Smart Museum Fall Exhibition Opening

The Smart Museum marks its new season with an afternoon opening for three fall exhibitions: teamLab: Everything Exists in Infinite Continuity, Nina Chanel Abney: Between Us, and How Do We Heal? Admission is always free. It's a good excuse to spend a Saturday afternoon in Hyde Park.

More on Saturday →

South Side Science FestivalSaturday, October 3, 2026, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.The University of Chicago, Hyde Park, Bronzeville & the South SideFreeOne Day Only

Doja Cat – Tour Ma Vie World TourSat, Oct 3, 2026 · 7:30pmUnited Center, Near West Side, Pilsen, West Town & the West SideOne Day Only

The Chicks: Taking the Long WaySaturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 8:30pmThe Auditorium, The Loop, Downtown, the Loop & West LoopTicketed via TicketmasterOne Weekend Only

Fuerza Regida – Tinley Park, IL – This Is Our Dream TourSaturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 8pmCredit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Far SuburbsOne Weekend Only

More free events →

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park ZooSeptember 25–November 1, 2026; pumpkin patch open daily, live pumpkin carving weekends 10am–1pmLincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park, Lakeview & WrigleyvilleFreeLimited Run

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest 2026Through Oct 4, 2026; Friday 3–7pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am–6pmLincoln Avenue, Lawrence to Sunnyside, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln Square$5 suggested donation to enterFree

World Music Festival Chicago: Global Peace PartySunday, October 4, 2026, noon–5pmHumboldt Park Fieldhouse (outdoor), Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park & BucktownFreeOne Day Only

Maxwell Street Market – season finaleSunday, October 4, 2026, 10am–3pmMaxwell Street between S. Halsted St. and S. Union Ave., Downtown, the Loop & West LoopFreeOne Day Only

The Great Highwood Pumpkin FestivalOctober 2–4, 2026; Friday 4–10pm, Saturday noon–10pm, Sunday noon–9pmDowntown Highwood, Highwood, Far SuburbsFree

See the full ranked weekend board →