places to visit in chicago in october

50 Wonderful Things To Do In Chicago This October

The best things to do in Chicago this October 2023 from amazing autumnal activities and haunting Halloween experiences to museum free days and peculiar pop-ups.

With the Autumn Equinox and Chicago’s breathtaking Chicagohenge spectacle about to grace Chicago, October is upon us and we have a month of our city’s great fall transition ahead.

Rather than looking over our shoulders melancholically at the passing of summer, we can look ahead at what is arguably Chicago’s most beautiful time of the year .

From here on out, the city’s aesthetics begin to peak as a hundred shades of autumnal color befall Chicago. The air is cool and crisp, the sun is still warm in the afternoons, and there is plenty of fall fun taking place. Plus, Halloween is hiding around the corner.

From pumpkin picking and spiked ciders to haunted houses and spooky experiences, here is our list of the top October activities to do in and around Chicago !

1. Check out the changing leaves

For many, the most magical part of fall is the changing leaves. October marks the month that autumn shades sweep through the city turning trees and parks from green to crimson.

The first thing to do is bask in this entrancing transition . We’ve picked out 10 of the best spots to view the changing leaves in Chicago for those who can’t get enough of the golden fall foliage, or just feel like doing a cannonball into a big ole pile of crackling leaves.

Follow the link to discover our favorite places to watch the changing of the seasons in Chicago!

Read about our best places to see the autumn leaves in Chicago.

2. Pop into Chicago’s largest pumpkin pop-up

With fall’s arrival comes a plethora of pumpkin patches . Our pick of the bunch, and one of Chicago’s most popular Halloween time events, is most certainly Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up .

Now open for the season, this celebration of fall is one of Chicago’s most popular October events and also the only one that takes place 100% outside . This year there will be a corn maze, axe throwing, carnival games, food trucks, full bars, and much more, all spread out over 2 acres in Goose Island !

Read more about Jack’s Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up.

3. Lose yourself in   Richardson Farm’s ‘world’s largest corn maze’

While at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, you’ll find the largest corn maze in the Windy City , you only need to travel a little outside of Chicago itself to enjoy the world’s largest corn maze.

Richardson Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois, is home to a 28-acre labyrinth holding the title of the world’s largest corn maze, and this year it’s paying homage to none other than the terrifying dinosaurs of the Jurassic Park franchise.

As well as the 9-10 miles of maze trails, Richardson Farm is also home to a huge pumpkin patch where you can eat, carve, or smash giant pumpkins as well as throw them off of a giant 50-foot observation tower. You’ll also find plenty of Halloween thrills this month in addition to a zip line, zorbing, a petting zoo, a giant slide, and much more!

Read more about the Richardson Farm corn maze.

4. Lurk in the light of 1,000 jack-o-lanterns

This year, the Chicago Botanic Garden is going full Tim Burton with their Halloween event, Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns ,  for 10 spooky nights of October.

Even though you won’t be able to eat any of the pumpkins on display at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns,  you can still admire the brilliant intricateness of more than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins — with some weighing up to 150 pounds !

Read more about it here.

5. Check out Navy Pier’s all-new Halloween experience

Of course, as we mentioned, another highlight of October is Halloween. All manner of Halloween events and activities offer consistent frights throughout October but this year Navy Pier adding an all-new experience to the mix.

The immersive “Garden of Decay” will premiere at Chicago’s Navy Pier on Friday, October 13 featuring immersive theater and astounding art installations.

Read more about Navy Pier’s new Halloween event.

6. Test your fortitude at Chicago’s 13th floor haunted house

If you’re looking for a real thrill this Halloween season you’ve come to the right place.

Rated as one of the Top 5 Haunted Houses in the U.S.A. by USA Today, 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago has officially returned from the grave for its terrifying 10th season in Chicagoland to add some fuel to your nightmares!

Set amongst forty-thousand square feet of fun at 5050 River Road in Schiller Park near the Rosemont entertainment district, the new site features two all-new, scary-as-hell exhibits entitled The Deadlands  and  Depths of Darkness.

Read more about 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago.

7. Brave the Midwest’s only haunted house inside an actual abandoned prison

For those interested in going the extra mile in search of terror and trepidation, the 13th Floor Entertainment Group is also behind the blood-curdling haunted house experience at Joliet Prison .

The Midwest’s only haunted house inside an actual abandoned prison is sure to have your heart pumping if you’re prepared to head out to the huge Joliet Correctional Center outside of Chicago.

After an inaugural Halloween experience in 2021, 13th Floor Entertainment Group, has again transformed the old prison and reopened it to the public for its third year with an even more eerie array of experiences within the spookiest of settings.

Located in the annex building at 401 Woodruff Road in Joliet, the breathtaking haunted house has opened with two attractions – The Abominations and Tormented – all for the price of one ticket.

Read more about the Old Joliet Prison Haunted House experience.

8. Venture out to “Second Salem”

If you are fascinated by the tales of purportedly haunted places, get a buzz from exploring abandoned buildings, and wish to celebrate this Halloween with more than a costume party, adventuring to a real-life ghost town might be for you. A hair-raising reality awaits just under two hours away in the town of Whitewater.

Nicknamed “Second Salem” after the notorious town near Boston renowned for its 1692 witch trials and subsequent executions, Whitewater in Wisconsin has its own repertoire of creepy tales associated with witchcraft. We’ll let you read and decide if you’re prepared to brave it.

Read more about the haunting history of Whitewater.

9. Send your senses soaring with a Dining in the Dark experience

I slightly less spooky experience, yet still an unforgettable adventure can be found in the form of Dining in the Dark experiences .

Take your date night to the next level or embark on a surreal experience with friends by sitting down for a meal blindfolded to focus on more important things like the exquisite food and wine that make up a secret menu. Engage your taste buds to their maximum as you indulge in a delicious three-course meal like you’ve never done before.

Grab tickets to Dining in the Dark with Wine Service: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience.

10. Eat pizza from one of the best pizzerias on the planet

Talking of memorable meals, a local Chicago Pizzeria was recently ranked one of the best pizzerias in the world at an awards ceremony hosted at the Teatro di Corte in Naples, Italy.

Describing itself as “a casual spot with Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas served in a rustic space with patio seating” Spacca Napoli Pizzeria was the only place in Chicago to make the list and one of a handful from the United States.

There’s never been a better excuse to eat pizza !

Read more about Spacca Napoli Pizzeria.

11. Learn how to make Neapolitan-style pizza

Put your chef’s coat on and join TreeHouse Pizza Chef, Marco Colin, for an intimate and fun pizza-making and wine-tasting event! Set in a private Italian-coast-inspired back room and outdoor patio , you’ll be in the perfect scene for the task.

Whether you’re an expert or just starting out in the art of pizza-making , you’ll have an incredible time. Get your tickets now for Treehouse Chicago Pizza-Making and Wine Experience in Chicago!

Grab tickets to a Chicago pizza-making and wine experience.

12. Check out this Quinceañera comedy show experience with dinner by Broadway’s Rick Najera

If you’ve ever wanted to attend a Quinceañera , now’s your chance! Spend the evening enjoying the comedy show, dancing, dinner, and drinks ! Sweet 15 takes you inside a Quinceañera that is part comedy play and part immersive experience with cocktails, dancing, and dinner. Written by Rick Najera , a Broadway playwright and award-winning Hollywood screenwriter known for his work on TV shows like “In Living Color” and “MAD TV,” Hulu’s Emmy-nominated “East Los High,” and films such as “Nothing Like the Holidays,” which starred actress Debra Messing.

  Grab tickets here!

13. Sip a Guinness at the incoming Guinness Taproom

In other big news, for anybody who loves Chicago beer and has a thirst for that smooth, creamy, world-famous Irish dry stout, you’re in luck! Chicago’s long-awaited Guinness Taproom has opened just in time for October.

The Ireland-based brewer finally opened the 15,000-square-foot Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago in West Loop on Thursday, September 28  offering a unique new experience in one of Chicago’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Read more about the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago.

14. Check out the new Federales

Another new opening in Chicago is the new 8,500-square-foot Federales in Logan Square. The sprawling party bar has opened in the northwest neighborhood with a retractable roof replacing the family-owned Father & Son Pizza.

It is now only the  second establishment with a retractable roof  after the Asian Brewpub Beyond Bixi Beer at 2515 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

8,500 square feet inside and  2790 square feet outside offer a modern industrial hideout with a retractable roof that transforms it into an urban oasis while murals  covering both indoor and outdoor spaces have been created by Jason Botkin in collaboration with local artists Erik Lundquist and David Alvarado.

Read more about the new Federales Chicago location.

15. Kick back at the new vegan food hall

In slightly healthier news, PlantX has turned its Uptown outpost into a huge 6,500-square-foot vegan food hall. Known as XMarket Vegan Food Hall , it is being touted as the largest vegan food hall in the Midwest and will feature an all-vegan convenience store, a bar with vegan wine, a coffee shop, and more.

Read more about XMarket Vegan Food Hall here.

16. Spend a Sunday at Maxwell Street Market

Maxwell Street Market, Chicago’s longest-running open-air market , which first debuted back in 1912, is currently enjoying its 111th year in Chicago.

Open every Sunday at 800 South Des Plaines Street from 9 am to 3 pm through to Sunday, October 29; shoppers can expect a Sunday of spirited live music and sensational street food as well as an eclectic array of bric-à-brac including handmade crafts and undetected treasures.

Read more about Maxwell Street Market.

17-22. Be captivated by a Candlelight Concert

Chicago’s sublime Candlelight Concert series is providing an array of breathtaking spectacles in the Windy City. Talented musicians will be performing at extraordinary venues all over Chicago offering guests the chance to marvel at the enchanting combination of flickering candles and melodic sounds.

