October, with all of her vibrant leaves, spiced drinks and (unequivocally) superior fashion, is here! And we’re here to remind you of all the best activities there are to do around Chicago this month. It is the perfect time to grab a friend and check out a new part of the city, try some delicious food or show off your killer Halloween costume. So pull on your coziest sweater and get ready to check out these events around the city for the next four weeks!
Photo Courtesy of: http://www.westtownfoodtrucksocial.com/home.html
West Town Food Truck Social
Friday, Oct. 5 (4pm-10pm) & Saturday, Oct. 6 (11am-10pm)
Noble & Chicago Avenue, next to Eckhart Park
Admission: Free entrance
This year, the Food Truck Social will be held in conjunction with the West Town Art Walk. Organizers encourage festival goers to snack as they stroll through the different art booths. While each food truck will have its own culinary options and prices, festival-goers have the option of purchasing a $20 Sampler Ticket either beforehand or at the event. Said tickets will allow individuals to try sample-sized portions from six different participating trucks. For more information, or to view the menu available on the Sampler Ticket, click here.
Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K Run
Saturday, Oct. 6 (7pm-10pm)
Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Admission: $34-38 to run either for fun or in a timed race (when purchased beforehand)
Back for the fifth year, this unique 5K takes place on a candle-lit course through the largest cemetery in Chicago. Rosehill Cemetery resides on a 350-acre ground that opened back in 1864, and proves to be an unlikely, yet fantastic race track. Following the run, there will be a party at the Fireside Tavern. For pictures from previous years and more information, click here. To register and purchase tickets, click here.
Wildflower Walks
Saturday, Oct. 6 (10am-11am)
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, 125 West Fullerton Parkway
Saturday, Oct. 13 (10am-11am)
North Pond Nature Sanctuary, 2610 N Cannon Dr.
Admission: Free
Enjoy a relaxing morning taking in the beauty of native wildflowers with both of these walks. For each session, listen to stories about the plants themselves, learn how to identify them, and discover some of the wildflower’s benefits. For information on the Alfred Caldwell walk, click here. To check out the walk at the North Pond Sanctuary, click here.
Photo Courtesy of: https://schedule.wttw.com/episodes/276446/Chicago-International-Film-Festival-Special-2013
The 54th Chicago International Film Festival
Oct. 10-21
AMC River East 21, 322 East Illinois Street
Admission: Tickets vary by event
A historic and culturally rich event, the Chicago International Film Festival is the longest running competitive film festival in North America. Festival organizers have announced that this year will present a large and diverse section titled “Women in Cinema”. For a full list of films, showtimes, panels, tickets and passes, visit their website.
Women’s March Chicago
Saturday, Oct. 13 (9am-1pm)
Grant Park (280 S Columbus Drive) to Federal Plaza
Admission: Free
Make your voices heard in this notable march. Open to families and individuals of all genders and backgrounds, this march will rally and kick off at Grant Park, before ending at Federal Plaza. This year, a ‘Voters Village’ will help facilitate voter registration, and the march will also feature musical guests, celebrities, and and speakers. For additional information and pictures of previous marches, click here.
Chicago VeganMania
Saturday, Oct. 13 (10am-5pm)
Broadway Armory, 5917 North Broadway Street
Admission: Free entrance with a $5 suggested donation
Back for the tenth year, this lifestyle and food event boasts speakers, live podcasts, a demo kitchen, and musical guests (including open mic times). Try some tasty new food at the indoor food court, or take pictures with your friends on the red carpet’s own photo wall! With over 5,000 attendees last year, this is just the veginning for this gathering. Check out the official website for pictures and more information.
Photo Courtesy of: https://openhousechicago.org/about/
Open House Chicago
Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14
More than 250 sites to choose from
Admission: Free
Hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, this event provides individuals with a unique close-up to some of the city’s most famous skyscrapers, mansions and theatres. Visitors on this tour will get a behind-the-scenes view of spaces that are normally closed to the public. Organizers encourage people to check out the list of sites, to see which ones interest them most. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, click here.
