It’s a big weekend in the city with the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, but that’s not all that’s going on. Some of your favorite celebrities will be in town for ACE Comic Con, you can sample delicious bacon dishes and craft beers at the Bacon and Beer Classic (find a discount code below), and keep enjoying fall with multiple seasonal events.
Plus, find even more things to do with our 31 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago This October.
Join Better on Oct. 16 for a private shopping event at Chalet in Wilmette. Enjoy cocktails, bites, a raffle, and live music during this exclusive look at Chalet’s fall decor and plants. Misericordia Sweet Shoppe will also sell treats and all proceeds will benefit Misericordia. Register for the free event here.
OI “Indiana Jones” Film Festival
Oct. 11-12
Chicago
The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago is celebrating its 100th anniversary with various programs, including this “Indiana Jones” film festival. (It’s believed that the Indiana Jones character was inspired by Oriental Institute founder James Henry Breasted and OI archaeologist Robert Braidwood.) Watch all three original films, test your knowledge during a trivia event, take part in the costume contest, and more.
ACE Comic Con
Oct. 11-13
Rosemont
Having “Game of Thrones” withdrawals? Love all things Marvel? Don’t miss ACE Comic Con for a weekend of fandom, including panel discussions with Kit Harington, Chris Hemsworth, Brie Larson, and more of your favorite fictional heroes.
Bacon and Beer Classic Chicago
Oct. 12
Chicago
This festival returns for its fifth year with more than 100 craft beers from local and national breweries, bacon dishes from top restaurants, games, music, and more at Soldier Field. Get 15 percent off tickets with code BETTER.
Harvest Festival
Oct. 12
Glenview
Wagner Farm hosts this brand new event featuring wagon rides, crafts, pumpkin sales, animals, milking demos, live music, food trucks, and more.
Northbrook Autumnfest
Oct. 12
Northbrook
Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin patch, hot apple cider, a bonfire with s’mores, and more fall fun at this festival.
Spooky Pooch Parade
Oct. 13
Glencoe
For two special hours, costumed canines and their owners are invited to parade through Chicago Botanic Garden to celebrate Halloween. There are also awards and prizes for the best-dressed pets, and spectators are invited to join in the fun.
Fall Fest
Fridays-Sundays until Oct. 27, and Oct. 14
Chicago
Visit Lincoln Park Zoo on weekends throughout the month to watch pumpkin carvers, take a photo with a giant pumpkin, and enjoy ticketed experiences like the Century Ferris Wheel, AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, a Corn Pool, Lionel Train Adventure, and more.
More Can’t-Miss Events:
- Celebrate the season all month long with Halloween programs at Chicago Children’s Museum. Kids can create their own costumes with fabrics, buttons, and recycled materials; get creative with face paint; and build “Frankentoys.” Find dates and more information here.
Make a Difference:
- City Works Eatery & Pour House opens in Vernon Hills on Oct. 14, but you can be one of the first to dine at this restaurant during the “First Draft” Soft Opening Charity Event on Oct. 12. Purchase tickets to experience the full food menu (Kung Pao Cauliflower, Nashville Hot Chicken Wrap, Filet Mignon Sliders, Short Rib Tacos, Fish & Chips, etc.) and an open bar, plus watch local artist (Sub)urban Warrior paint live. All ticket sale proceeds will benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank.
- Support breast cancer research while dining out this month during The Lynn Sage Foundation’s In Good Taste campaign. Participating restaurants, like Girl & the Goat, The Hampton Social, River Roast, and GT Fish and Oyster, will donate proceeds from select menu items throughout October.
