It's the final weekend before Halloween! That means all the fantastic and frightening events are crammed in the next few days. So enjoy the costume-filled fun at all the markets, concerts, movies, and so much more throughout our city this very weekend! Don't let this festive weekend go to waste, find something fun to do with a little help from our event roundup!
Now, let's get on with your Chicago Curated Weekend!
ART GALLERIES & SPECIAL EVENTS
- All Star Press is constantly putting up new prints for you to decorate your space with! RIGHT NOW they are showing "REGULARS"A Solo Show by PITR! Plus you can check out some of their prints from their Vertical Gallery collab, which you can purchase here!! There is also a virtual gallery featuring all the works! You can also see "Saturday Morning Fever” featuring the works of Griffin Goodmanthrough their virtual gallery! And don't forget to check out the virtual edition of JC Rivera's new exhibition "Still Undefeated" ! Or the All Decked Out virtual show!
- Chicago Gamespace is the perfect spot to check out the hairy present and future of the gaming realm!
- Galerie F has a fun stock of prints from concert posters, pop culture prints and more!
- Rotofugi is the perfect nexus of art and toys! Head over to see what new pieces of art they have in stocks and on display in their gallery space! They are currently showing some awesome art from Cherry Moth Cake & Monster Bloodbath
- WNDR Museum is an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience designed to ignite your curiosity! See exhibits like the Light Floor, Try to Get Higher, and the Digital Gallery. Plus Keith Haring!
- Garfield Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens safely!
- Lincoln Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens safely
- “Mold-A-Rama™: Molded for the Future” @ Museum of Science and Industry
- Art on the Mart
- Wonderverse takes popular franchises like Ghostbusters, Bad Boys, and more and puts them together in this immersive venue! Enjoy tons of activities including escape rooms, virtual reality games, racing simulators, and more! Plus there are plenty of themed food and drinks for you to try.
- NOW - 12/31 Hershey Super Sweet Adventure @ Water Tower Place
- NOW- 11/30 Green City Market @ Lincoln Park on Saturdays and Wednesdays!
- NOW - 11/3 Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up @ 1265 W Le Moyne St
- NOW - 10/31 "Titanic: The Exhibition"
- NOW - 10/31 Rooftop Cinema Club Fulton Market @ The Emily Hotel
- NOW - 10/31 Chicago: Home of House Exhibit @ Navy Pier
- NOW - 10/27 Wicker Park Farmers Market on Sundays!
- NOW - 10/27 "007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond" @ Museum of Science and Industry
- NOW - 10/27 Wolff's Flea Market @ Allstate Arena on Sundays!
SEASONAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!
- 10/25 Wicked Halloween Party @ Gallagher Way
- 10/25 Haunted Heights @ Offshore
- 10/25 Madison Row Trick or Treat
- 10/25 Meals on Wheels Chicago Celebrity Chef Ball @ The Geraghty
- 10/25 - 10/26 Homerathon @ National Hellenic Museum
- 10/25 - 10/27 Schaumburg Halloween Carnival @ Wintrust Field
- 10/25 - 11/2 Black Lagoon @ The Albion Manor
- 10/26 Will Ferrell’s Ultimate DJ House Party @ Wintrust Arena
- 10/26 Death by Disco - A Halloween Experience @ Time Out Market Chicago
- 10/26 Will Run for Beer Chicago 5K @ Diversey Harbor
- 10/26 Haunted Carnival on Wacker Drive
- 10/26 Silver Scream @ IO at the Godfrey Hotel
- 10/26 Haunted Halloween Ball @ Congress Plaza Hotel
- 10/26 - 10/27 Lincoln Park Spooktacular
- 10/27 Blue Man Group Halloween Performance @ Briar Street Theatre
- 10/27 Justin Timberlake @ United Center
- 10/27 Howl-O-Ween @ Time Out Market Chicago
- NOW - 10/27 Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns @ Chicago Botanic Garden
- NOW - 10/26 Halloween at Chicago Athletic Association
- NOW - 10/31 Seadog Haunted Tours
- NOW - 11/3 Nightmare on Clark Street
- NOW - 11/3 Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up @ 1265 W Le Moyne St
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 (& BEYOND)
Justice: Live with The Flints @ Radius, 640 W Cermak, 7pm, 18+
WHAT: The best dance party around is coming to Chicago
SO WHAT: It's the second and final night of this fantastic two-act bill. First up will be twin brothers George and Henry The Flints. The Manchester duo are creating some instant classic songs as they blend elements of psych-pop with throwback disco style, making for the perfect soundtrack to any night. The headliners Justice will bring their wholly unique and iconic sound to the stage to cap off what is sure to be the ultimate dance party.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are still available at the AXS Official Resale starting at $50, don't miss this fantastic night!