Here are some of our favorite Candlelight concerts taking place this month:

• Candlelight Aurora: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Stan Mansion on Thursday, October 5
• Candlelight: The Best of Zelda at Stan Mansion on Friday, October 6
• Candlelight Flamenco: A Journey Through Spain at Arts Center of Oak Park (Free Church) on Friday, October 13
• Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at Cafe Brauer on Wednesday, October 18
• Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Classical Compositions at Bohemian National Cemetery on Friday, October 27

See the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.

Can’t decide on a concert but want to ensure you attend one or need to buy a gift for somebody special? Candlelight gift cards are easy to use and valid for any Candlelight event in the U.S., making it a unique gift for friends and family .

23. Grab cheap movie tickets to any Regal cinema in Chicago

We’re in a peculiar age of independent movie theaters often closing due to a lack of customers and simultaneously many people feeling it is all the more affordable to watch a movie at home and forego the enhanced cinematic experience to save a few bucks.

The solution to this is simple: discounted theater tickets , and now Regal Cinemas are offering all the amenities and bonuses of a multiplex screening for a cut price to make going to the movie theaters comfortable and affordable once more.

Read more about cheap Regal cinema tickets.

24. Watch a movie screening at the Rooftop Cinema Club

Comprising rooftops with city views over sweeping skylines, the materials for a perfect viewing experience like state-of-the-art wireless headphones and adjustable deck chairs, plus, of course, a huge screen showing iconic movies , Rooftop Cinema Club provides what it calls the “ultimate open-air cinema experience.”

Already operating across the country in places like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, the London-based company branched out to Chicago last year, premiering up on the fifth-floor terrace of the Emily Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s former warehouse district of Fulton Market.

The top-rated boutique hotel is now showing several movies a day for its one-of-a-kind outdoor cinema experience and features a weekly lineup of cult classics, timeless comedies, and recent releases projected onto its state-of-the-art LED screen.

Check out the full schedule of movies showing at Rooftop Cinema Club in October.

25. Check out the Steve McCurry exhibition

Steve McCurry is one of the most influential photographers of our time with a lengthy career that has spanned three decades . With much excitement, it was just announced that his iconic photographs are coming to Chicago this fall  after touring Madrid, Mexico City, Lisbon, and Sydney.

Tickets will be released on October 4th at noon before the exhibition officially opens on October 19th , so be sure to join the waitlist  now to get early access to tickets as soon as they are released to the public! 

Read more about the incoming Steve McCurry exhibition.

26-28. Enter a Chicago museum for free

Free admission days are somewhat of a rarity during the summer months when Chicago’s tourism industry is thriving. Luckily though, as we enter the fall months many of our marvelous museums and attractions begin bringing back frequent free admission days.

This September Shedd Aquarium , Field Museum , AND the Museum of Science & Industry are all offering free midweek days.

Check out our full guide to free admission days at Chicago’s many museums and attractions.

29. Indulge your artistic side at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art

While not free, another standout museum from Chicago’s plethora of world-renowned museums is the Museum of Contemporary Art. This unique, grand structure houses exciting temporary and permanent exhibitions that are sure to leave you awestruck.

Make it a whole family day and prepare for an unforgettable experience in contemporary art or gather a group of friends and embrace your whimsical, artistic nature as you explore the fascinating collections. Filled with endlessly intriguing paintings, sculptures, and photos, this museum is always one for the books.

Read more about reduced tickets at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

30. Get free entry to Adler Planetarium on a Wednesday

Another of Chicago’s famed attractions, The Adler Planetarium , underwent a huge revamp during a two-year Covid-19-induced hiatus and now boasts a brand new telescope in the Doane Observatory, which holds the title of the largest public telescope in the state .

As well as a new observation park, the planetarium has a shiny new roof giving the 80-year-old dome an iconic new glow. However, The best news is that upon its reopening, the planetarium announced that Illinois residents would be able to enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm for the foreseeable future, provided they bring proof of residency.

Read more about the Adler Planetarium.

31. Wander Morton Arboretum’s new range of sculptures

A new exhibition at the Morton Arboretum has opened earlier this year featuring a collection of towering arbor-inspired sculptures .

Titled “Of the Earth,” the exhibition features five exclusive new works from Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska and replaced those on display for Human + Nature .

The largest exhibition of artist Olga Ziemska’s work to date, “Of the Earth” is has been created exclusively for Arboretum visitors. According to an official Morton Arboretum release, Ziemska’s sculptures have been predominantly created from reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials gathered from various locations throughout the Arboretum’s grounds.

Read more about the arboretum’s ‘Of the Earth’ exhibition.

32. See Art on the MART’s fall projections

Of course, you don’t need to enter an exhibition to see extraordinary art in Chicago. Holding the title of the “largest permanent digital art projection in the world”, Art on theMART attracts thousands to the Riverwalk and Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago every week from spring through fall by transforming the 2.5-acre river façade of the Merchandise Mart .

The new fall program features mesmerizing projections developed in response to humanity’s environmental crisis and the power of AI technologies which will be shown every night from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm through Friday, November 18.

Read more about Art on theMART’s fall schedule.

33. Peruse the magnificent street art murals of Chicago

Chicago’s street art and graffiti scene has continued to thrive in Chicago over the last decade. New pieces pop up all over the city every week, some of which are so esteemed that they’ve embedded themselves in the very fabric of Chicago and are now part and parcel of the Windy City’s identity.

Today murals do more than just provide an extraordinary spectacle for our eyes. They pay homage to icons , fight for racial equality, celebrate different heritages, and honor the essential workers of our societies during turbulent times.

Hunting down the must-see street art murals in Chicago is a rewarding experience any time of the year and luckily we’ve rounded up our top murals in the city so you can navigate your way around the best of the best and learn about the inspiration behind some of Chicago’s famous murals.

View our list of the 25 most amazing murals in Chicago.

34. Unleash your inner artist at a Spray ‘N’ Sip urban art workshop

If perusing Chicago’s incredible street art has your creative juices flowing there’s no better place to let your inner artist run wild than at Chicago’s incredible BYOB Urban Art Workshops .

Taking place weekly within Studio W.I.P. at The Chicago Kedzie Plaza, there’s no pressure and no presumptions, just creativity and fun flowing in all forms .

Trained professional artists will teach you the tricks of the trade as unleash your inner artist on a mural with your favorite drink in one hand and a spray can in the other.

Grab your tickets to a  Spray Paint ‘n’ Sip Urban Art Workshop.

35. Have a Pumpkin Patch Shake at Jojo’s Shake Bar

On your gallivanting between murals this fall, you can do worse than stopping by Jojo’s Shake Bar for a Pumpkin Patch shake.

Famed for its over-the-top milkshakes and biggie hot chocolates, Jojo’s Shake Bar will once again elaborately deck out its adjacent patios in the heart of River North and Naperville with hay bales, hundreds of pumpkins, and some exceptional fall photo ops.

Visitors can feast on gourmet caramel apples, pumpkin & apple pies, spiked ciders, and biggie hot chocolates & of course, their notorious shakes. If you’re a fan of those over-the-top milkshakes down at JoJo’s Shake bar make sure you don’t miss out on their Famous Pumpkin Patch Shake . The one-month-only special comes topped with a pumpkin pie slice, a taffy apple, roasted marshmallows, and a toffee pretzel.

Read more about Jojo’s Shake Bar.

36. Sip on some spiked cider

There are two top contenders vying for the title of the true fall drink: the pumpkin spice latte and hard apple cider. While the former has pumpkin (a big plus) and caffeine, the latter has alcohol — a slight advantage, we’d say.

Get your fill of all the warm fuzzy feelings of fall by visiting one of these watering holes for a cup of spiked apple cider.

You can find our list of  Read about where to get hard apple ciders.

37. Play soccer in the sky at Chicago’s first-ever rooftop soccer pitch

Much to the excitement of soccer fans all around the city, an exciting new soccer venue opened in Chicago last year taking the city’s soccer scene to new heights.

Located atop the NEWCITY parking structure in Lincoln Park, the Skyline Pitch opened as “Chicago’s 1st rooftop soccer venue for guests of all ages to train, play, and celebrate the game of futsal and soccer with an unmatched view of the beautiful Chicago skyline.”

First thought to be a temporary fixture, the skyline pitch and its variety of leagues will run for a few more weeks offering an unforgettable experience high in the sky.

Read more about the Skyline Pitch in Chicago.

38. Play pickleball at Grant Park’s brand-new courts

Pickleball, the nation’s fastest-growing sport , is rapidly taking over Chicago with a seemingly unstoppable influx of new courts offering places to play all over the city.

After Big City Pickle branched out from Goose Island and Gold Coast to Fulton Market with an initial 9 new pickleball courts this summer, Grant Park has now followed suit.

Thanks to a huge $500,000 grant from Lollapalooza organizers C3 presents, City officials and members of the Grant Park Advisory Council last week unveiled 16 new pickleball courts in southern Grant Park along with six refurbished tennis courts that were revamped after years of usage for festival parking.

Read more about the new pickleball courts.

39. Hit up the largest outdoor adventure park in America

For even more taste of the action, take a short drive down to Lemont, where The Forge: Lemont Quarries offers an all-around day of fun.

From mountain biking and climbing walls to yoga to a tactical laser tag course, the 300-acre park is packed with everything you can think of with something for everyone!

Read more about The Forge: Lemont Quarries.

40. Brunch to your heart’s content

If you’re in need of an instant mood boost, searching for a group Sunday Funday activity , or looking to cure a hangover from the night before, brunch is the solution to all problems.

Luckily Chicago has an abundance of seriously good morning eats, and here we’ve compiled the best of the bunch!

Read our full list of the best brunch spots in Chicago.

41. Sample the best cocktails in Chicago

Whether you’re treating yourself to brunch in Chicago , kicking back on a Chicago patio , or enjoying drinks out at one of Chicago’s many bars and restaurants , you can be sure a finely-crafted cocktail is only seconds away.

