Looking for ideas close to home? Fall in Chicago is full of local flavor, from family-friendly festivals to things to be enjoyed for kids or for adults. These events aren’t just fun—they’re a great way to explore Chicagoland, meet local vendors, and feel more connected to the community.
When: October 8 – 12, October 15 – 19, October 22 – 26, 2025; 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Cost: Advance public tickets: ~$25 for adults, ~$17 for children (ages 3–12)
Parking: For public (non‑members): $15 flat when purchased in advance; $25 on day of event. Members get free parking
Summary: Walk through a glowing nighttime trail lined with over 1,000 artist‑carved pumpkins, including larger “giant” gourds, live carving demonstrations, costumed characters, and seasonal snacks & drinks available for purchase.
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: State Street, from Lake Street to Van Buren (The Loop)
Cost: Free, family‑friendly event
Parking: Millennium Garages is the exclusive parking sponsor; their lots have access points near Michigan Avenue, with access off Washington and Van Buren. Because the parade is in the Loop, many surrounding garages/ramps will also be available (though pricey)
Summary: A magical evening parade celebrating Halloween as an “artist’s holiday.” Expect spectacle floats, puppetry, performers, and creative visuals — a highlight of Chicago’s fall arts season.
3. Zoo Fiesta
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark Street, Chicago
Cost: $20 admission for adults (ages 21+)
Parking: Street parking in Lincoln Park neighborhood (metered). Nearby garages or parking lots near the zoo. CTA access is often easier than parking for zoo events
Summary: A Latin‑themed evening event for adults, with music, dance, sugar‑skull decorating, Latin culture performances, carousel & Ferris wheel rides, Spanish‑language animal talks, and themed food & drinks.
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Wicker Park, 1425 North Damen Avenue, Chicago
Cost: Free
Parking: Street parking in Wicker Park / adjacent lots; some garages nearby
Summary: A Halloween extravaganza that’s family and pet friendly. Expect a haunted maze, costume parade (human + dog), live entertainment, free pumpkins, fun pet activities, food, and general fall festival energy.
When: Now Open - November 2, 2025. Mon-Fri: 4 PM - 10 PM, Sat: 11 M - 11 PM, Sun: 11 AM - 10 PM
Where: Goose Island, 1265 West Le Moyne Chicago, IL 60642
Cost: Tickets range from $30 - $55
Parking: Stret parking us free on a first come, first serve basis. On some nights, valet and VIP parking is offered via third parties (cost vary).
Summary: Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is one of Chicago’s most immersive fall pop-up experiences. Expect 10,000+ pumpkins, a giant corn maze (with a hidden bar at the end), carnival games, axe throwing, photo ops, fortune tellers, food trucks, and seasonal drinks. It’s family‑friendly by day (kids, adults), and as evening falls, the lighting and energy shift to more festive / “BOO‑zy” vibes (21+ drinks). It’s also fully cashless, accepting credit cards and Apple Pay only.
Disclaimer
Event details may change. Please confirm dates, ticket information, and policies on the official event websites before attending.