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 - 27 (& BEYOND)
The Neo-Futurists’ The Infinite Wrench @ The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N Ashland, Friday and Saturday 10:30pm, Sunday 7pm, 16+
WHAT: Quick plays live and online!
SO WHAT: The Neo-Futurists are back! Their Infinite Wrench is an ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes for a live audience. Now it’s actually a live audience that will be enjoying the performance in person!
NOW WHAT: Join the Neo-Futurists this weekend for $20! The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral will be continuing til February (and possibly beyond) over at their Patreon
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
37th Annual Streeterville Doggy and Kitty Halloween Party @ Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago Ave, 9am-11am
WHAT: "Cats and dogs living together, MASS HYSTERIA!" or just a good ole time with your pets!
NOW WHAT: Join MCA for the 37th annual Streeterville Dog (and Cat) Halloween Costume Party and Parade! Get your pets dressed up in their spookiest, funniest, and cutest costumes and celebrate the season with your furry friends! The Doggy Parade kicks off at 9:45 am and will be judged by 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins and Streeterville resident Maureen Schulman, who will award prizes to every pawtcipant.
NOW WHAT: There is a suggewsted $10 donation which goes to PAWS! Lake Shore Park.
Pumpkinfest @ Unity Park Logan Square, 2636 N Kimball Ave., 10am - 2pm
WHAT: Halloween fun for the whole family!
SO WHAT: This fantastic family event will feature tons of activities to keep everyone entertained this Halloween weekend! You'll get to enjoy a pumpkin patch, face painting, Día de Los Muertos crafts, a spooky photobooth, free popcorn and candy, and a DJ playing some great music. And don't miss the Costume Parade at noon!
NOW WHAT: It's free! Have some family friendly fun in the park!
Día de los Muertos Xicágo @ National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, 3pm – 8pm, all ages
WHAT: A Day of the Dead event for your weekend
SO WHAT: Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the National Museum of Mexican Art as they transform the museum and surrounding outdoor area into a beautiful space to remember departed loved ones. Guests will enjoy ofrenda (altar) demonstrations, live musical performances, art activities, and more! Check out the linup of performance below:
- 3:00 pm: Folklorico Colores de México
- 3:40 pm: Quinto Imperio
- 4:45 pm: Madera Once
- 6:00: pm: Son Monarcas
- 7:15 pm: Vivir Quintana
NOW WHAT: This event is free and open to the public and will take place rain or shine
5th Annual Upside Down Halloween Parade @ Washington Park, 5531 S. King Dr., Noon – 3pm, All Ages
WHAT: A magical parade!
SO WHAT: Taking place on Russell Drive in Washington Park, the Upside Down Halloween Parad! will feature dance performances, circus acrobats, musical groups, sports mascots and more. Come in your best Halloween costume and enjoy a complimentary goody bag courtesy of sponsor World’s Finest Chocolate.
NOW WHAT: It’s free !
THE WHOLE CURATED WEEKEND & BEYOND
The 60th Chicago International Film Festival @ Various Theaters & Streaming straight to your home, various times
WHAT: An annual film tradition expanding moviegoers' tastes
SO WHAT: The 60th Chicago International Film Festival is here and ready to deliver quality filmmaking to Chicago! You'll get the chance to enjoy a stunning collection of feature-length films, shorts, and in-person celebrations over 12 days right here in Chicago! Check out our preview of the festival here!
NOW WHAT: You can check out their website for more details on this fantastic festival! You can also see their full schedule in their festival guide!
Movies on the Big Screen and Home @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, various times
WHAT: A great way to support a great local theater
SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre recently underwent some great renovations,and are ready for all your movie needs u with some excellent films like Rumours, Anora, Here with Robert Zemeckis in attendance and will receive the Founder’s Legacy Award; Don't Look Now, Conrad Brooks vs. Werewolf & Nosferatu the Vampyre as part of the Music Box of Horrors: The Dream Child; The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Halloween Edition! and more!
NOW WHAT: Sit back and enjoy a new film at one of our favorite movie theatres in the city!
Chicago Humanities: New Talks and Video Archives @ Various Locations & Chicago Humanities Festival YouTube channel, your favorite browser or YouTube app, any time you want some inspiration, All Ages
WHAT: Interesting conversations with interesting people!
SO WHAT: Chicago Humanities Festival always brings some of the best ideas to the surface with entertaining programming that captures your imagination. There's tons of talks going on this season, so head over to their website which is constantly updated with new talks.
