What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL October 4th – 6th 2019

Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend?
Here are over 50 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!

 

 

Family Friendly Events in Chicagoland This Weekend:

 

Major Ongoing Events:

 

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

• FRIDAY-SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 27 AND
  MONDAY OCTOBER 14
  10 A.M.-5 P.M.
• “This free, family-friendly celebration injects the heart of Chicago with a little harvest fun each year from September–October. This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Ferris wheel, corn maze, corn pool, fun slide, inflatable obstacle course, and more. Guests can also enjoy animal chats, musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals!”

Worlds Largest Corn Maze now open at Richardson Farm

• September 7th – November 3rd; Thursday – Sunday
• “The Richardson Farm offers a huge variety of on-farm experiences: Our activities include a 700 foot long zip line, Orbiting, and the “world’s largest”, most intricately designed corn maze along with activities for all ages.”
• The maze is Apollo themed this year!

Keller’s Farmstand Fall Festivities

• Oswego
• “Looking for family fun and creating new fall traditions? Our Saturday & Sunday Fall Festivities include a 10-acre Alice in Wonderland themed corn maze (including 3 observation decks), wagon rides, farm animals, pedal tractors, grain tables, kids play area with pirate ship, castle, and more! Want to pick apples? Buy an apple bag in our apple barn and head to the orchard! Pick a pumpkin off the vine in our large pumpkin patch or choose one from our pre-picked patch. Don’t leave without trying our delicious, homemade APPLE CIDER DONUTS, fudge, and kettle corn. They’re hard to resist! Our concession stand serves hot dogs, brats, hot pretzels, and other treats. There’s lots to experience here at the Keller Farm in Oswego!”

Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo (Sept 21 – Oct 27th)

• “Let us help you with that fall activity checklist all season long! Come enjoy our Fall Festival at Randall Oaks Zoo! The zoo will be decked out in fall decorations, and there will be several fall activities around the zoo. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a fall day! Don’t forget to purchase your pumpkin during your visit. Regular admission applies.”
• Fall Festival | Sept. 21-Oct. 27 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Didier Farms Pumpkinfest (Sept 21st – Oct 31st)

• Celebrate Fall with us! Hayrides, corn maze, kiddie rides, pumpkins, and so much more!
  16679 W. Aptakisic Rd.
  Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Stade’s Farm Festival – Farmtractions Theme Park

• “We have eight farmtastic weekends of fun planned for you, your family, and your friends! Join us Saturdays and Sundays only (our Market is open every day) during September, and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October.
• During the Fall Festival at Stade’s, you can also; pick fresh apples, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and choose the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a bonfire/hayride private party, (previously set by emailing stadesfarmmarket@gmail.com) shop in our Market, enjoy delicious seasonal foods and our famous Apple Cider Donuts!”
• McHenry, IL

The Morton Arboretum Scarecrow Trail

• Daily in October
• Meadow Lake Trail
• “Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow.”

Trick or Trees at The Morton Arboretum

• October weekends: 11 AM – 4 PM in the Children’s Garden
• “Play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. Costumes encouraged.”

Morton Arboretum Walking Play

• “THE SHERLOCK SCANDAL – Revised Title
  October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27
  3:00 p.m. showtime*
  REVISED: A new time-period twisted take on the beloved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tales! Based on Scandal in Bohemia’ The Sherlock Scandal unfolds as a PR scandal arises when it is discovered that Holmes and Watson are not met. While they escape the public eye, they find themselves involved in solving a blackmail scandal with a notorious rock star and his pious fiance. With the help of Inspector Lestrade, they work the mystery and tell the tale of their own interesting past. Please note that this performance is for ages 10+. The performance includes mature content, mild violence and mentions of death. Hike is roughly one mile in distance.”

Pumpkin Fest Cosley Zoo

• October 1st – 31st
• Daily, 9 AM- 5 PM
• “Come out to Cosley Zoo this fall and enjoy the colors of the season, see the animals, and pick out your pumpkin! Pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, corn stalks, and straw bales are all available for purchase. Children’s rides will also be available, weather permitting.”

