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Best of October: Halloween, Fall Fests, and More Fun Things To Do in Chicago

Photo courtesy of Midnight Circus in the Parks, Facebook
Photo courtesy of Midnight Circus in the Parks, Facebook
9/30/22 - By Maureen Wilkey

Halloween is always exciting, and October in Chicago is delivering a whole lot of treats: We have apples and pumpkins to pick; there are Oktoberfest events in North Center and Wheaton, and kids can check out two different circuses—UniverSoul Circus and Midnight Circus—throughout Chicago parks. Kids can also celebrate their ancestors at Day of the Dead events in Schaumburg and Pilsen.

Of course, we’ve got you covered for Halloween events in Chicago, too. If you'd rather trick-or-treat at businesses than at houses or apartments, visit Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Bucktown or Wicker Park, or trick-or-treat with the animals at Brookfield's Boo at the Zoo. And if you're more comfortable staying in for the holiday, we have some fun Halloween games to recommend.

Check out our full line-up of favorite fall festivals here, or read on to see the best of October!

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Photo courtesy of the St Charles Scarecrow Festival
Photo courtesy of the St Charles Scarecrow Festival

Best Things To Do in Chicago in October 2022 with Kids

St. Benedict's Oktoberfest

September 30- October 2—North Center
St. Ben's Parish Oktoberfest includes live entertainment, traditional German food, a carnival, and games. Proceeds will benefit local outreach programs and church operations. READ MORE

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest

October 1-2
The 34th annual Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest offers activities for apple lovers of all ages. Food vendors and farm vendors will be on hand for families to buy fall-themed foods! Kids can enjoy apple themed activities like an apple sensory bin and an apple slime kit, as well as activities from Fit City Kids, Itsy Bitsy Play & Cafe, Nonku's Corner, and several local schools. READ MORE

Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle

October 1—Villa Park
Families can support kids with developmental delays at this 5K and kids dash that benefits Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley. The post-race party includes fresh grilled foods, face painting, live music, a photo booth, and kid-friendly games and entertainment. READ MORE

Global Peace Picnic at Humboldt Park

October 1—Humboldt Park
Celebrate global music, culture, and peace at Humboldt Park with family-friendly activities. The event takes place at and around the boathouse. READ MORE

UniverSoul Circus

October 1-2 and 6-10—Washington Park
Universoul Circus comes to Washington Park to share its lively, dazzling display of circus arts, music, dance, and theatre for the whole family. READ MORE

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster

Weekends through October 16—West Loop
This Chicago Children's Theater production is about a terrible monster named Leonardo who finds it hard to be scary. Then, he meets Sam, a scaredy-cat kid, and he must decide whether to finally be scary, or to put aside his fears and make friends with a human. READ MORE

Midnight Circus in the Parks

October 1,2,8, 15 and 16—Humboldt Park, Kosciuszko Park, and Welles Park
This small, family-run circus is as sweet as they come, bringing the circus to parks all over Chicago for a small, intimate performance! Families can grab a blanket and get cozy in their favorite park to see talented aerialists, gymnasts, tight rope walkers, clowns, and even a dog put on an energetic and awe-inspiring performance. READ MORE

Northwest Celtic Fest

October 1—Hoffman Estates
Families can celebrate all things Irish, Welsh, and Scottish at this cultural festival at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. Enjoy Irish music and dancing, Celtic food, a Celtic marketplace, free kids activities, and a meet and greet with birds of prey. READ MORE

Community Ofrenda Kickoff

October 1—Schaumburg
Local Mexican artist Cristina Colunga help the Schaumburg community celebrate Day of the Dead by making a community ofrenda at the main library and its branches. Families can bring in pictures or memories of their loved one to share at the altar. Kids can also enjoy crafts, face painting, and a dance performance from Grupo Folklorico Quetzal. READ MORE

Biketoberfest

October 2—Villa Park
This annual bicycle show and swap will take place both indoors and outdoors in 2022. Kids can enjoy watching motorized mini bikes, go karts, and pedal cars, or look for a new bike in the Bike Corral. READ MORE

