Autumn in Chicago means colorful foliage, pumpkins, and fun, fall time activities. Pick and choose from these best things to do, and indulge in your fair share of the holiday celebrations.
BeerHoptacular
When: Saturday, September 22
Where: Vertiport Chicago
The 8th annual Chicago’s original craft beer fest kicks off at 4 p.m. (or 3 p.m. for VIP guests) to bring you over 150 craft beers, Chicago-based food trucks, a homebrew competition, and more. Get your tickets today, and celebrate your love for American beer culture with 4,000 others at Vertiport Chicago.
Chicago Gourmet
When: Wednesday, September 26 – 30
Where: Millenium Park
Calling all foodies. World-famous celebrity chefs will gather in Chicago this fall for the culinary event of the year. From an Italian feast on the Symphony Center Stage to a Burger Showdown on the Harris Theater Rooftop, Chicago Gourmet will wow your taste buds for four days. Sign up for cooking demos, mixology seminars, and music-inspired culinary experiences.
West Town Food Truck Social
When: Saturday, October 6 – 7
Where: Noble and Chicago Avenue
Love food and art? Kill 2 birds with 1 stone at the West Town Food Truck Social. Paired with the West Town Art Walk, this event creates a unique neighborhood-wide food and art festival. “Snack-n-stroll” through the bustling Noble and Chicago Avenue corridors to find 15 different food trucks, complimentary cocktail samples, original art, installations, murals, and live art making. You can enter without a ticket, or choose to buy a $20 sampler ticket, which gives you six tickets to purchase sample size portions from food trucks.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, October 20 from 6 – 8 p.m
Where: Columbus Drive
Join the dark side this Halloween by attending (or participating in) the 4th annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade. Renowned institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Lookingglass Theatre Company, and After School Matters join together with aspiring artists to exhibit giant lanterns, unique floats, live music, and creative performances in crazy costumes. Led by 8 creative leaders in their respective fields, the parade will move along Columbus Drive between Balbo Avenue and Monroe Street.
Illumination 2018 Halloween Party
When: Saturday, October 27
Where: Moonlight Studios
If you need another reason to dress up for Halloween, here’s your chance. Illumination will host one of the most unique Halloween parties of the year. Put on your best costume, and come ready to be transported to a fantastical atmosphere. An all-sensory, interactive experience awaits you, including an imaginative art auction, playground of light, and spectacle performances. The proceeds of the event go to funding research to cure a rare genetic disease called retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy (RVCL).
Chicago Comedy Film Festival
When: Friday, November 9 – 11
Where: TBD
Get an ab workout from laughing at this three-day-long Chicago Comedy Film Festival. The nonprofit exists to support diverse comedy filmmakers from around the world, showcasing all types of films, from low-budget to studio-made. The details and schedule will be announced October 1, but get your tickets (only $20-25) now.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
When: Thursday, November 22 from 8 – 11 a.m.
Where: State Street
Get ready for Chicago’s take on the Thanksgiving Parade. On November 22, State Street will be filled with the most elaborate floats, equestrians, dance acts, special guests, marching bands, and spectators to celebrate the holidays. Stand a chance to be on television by becoming an individual sponsor (pay $60) for a seat in the “Television Zone,” a VIP seating area.
Renegade Craft Fair
When: Saturday, December 1
Where: Bridgeport Art Center
Start your holiday shopping at the Renegade Craft Fair on December 1. It’s a festive celebration of handmade goods, local DJs, craft and design workshops, food trucks, and more at the Bridgeport Art Center. You’ll for sure find the most creative, unique gifts for your friends and family while having a good time.
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From comedy film festivals to culinary events, Chicago has some of the best events lined up for the fall months. Plan out your fall, and check out our beautiful coliving homes in Chicago.
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