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

• October 3rd – November 3rd
• Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 pm
• Saturdays and Sundays: 11 am – 10 pm
• Goose Island: 1265 West Le Moyne Street
• “Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is Chicago’s only 100% outdoor fall experience with the city’s largest Corn Maze, 4 Full-Service Bars, Axe Throwing, Gypsy Caravans, Music, Carnival Games, Food Trucks and Fun Instagrammable moments.”

Pier Pumpkin Lights

• October 1st – November 2nd
• Navy Pier
• “Explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations throughout the Pier and enjoy fabulous fall deals at the first-ever Pier Pumpkin Lights, a month-long seasonal celebration. From jack o’lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall.”

Moonlight Hayrides at Primrose Farm in St. Charles

• October 4-5th, 11th-12th, 18th – 19th
• “Enjoy an evening of old-fashioned farm fun by the light of the moon. Cruise around the fields of Primrose Farm at the height of the fall harvest on a 30 minute tractor-drawn wagon ride. Gather ’round a bonfire for a marshmallow roast, hot chocolate and hot cider.”

The Glow: A Pumpkin Wonderland

• Sensory Garden Playground, Lisle
• Select Nights October 3rd – October 27th
• “Taking place at Sensory Garden Playground, Jack’s Pumpkin Glow, will allow for family and friends to take a leisurely walk and marvel at thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins. As jack o’lanterns illuminate the park for an unforgettable evening, make sure to grab a few photos and some seasonal snacks. Don’t forget to check out our master carver’s as they demonstrate their artistry or to pick up a gourd at the pumpkin patch. There is something everyone will enjoy at this truly magnificent fall spectacular.”

Goebbert’s Fall Light Show

• October 4th – November 3rd
• Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch – Pingree Grove

• “Experience the magic of more than 1.5 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at Goebbert’s Fall Light Show. You’ll encounter dazzling displays as you drive through our farm in the comfort of your own vehicle. The 1 mile route will impress and amaze you! We’ve created new structures, added new designs, switched up the music and extended the light show! When purchasing your tickets, the light show is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per vehicle.”

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest

• Date: Saturday, October 5th & Sunday, October 6th 2019
  Time: Saturday 9am – 6pm & Sunday 9am-6pm
  Location: Lincoln Ave between Lawrence & Eastwood
• “Dozens of vendors participate in Apple Fest every year, selling everything from candy apples to scarves and hats. Pick up fresh apple pie, hot apple cider, or even a whole bushel of apples!  When you’re finished, bring your food to our Lawrence Avenue Music Stage to hear great local music while you eat. And parents won’t have all the fun!  Kids can play in our Leland Avenue Kids Zone, featuring child-focused activities throughout the day.  There’s something for everyone at Apple Fest!”

St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest

• Friday, Oct 4: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday, Oct 5: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, Oct 6: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• 2215 W. Irving Park Rd
• “TRUE TO THE CUSTOMS OF THE BAVARIAN FESTIVAL, ST. BENEDICT’S OKTOBERFEST PROMISES ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, WITH MUSIC, FOOD, BEVERAGES AND CARNIVAL RIDES AND GAMES!”

Naper Settlement’s Oktoberfest 

• Friday, October 4th: 5 – 10 pm
• Saturday, October 5th: 12 – 10 pm
• “Experience Naper Settlement’s Oktoberfest like never before! Traditional cuisine and authentic beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with lively Oompah music during the day and over-the-top rock on Saturday night. Enjoy new event features including: an expanded draft menu, professional pumpkin carver, Oktoberfest pinball, and laugh-out-loud competitions. Celebrate the 10th annual Oktoberfest and honor the 50th anniversary of the Naperville Heritage Society by grabbing your Alpine hat and lederhosen for the sights, smells, and sounds of Fall, German style!”
• Children’s activities take place from 12 – 4 pm on Saturday only:
  • “Paint a canvas with Pinot’s Palette, break a board with PRO Martial Arts, enjoy vintage games with Naper Settlement, try your hand at arcade games with Chuck E. Cheese’s, and play sports with Players Indoor Sports Center!”