Halloween Movies at Gallagher Way

October 6, 12, and 19—Wrigleyville
Visit Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field to see a variety of blockbusters on the big screen. Food trucks from local favorite restaurants like Big Star and West Town Bakery sell their goodies at the park. READ MORE

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

October 7-9—Highwood
Visit Highwood for all the pumpkin-based fun you could wish for. This three-day festival includes all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations, a carnival, live entertainment, a 5k, craft and food vendors, and pet and kid costume contests. READ MORE

Second Saturdays: Giving Back

October 8—Wheaton
Cantigny Park offers a family-friendly history lesson on the second Saturday of each month. In November, the park teams with the Hines VA Hospital to give families the chance to give back by writing cards to patients. Several other "speed volunteering" activities will be available to benefit local non-profits. READ MORE

Main-Dempster Mile Fall Fest and Pumpkin Carving Contest

October 8—Evanston
North suburban families can enjoy live music and a pumpkin carving contest to celebrate fall along the Main-Dempster Mile. Music from The Masters Collection and a mobile sauna will add to the autumn fun. READ MORE

NAMI DuPage County Octoberfest

October 7-9—Wheaton
Families can enjoy live entertainment, a carnival and other children's activities, food trucks, and more at this annual event supporting NAMI DuPage County, an organization that provides support, advocacy and education for those living with mental illness in the western suburbs. Kids may enjoy performances from Miss Jamie from the Farm and School of Rock Glen Ellyn on Sunday. A pancake breakfast, car show, 50/50 raffle, and beer and wine tent for the grown ups round out the fun. READ MORE

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

October 7-9—St. Charles
More than 100 handmade and mechanical scarecrows will be on display in downtown St. Charles for this 34th annual fall tradition. Families can make their own scarecrow, enjoy live entertainment, shop at the arts and crafts show, or ride carnival rides while enjoying the fall weather. READ MORE

Lemonster Days Drive-In Movies

October 7—Lemont
The Lemont Park District presents the Disney film Ghostbusters: Afterlife on October 7 to celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead. READ MORE

Lombard Fall Fest

October 8—Lombard
Kids can kick off the Halloween season at Lombard's annual fall event. Kids can enjoy games, dancing, face painting and a candy hunt. The Lombard Community Building will host Boo Bingo from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. READ MORE

Tinker Works

October 8-10—Oak Park
On October 8, 9, and 10, Wonder Works will host Tinker Works, a museum takeover event exploring using stuff to make stuff that does stuff.  Tinker Works will feature fort building, box work creations, a maker space, circuitry and Legos for big kids, tinkering activities for little ones, building challenges for big kids, outdoor building activities and our signature scavenger hunt.  READ MORE

Tales + Tombstones

October 7 and 8—Lombard
The Lombard Historical Society leads families through the oldest cemetery in Lombard. Historians tell tales of bizarre, admirable, and ridiculous things that the people buried there did, from more than a century ago through today. READ MORE

Boo at the Zoo

Weekends, October 8-23—Brookfield
Celebrate Halloween with the animals at Brookfield Zoo. This event includes a corn maze and photo ops, and families can watch as zookeepers give pumpkins to different animals. Candy stations throughout the zoo will not be set up this year--kids will receive treats as they exit the zoo. READ MORE

Columbus Day Parade

October 11—Downtown
This parade includes Boston Police and Fire honor guard, military personnel and vehicles, marching bands, drum & bugle corps, antique cars, North End feast floats, neighborhood groups, flag throwers from Sulmona Italy, floats, and thousands of other participants. READ MORE

Zombie Candy Hunt

October 14—LaGrange
Zombies have hidden candy in Sedgwick Park and kids must dress up in costumes to come find it! Bring your own flashlight and bag or bucket to fill with goodies. READ MORE

Open House Chicago

October 15-16—Citywide
The Chicago Architecture Center is proud to host the annual Open House Chicago (OHC) a month-long celebration showcasing Chicago’s built environment. This October, the Chicago Architecture Center hosts an Open House Chicago unlike any other featuring: The robust OHC app highlighting DIY neighborhood ‘trails,’ curated content and ‘Explore like a local’ suggestions for eating, drinking, and shopping available for use October 1-31 Classic in-person, indoor... READ MORE

