You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting Halloween festivities, cultural celebrations, live music, free museum days, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures with these free things to do in October 2024.
1. Go behind-the-scenes during Open House
Oct. 19 and 20, 2024
Spend a weekend exploring more than 170 historically and culturally significant sites across 20 neighborhoods during the annual Open House Chicago on Saturday. Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20.
Hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, this free citywide festival lets attendees access historic landmarks, skyscrapers, and private residences — many of which are usually closed to the public. Marvel at architectural gems ranging from houses of worship to majestic theatres and even a castle.
2. Be mesmerized by Arts in the Dark
Oct. 19 and 26, 2024
Spooky season is upon us, which means the return of the annual Arts in the Dark parade, a free and family-friendly Halloween event. This beloved evening spectacle will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 on State Street in the downtown Loop. Expect music, dance, creative floats, costumed performers, large-scale puppets, and more.
Also, check out the 5th annual Upside Down Halloween Parade in Washington Park on Saturday, Oct. 26. Costumed spectators will “parade” past local performance groups, dancers, sports mascots, and other spectacles during this family-friendly daytime event, complete with complimentary candy, costumes, and goodie bags for kids.
Explore more: Check out more free Halloween events in Chicago.
3. Honor Day of the Dead
Throughout October
Día de los Muertos is a meaningful Mexican holiday that celebrates life and the memory of loved ones who have passed. Experience the customs and traditions for yourself at this year’s Día de Muertos: Where the Past Is Present exhibit at the always-free National Museum of Mexican Art. Now in its 38th year, the exhibit showcases stunning ofrendas (altars) by local and national artists.
You can also immerse yourself in cultural traditions during the annual Día de los Muertos Xicágo on Saturday, Oct. 26. During this free celebration held just outside the museum, guests can admire ofrendas created by community members, live musical performances, art activities, and a large illuminated ofrenda projection.
4. Celebrate the start of fall at Lincoln Park Zoo
Sept 27 – Oct. 27, 2024
Kick off the beginning of autumn with Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo. This family-friendly celebration brings fall decor, treats, activities, and more to the historic zoo from Sept. 27 – Oct. 27. Free things to do and see include fall landscaping, musical entertainment, professional pumpkin carvers, a pumpkin patch, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals. And, of course, check out the animal exhibits with species from every corner of the globe.
5. Get spooky at a haunted Halloween parade
Oct. 31, 2024
In the historic Northalsted neighborhood, it’s not Halloween without the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. The 27th annual parade will take place along Halsted Street on Thursday, Oct. 31. The free evening includes fun and spooky performances from local groups like the Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers, Lakeside Pride Marching Band, Chicago Spirit Brigade pep squad, and more. There’s also a costume contest with an awards ceremony, and plenty of afterparties throughout the neighborhood.
6. Cheer on the Chicago Marathon runners
Oct. 13, 2024
The Chicago Marathon is one of just a few major world marathons, which means that athletes from all over the globe travel here to compete. This year’s race takes place on Sunday, Oct. 13. The 26.2-mile course starts and ends in iconic Grant Park, and travels through more than two dozen of the city’s unique neighborhoods. Check out the race day celebrations in Greektown, Chinatown, Pilsen, Northalsted, and beyond.
7. Attend Chicago Fashion Week events
Oct. 9 – 20, 2024
This year marks the first-ever Chicago Fashion Week, which brings 12 days of exciting events, fashion shows, exhibits, and more that put a spotlight on the city’s dynamic fashion, design, and shopping scenes. Check out some of the free events on the calendar, including:
8. Get free admission at Chicago museums
Multiple days in October
Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, artistic masterpieces, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago during October 2024 for Illinois residents:
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday. You can also visit one of the city’s always-free museums, like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center.
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.
9. See fall colors at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Oct. 1, 2, and 14, 2024
Just north of the city in Glencoe, the stunning Chicago Botanic Garden is free for Illinois residents this month on Oct. 1, 2, and 14. Explore more than 380 acres of natural beauty, including an English walled garden, islands, a Japanese garden, a 100-acre wood, a rose garden, native plant area, and Nature Play Garden for kids. Check out the fall color tree walk to see the best of the season’s splendor.
Make sure to register in advance for your free admission.
10. Honor the history of house music
Multiple days in October
This year, the city is celebrating the 40th anniversary of house music. This Chicago-born genre played a crucial role in the local music scene and influenced a wide range of artists across the globe. Chicago: Home of House is a free exhibit at Navy Pier that explores the roots of house music as part of the dance scene for Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ roots on Chicago’s south and west sides. The exhibits runs through the end of the month.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.