Autumn Fest Geneva

• October 4th – 6th
• Celebrate fall in Geneva with the local small businesses!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

• September 28 – October 27, 2019
  Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM and 2 PM
• Performances take place at The Station in the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre: 100 S. Racine Ave
• “Based on the beautifully-crafted work of Eric Carle comes a bold new spectacle featuring 75 larger-than-life puppets. Featuring the tales of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, The Very Lonely Firefly, Ten Little Rubber Ducks, and of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar – this new show captures the magic of Carle’s world.”

Midnight Circus

• Kosciuszko Park: 2732 North Avers Ave.
• Saturday, October 5th at 2pm and 5pm
  Sunday, October 6th at 2pm and 5pm
• “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”

 

FRIDAY

 

 

5:00 PM: First Friday’s Aurora

• Downtown Aurora
• “First Fridays is art, music, and more on October 4. Visit several venues open to the public for a night of art, food, and culture in downtown Aurora. Free!”

5:00 PM: Elgin Food Truck Festival

• Festival Park
• “Hey Foodies! We’re heading to Festival Park – in the heart of downtown Elgin, to bring you the Inaugural Elgin Food Truck Festival. Featuring 25+ of the area’s best food trucks, live DJ entertainment, beer garden and a vendor village featuring local businesses.”

8:00 PM: Moonlight Madness Mini Golf

• Holes and Knolls in Glen Ellyn
• “Golfers will putt along the darkened Holes & Knolls Mini Golf Course with only glow-in-the-dark golf balls and illuminated cups as a guide. Let the moonlight help you get that hole in one! Moonlight Madness is open to all ages, no registration required. Final entry onto the course is at 10:15 PM. $8 per golfer.”

 

 

SATURDAY

 

 

9:30 AM: South Elgin’s Fall Festival

• Seba Park: 50 W. State Street
• “It’s four hours of autumn fun at South Elgin’s beautiful SEBA Park (151 Water Street). Get South Elgin grown pumpkins. NEW THIS YEAR: Halloween Costume Pet Parade at Noon! Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities: petting zoo, pyramid of hay, trolley ride, touch-a-truck, pumpkin carving/painting station and a book fair! And stop by the Fire Station between 10am-1pm for an Open House tour too!”

10:00 AM: Fire Open House

• Darien – Woodridge Fire Protection District: 7550 Lyman Ave, Darien
• “The Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District and the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District are joining forces to kick off Fire Prevention Week with a Combined Open House on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Head to DWFD Station 89 for a full three hours of activities for the whole family. There will be a live burn, vehicle extrication, firefighter fashion show, and tons of fun for our junior firefighters, including giveaways, crafts, and a photo booth. Stay tuned to find out who our special guest will be! You won’t want to miss it!”

10:00 AM: Touch A Truck at the Avery Coonley School

• The Avery Coonley School: 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove
• “The Avery Coonley School invites you to bring the kids to touch, feel, and climb on a variety of trucks and vehicles! Free Kona Ice and lots of photo opportunities. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.”

10:00 AM: Fall Festival at Union Park

• Union Park: 1501 W. Randolph
• “Harvest Fest: You are invited to join us for a goblin good time while enjoying a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, games, arts and crafts, jumpy house, pictures and more! FREE ages 12 and under.”

10:00 AM: Fall Fest at Athletic Field

• 10 AM – 3 PM
• Athletic Field Park: 3546 W. Addison Street
• Enjoy a day in the park jam packed with fun fall activities : Pumpkin Patch, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Live Music, Food. Activity fees vary. $1.00 per ticket. Ticket sales end at 2:00pm.

11:00 AM: Juicebox Children’s Series

• Garfield Park Conservatory
• Mr. Singer and Kerry Appleberry
• “Mr. Singer leads Chicago’s most energetic band rocking all pre-Ks and early Graders who like to dance, laugh and rock-out! Along with his wife, the sparkling singer Kerry Appleberry, the dynamo drummer Marius Mustard and occasional special guests, the bigger-than-life performer brings clever original songs along with some fun punky favorites.”

11:00 AM: Applepalooza at Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens

• 1801 S. Indiana Ave
• “Join Women’s Park for our annual apple fest including, games, apple food court, hay rides, storytelling and more. The fee is $5 per child.”