From top-notch margaritas to more innovative cocktail concoctions and everything in between, the Windy City and its abundance of revered mixologists have the answers to whatever it is you’re after.

We’ve recently filtered through the noise to round up the best cocktail bars in Chicago based on our experiences at Secret Chicago, our reader’s most popular choices, and a scrupulous assessment of settings and drink quality.

Read our full list of the best places to buy cocktails in Chicago.

42. Kick back at a revered brewery

If craft beers are more up your street than a fruity cocktail, worry not, for Chicago has an abundance of internationally acclaimed breweries.

Frequently recognized as one of the best beer cities in the country , our seasoned and inventive beer scene has produced so many fantastic breweries and taprooms in Chicago that we’re spoilt for choice.

There are now over 200 breweries, big and small, across Chicagoland, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a finely crafted beer in a range of different environments, whatever the weather.

To make sure you’re checking out the best of the best, we’ve here rounded up the 10 best breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in Chicago . Cheers!

43. Buckel up for a Drunk Shakespeare show

On the topic of booze, another brilliant Chicago experience comes in the form of a live Drunk Shakespeare show .

On a stage in a hidden speakeasy behind the Chicago Theater, guests will find a glam cocktail bar and library with over 10,000 books. Five classically-trained actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society.” One of them has had at least five shots of whiskey, and then they (quite over-confidently) attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play!

Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking… and what they’re drinking!

Grab tickets to a Drunk Shakespeare show.

44. Chuckle away at Chicago comedy show

If you’re looking for a chuckle, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. Famous for its production of funny guys and girls. Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.

At Laugh Factory Chicago , some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.

Grab tickets to a show at Laugh Factory Chicago.

45. Go apple picking

While we’ll miss the blooming gardens and sunflower fields of summer, we’re excited for the changing leaves, pumpkin patches, and orchards to harvest the fruits of fall. The peak season for apple picking starts rolling from the end of September through October.

If you want to take measures into your own hands, head to our article on the best places to pick apples in Chicago to find out where to get your pick of the season’s best apple batch.

Read about the best place to pick apples near Chicago.

46. Go hiking near Chicago this fall

Every season offers new and different ways to enjoy nature, with spring splashing with the newly melted snow, summer peaking with an abundance of colors, fall trees bursting with warm red and golden hues, and winter bringing a clean slate of snow to remind us the year as come to a close.

No matter the time of year, there are plenty of great for hiking near Chicago but it is during fall that many offer a particularly unique spectacle . 

As the autumnal hues set in across the Land of Lincoln, escape from the city for a day getaway by exploring nature and hiking at one of the esteemed parks near Chicago.

Read our full list of hiking spots near Chicago.

47. Head out of the city and see Illinois’ natural spectacles

Though our state may not boast wonders with the universal magnitude of the Grand Canyon nor the grandiose reputation of Niagra Falls, Illinois is teeming with diverse ecological landscapes that transform into incredible spectacles this time of the year.

From monolithic marvels to cascading waterfalls, we’ve rounded up the 7 natural wonders of Illinois that you can visit while they’re about to peak so you can plan an outing regardless of whether you want to hike or not.

Read our full breakdown of the 7 Natural Wonders of Illinois.

48. Stay in a Starved Rock Getaway cabin

One of the aforementioned spots, Starved Rock State Park, has recently opened a selection of minimalistic cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to wake up fully immersed in the wilderness .

Located in lush landscapes and with minimalistic yet comfortable designs, they offer the perfect escape for those wanting to disconnect from busy city lives with restorative stays in the middle of nature.

Undoubtedly one of our state’s most impressive natural spectacles, Starved Rock offers over 13 miles of hiking trails, numerous cascading waterfalls, and 18 different canyons.

Read more about the Getaway Cabins near Chicago.

49. Discover the Windy City’s small pockets of Eden

Of course, Chicago is no far friend from nature and there are many places you can get back in touch with Mother Nature all over the city.

The Lakefront, lush parks, and incredible hiking trails offer great natural experiences but Chicago also has numerous secret gardens hidden across the city.

Read our full article on 10 of the best spots around the city.

50. Secure a spot at Chicago’s upcoming light shows

Okay granted, the last recommendation isn’t strictly for October, but we heavily advise you to get booking tickets to Chicagos light shows coming up in November. Chicago has some of the best in the country but many of them sell out fast!

Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Gardens, and Lincoln Park Zoo are just a few that guarantee an extra special festive spectacle . With each respective light show event starting up in November it’s this month that tickets go on sale and we recommend snapping them up quickly!

Read more about Chicago light shows.

[Featured Image from Unsplash]

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BEST Things to Do in Chicago in October 2024 (From a Local!)

Searching for what to do in Chicago this October? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in October 2024 (from a local) – from the best October 2024 events and festivals to fun fall-themed activities to the top attractions.

October is a great month to visit Chicago . Temperatures are typically pleasant but popular attractions are less crowded than they are in the summer. October also brings beautiful fall foliage as well as new fall and Halloween themed activities like visiting pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

For out of town visitors , please note that the weather in Chicago in October is very unpredictable and temperatures can vary greatly. Be prepared for fall, winter, or summer like temperatures (sometimes all in one day!) as well as rain.  Make sure to pack a travel umbrella , layers and check the weather right before your visit to know what to expect.

I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.

Things to Do in Chicago in October 2024

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Take an Architecture Cruise

Taking an architecture river cruise is a must when visiting Chicago. While you can go on an architecture cruise most of the year (except when the water is frozen in the winter), they tend to be less crowded and the weather tends to be more pleasant in October. If the temperature is still warm, you might enjoy a combination river and lake cruise .

Open House Chicago

Every October, the Chicago Architecture Center hosts Open House Chicago , a free, two-day public festival that offers behind-the-scenes access to architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites across the city.

When: October 19-20, 2024

Look for Street Art

October is a great month to walk around Chicago looking for street art while also enjoying fall colors.

One of the most well known Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” by Jacob Watts which located at 33 E. Congress (South Wall). This famous mural is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor and is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other tourist attractions.

Another famous mural is the Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave. You can see this mural and other street art on this street art tour .

Have Fun at Navy Pier

A ride on the large Ferris wheel offers paranoramic skyline views of Chicago and is another great way to see the fall colors from above. ( Click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line).

Other fun attractions at Navy Pier include rides and games , restaurants, shops and the Chicago Children’s Museum . Navy Pier is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids. Navy Pier is also the starting point for many boat rides and lake cruises.

Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO , the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has one of the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. October is a great time to visit as you can see fall colors from above.

(Click here to buy a skip the line ticket ).

Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Take a Ghost Tour

Explore Chicago while learning about its haunted past and visiting the sites of some of the most gruesome disasters and murders in Chicago’s history.

This haunted segway tour and Halloween bike tour are only offered in October.

This ghosts and gangsters tour is available year round and also covers Chicago’s history of organized crime.

Visit Local Farmers Markets

You can find many farmers markets around Chicago until the end of October. These markets are a great place to buy healthy farm-fresh foods from local farms.

Some of the best farmers markets in Chicago include the Green City Market , the Logan Square Farmers Market and the Wicker Park Farmers Market .

Visit Lincoln Park Zoo During Fall Fest

Visit Lincoln Park Zoo during its annual Fall Fest . This family-friendly celebration will offer free fun fall activities including a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, free musical entertainment, story times and more.

When: Fridays–Sundays in October

Address:  2400 N. Cannon Drive

Cost:  Admission to the zoo is FREE but some fall fest attractions are paid.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Looking for a fun fall themed activity? There are many pumpkin patches you can visit in Chicago and the suburbs in October. Here is a list of the best pumpkin patches in and near Chicago .

Get Lost in a Corn Maze

There are many corn mazes in the Chicago area – from large intricate mazes perfect for adults and older children to small kid-friendly corn mazes. Most corn mazes open sometime in September and stay open until the end of October.

Richardson Adventure Farm located in Spring Grove, Illinois (about an hour north of the city) claims to be world’s largest most intricate corn maze.

Here are more corn mazes near Chicago .

Go Apple Picking

You might not associate apple picking with a big city like Chicago, but there are many apple orchards located nearby. The closest apple orchards are located in the Chicago suburbs about an hour or less from downtown.

Some apple orchards are small and only offer apple picking for an affordable price while other farms offer fresh apple cider donuts and kid friendly attractions and activities like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, kid farms, animals, playgrounds and more.

Apple picking season lasts until mid to end of October but different types of apples are available for picking throughout the season.  Here is a list of apple orchards near Chicago for apple picking with locations, dates, hours, prices and all the information you need to plan your visit.

Admire Fall Colors

There are many places in and near Chicago to admire the beautiful autumn leaves. The peak time for the best fall colors in Chicago is usually mid October to late October. For exact dates, this weekly fall color report keeps track of fall foliage times across Illinois and this fall foliage map by weather.com shows the progress of fall foliage in all of the United States.

You can see fall colors at some of Chicago’s most popular attractions including Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”), Millennium Park , Lurie Garden, Chicago Riverwalk and Lincoln Park .

If you are willing to leave the city, you can find even more spectacular fall foliage in the suburbs. Some of the best spots include:

• Morton Arboretum (in Lisle about 26 miles west of downtown) is home to more than 4,000 different types of trees among 1,700 acres. They publish a weekly fall color report every Friday on their website. The arboretum hosts fall events including the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk (October 5, 2024) and the Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch (October 11-13, 2024).

• The Chicago Botanic Garden (in suburban Glencoe about 24 miles north of downtown) is one of the world’s great living museums and conservation science centers with 27 gardens and four natural areas, situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. Their website has a recommended fall color-tree walk for the best viewing. Every October, they host the popular Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns with more than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins—some as large as 150 pounds—will light up the night.

