THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Getting into the Fall Season Spirit!
Are you having difficulty embracing the spirit of the fall season? Well, this first weekend of October is hosting plenty of fall-related events that should do the trick for you. If not, hang in there because there’s much more to come this month!
There’s a free festival taking place this month offering something new and different each weekend with the Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo (2400 N. Cannon Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Get set for some fall-themed pop-ups as you explore the Zoo’s seasonally decorated gardens; visit the pumpkin patch for picking that perfect pumpkin and watching professional pumpkin carvers; toasting s’mores over a fire pit; enjoy unlimited samples of craft beer and hot cider; catch some live music and entertainment; and more. Plus, look out for fall-themed enrichment for zoo animals. Enjoy another season of harvest-time fun!
Perhaps the 39th annual Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest 2026 is more to your liking. This fest runs on North Lincoln Avenue between West Lawrence and West Sunnyside Avenues in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.). Shop fresh produce and treats such as fresh-picked apples to local ciders to seasonal baked goods. Enjoy apple-inspired dishes from local restaurants and food vendors along with sipping on hard and non-alcoholic ciders and seasonal beers from drink vendors. Then continue your day at the marketplace which includes artists, makers and local businesses as well as enjoying live music performances, DJs, and plenty of hands-on activities for the kids!
Known as Chicago’s creative community, the 16th annual West Town Art Walk is this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) taking place throughout the West Town neighborhood where visitors can begin at any participating location. Explore exhibitions and installations at neighborhood galleries and businesses. Listen to music and grab a bite of food. Unlock special neighborhood deals at local businesses by picking up an Art Walk button at participating locations. Enjoy a free guided walking tour of West Town’s public art and mural tours (1 p.m.) and free pedicab rides from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Best of all, you can stroll at your own pace!
We’re sneaking in here an end-of-summer event – the 3rd annual Block Club Chicago’s Block Party 2026 this Saturday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) at the Half Acre Beer Company (2050 W. Balmoral Ave.) in the Bowmanville neighborhood. Highlights and activities for the day include live music and performances, local food and beer vendors, local craft vendors, a kids’ zone, and more. Plus, Block Club reporters, editors and staff will be on hand all day. And finally, the event wraps up with some karaoke. Are your vocal cords ready?
It’s time to begin preparing for our upcoming Halloween holiday at the 28th annual Chicago Horror Film Festival this Saturday and Sunday (7 p.m.-11 p.m.) at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. This extraordinary event features a curated selection of both local and touring short films for a weekend filled with terrifying films, engaging panels, and exclusive opportunities to connect with filmmakers and actors from around the world. In addition, festivalgoers can enjoy a red carpet, a full bar, fresh movie-theater popcorn and concessions, plus an awards show on Sunday. Are you ready to enter a world where nightmares truly come to life!
After an amazing game this past Monday night, let’s continue showing our Chicago Bears our love and support as they host the New York Jets at Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Dr.) in the South Loop this Sunday (12 p.m.)!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
