Chicago October Events: A City Guide for Tourists

Chicago is one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the United States. With a population of nearly 3 million, it is the third largest city in the country and a major hub for business, art, entertainment, and culture. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city offers an array of attractions, including world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and shopping.

The city’s history is intertwined with its vibrant cultural and artistic heritage. From the days of its early settlers to the modern day, Chicago has been home to many of America’s most influential artists, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. It has also been a vibrant destination for tourists, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience its unique character and attractions.

Chicago is a city of many faces. From the iconic skyline of its downtown area, to the jazz bars and blues clubs of its south side, to the unique neighborhoods that make up the outer edges of the city, it is a place where visitors can find something for everyone. In addition to its many sights and attractions, the city is also known for its diverse range of events and festivals. Every month, there are a variety of exciting events taking place in Chicago and October is no exception.

In this blog post we will provide a detailed overview of some of the best events taking place in Chicago during October. From Halloween parties to art festivals to sporting events, there is something for everyone in Chicago this month. We will also include some helpful tips on how to make the most of your visit and two popular tours you can book to explore the city.

What To Do in Chicago in October

October is an exciting time to visit Chicago as the city comes alive with a variety of seasonal events and activities. Whether you’re a fan of art, music, sports, or just want to explore the city, there is something for everyone in Chicago this month. Here are some of the best events taking place in October.

Chicago Halloween Parties

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States and Chicago is no exception. Every year, the city comes alive with a variety of Halloween parties and events for all ages. From family-friendly trick-or-treating events to adults-only costume parties, there is something for everyone in Chicago this Halloween season. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate this spooky holiday, here are some of the best Halloween parties in Chicago in 2020:

• The Wicker Park Halloween Party: This popular annual event takes place in Wicker Park and features live music, costume contests, and more.
• Zombie Bar Crawl: Put on your zombie makeup and join hundreds of other undead creatures as they crawl their way through some of Chicago’s hottest bars.
• The Haunted Lincoln Park Zoo: Spend an evening at one of Chicago’s most famous attractions as it is transformed into a spooky Halloween wonderland.
• The Hell in a Handbasket Halloween Party: This adults-only costume party takes place in Logan Square and features live music, dancing, and more.
• The Haunted Hotel: This annual event takes place at a historic hotel in downtown Chicago and features live music, costumed performers, and more.

Chicago Art Festivals

Chicago is home to some of the country’s most renowned art galleries and museums and during the month of October there are several art festivals taking place throughout the city. From outdoor street fairs to gallery receptions, these events are a great way to explore the city’s vibrant art scene. Here are some of the best art festivals taking place in Chicago this month:

• Hyde Park Art Fair: This popular event takes place every year in Hyde Park and features artwork from local artists as well as live music, food trucks, and more.
• Andersonville Arts Weekend: This two-day event takes place in Andersonville and features artwork from local artists as well as music, food, and more.
• International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art: This annual event takes place at Navy Pier and features artwork from around the world as well as live music, food trucks, and more.
• West Loop Art Walk: This popular event takes place in the West Loop neighborhood and features artwork from local artists as well as live music, food trucks, and more.
• Ravenswood ArtWalk: This annual event takes place in Ravenswood and features artwork from local artists as well as live music, food trucks, and more.

Chicago Sporting Events

October is an exciting time for sports fans in Chicago as there are a variety of professional teams playing throughout the month. From football to basketball to hockey, there’s something for everyone in Chicago this month. Here are some of the best sporting events taking place in October:

• Chicago Bears Football: The Bears are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history and they play a variety of home games throughout October.
• Chicago Cubs Baseball: The Cubs have been one of baseball’s most successful teams over the past few years and they play a variety of home games throughout October.
• Chicago Blackhawks Hockey: The Blackhawks are one of hockey’s most storied franchises and they play a variety of home games throughout October.
• Chicago Bulls Basketball: The Bulls are one of basketball’s most storied franchises and they play a variety of home games throughout October.
• Chicago White Sox Baseball: The White Sox are one of baseball’s most successful teams over the past few years and they play a variety of home games throughout October.

Useful Tips For Visiting Chicago

Visiting a new city can be an overwhelming experience but with some planning it can be an enjoyable one as well. Here are some helpful tips for making the most out of your visit to Chicago this October:

• Pack accordingly: As with any destination it’s important to pack accordingly for your visit to Chicago this October. Bring layers such as sweaters or jackets since temperatures can dip at night during this time of year. Also be sure to bring comfortable shoes as you will be doing lots of walking while exploring the city.
• Purchase tickets ahead of time: Many of the city’s most popular attractions such as museums or sporting events require tickets so it’s important to purchase them ahead of time to avoid disappointment or long lines at the gate.
• Get around easily: With so much to see and do it’s important to have an efficient way to get around town. The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and subways that can get you almost anywhere you need to go quickly and easily.
• Use apps: There are plenty of apps available that can help you make the most out of your visit such as restaurant reservations or transportation apps that can help you get around town quickly and easily.
• Stay safe: As with any big city it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings while visiting. Be sure to only explore well-lit areas at night and always be aware of your personal belongings while out in public areas.

Book an Architecture Cruise on Lake Michigan

Exploring Chicago by boat offers a unique perspective on this vibrant city and provides visitors with an opportunity to experience some of its most iconic sights including its stunning skyline, historic bridges, and renowned architecture up close. Booking a cruise on Lake Michigan is one of the best ways to explore Chicago this October. You can book a 1-hour architecture cruise on Viator which takes you along the lakefront from Navy Pier to Grant Park and back while providing an informative tour about some of Chicago’s most famous buildings and landmarks along the way. During the cruise you will see towering skyscrapers such as Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), The John Hancock Center, Trump Tower, The Tribune Tower, The Wrigley Building, and much more. Your knowledgeable guide will provide interesting stories about each landmark along the way so you get an in-depth look at some of Chicago’s most famous structures while enjoying stunning views from the water’s edge. This tour is perfect for those looking for a unique way to explore Chicago this October!

Book an Art Tour in Wicker Park

Wicker Park is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and street art murals. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking to explore one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods this October, booking an art tour in Wicker Park is a great way to do so! You can book a 3-hour tour on GetYourGuide which takes you through some of Wicker Park’s most iconic landmarks including The Flat Iron Building, sculptural murals along Milwaukee Avenue, The Chopin Theatre building which houses several performance venues, filming locations from classic movies such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, outdoor street art murals featuring some of Chicago’s most renowned street artists such as Hebru Brantley, numerous galleries featuring local artists work ranging from paintings to sculptures to photography and much more! Your experienced guide will provide interesting stories about each landmark along the way while giving you an in-depth look at some of Wicker Park’s most unique attractions! This tour is perfect for those looking for an immersive experience exploring one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods this October!

Conclusion

Chicago is one of America’s most vibrant cities offering visitors a unique blend of culture, history, art, entertainment, and attractions all year round but especially during October when many seasonal events take place throughout the city. From Halloween parties to art festivals to sporting events there is something for everyone in Chicago this month! We hope this blog post has provided you with some useful information about what to do during your visit to this vibrant city this October! Don’t forget to book an architecture cruise on Lake Michigan or an art tour in Wicker Park while you’re here!