Chicago October 2024 Events

In addition to the activities mentioned above, other October 2024 events include: St. Benedict’s OktoberFest (October 4-6, 2024), Lincoln Park Wine Fest (October 4-6, 2024), Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest (October 5-6, 2024), Chicago Marathon (October 13, 2024), Chicago Artisan Market (October 13, 2024), 57th Chicago International Film Festival (October 16-27, 2024), Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade (October 19, 2024),  Rosehill Cemetery ‘Crypt’ 5K Run/Walk (October 19, 2024) and Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Costume Contest (October 31, 2024).

As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago in October .

Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:

• 3 Days in Chicago: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
• 24 Hours in Chicago: A Perfect One Day Itinerary From a Local
• Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
• Best Free Things to Do in Chicago

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12 Things To Do in Chicago This October

If you thought September was awesome, just wait until you see what October has in store.

From marathons to comedy shows and everything in-between, next month is absolutely jam-packed with some of the city’s most anticipated events. Not sure what to do first? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 12 of the best things to check out in Chicago this October.

Celebrate the Spooky Season

All October @ Various Locations

There are so many Oktoberfests , Halloween bashes, pumpkin patches, and ale fests to hit up this year that we thought we’d just give you a comprehensive list of all of them. You’re welcome. Let us know if you hit all of them in the comments below!

• The Haunted Barn at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest – Homer Glen
• Oktoberfest – Naperville
• Woodstock Ale Fest – Woodstock
• Autumn Brews at Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe
• Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival – Highwood
• Scarecrow Fest – St. Charles
• Boo at the Zoo – Brookfield
• Spooky Pooch Parade at Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe
• Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe
• Halloween Hallow – Mokena
• Halloween Happening – Naperville
• BatFest – Batavia
• Nightmare on Chicago Street – Elgin
• Haunted Halloween Fleet Market – Wheaton
• Brew Moon Beer & Band Festival – McCook
• FestiVale – Ravenswood
• Apple Fest – Lincoln Square
• Stammtisch Open Haus Oktoberfest
• Halloween Masquerade – Civic Opera House
• Illumination – Church of the Epiphany
• Haunted Halloween Ball – Congress Plaza
• St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest
• Pints for Pets – Anti-Cruelty Society
• Halloween in the Parks

ACE Comic Con

October 11 – 13 @ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont 

Everyone’s favorite comic book convention is headed back to Rosemont. This year’s guest speakers include Brie Larson from Captain Marvel , Tom Holland from Spider-Man , Kit Harington from Game of Thrones , and so many more. Get tickets for as low as $45/day before they sell out!

Bacon & Beer Classic

October 12 @ Soldier Field

Honestly, not much else to say here. If you’re not already on board, you’re probably crazy. Get tickets for all the bacon and beer you can stomach for just $55. Oh, and parking ? Taken care of.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

 October 13 @ Grant Park

Cheer on the city’s fastest runners at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The route follows 26.2 miles of the city’s most beautiful scenery and welcomes athletes and leisure runners alike!

Coronavirus in Chicago Updates: Restrictions to Be Lifted on October 1

The City of Chicago will be lifting several restrictions for bars and restaurants on October 1.

Coronavirus Updates in Chicago

Chicago International Film Festival

October 16 – 27 @ Various Locations

Enjoy the best of cinema from around the world at several Chicago venues across 2 weeks of entertainment. Tickets go on sale soon!

Open House Chicago

October 19 – 20 @ Various Locations

The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House in back again as one of the best things to do this October. Showcasing over 200 of Chicago’s coolest buildings, the Open House allows visitors to explore some of the city’s best hidden gems. Better yet, its completely, 100-percent free.

Bloody Mary Fest

October 20 @ Theater on the Lake

Is there anything better than sipping a Bloody Mary on Sunday morning? Drop by Theater on the Lake to try out Chicago’s tastiest Bloody Marys, craft beers, brunch bites, and more. The event also features a Bloody Mary competition, so place your bets now!

Chicago Ideas Week

October 12 – 17 @ Various Locations

Get your life together this October at Chicago Ideas Week. The seven-day festival brings together thought leaders and innovators from around the world to discuss everything from the hottest new tech to leadership principals. This year, the event features headlining speakers like Jonathan Van Ness, Jennifer White, Abby Wambach, and more. Most individual events cost an economical $15, so don’t wait—buy your tickets here .

Arts in the Dark

October 19 @ On State St from Lake to Van Buren, ending at Millennium Park

Enjoy a Halloween parade like you’ve never seen before. Artists from all over Chicago and beyond join together to showcase their spooky good talents with unique floats, terrifying puppetry, and creative performances. The parade is free and there’s an afterparty in Millennium Park! Get discounted skating packages at the Maggie Daley Park ribbon and the climbing wall for $20 per person.

Chicago Humanities Festival

October 26 – November 10 @ Various Locations

If you’re looking for things to do this October and November, enjoy inspiring talks and panels across a variety of Chicago venues during this nearly month-long Humanities Festival. Get tickets for individual sessions today!

Art-Inspired Dinner & Tour at Travelle

October 30 | 5:30 pm @ Travelle at The Langham

Travelle at The Langham presents an event for art and cocktail lovers, who will embark on a tour led by Chicago Chef Concierge Philippe Gills of the art installed throughout and around the hotel, including Ju Ming’s “The Gentlemen,” Virginio Ferrari’s “Ombre della Sera,” Carolyn Ottmers’ “Silver Pinecone,” Yorko Alexopolous’ “Beguiled by Mystery,” Jaume Plensa’s “Anna,” as well as pieces from Peter Halley and Monique Prieto. Once the tour concludes, guests will settle into Travelle for a unique, three-course dinner and drink pairings to enjoy sips from Travelle’s art-inspired cocktail collection. Designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, The Langham is a reputable Chicago hotel with a fantastic riverside restaurant, Travelle, and holds a strong connection to the city’s vast art scene.

Tickets run $95 and space is limited; to make a reservation, call 312.923.7705

Northalstead Halloween Parade 

October 31 @ Halstead & Belmont

As far as things to do on Halloween goes, there’s really not that many. You could do a Haunted House or trick-or-treat if you have kids or nieces and nephews. But as far as adulting goes, a costume parade, followed by boozy bar-hopping, is as good as you can hope for, and what better neighborhood to do it right than Boystown? Head to this part of town at 7:30 pm for a wild riot of a Halloween parade you’re sure to remember.

Build Your 2020 Chicago Fall Bucket List: Ideas & Tips

If you are creating a bucket list of activities and events to attend throughout upcoming fall season in Chicago, we have created a list of ideas and tips.

Build Your 2020 Fall Bucket List

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

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About Author

Jessica Hamrick

As an avid NPR listener and self-described Snapchat addict, Jessica Hamrick is excited to showcase her love for all things media as an Editor at UrbanMatter. Her short-yet-illustrious academic career was dedicated to finding the intersections between writing and marketing and she’s definitely found it here. In her free time, Jessica can be found hanging out with her dog Indie, watching the Food Network or commiserating with fellow, unfortunate White Sox fans.

October in Chicago: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Even though October traditionally sees a break in travel trends across the country, Chicago 's calendar remains packed with tourist-centric events such as the Chicago Marathon and Halloween happenings aplenty. The chilly fall weather allows for exploring the Windy City's beloved green spaces, shopping centers, and attractions (namely Cloud Gate ). Plus, with the exception of the jam-packed marathon weekend, hotel rates and airfare can be snagged for a bargain during the shoulder season.

Chicago Weather in October

The weather in Chicago is notoriously unpredictable, and October's climate is no different. Temperatures can vary dramatically from day to day (or hour to hour), but are generally warm enough for al fresco dining or embarking on a culinary tour .

• Average high: 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius)
• Average low: 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius)

The wind for which Chicago is known increases significantly (from 11.5 to 13.1 miles per hour) between the beginning and end of the month. It also isn't entirely unlikely to see snowstorms, which can delay flights (as can strong wind) during October.

What to Pack

With such disorderly weather patterns, it's best to pack for all seasons when planning an October trip to Chicago. Bring both short sleeves and fleeces, lightweight pants and thermal layers. What you'll need depends on which end of the month you visit, but definitely expect to wear a windbreaker, no matter what. Check the weather beforehand to see whether you may need a winter coat or waterproof shoes. If you plan to partake in Halloween events, it may be a good idea to pack a costume.

October Events in Chicago

Despite the decline in tourism post-summer, Chicago puts on a host of events in October, from the famous marathon to city-wide pizza parties in celebration of National Pizza Month.

• Chicago Marathon : October always kicks off with this iconic feat of athleticism. The Chicago Marathon draws about 45,000 runners to the streets of the downtown area (and upward of 30 surrounding neighborhoods). It begins and ends at the famous Grant Park. In 2020, the in-person event will be replaced by virtual runs between October 5 and 11.
• Chicago International Film Festival : Also drawing major crowds to the city is this annual film festival, occupying most of the month. It is, in fact, North America's longest-running international competitive film festival, having started in the '60s. In 2020, screenings will be streamed online from October 14 to 25.
• Halloween in Chicago : October is basically one giant Halloween party in the Windy City, with the Chicago Botanic Garden holding a special pumpkin exhibition ( Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns ) and both the Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo doing kid-friendly programming throughout the month. Horror movie enthusiasts won't want to skip Southport's Music Box of Horrors  24-hour movie marathon, which will take place as a month-long drive-in experience in 2020.
• National Pizza Month : Deep-dish pizza is as much a symbol of Chicago as The Bean, so it's only natural that the city's iconic establishments celebrate National Pizza Month with discounted pies.

October Travel Tips

• While October is generally a quiet month for tourism, the Chicago Marathon draws thousands to the city, meaning: full hotels, packed restaurants, street closures, and more. Try to avoid that weekend if you don't plan to participate.
• If cold weather deters you, plan your trip for early in the month. Chicago is notoriously frigid, and the yearly deep freeze begins in the fall.
• Because of the cold temperatures and short days, many popular attractions—such as Navy Pier and the Lincoln Park Zoo—will have reduced hours.
• October is prime leaf-peeping time in the Midwest. Colorful scenes can be found in Lincoln Park, Jackson Park, and Morton Arboretum.

