Top October 2018 Events in Chicago
It’s time to mark your calendars for all of Chicago’s spooktacular events! Yes, it’s already that time of year! So, in this spookiest month of the year, Chicagoans have so much to look forward to. From Fall festivals to Halloween parties and events, we’re ready to kick off the most wonderful time of the year – the holiday season! Here are a few things we’re most looking forward to:
October 2018 Events in Chicago
Jack’s Pumpkin Nights
When: October 4th – November 3rd
Where: River West/West Town
If you want to run through a seasonal favorite corn maze, you don’t have to go far this year! Jack’s Pumpkin Nights, a new Halloween-themed pop-up experience, is bringing traditional Autumnal outdoor fun to a two-acre lot near Goose Island. In addition to the maze, guests can enjoy carnival games, pumpkin carving, and live performances from sword swallowers and fire dancers each night. And, if you want to take the fun to the next level, be sure to check out the bar inside of the corn maze! It will be stocked full of beer and cider.
Lincoln Square Apple Fest
When: October 6th – October 7th
Where: Lincoln Square
Throw yourself into Fall at the Lincoln Square Apple Fest, and go apple crazy! From hot apple cider, to freshly baked apple pie and all kinds of other delicious apple-based treats, this annual Lincoln Square festival will take you straight out of the city and into an urban apple orchard. And, it’s great fun for the whole family with a Kid Zone. So, set the little ones loose while you indulge in some hard cider. Then, keep the Autumn love going, and take home a bushel of apples to create your own seasonal treats.
Far & Away
When: October 13th
Where: Millennium Park
If you’re in search of those coveted beers that are nearly impossible to find on tap in Chicago, then look no further than Far & Away. Half Acre’s new event is bringing together some of the nation’s top breweries for two sessions of tastings on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace. Participating breweries include Jackie O’s, Jester King, Fremont, and King and Mikkeller. And, in addition to scoring some sought-after beers, this event is also supporting a great cause, as a portion of the proceeds will go to the Intonation Music Workshop, a music education program for Chicago youth.
Chicago Rare and Wild Beer Fest
When: October 13th
Where: Museum Campus
If you’re more into sour beers, then the Chicago Rare and Wild Beer Fest is what you’ve been waiting for! This annual event will take place in the Field Museum’s Stanley Field Hall. Event goers will find rare and sought-after selections from such names as Surly, Noon Whistle and more than 60 other breweries! All tickets include 50 tasting vouchers for you to sample any of the beers available.
Bloody Mary Fest
When: October 14th
Where: Lincoln Park
Don’t miss the annual Blood Mary battle with Chicago Sport & Social. The event, held at Theater on the Lake, will feature savory brunch cocktails from some of Chicago’s top restaurants and bars. Guests are invited to taste their way through the festival, then vote for their favorites to select a winner. And, while you sip, enjoy live music, lawn games, an artisan market and brunch treats.
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns
When: October 24th – October 28th
Where: Suburbs
If you really want to get in the holiday spirit, check out the annual spooktacular makeover of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Come see more than 1,000 glowing pumpkins that have been expertly sculpted by artists for the New York-based Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns. And, you’ll want your camera for this one, as some of these masterpieces take up to 15 hours to complete!
Spooky Zoo
When: October 27th
Where: Lincoln Park
For a great night of festive, costumed fun with the family, don’t miss Spooky Zoo, a free alternative to trick-or-treating. This zoo event attracts more than 30,000 kids and their families each year and is filled with all sorts of exciting activities like Ferris wheel rides, a corn maze, animal enrichment activities, live entertainment and a pumpkin carver.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
