Fall is quickly approaching, which is a blessing after weeks of sweltering heat. As the leaves change in the city, Chicago transitions into a beautiful landscape of auburn and orange. This makes fall in Chicago the perfect time (and temperature) for outdoor activities. With so many events to choose from, it’s hard to know which ones are worth attending. Here are the eight autumnal events you have to check out this fall.
For passionate EDM listeners, Spring Awakening is a household name. This festival, situated in Adams/Medill Park Field, attracts electronic music lovers from all over the nation.
Starting the weekend of October 1st, this two-day event has some of the biggest names in the music business. Diplo, RL Grime, and Dillon Francis are just a few of the big-name producers set to perform. If dancing to EDM is imperative for you this fall, you must snag a ticket for this outdoor extravaganza.
You can purchase tickets and find out more about the festival here: https://springawakeningfestival.com/
A festival with live music is standard, but how about a festival exclusively for food lovers? October is bringing back Chicago’s annual Food Truck Festival for autumnal eats and treats.
Each food truck is serving gourmet dishes from 10 to 15 chefs in the Chicago area. Alongside many dishes to choose from, the festival is also providing delicious margaritas and sangrias. Located on Cicero Ave on the northwest side, it’ll be a food experience you won’t want to miss!
Check out more details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago-food-truck-festival-fall-festival-tickets-162490799355?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Having a lazy Sunday? Take a stroll through one of these wonderful farmer’s markets.
Chicago is surrounded by acres of farmland, making it a great city for exceptional produce. There are markets all over the city, but some of the best reside in Logan Square and Lincoln Park. Logan’s market has tents for fancy cheeses, baked goods, and in-season vegetables. They also designate an hour for high-risk visitors to avoid overcrowding.
If you live more east of Logan, the Green City Market in Lincoln Park is a wonderful alternative. Starting at 7 am, the market hosts a diverse group of sustainable farmers. There’s programming for all ages, making it a great spot for the whole family.
Find out about all the vendors and other details here: https://www.greencitymarket.org/ and https://www.logansquarefarmersmarket.org/
The Botanic Garden is just out of the city limits: a perfect place to visit on a crisp autumn day.
The garden has plenty of exceptional programming for this upcoming season. Take a stroll through the various plant exhibits or take an outdoor yoga lesson in this one-of-a-kind park.
The most popular event in the Botanic Garden is the Night of 1,000 Pumpkins, a spooky, all-age event in October where jack o’lanterns align the park’s perimeter. New York artists from the renowned group Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns will be carving pumpkins live. It’s a haunting and creative experience that will reignite your love for Halloween.
Find out more about this event on the Garden’s website: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/halloween
Fall is incomplete without a major Halloween parade. As a Halloween enthusiast, I need my spooky celebration to be festive and full of people.
Situated in Northalsted, this parade features elaborate costumes from Chicago’s astounding drag talent. You can march amongst 2,000 individuals showing off their best spooky attire. There’s also a costume competition where you can snag some cash for your ghoulish garment.
Stop by in the early evening of October 25th and join the Halloween fun: https://www.gaytravel4u.com/event/northalsted-halloween-parade-chicago
This humongous art exhibit is happening nationwide, with a special pop-up in the Windy City.
The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit attracted over two million people in its first opening in Paris, cementing its need in museums all over the world. Get lost in 500,000 cubic feet of artwork, with over 6,000 pixels of video. You’ll experience vibrant moving images that showcase Van Gogh’s prowess and otherworldly style. The exhibit includes some of Van Gogh’s most celebrated works like Starry Night and The Potato Eaters.
Experience art and sound like never before this fall. Check out more details before its final show in late November: https://www.vangoghchicago.com/
The Daley Plaza hosts this magical, spooky event for kids of all ages. Starting the weekend of October 17th, you’ll find all kinds of characters roaming this downtown hotspot.
Free entertainment in the plaza includes costume contests, storytelling, and art projects. Chicago’s Midnight Circus is on performing duty this Halloween; with a range of acrobatics, this well-known troupe is set to perform a bewitching show.
Bring the whole family down to Daley Plaza this Halloween for outdoor tricks and treats: https://www.lasr.net/travel/city.php?Halloween+Happening&TravelTo=IL0201024&VE=Y&Event_ID=IL0201024e037
Fall 2021 will be a magical time, with events shifting outdoors for safety, there are plenty of ways to get that autumnal fix. Look out for these eight Chicago activities to maximize your fun this fall.