To learn more about visiting Chicago during the shoulder season, check out our guide on the best time to visit .

The Best Time to Visit Chicago

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Open House, Ideas Week, Elton John, and yes, the Spooky Pooch Parade

Half Gringa

Chicagoan Izzy Olive, who performs with her band under the name Half Gringa, hasn’t forgotten her roots. Her world-weary songs are planted in the legacy of her alt-country and folk-rock predecessors, like Neko Case and Linda Ronstadt.

Details: Ukrainian Village. Empty Bottle. 8:30 p.m. Free. emptybottle.com

Following the Box

Jerri Zbiral and Alan Teller had the good fortune of discovering a shoebox containing more than 100 photographs of life in rural India from the 1940s. Recognizing the artistic value of the gorgeous prints, the Chicagoans embarked on a global research trip and learned that the pictures were made by a U.S. soldier stationed in West Bengal during World War II. Now the journey of the photos is documented in a film and concurrent exhibition on view through October 20. Zbiral and Teller will appear for a postscreening discussion.

Details: Near North Side. Loyola University Museum of Art. 6 p.m. Free. luc.edu/luma

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The trippy, macabre world of candy man Willy Wonka comes to the stage in a lavish musical that features puppets by MacArthur “genius” Basil Twist ( The Addams Family , Symphonie Fantastique ). The Broadway version embraces Dahl’s approach, which is darker than the 1971 cinematic rendition.

Details: Loop. Oriental Theatre. $24–$127. broadwayinchicago.com

For every new generation of young people interested in instantly catchy pop music sung by attractive young men, there’ll always be a boy band to fulfill the need. The latest incarnation, seven-member group BTS, hails from South Korea and sings in both Korean and Japanese, but that hasn’t limited its seemingly infinite number of worldwide fans, who quickly pushed the squad’s sixth album, Love Yourself: Tear , to the top of the charts in Canada, Japan, and the United States.

Details: Near West Side. United Center. $283–$1,407. ticketmaster.com

Dorothée Munyaneza

In her newest work, Unwanted , the Rwandan choreographer uses song and dance as a way of examining the physical and psychological consequences of her native country’s civil war. The piece shares the stories of women who stayed in their homeland, surviving mass genocide, rape, and family separation.

Details: Streeterville. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. $10–$30. mcachicago.org

Excavating the World’s Fair

Anthropologist Rebecca Graff shares stories about what she found during her 2008 excavation of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition fairgrounds in Jackson Park. Her talk accompanies an exhibition of artifacts (like admission tickets and playing cards) that illuminate what life was like in 19th-century Chicago.

Details: Near North Side. Newberry. 6 p.m. Free. newberry.org

Patience and Sarah

This spring Lyric packed houses with Fellow Travelers , an opera about a gay romance in 1950s Washington staged by its special projects arm. Third Eye Theatre Ensemble’s next production is somewhat of a companion piece: a lesbian romance set in Connecticut in the winter of 1816. Composer Paula Kimper provides the folkie, tuneful score.

Details: Lake View. Third Eye Theatre Ensemble at Theater Wit. $20–$30. thirdeyete.com

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre

This contemporary company presents three major new works and one revival in its annual “tour of Chicago.” The highlight is the final installment of American Catracho , a suite of dances about immigration that took three years to develop, a tour de force for artistic director Wilfredo Rivera. New collaborations featuring choreography by Monique Haley and Joshua L. Ishmon are also on the bill.

Details: Various neighborhoods and venues. $30–$35. cerquarivera.org

Flyin’ West

The history of the American West has long been dominated by tales of cowboys. Not so in Pearl Cleage’s vivid drama about a quartet of African American women who head west to stake a claim for land and autonomy in 1898. The frontier town of Nicodemus, Kansas, offers both refuge and challenges — and a rich slice of western lore that all too often gets erased.

Details: Lake View. American Blues Theater at Stage 773. $19–$39. americanbluestheater.com

Mandala Arts

For Masks and Myths , Sri Lankan dancers perform at the University of Chicago, near the spot where, 125 years ago, their ancestors were commodified for fairgoers at the World’s Columbian Exposition. The three-part performance wrestles with the effects of colonialism on the arts while celebrating traditional Sri Lankan dance.

Details: Woodlawn. Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. $25. mandalaarts.org

La Bohème

Lyric Opera raises the curtain on its season with Puccini’s classic tale of bohemian life in artists’ garrets and its attendant love, poetry, and tuberculosis. The cast, which will reassemble for another run in January, includes the luminous Maria Agresta, the pixie-ish Danielle de Niese, and Michael Fabiano, a young tenor in his Lyric debut.

Details: Loop. Lyric Opera House. $89–$299. lyricopera.org

Industry of the Ordinary

Celebrated for their wry social commentary and disruptive artworks, the performance duo of Adam Brooks and Mathew Wilson, known as Industry of the Ordinary, take a more solemn approach with Genuflect , a silent vigil for immigrants on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They’ll carry a life raft and lead a procession to Lake Michigan, where they’ll sail off into the horizon — a metaphor for refugees and migrants finding safe harbor.

Details: Lincoln Park. St. Vincent de Paul Parish. 5:30 p.m. Free. museums.depaul.edu

Welcome to Night Vale

This darkly funny podcast follows the fictional and increasingly mysterious town of Night Vale, which is populated by angels, sentient clouds, and an evil beagle. The twice-monthly show is serialized, but the tour features a standalone story, so no need to binge beforehand.

Details: Lake View. Athenaeum Theatre. 8 p.m. $31. athenaeumtheatre.org

This rap group has taken over Bay Area radio with its distinct blend of handclaps, lush synthesizer patches, and grim basslines. But SOB x RBE has also benefited from national exposure, most prominently on the Black Panther soundtrack. The lyrics address standard gangster rap touchstones — drugs, women, violence — but they are delivered with such energy that frustration and celebration become intertwined, establishing an emotional complexity rarely heard in contemporary hip-hop.

Details: West Loop. Bottom Lounge. 7 p.m. $20–$100. ticketweb.com

Hari Kondabolu

Speaking to the BBC last year, the Indian American comedian said of the lone Indian character on The Simpsons : “Apu was the only Indian we had on TV at all, so I was happy for any representation as a kid.” As he grew older, however, Kondabolu began to recognize Apu as a joke at his expense. This epiphany is the emotional core of The Problem with Apu , the surprise hit documentary he wrote and starred in last year. Expect a similarly deft hand as he returns to standup.

Details: Pilsen. Thalia Hall. 8 p.m. $26. eventbrite.com

The Many Hats of Ralph Arnold

This overdue retrospective examines a gay black veteran and artist whose collages from the 1960s and ’70s address the era’s social and cultural revolutions. Want to Pick-Nick? Or Any Day? (1969), for example, is a revamp of A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte , Georges Seurat’s iconic 1884 impressionist painting, adding graffiti and public protest.

Details: South Loop. Museum of Contemporary Photography. Free. mocp.org

Eat, Drink, Korea

Chefs from restaurants like En Hakkore, Del Seoul, Dak, and more join forces to celebrate Korean cuisine and culture. The evening also includes plenty of beer and cocktails. All proceeds benefit Crossing Borders, an organization providing aid to North Korean refugees.

Details: Ravenswood. Ravenswood Event Center. 6 p.m. $75–$95. eventbrite.com

The Colombian singer has had a thriving career in Latin America for nearly a decade. His recent success stateside, though, may have a little something to do with Beyonce, who appeared on the remix of his single “Mi Gente,” helping to bridge the gap between disparate music communities. On Vibras , Balvin’s most recent album, he combines reggaeton with adventurous contemporary pop, creating electrifying songs designed for live shows.

Details: Rosemont. Allstate Arena. 8 p.m. $40–$500. ticketmaster.com

Takács Quartet

For more than 40 years, Takács has ranked among the world’s best string quartets. The ensemble opens UChicago Presents’ 75th season with pieces by masters of the form (Haydn and Shostakovich), along with one by a master of everything (Brahms).

Details: Hyde Park. Mandel Hall, University of Chicago. 7:30 p.m. $10–$38. chicagopresents.uchicago.edu

Open House Chicago

Ever wondered what’s inside the dome of the Elks National Memorial, or what the view is like from the top of the Aon Center? For this annual citywide open house, the Chicago Architecture Foundation pulls back the curtain on more than 200 of the city’s architectural marvels, many of which are rarely open to the public.

Details: Various neighborhoods and venues. Free. openhousechicago.org

Lyric’s Mozart foray for this season is the lesser-known story of the shipwrecked king of Crete and the sacrifice he offers to Neptune, with a love triangle thrown in for good measure. The cast has a distinct Chicago tint: Matthew Polenzani, a north suburban native and alumnus of Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center, in the lead role; Erin Wall, also a Ryan alum; and Chicago native Janai Brugger (see “The Hometown Prima Donna” ).

Details: Loop. Lyric Opera House. $39–$279. lyricopera.org

Idris Ackamoor & the Pyramids

Chicago native Ackamoor formed his band at Antioch College in the 1970s, and the Pyramids traveled all across Africa, recruiting new musicians and developing a distinctive fusion of jazz, funk, and Afrobeat. Ackamoor and his group return home for what’s sure to be a sweaty night of muscle-moving grooves.

Details: Ukrainian Village. Empty Bottle. 8:30 p.m. $12–$15. eventbrite.com

Midwest Flair Fest

Dozens of artists and vendors from across the world gather in one spot to show off their best wearable art. Spice up your existing wardrobe — items for sale include patches, pins, and hand-stitched goods.

