The Chicago Botanic Garden lines an evening path with artist-carved pumpkins, including 75 giants of about 150 pounds each. You can watch live carving, meet costumed performers and stop for caramel apples, cider donuts and cocktails. This year adds a glowing 20-foot inflatable Monarch Skull sculpture by Alyse Gamson.
What to expect
An outdoor after-dark walk from 6:30 to 10:30 PM, with themed pumpkin displays ranging from Halloween movies to 150 years of Cubs baseball. Friday through Sunday evenings are priced as standard times.
Good to know
- Buy ahead: the Garden prices advance tickets lower than day-of tickets.
- Parking costs $15 for nonmembers and is free for members.
- Children 2 and under are free.
- It runs October 7–11, 14–18 and 21–25; Monday, October 12 is not an event night.
- Evenings in October get cold, so bring a layer.
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Which nights does it run this weekend?
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 9–11, from 6:30 to 10:30 PM.
How much are tickets?
Nonmember adult tickets start at $24 for advance off-peak times; weekend nights cost more.