Hinsdale Fall Family Fest

October 15—Hinsdale
West suburban families can visit Katherine Legge Park to paint pumpkins, enjoy giveaways from local businesses, visit food trucks, and trick-or-treat at downtown businesses. Inflatables and roaming entertainment will also be on hand. READ MORE

HomeSmart Realty Trunk or Treat

October 27—Naperville
Costumes, candy, and cookies are on hand at HomeSmart Realty's Trunk or Treat event in Naperville. Kids can trick or treat from the trunks of decorated cars in the Realtor's office parking lot. READ MORE

Bolingbrook Promenade Fall Festival

October 23—Bolingbrook
Celebrate fall at this annual event featuring trick-or-treat food trucks, local vendors, crafters, and artisans. READ MORE

Ballet 5:8 Presents Imagine Better at Athenaeum Center Oct. 15

October 15—Lakeview
Ballet 5:8 presents Imagine Better at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture on Saturday, October 15 at 7 p.m. in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Imagine Better is a one night only breathtaking mixed bill with several original family-friendly ballets by Ballet 5:8’s Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager and Matthew Rushing, Associate Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. READ MORE

The Three Little Pigs

October 19-23 and 26-30—Beverly
Meet Roxanne, Petunia, and Babe…three Sister Piggies who set out to build their own houses. Roxanne (the Rock’n Roll Pig) builds hers out of Sticks, Petunia (The Pretty Pig) builds hers out of Straw, and Babe (the sensible, smart Pig) builds hers out of bricks! Which house will the Big Bad Wolf Huff and Puff and blow down? Don’t miss one of CKC’s most popular shows! The Three Little Pigs is a one-hour musical based on the original fairy tale. It features a hilarious script written by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. READ MORE

Arts in the Dark

October 22—Downtown
Arts in the Dark is an evening parade that celebrates Halloween as the "artist's holiday," bringing together Chicago institutions and organizations dedicated to art and education. Audience members will be delighted by unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances set against the backdrop of Chicago’s majestic skyline. READ MORE

Ackerman Spook Trail

October 27-28—Glen Ellyn
Take a walk along the spook trail to enjoy Halloween themed games. Refreshments will be available from local vendors. From 4-6 p.m., the trail will be non-scary and geared toward younger children. From 6-8 p.m., it will be spookier for kids 11 and up. READ MORE

HomeSmart Realty Trunk or Treat

October 27—Naperville
Costumes, candy, and cookies are on hand at HomeSmart Realty's Trunk or Treat event in Naperville. Kids can trick or treat from the trunks of decorated cars in the Realtor's office parking lot. READ MORE

CANCELLED Boo-palooza

October 22—Wicker Park
Families can help raise money for the Wicker Park "Gardens We Design" at this family-friendly Halloween event featuring kids' musicians, a costume parade and a pumpkin patch and decorating area. Play games including pin-the-tail on various popular cartoons, find the "needle" in the hay stack, or work your way through a straw maze. READ MORE

Bunker Hill Pumpkin Palooza

October 22—Niles
Families can enjoy nature's contributions to Halloween by painting pumpkins, playing gourd ring toss, making leaf rubbings, and running through a fall-themed obstacle course. READ MORE

Ackerman Spook Trail

October 27-28—Glen Ellyn
Take a walk along the spook trail to enjoy Halloween themed games. Refreshments will be available from local vendors. From 4-6 p.m., the trail will be non-scary and geared toward younger children. From 6-8 p.m., it will be spookier for kids 11 and up. READ MORE

Things To Do in Chicago on Halloween Weekend 2022

Stars, Stories & S'mores

October 28—River Forest
Enjoy a cozy fire, s'mores, a spooky story trail, and pumpkin painting in Thatcher Woods. Kids can also stargaze in their Halloween costumes at this Forest Preserve District event. READ MORE

Little Beans Drive-in Movies

October 28—Evanston
Little Beans Evanston features a series of kid-friendly drive-in movies in its parking lot. Families can come in their car or rent a spot to set up blankets and chairs. READ MORE