Details: Pilsen. Thalia Hall. Noon. Free. midwestflairfest.com

Chicago Ideas Week

As the self-proclaimed “largest and most affordable ideas festival in the world,” CIW brings panel discussions, talks, and hands-on labs to various venues throughout the city. This year features more than 150 speakers, including Boots Riley , director of Sorry to Bother You , and Yvonne Orji, who plays Molly on HBO’s Insecure .

Details: Various neighborhoods and venues. $15. chicagoideas.com

Pinball Expo

Pinball wasn’t invented in Chicago, but local firms like Bally Manufacturing, Stern Pinball, and Williams Electronics Games perfected it. This four-day jamboree toasts that legacy: Casual players can enjoy free play on dozens of machines on Thursday and Friday, while pinball aces can show off their skills in Saturday’s high-score tournament. New this year is a tour of the Stern Pinball factory, where attendees can witness a table’s construction from start to finish.

Details: Wheeling. Westin Chicago North Shore. $30–$210. pinballexpo.net

Christopher Wheeldon’s 2014 reimagining of the classic ballet moves the plot from a German castle to the studios of the Paris Opera Ballet — a real-life depiction of Degas’s ballerinas. Joffrey debuted the work amid skepticism about doing such a stodgy full-length. But Wheeldon’s vision made it feel fresh again. It’s the highest-grossing production in company history.

Details: Loop. Auditorium Theatre. $35–$200. joffrey.org

Pop-Up Magazine

In this quasi-variety show, performers from the worlds of journalism, radio, and art share vivid stories accompanied by illustration, animation, photography, and an original score from house band Magik Magik Orchestra. And nothing goes online afterward — you have to be there to see it! The “fall issue” features documentary filmmaker Veena Rao, photographer Lara Shipley, and best-selling author Rebecca Skloot.

Details: Lake View. Athenaeum Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $24–$29. athenaeumtheatre.org

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Though he’s best known to some for authenticating the science content of movies on Twitter, Tyson is more than a social media pedant: With his many media appearances, books, and hosting gigs ( Nova , the Cosmos reboot), few have done more to increase Americans’ appreciation and understanding of astrophysics. Here, he’ll discuss mankind’s ongoing search for planets we might be able to call home.

Details: Loop. Chicago Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $70–$90. ticketmaster.com

Tere O’Connor Dance

O’Connor, a celebrated choreographer, offers a primer on abstract postmodernist dance with his Long Run . Don’t worry about what it all means — focus instead on the imaginative and idiosyncratic material created for dancers at the top of their game, including Simon Courchel, Eleanor Hullihan, and Silas Riener.

Details: South Loop. Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago. $30. dance.colum.edu

Trifonov Plays Prokofiev

Under the baton of the matchless Marin Alsop, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra premieres one of its two commissions for the 2018–19 season: Threnos, by the French composer Bruno Mantovani, a commemoration of the centennial of the armistice that ended World War I. The program also includes the whirlwind Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov playing Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3.

Details: Loop. Symphony Center. $31–$219. cso.org

American Jornalero

Chicago’s entry in the Chicago Latino International Theatre Festival is Ed Cardona Jr.’s tale of struggle and survival among transient workers in Queens. Mexican, Panamanian, and Belarusian day laborers find themselves targeted by vigilante nationalists in this drama about race, class, and money.

Details: Lincoln Park. Victory Gardens Theater. $20–$25. teatrovista.org

The German contemporary abstract painter Abts is globally celebrated for her bold and colorful patterns and shapes. Look closely and you may see the layers of decisions she makes on each canvas to arrive at the final image, using just her paintbrush and creative whimsy. The New York Times has called these works “exhilarating.”

Details: Loop. Art Institute of Chicago. $14–$25. artic.edu

Lady in Denmark

Dael Orlandersmith returns to the Goodman with a monologue about death, solace, and the healing powers of Billie Holiday. Orlandersmith ( Stoop Stories , Yellowman ) is consistently riveting, whether waxing autobiographical or wholly fictional, as she does here.

Details: Loop. Goodman Theatre. $10–$90. goodmantheatre.org

The Scientific Method

Rivendell snagged the Chicago debut of Jenny Connell Davis’s exploration of a cancer researcher who’s a whisper away from a massive professional breakthrough and an equally momentous personal breakdown, a dramatic rendering of the challenges faced by women in STEM fields.

Details: Edgewater. Rivendell Theatre. $28. rivendelltheatre.org

Cosmologies

Playwright David Rabe’s bonkers comedy includes philosophy (Kierkegaard), Fermilab-channeling physics (there’s a particle accelerator), and slapstick (think classiccartoons). It’s also a rom-com — sort of — involving a date turned upside down and inside out through time and space.

Details: Jefferson Park. Gift Theatre. $25–$50. thegifttheatre.org

Master Class

Maria Callas had a temperament and a talent capable of making all other divas look small in comparison. In TimeLine’s staging of Terrence McNally’s Tony-winning masterpiece, the extraordinary opera star is played by Janet Ulrich Brooks, who has a presence capable of capturing this larger-than-life woman.

Details: Lake View. Stage 773. $28–$57. timelinetheatre.com

Lit & Luz Festival: Live Magazine Show

This annual celebration, showcasing collaborations between creative people from Chicago and Mexico City, comes to a close with a presentation given in both English and Spanish. The “live magazine” features new commissions and collaborations by novelist Julián Herbert, sound artist Mariana Castillo Deball, and many more.

Details: Streeterville. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. 6 p.m. $15. mcachicago.org

Spooky Pooch Parade

Man’s best friend is generally barred from entry at the Chicago Botanic Garden, but this parade marks an adorable exception: Dozens of costumed dogs — many with owners in matching garb — strut through the Krasberg Rose Garden to compete for barking rights. Awards go to the most creative getups in a variety of categories, including best costume and best horticultural interpretation. Bring your canine even if it’s not competing, but you must purchase paid registration in advance.

Details: Glencoe. Chicago Botanic Garden. 11 a.m. $15–$25. chicagobotanic.org

Elevate Chicago Dance

Last year’s multiday, conference-style expo of Chicago’s most innovative performers has been retooled as an all-day festival tailored to the public. With performances by 45 choreographers and 150 dancers to choose from, it won’t be possible to see everything. But make sure to check out Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Darling Shear, and Sara Zalek.

Details: Loop. Chicago Cultural Center. 10 a.m. Free. chicagodancemakers.org

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s new composer in residence, 37-year-old Missy Mazzoli, selected the repertoire for her first installment of the orchestra’s offsite new-music series. If you don’t like her choices, you can tell her over the postconcert pizza and beer.

Details: Loop. Harris Theater. 7 p.m. $15–$28. cso.org/musicnow

In an interview this past July on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, guitarist Wayne Kramer said, “The MC5 actually never sounded this good.” Audiences who’ve fallen in love with that group’s powerful live performances and staunchly political lyrics won’t want to miss this tour, featuring a who’s who of rock musicians from celebrated groups like Soundgarden, Faith No More, and Fugazi supporting Kramer as his backing band.

Details: Lake View. Metro. 7 p.m. $38–$150. metrochicago.com

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

As the name would indicate, there are, in fact, more than 1,000 pumpkins on display at this family-friendly Halloween standby, each one a carefully carved work of art. In the jack-o’-lanterns’ spectral glow, the gardens take on a spooky and autumnal atmosphere best enjoyed with a hot cup of cocoa or cider (spiked, if you’re a grownup) in hand.

Details: Glencoe. Chicago Botanic Garden. $11–$18. chicagobotanic.org

Haitink Conducts Bruckner and Beethoven

Under Haitink, one of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s longest-standing conductor compadres, the ensemble bifurcates the bill with two Bs: Beethoven, in his Piano Concerto No. 2, played by the Beethoven expert Paul Lewis, and Bruckner, with his saucy Symphony No. 6.

Details: Loop. Symphony Center. $35–$224. cso.org

In January, John told Anderson Cooper he would be retiring from touring, stating, “My priorities are now my children and my husband and my family.” It’s a blow to longtime fans, but John won’t make his final exit until he completes a three-year international tour.

Details: Near West Side. United Center. $136–$249. ticketmaster.com

Jessica Sladek

This emerging photographer gets a long-awaited debut solo show, featuring her Wildness series, in which a tradition of bucolic landscape imagery (think Ansel Adams) is turned on its head — or rather, its roots. Focusing tightly on dirt, holes, and generally what’s beneath the feet, Sladek has an eye for finding the overlooked beauty of everyday nature.

Details: River North. Schneider Gallery. Free. schneidergallerychicago.com

Chicago Home Movie Day

Each year, locals dust off and trot out their best (i.e., most pedestrian and mildly amusing) works of amateur film — specifically, those that are actually on film, in a format like 16 mm, 8 mm, or Super 8. Watching someone else’s home movies might sound about as much fun as, well, watching someone else’s home movies, but don’t be surprised if you leave the auditorium misty-eyed: There’s something undeniably powerful about seeing people and places frozen in time.

Details: Lincoln Park. Chicago History Museum. 11 a.m. Free. chicagofilmarchives.org

Nine Inch Nails

Back with its ninth studio album, Bad Witch , after four years away, Trent Reznor’s morbid industrial-rock outfit hasn’t lost any of its creepy power. Gen-X goths and younger fans who’ve flocked to NIN’s music won’t want to miss this rare tour.

Details: Uptown. Aragon Ballroom. 7 p.m. $140–$185. ticketmaster.com

Jonathan Richman

The Modern Lovers produced just one album before dissolving in 1974, and that self-titled work is considered by some critics to be the germ of punk rock. Richman, the band’s idiosyncratic frontman, has developed something of a cult following ever since, even as he turns his back on the aesthetic trappings of punk. Though Richman now favors an acoustic guitar and a tempo more suited to easy listening than a mosh pit, his songwriting remains as strangely compelling as ever.

