experience Mahler’s First Symphony as it weaves together the sounds of nature and spirited folk dance to lead to its famous conclusion. Under the baton of Conductor Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, the performance commences with the symphony’s original second movement, “Blumine,” celebrated for its trumpet serenade. Distinguished cellist Jian Wang then steps into the spotlight, delivering a poignant rendition of Bloch’s “Hebraic Rhapsody.” Buy your tickets for Mahler 1 at the CSO for a musical, not scary, weekend event.
Date: October 27-28
Time: 1:30 and 7:30PM
Cost: $69+
Location: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S Michigan Ave
More info: cso.org