- 10/24 Joan Baez Laureate+ Pre-Event Reception @ Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
- 10/24 Joan Baez: When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance @ Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
- 10/26 In Conversation with the Former President of Costa Rica: Carlos Alvarado Quesada @ Northwestern University - Norris University Center
- 10/26 U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey in Conversation @ Northwestern University - Ryan Center for Music
- 10/26 Northwestern Day Member Reception @ Northwestern University - Ryan Center for Music
- 10/26 Dr. Maayan Hilel on Cultural Entwinement and Transformation @ Northwestern University - Block Museum of Art
- 10/26 Barry Sonnenfeld: Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time—True Stories From a Career in Hollywood @ Northwestern University - Ryan Center for Music
- 10/26 John Green and Rebecca Makkai in Conversation @ Northwestern University - Cahn Auditorium
- 10/26 Michelangelo Sabatino: The Edith Farnsworth House @ Northwestern University - Norris University Center
- 10/26 Wendy Pearlman on the New Syrian Diaspora @ Northwestern University - Block Museum of Art
- 10/26 Kaveh Akbar: Seeking Meaning in Faith, Art, and Others @ Northwestern University - Ryan Center for Music
- 10/26 Writing on Eggshells: Political Comedy Cracked Up @ Northwestern University - Norris University Center
- 10/29 Somebody Somewhere Pre-Event Dinner @ Chop Shop
- 10/29 Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller: HBO’s Somebody Somewhere @ Chop Shop
- 10/29 Second Show Added: Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller: HBO’s Somebody Somewhere @ Chop Shop
NOW WHAT: Head over to take a look at their past events here! You should also sign up for their email list to get updates on upcoming talks in 2023
ChiTown Movies @ Pilsen Neighborhood, 2343 S. Throop St, Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: An old school experience for the modern age
SO WHAT: Take a trip back in time and head out to a drive-in movie with ChiTown Movies. Ever since the pandemic started and shut down traditional movie screening, a few pop up drive-ins have arrived and ChiTown Movies has persevered, offering up modern movies in this retro setting. Check out their lineup below for showings this weekend and in the future!
- 10/25 - Matilda - 6:30pm
- 10/25- Beetlejuice - 8:45pm
- 10/25- Halloween (The Original!) - 11pm
- 10/26 -Monsters, Inc. - 6:30pm
- 10/26 - Hocus Pocus- 8:45pm
- 10/26 -Halloween (The Original!) - 11pm
- 10/27 - Matilda - 6:45pm
- 10/27 - Hocus Pocus - 8:30pm
- 10/27 - Scream - 10:30pm
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $35 per car for these movies, so bring the family for a safe movie watching experience
Weekend Shows @ Lincoln Hall & Schubas, 2424 N Lincoln Ave & 3159 N Southport Ave, various times, 18+
WHAT: A full weekend of amazing shows at Schubas and Lincoln Hall!
SO WHAT: Lincoln Hall and Schubas are some of our favorite venues in the city and they always have something great going on. Check out what's going this weekend at these great venues
- 10/24 - Schubas Open Mic HOSTED BY SHARRON PALM, and SAM SELBY @ Schubas FREE
- 10/24 - Boogarins + The Crooked Rugs + Kangaroo Court @ Lincoln Hall
- 10/25 - Scarlet Demore + Bugsy + Yada Yada + La Rosa Noir @ Lincoln Hall SOLD OUT
- 10/25 - Meet Me Upstairs Presents: DJ Moonlanding & Friends @ Schubas
- 10/25 - Allegra Krieger + Greg Mendez + Hemlock @ Schubas
- 10/26 - Saba ComfortZone - 10 Year Anniversary Show + Senite @ Lincoln Hall
- 10/26 - Floats + Flowerbabe + Demo Division @ Schubas
- 10/27 - Blu & Exile + Fashawn + Sirplus + Denmark Vesey & Scud One @ Schubas
- 10/27 - Mr. Dave Baby Rave + DJ Matt Roan @ Lincoln Hall
NOW WHAT: Head out to Schubas & Lincoln Hall and enjoy this great lineup of shows!
University of Chicago Folk Festival @ Your favorite spot in your home, All Ages
WHAT: A fantastic folk festival
SO WHAT: University of Chicago Folk Festival might have come and gone but their digital presence is still around, making sure the wonderful music reaches as many people as possible! You can check out the past few years of performances on their Facebook page and their YouTube channel any time you want! This past year's performers included The Price Sisters, Brian Conway, Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton, Ruby John, Sean "Mack" McDonald, and many more!
NOW WHAT: Head over to their Facebook page and their YouTube channel and enjoy the show! We highly encourage you to donate to help support this fantastic folk festival!