Details: Pilsen. Thalia Hall. $18. eventbrite.com

Indie-rock fans have recently embraced this New York–based electronic musician. Why? Maybe it’s her lack of pretension. Yaeji’s distorted and animated vocals joyously ripple through modern house tracks, equal parts sexy and silly. Her live shows, which bring in an eclectic mix of club kids, bedroom producers, and neophytes, tend to develop into the sort of no-frills dance parties of most people’s dreams.

Details: Pilsen. Thalia Hall. $20–$25. eventbrite.com

Keep Moving: Designing Chicago’s Bicycle Culture

The bicycle is a symbol of personal freedom: the open road, the fresh air, the solitary sense of movement and power. This exhibit celebrates design innovations of the humble bike, including ephemera from Chicago’s top manufacturers then and now, like Schwinn, founded here in 1895, as well as reflections on why the local cycling community is so alluring.

Details: Loop. Design Museum of Chicago. Free. designchicago.org

Chicago Humanities Festival

The lineup for this festival includes local writing sensation Eve Ewing, therapy podcaster Esther Perel, and photographer Tonika Johnson. London-based curator Hans Ulrich Obrist continues the interview marathon he commenced at Expo, where he will engage in back-to-back chats with some of Chicago’s creative luminaries.

Details: Various neighborhoods and venues. Free–$75. chicagohumanities.org

African American Designers in Chicago: Art, Commerce, and the Politics of Race

The Cultural Center’s fall exhibit is the first comprehensive survey of Chicago’s African American design history. The show traces the role of black creativity during the 20th century by culling fashion design, textiles, cartoons, and graphics and packaging from the golden age of advertising.

Details: Loop. Chicago Cultural Center. Free. cityofchicago.org/dcase

Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Tamara Stefanovich

These pianists first met as teacher and student and today are partners in life, parenting, and the occasional concert program. Their recital includes seven movements from Bartók’s Mikrokosmos and Harrison Birtwistle’s Keyboard Engine , commissioned for the pair and receiving its U.S. premiere on this tour.

Details: Loop. Symphony Center. 3 p.m. $21–$83. cso.org

Jeff Arcuri

Earlier this year, the standup made his Late Show with Stephen Colbert debut, and now he’s returning to the city where he got his start. Before he headed to New York, the earnest, upbeat comic hosted and produced the Chicago-based showcase This Week’s Show and regularly appeared at Laugh Factory, Comedy Bar, and Zanies, where he’ll be headlining.

Details: Old Town. Zanies. $25. chicago.zanies.com

Ina Garten: The Barefoot Contessa

On this tour, the beloved and inescapable restaurateur, cookbook author, and television personality shares stories and recipes from throughout her gastronomic journey and gives a sneak peek at her new book, Cooking Like a Pro — autographed copies of which will be available at the theater.

Details: Loop. Chicago Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $53–$73. ticketmaster.com

Kreutzer Connection

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center builds a program around Beethoven’s “Kreutzer,” a violin sonata, and Leoš Janáček’s “Kreutzer Sonata” for string quartet, then interposes a work by the actual Kreutzer, a famous violinist who never actually played the Beethoven piece dedicated to him.

Details: Loop. Harris Theater. 7:30 p.m. $30–$70. harristheaterchicago.org

Tags: Arts & Culture , Visitor's Guide

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31 of the Best Things to Do This October in Chicago and the Suburbs

This October, enjoy the beautiful fall season with events like Lincoln Square’s Apple Fest, cheering on runners at the Chicago Marathon, Highwood’s Great Pumpkin Festival and more. Here are 31 of the best activities October has to offer.

Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram  @betterchicago !

Trick or Treating for UNICEF

Starting Oct. 1, teachers and parents are encouraged to register children and create profiles online where they will receive a Virtual Collection Box and customized QR code. Children can earn trick-or-treat coins that add up to real-life earnings. As they collect the coins, they will be able to choose where they want them to go — giving them the power to impact other children around the world.

Open House Chicago

A popular highlight of the season, Open House Chicago is a celebration of architecturally, culturally, and historically significant sites across Chicago’s many neighborhoods. This fall, the festival will feature its new and improved Open House Chicago App, the return of in-person site visits from Oct. 16-17, and a series of virtual programs.

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

1465 N Elston Ave., Chicago

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up (@jackspumpkinpopup)

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is taking over 2 acres of Goose Island this month. The multi-sensory adventure will include Chicago’s largest corn maze, carnival games, axe throwing, a full service bar and food and drink.

Halloween at Museum of Illusions Chicago

25 E Washington St, Chicago

The Museum of Illusions Chicago is decked out with spooky and freaky décor, making their well-known Head on a Platter, Vortex Tunnel, Infinity and Anti-Gravity Room exhibits that more shocking.

Pumpkin Picking

It’s finally time, and we have your list of the best pumpkin patches around. Check it out , plus where to apple pick and more fall fun.

Shedd Aquarium Animal Encounters Return

1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

Shedd Aquarium is returning some of its onsite Extraordinary Experiences this month, to continue to connect guests with the aquatic animal world. You can come face-to-face with penguins, sharks or beluga whales, and ask experts questions. Book your experience, that includes museum admission, on Shedd’s website .

Thru Oct 23: DJ Khaled’s BLESSWELL™ x Groomed Pop Up

122 W Monroe St, Chicago

Visit the Kimpton Gray Hotel to experience DJ Khaled’s CBD-infused skincare, GROOMED x BLESSWELL, this month. The ultra-luxe self care experience provides complimentary grooming services using the premium skin and face products of the BLESSWELL collection. To make it a even more memorable experience, book The Gray and BLESSWELL “ ROOM + GROOM ” Package that includes a hotel stay, a complimentary BLESSWELL gift set and a VIP salon grooming experience.

Thru Oct. 24: Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry

700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

It’s the final call to explore  Marvel history  at the Museum of Science and Industry! The special exhibit includes artifacts, original comic book pages, costumes and props from the movies and more. An additional ticket must be purchased to experience this exhibit. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-11.

Oct. 2: AIDS Run & Walk Chicago

Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., Chicago

Presented by AIDS Foundation Chicago , the 30th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raises funds for individuals living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDs and other chronic illnesses. Over 1,700 advocates and supporters will join in for this great cause.

Oct. 2: Ravinia Brewing Company Presents 2nd Annual Infusion Fest

Highland Park

Ravinia Brewing is holding its second annual Infusion Fest Oct. 2 in Highland Park. The family-friendly event will have live music, an axe throwing truck, henna art, readings from Psychic Viv and a variety of other activities for all ages. There will also be delicious food and beverage offerings from local and regional vendors.

Oct. 2-3: Apple Fest

Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Wilson

Lincoln Square’s Apple Fest is back for its 34th season! The festivities take place Oct. 2-3, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Local farmers will bring in fresh apples, apple cider, apple cider donuts, and more treats. There will also be music, shopping and more.

Oct. 2-3: Halloween Canine Cruise

112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago

Head out on the water with your furry best friend for a ride with Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline. Pooches and their people are invited to come dressed in festive costumes, and there will be pumpkin dog treats and prizes for the best doggie costumes.

Ends Oct. 3: The Other Art Fair

Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W Fulton Market, Chicago

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Chicago’s favorite independent art showcase takes place Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 in the West Loop. Presented by Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair gives guests the opportunity to meet a curated selection of over 110 independent artists and browse thousands of pieces to suit every budget under one roof. With prices starting from as little as $100, this is an art fair for everyone.

Oct. 3: Bucktown 5K

1621 West Wabansia (Wabansia & Marshfield), Chicago

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Run for a good cause during Bucktown’s 5K; proceeds go to MY BLOCK MY HOOD MY CITY , helping fund their mission to empower and inspire Chicago youth so they can take positive action with confidence, creating a new world of possibilities for themselves and their families.

Oct. 7: Copa Carnivale

702 West Fulton Market Street, Chicago

Head to Carivale for “Copa,” an all-new, cabaret style dining experience with limited performances in the restaurant’s iconic dining room. The 90-minute extravaganza will transport guests into the magic of the legendary Copacabana nightclub with colorful twists, delighting with world-class talent including Brazilian dancers, feathered showgirls, live music from an Afro-Brazilian band, acrobatic aerialists and more.

Oct. 8-9: Lincoln Park Wine Fest

Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago

Lincoln Park will host its annual Wine Fest, featuring tastings of wines from all around the world, live music, a variety of food and craft vendors, and more. Festivities will take place in Chicago’s Jonquil Park, and VIP tickets are $65 , with General Admission at $40.

Oct. 8-10: The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival & Skeleton Invasion

17 Highwood Ave., Highwood

Pumpkins and skeletons will descent upon Highwood for a spooky family-friendly weekend! With multiple photo opportunities, including a great pumpkin wall and themed skeletons, Highwood is the place to be Oct. 8-10. There is no entry fee, and attendees are encouraged to “BYOP” (place their own personal pumpkins) on walls if they wish, or they can carve one at the festival. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Highland Park High School Charity Drive.

Oct. 9-10: Kohl Children’s Museum Fall Family Festival

2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview

Grab your tickets in advance for Kohl Children’s Museum Fall Family Festival, Oct. 9-10. Tickets are $25 a person, and only $15 for members. Tickets include a kiddie train ride along a not-so-scary haunted ghost hunt path, a farm animal petting zoo, and an old fashioned cider press, where kids can make their own cider.

Oct. 10: Greektown Chicago’s Special Cheer for the 2021 Chicago Marathon

Gladys and Halsted Street

A Sunday spent cheering on marathon runners is a day well spent. Head to Greektown from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. to support runners at miles 14 and 17. There will be a sign making station, a DJ playing Greek and American music, and complimentary coffee and Greek pastries. Stay after to enjoy some traditional food, including Flaming Saganaki .

Opens Oct. 13: 57th Annual Chicago International Film Festival

212 W Van Buren St, Chicago

North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, the Chicago International Film Festival , is back for its 57th event. Running Oct. 13-24, the festival offers moviegoers the ultimate Chicago film experience, including premiere screenings in theaters and online, post-screening artist discussions, and tributes to legendary filmmakers. Check out our guide to the 2021 Festival .