11:30 AM: Meet Frankie the Dinosaur

• Orland Square Mall
• “He may be 9 ft. tall and 12 ft. long, but we promise Frankie is one friendly dinosaur! Brought to us by Animal Quest Inc., children and adults alike are invited to meet and take photos with Frankie!”

12:00 PM: Schaumburg’s Autumn Harvest Festival

• Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin
• “Step back in time more than 100 years and watch history come to life at Spring Valley’s largest and most popular event held at both Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin! The event features hands-on demonstrations of frontier-era and 1880s farm life including cider pressing, blacksmithing and fall planting. Other activities include children’s crafts, 19th century games and live music on two stages. Grilled food, taffy apples, cold beverages and other tasty fall treats will be available for purchase. Parking is available off Plum Grove Road across from Heritage Farm and the Nature Center on Schaumburg Road.”

12:30 PM: Make A Scarecrow in Joliet

• Pilcher Park Nature Center
• “The leaves are changing color, the temperature is cooling down. What says Autumn more than making a scarecrow with a background of beautiful fall colors? All supplies are included: stakes, clothes, accessories, heads and stuffing. Must pre-register for each scarecrow that will be made. No walk-ins.“
• $10 / scarecrow, ages 13 and under

1:00 & 3:00 PM: Family Magic Show Matinee with Ed Fairman

• Otherworld Theatre
• “This hilarious 45 minute comedy magic show is aimed at children 5 to 10 years old. It features lots of silly comedy and amazing magic that will keep even the most jaded adult entertained. The show will open with Mr. Andy of Mr. Andy and the Shakers doing fun and funny sing along music!”

1:00 PM: Parkway Bank Park Family Fall Fest

• Rosemont
• “Parkway Bank Park entertainment district will celebrate the fall season with the return of its annual “Family Fall Fest” Saturday, October 5 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The annual celebration will feature a variety of free activities for families to enjoy including pumpkin painting, balloon sculptors, face painting, petting zoo, bounce house and live music. All free activities will be available until 5 p.m.”

1:00 PM: Lombard Fall Fest

• Lombard Park District
• “Join us for this FREE event that has something for everyone. Families can enjoy games, dancing, hayrides, face painting, a candy hunt and so much more! Join us inside the Community Building from 2:00 – 3:00 pm for a round of Boo Bingo. Stop by our pumpkin patch and select the perfect pumpkin (one pumpkin per child) to take home or decorate in our pumpkin decorating contest. Puppy parade at 2:00 PM.”

2:00 PM: Wheaton Oktoberfest

• “Join us for a fall celebration featuring live music, a beer garden, children’s area, and a variety of food vendors.“
• Wesley Street between Main and across in downtown Wheaton

3:00 PM: Lemont Park District Fall Fest

• Centennial Park, Lemont
• “This FREE event will feature LIVE music from Whiskey & Harmony, acoustic set, a scarecrow building contest, kids zone, amazing kiddie straw maze, snacks, hayrides and more!”

6:30 PM: Mother / Son Superhero Night

• Ranch View School in Naperville
• “Moms and sons are invited to a Superhero Night featuring treats and a disc jockey playing all your favorite tunes. Each couple receives a commemorative photo of this extraordinary night. Couples are encouraged to dress in superhero attire. Please register both mom and son”

6:30 PM: Stargazing at Lake Katherine

• Lake Katherine Nature Center; Palos Heights
• “Our free family astronomy events are back for 2019! Featuring guest astronomer, Joseph Mayer, of the Chicago Astronomical Society. Outdoor viewing with telescopes (provided) will take place in our Anniversary Garden area. Join Joe to see the various planets and first phase of the moon. No preregistration necessary.”

