ALL SEASONS GUIDE TO CHICAGO FALL September, October, November HALLOWEEN EVENTS At the Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest discover harvest favorites like a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and a Pumpkin Walk with live professional pumpkin carvers. Young visitors love Spooky Zoo , a fun trick-or-treat event to celebrate Halloween. The magical Arts in the Dark nighttime parade celebrates Halloween as the artist’s holiday with unique floats, creative puppets, and music and dance performances. Experience Day of the Dead Xicágo , hosted by Pilsen’s National Museum of Mexican Art , featuring make-your-own ofrendas (altars), live music, and group art activities in Harrison Park. Head out to the Chicago Botanic Garden in suburban Glencoe and be wowed by the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns , showcasing intricately hand-carved pumpkins. CULTURAL PURSUITS Typically held in September, attend EXPO CHICAGO and explore international contemporary art galleries at Navy Pier. In conjunction, EXPO ART WEEK features programming at museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions across the city. Also in September, the free World Music Festival presents international artists and ensembles performing at venues around Chicago. See a wide range of jazz music styles performed in spaces throughout the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, including The University of Chicago campus, during the Hyde Park Jazz Festival in September. During the October Open House Chicago , take your group on free behind-the-scenes tours of more than 250 architectural gems across Chicago, including soaring skyscrapers, opulent theatres, and exclusive private clubs. Don’t miss the Chicago International Film Festival , a star-studded October celebration that includes screenings of award-winning films from around the world, as well as panels featuring actors and filmmakers. Also in October, the Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival brings together local, national, and international theatre groups from Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more. Navy Pier Summer Fireworks FUN OUTDOOR EVENTS Held in May at Lincoln Park’s Cricket Hill, the Chicago Kids and Kites Festival features profes-sional kite flyers showing off their amazing moves, live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, and free kite kits. Lake Shore Drive — Chicago’s waterfront roadway — is cleared of traffic so cyclists can enjoy nearly five hours of carefree pedaling along the city’s scenic lake-shore in May during the Fifth Third Bike the Drive . A seasonal favorite, the Navy Pier Summer Fireworks is a spectacu-lar display synchronized to music that illuminates the sky over Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday evening from Memorial Day in late May through Labor Day in early September. In October, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon kicks off with a fitness expo before runners from more than 100 countries race through the streets of various Chicago neighborhoods. FALL HAPPENINGS Foodies flock to Chicago Gourmet , held in Millennium Park each September, featuring celebrity chefs, cocktail and cooking demos, themed special events like the popular Hamburger Hop, as well as food and wine tastings. Held in early September, the North Coast Festival is an all-ages music and arts fest with a focus on electronic dance music. During Taste of Polonia in September, enjoy Polish cuisine, cultural performances, and crafts in Jefferson Park. Join the rowdy music fans at the all-ages Riot Fest & Carnival , held in September in Douglass Park, which features a diverse lineup of rock, punk, and hip-hop bands, along with bites from some of Chicago’s favorite eateries. Get ready to join the raucous crowd in singing Bear Down, Chicago Bears every time the Chicago Bears American football team scores a touchdown at Soldier Field (the season begins in September). History lovers can’t miss the Historic Pullman House Tour in October, when residents of the historic community founded in the 1880s for Pullman Palace Car factory workers open their homes to the public for the weekend. In November, Thanksgiving Day begins with the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade , featuring giant balloon characters and marching bands. Traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving, the Wreathing of the Lions on the steps of the Art Institute of Chicago is a unique way to get your group into the seasonal spirit. Bank of America Chicago Marathon 12 choosechicago.com/tools TOP TO BOTTOM: RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC; BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON
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