Addison Park District Candy Carnival

October 28—Addison
Kids can play games to win candy at this annual event. Kids receive an extra treat for coming in costume. Inflatables, crafts, and games round out the fun. Parents must accompany their children at this event. READ MORE

Pumpkin Palooza

October 29—Naperville
Kids can celebrate the season by coming in costume to the DuPage Children's Museum for STEAM-themed, non-scary activities. Build your own Franken buddy from recycled toys, create wearable art, brew your own slime, and mix and mash pumpkin guts! READ MORE

Day of the Dead Xicágo

October 29—Pilsen
The National Museum of Mexican Art hosts Day of the Dead Xicágo, where families can celebrate Día de los Muertos. Guests can enjoy ofrendas (altars), live musical performances, face painting, art activities, and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside the museum. READ MORE

Lincoln Scared and Ravenswoooooood

October 30—Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Lincoln Square and Ravenswood transform into Lincoln Scared and Ravenswooooooood for early trick-or-treating. Businesses hand out candy and other treats, and a pumpkin decorating station sets up on Damen Avenue. READ MORE

WPB Trick-or-Treat

October 30—Wicker Park and Bucktown
The chambers of commerce for West Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square are teaming up for a trick-or-treating event at businesses on or near Milwaukee Avenue from Grand Avenue to Diversey. Businesses may offer candy or store discounts. READ MORE

Halloween Celebration at King Library

October 31—Bronzeville
Join the staff at King Library for stories, games, crafts and treats to celebrate Halloween. Costumes are encouraged! READ MORE

Blodgett House Boo Fest

October 31—Downers Grove
Families can avoid the rain (or snow) by trick-or-treating indoors at the Downers Grove Museum. The Victorian themed Blodgett House will be decorated for the occasion and will host a scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

October 31—Lakeview
North Halsted Street in Boystown celebrates Halloween unlike any other neighborhood in Chicago. Parade entries may include LED robots, the Lakeside Marching Band, and Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers. A costume contest awards cash prizes to contestants in seven different categories, including a category for youth. READ MORE
Check out Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up this October in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up.
Check out Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up this October in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up.

Monthlong Events and Exhibits in Chicago

Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up

Goose Island
While decidedly more of an adults-only place after 7pm, during the day, Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up is a great place for kids of all ages to enjoy an interactive pumpkin-themed pop-up, complete with a corn maze and carnival games. Kids 4 and under are FREE! READ MORE

Scarecrow Trail

Lisle
Local Scout troops and school groups have constructed scarecrow displays around Meadow Lake at Morton Arboretum. Families can stroll around the lake to view the scarecrows and vote for their favorite online. READ MORE

Pier Pumpkin Nights

Navy Pier
Guests can enjoy pumpkin pop-up installations throughout Navy Pier at Pier Pumpkin Nights, a month-long seasonal celebration featuring jack o’lantern towers and pumpkin-themed light displays. READ MORE

Skeletober

LaGrange
Downtown LaGrange celebrates Skeletober, a display of unique life-size decorated skeletons on the sidewalks of local businesses. Families can take pictures with the skeletons and participate in a skeleton scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

Lincoln Park
Families can enjoy a walk through the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin-carving demonstration, and pumpkin-themed treats like a caramel apple station and a s'more station at Lincoln Park Zoo throughout October. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, Illinois
Photo courtesy of All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, Illinois

Fall Day Trips and More October Activities in Chicago

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 34 Awesome Things To Do in Chicago This Fall

Enjoy harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, farm fun, and more. READ MORE

The 23 Best Pumpkin Patches near Chicago for Kids

Pick from more than a dozen pumpkin patches and pumpkin farms near Chicago for a day of fall family fun. READ MORE

Apple Picking near Chicago: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

We’ve selected 14 of the best apple orchards within a two-hour drive of Chicago for your apple-picking pleasure, many with seasonal extras like hayrides, corn mazes, train rides, and activities for kids READ MORE

Top Halloween Events in Chicago for Kids and Families

Your guide to the best Halloween events near Chicago for kids in 2022. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley
Schaumburg Township District Library
Hanover Street
Throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area
Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture
Centennial Recreational Center