7:00 PM: Haunted Trail Walk

• Northcroft Park, Lake Forest
• “Prepare to be spooked on a self-guided walk through the haunted forest from Northcroft Park to Stirling Hall. Creepy creatures, spooky sounds, or scary sights will be lurking behind every corner. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight if you dare. After your adventure, join the bonfire at Stirling Hall with hot apple cider and s’mores. A shuttle will be provided from Stirling Hall back to Northcroft Park. Shuttle ends at 9 pm. Ages 12+. This event is free, but registration is encouraged. Use code 10350106 at www.LFParksandRec.com. “

7:00 PM: Creature Double Feature

• The Museums at Lisle Station Park: 921 School Street
• “Join us at The Museums at Lisle Station Park while we show a creature double feature outside on the big screen. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. All Ages Welcome! This is a FREE Event!“
• BEETLEJUICE begins at 7:00pm 

• GHOSTBUSTERS begins at 8:30pm

SUNDAY

 

 

8:00 AM: Joliet Airport Festival

• Joliet Regional Airport
• “Join us for some delicious pancakes, classic car show, airplane/helicopter rides and much more! Bounce House, Face Painter, and Pedal Planes for the Kids
• This is a FREE Admission and Free Parking event.”– Pancake Breakfast | 8 – 10:30am | $7 adults/ $5 kids under 12
  – Classic Car Show | $10 entry fee per car, trophies awarded . (Sponsored by Coachmen Car Club)
  – Airplane Rides $30 per person
  – Helicopter Rides $35 per person
  – WWII Warbird Rides $275 (15min) per person, $450 (30min) per person. Reserve your ride by calling John at vintageaircraftrides@gmail.com

9:00 AM: Annual Fox Fall Fest

• Downtown Oswego
• “This fun family event returns to downtown Oswego on October 6th with crafters, food trucks, music, Glowby the bubble guy, Top Notch Chainsaw Carving, games for kids, scarecrow building contest and more. Come out to shop the stores, shop the vendors and have great family fun.”

12:00 PM: GiGi Fest

• Gigi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates: 2350 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates
• “We can’t wait to celebrate this year’s “Sweet Sixteen” at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates! Bring your friends, family, cowboy hats and boots, because we have something AMAZING happening this year. We are proud to announce that GiGi’s favorite country Singer, John Paul Von Arx, will be recording the music video for his song “He’s Different” written for his brother Sam, who has Down syndrome, at this year’s GiGi Fest! Join us and be a part of this AWESOME opportunity to be a part of it. You can also experience everything that makes GiGi Fest great – our annual Red Carpet Calendar Walk, yummy food, and lots of fun for everyone including pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, bounce houses, and more! This family-friendly event is FREE to attend!”

1:00 PM: Pumpkin Palooza Campfire – Skokie

• Emily Oaks Nature Center
• “Follow the exciting journey of a pumpkin seed, and discover the hidden secrets of this favorite fall food, while enjoying the warmth of a campfire. Pumpkins take center stage as we explore the parts of a pumpkin, play autumn pumpkin games, make a pumpkin craft, and prepare a delicious pumpkin treat to eat! This program will be held indoors in case of inclement weather. For families with children ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pre-registration required, but gate registration may be available if the program does not fill.”

2:00 PM & 6:00 PM: Chicago Pizza Summit

• Session 1: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.Session 2: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m
• Theater On The Lake: 2401 Lakeshore Drive
• “Chicago’s favorite pizza institutions and cooks from around the city will gather to present their take on this now beloved Windy City classic. Some participants will serve it up by the slice while others will present their unique twist and showcase different types of pizza-inspired cuisine, such as past popular offerings like the Pizza Shot and Pizza in a Bag.”

4:00 PM: Blue Man Group’s Autism Friendly Performance

• Briar Street Theatre
• “The critically hailed Blue Man Group announces its sixth annual autism-friendly performance in Chicago Sunday, October 6 at 4 p.m. Slight modifications will be made to the Blue Man Group performance at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted) in order to create a sensory-friendly show that better accommodates individuals and families affected by autism.”

6:00 PM & 8:00 PM: Ghost Stories In The Park

• 500 W. Jackson Street, Naperville
• “A Naperville tradition! A night of fun for audiences of all ages! A group of story tellers delight the audience with chilling and thrilling ghost stories; some old, some original from the story tellers. Then we enjoy hot cider and cold ‘ectoplasm’ punch and a cookie to end the festive evening.”