Bloody Mary Fest
Sunday, Oct. 14 (12pm-3:30pm)
Theater on the Lake, 2401 North Lake Shore Drive
Admission: $25-90
Help vote for the best Bloody Mary in Chicago while also enjoying other brunch-themed cocktails, craft beer, live music and brunch bites. Event goers can also enjoy an Artisan Market and lawn games. This year, the event will be expanded to include morning yoga and a “Fun Run” 5K! Tickets vary with different packages and can be purchased here.
Say-Cheese Fest
Sunday, Oct. 14 (11am-4pm)
Concord FiftyFive, 1355 West Concord Place
Admission: $30-75
October is national cheese month! To properly celebrate, Social Power Hour is presenting the Say-Cheese Fest to highlight vendors providing the “cheesiest products”. Tickets will provide access to snacks that spotlight cheese, or those that pair best with cheese (as well as alcoholic beverages). Samples from previous years have included a Bacon Sausage Queso Dip, Cheesy Potatoes and of course, Mac & Cheese. For tickets, click here.
Photo Courtesy of: https://www.lpzoo.org/night-zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo: Adults Night Out
Thursday, Oct. 18 (6:30pm-10pm)
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St.
Admission: $15 in advance ($12 for Zoo Members) or $20 at the door
This event, which takes place after the park closes, will be a kid-free, stroller-free, adults-only affair. Entertainment will be fun and educational and include animal chats and cash bars. Organizers encourage attendees to “stroll among exhibits with a beer or glass of wine in hand”. Tickets can be purchased here, along with additional information.
Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl
Saturday, Oct. 27 (7pm-12am)
Bars throughout Wrigleyville, 3524 North Clark Street
Admission: $10 Tickets
Come down to historic Wrigleyville for one of the biggest parties in the city! With over 14 participating bars, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night. Tickets to this event will include admission, a dinner buffet and gift cards that can be redeemed on the crawl. Also included in the festivities will be a costume contest, prize giveaways and complimentary freebies. Click here to purchase tickets and see a list of participating bars.
River North Halloween Crawl
Saturday, Oct. 27 (7pm-12am)
Bars throughout River North, 149 West Kinzie Street
Admission: $10 Tickets
Get the party started early the day before at the Public House pre-party! Just mention you are there for “River North Halloween Crawl” to procure a drink ticket. For the actual festivities, join some of the most popular bars in the city for a night full of friends, costumes, and fantastic drinks. Tickets will include admission, a buffet, crawl-ready gift cards, a costume contest, and more! For tickets and information, check out this website.
Photo Courtesy of: https://www.groupon.com/deals/the-haunted-halloween-ball
Haunted Halloween Ball
Saturday, Oct. 27 (9pm-3am)
Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 S Michigan Ave
Admission: $20-1,000
The Congress Plaza Hotel, beside being classified as one of the most haunted hotels in the world, is host to Chicago’s largest halloween party. This costume party will boast multiple cash bars, a best-dressed contest, celebrity DJs, VIP packages, and more! Get your tickets early, since this party will sell out soon. Information and tickets can be found here.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Wednesday, Oct. 31 (begins at 7:30pm)
Halsted St from Belmont Ave to Brompton Ave
Admission: Free
Come witness the parade with your friends, or join in the fun by donning a costume and walking in the parade yourself! Conveniently located off of the CTA Belmont stop, this event includes a costume contest with categories such as theme, group, drag and scary. The parade will also feature the Chicago Thriller flash mob and the Lakeside Pride Marching Band. For pictures and information, click here.
National Pizza Month
October is National Pizza Month, and in Chicago, that means deals and discounts on one of the greatest foods this city has to offer. Check out this article by Thrillist, for a few of the best deals you can snag this month!