Opens Oct. 13: Botanic Garden’s Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

Experience the Garden in its colorful fall setting as over 1,000 LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns light up the night. The jack-o’-lanterns will line a festive pathway, where seasonal drinks and snacks will be provided along the way. Reservations required , available Oct 13-17 and Oct. 20-24.

Opens Oct. 15: The Office Experience

The Office comes to the Mag Mile this month, allowing fans to experience Schrute Farms, walk through the Dunder Mifflin set, and relive Jim and Pam’s iconic romance. There will be original set recreations, show costumes and props, and opportunities for fans to engage with the show in new ways between 17 rooms. Tickets are required .

Oct. 15-31: Boo Fest at the Museum of Science and Industry

Celebrate Halloween at the Museum of Science and Industry this month with science-themed activities, including an eyeball dissection, spooky experiments and more. Admission is included in museum entry.

Oct. 16: Charlie Berens at the North Shore Center for The Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charlie Berens (@charlieberens)

Oh don’t cha know, Charlie Berens, from The Manitowoc Minute and social fame, is coming to Skokie! Berens Midwest-focused sketch comedy videos have garnered hundreds of millions of views, and he is bringing his Midwest Survival Guide Tour on the road.

Oct. 16: Field Museum 2021 Gala

1400 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago

Support the Field Museum and their mission during a beautiful night out at their Annual Gala on Oct. 16. The  Women’s Board  and  Board of Trustees  will commemorate the Field’s Building Centennial, and 100 years in their lakefront home. The in-person event will feature cocktails, dinner, and exclusive experiences with up-close views of the Field’s hidden wonders. Tickets are required.

Oct. 16: Chicago Children’s Choir Annual Red Jacket Optional Livestream Concert

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Chicago Children’s Choir (@chichildrenschoir)

An inspiring event will be livestreamed for free on Oct. 16 for all to enjoy. Tune in to see the Chicago Children’s Choir perform alongside a slate of high-profile artists including two-time Grammy Award-winner Kurt Elling, Chicago native singer-songwriter Natalie Bergman, Eurovision’s Vasil Garvanliev, and acclaimed opera singer Jonathan Green.

Oct. 17: Rise Up Exhibit Opening at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center

9603 Woods Dr., Skokie

The Illinois Holocaust Museum’s newest exhibit, Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement , examines the 1969 Stonewall Inn raid and its role in the gay rights movement.

Oct. 22: Undernights: Dinosaurs at the Field Museum

The Field Museum will come to life after hours, where children and adults can safely enjoy after-hours access to permanent exhibitions and the special exhibit, The Machine Inside: Biomechanics . Tickets are $45 per person for members and $50 for non-members.

Oct. 23: Virtual James W. Foley Freedom Run

View this post on Instagram A post shared by James W. Foley Legacy Fund (@jamesfoleyfoundation)

The James W. Foley Foundation’s 7th annual Freedom Run is back virtually — so anyone, anywhere can participate. It is a day to remember Jim, who was killed while reporting abroad, and to support the foundation’s mission to advocate for the freedom of Americans held hostage abroad and to promote the safety of journalists worldwide.

Oct. 23: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

One of the biggest annual events for breast cancer survivors and supporters, the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure, will be held virtually. Race or walk from wherever you are!

Oct. 23: Cider and Ale Festival at The Morton Arboretum

4100 Illinois Rte. 53, Lisle

Sample hard cider and seasonal beers from over 30 local breweries at The Morton Arboretum. Tasting booths will be spread out along walking paths, and your Beer Tasting ticket includes admission for the day so you can explore the grounds.

Oct. 29: Prisoner Wine Dinner

5200 Pearl St , Rosemont

Thorn Restaurant & Lounge, located in the The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare, will partner with The Prisoner Wine Company   for an exclusive Prisoner Wine Dinner on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.. The two-hour evening will be hosted by John Samaritano, a WSET III certified sommelier, and will feature a custom four-course menu perfectly crafted and complemented by Thorn’s Executive Chef Nicholas Malloy. Tickets are $110 per person .

Oct. 29-31: Halloweek at HideSeek

1620 N Wells St., Chicago

Jump into a world of childlike wonder at HideSeek, which is comprised of 15 multi-dimensional self-guided rooms, with excitement around every corner. From October 29-31, HideSeek invites guests of all ages to trick-or-treat through each HideSeek room and collect nostalgic candy. Guests are encouraged to come in costume, and prizes will be given to the best costumes of the night. General admission tickets are $35.00 plus taxes and fees; children’s tickets (ages 4-12) are $27.00 plus taxes and fees. Free admission to children under the age of 3. HideSeek also is offering a family pack bundle, in which two adult and two children’s tickets are priced at $110.

More from Better:

• 1 2 Gifts for Book Lovers to Buy the Bookworm in Your Life
• First Look at the 57th Annual Chicago International Film Festival: ‘The French Dispatch’ and ‘King Richard’, plus ‘Belfast’ with a Tribute to Sir Kenneth Branagh
• A Perfect Fall Weekend in Madison: What to Do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay

Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports  Save Abandoned Babies Foundation , a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.

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The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

Famously known as “the Second City” (meaning second in population to New York), I feel like Chicago is often overlooked by travelers. It sees a fraction of the visitors LA and NYC receive, which is a shame, as it’s one of my favorite cities in the world .

Chicago is chock-full of world-class institutions, Michelin-starred restaurants, awe-inducing architecture, and verdant parks. There is a lot to do here and the city has a really rich history. I think more people should visit.

Sure, the winters are brutal. But, come spring, Chicago blossoms into a dynamic urban landscape of street life, outdoor cafés, and sunny parks when locals take over the outdoors to enjoy the few months of nice weather. (I don’t think you can really beat Chicago in the summer.)

To help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best things to do in Chicago:

Table of Contents

1. Take a Walking Tour

2. relax in grant and millennium parks, 3. take in some art at the art institute of chicago, 4. admire amazing architecture on a river cruise, 5. stroll down the magnificent mile, 6. visit the shedd aquarium, 7. take in some natural history at the field museum, 8. get a stunning view at 360 chicago observation deck, 9. feast on deep-dish pizza, 10. stroll the chicago riverwalk, 11. eat your way through the mexican eateries in pilsen, 12. watch an improv show, 13. have fun at navy pier, 14. catch a game at wrigley field, 15. feast in chinatown, 16. experience st. patrick’s day, 17. explore oz park.

One of the first things I do when I arrive in a city is take a walking tour. They’re a great way to see the main sights, get the lay of the land, and connect with an expert local guide who can answer all my questions. Free Chicago Walking Tours hosts regular free tours that can introduce you to the city. You’ll get to see many of the coolest buildings in the city while also learning about the history of Chicago. The tour lasts a few hours. Be sure to tip the guide at the end!

For a more unique tour, try the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour . You’ll learn all about Chicago’s dark side and creepy past as you explore the Chicago Loop. The tour lasts two hours and really talks about one of the pivotal times in Chicago’s history. Even if you’re not a history buff like me, you’ll get a lot out of it.  

Located downtown, these gigantic parks provide a great place to hang out, have a picnic, or go for a run. People play chess here when the weather is nice and, during the summer, there are a lot of free concerts and events here. The larger Grant Park stretches along Chicago’s waterfront, while Millennium Park is the subsection where the famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located. This iconic work of public art is a must-see. And, starting at noon on the first and third Saturdays from April through November, the Chicago Cultural Center hosts walking tours focusing on the art of Millennium Park. It’s really interesting. I love strolling through the park or just chilling here with a good book on a nice day.  

To beat the crowds, skip a weekend visit as the place gets packed. Instead, go on a Monday or Thursday evening (they’re open late on Thursdays). You’ll have the place virtually to yourself.

111 S Michigan Ave, (312) 443-3600, artic.edu. Open Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm (8pm on Thursdays). Admission is $32 USD ( $40 USD for advance skip-the-line entry ). Daily tours (included in the price of your ticket) are offered at 1pm and 3pm.  

Chicago is an architecture lover’s dream. The very best way to take in its famed buildings is via a river cruise . This way, you can sit back and cruise down the canals while an expert guide provides context for what you’re looking at. The guides will give you a detailed history of the architecture. Some of the buildings you’ll see on the boat ride include the Tribune Tower, 333 West Wacker, Navy Pier, the Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City, among others. All in all, there are about 50 structures to see on this fascinating tour, and I promise, it’s much more interesting than it sounds!  

Often nicknamed “Mag Mile,” this stretch along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street is known for its upscale designer boutiques. In fact, rent here is the third highest in the US (after Fifth Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Even if you don’t want to blow your budget shopping, it’s still an experience to stroll along the avenue and take in the sights and the people, and enjoy the view of the Chicago River. There are several landmarks and attractions along the way too, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck for expansive views over the city (more on this below).  

If you’re visiting the city with kids (or you’re a kid at heart), head to the massive Shedd Aquarium. It’s the third-largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere and home to over 32,000 animals. They have turtles, penguins, sea otters, snakes, sharks, and more. They really emphasize education here so you’ll learn a ton while you roam the different exhibitions. You can even pay extra to do things like feed penguins and sharks, and they also host all kinds of fun evening events (such as live music after hours). I absolutely love coming here. Just make sure to book your ticket in advance as they do get busy and sell out!

To beat the crowds, skip the weekend and visit during the week instead. Also, try and visit right when it opens (especially Wednesday-Friday). It’s usually quieter then.

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org. Open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (9pm on Tuesdays), 9am-6pm Saturday, and 11am-6pm on Sundays. Tickets start at $37 USD. Admission can also be included with the Chicago CityPASS .  

One of the biggest museums in the world, the Field houses extensive collections spanning anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Some important collections include the displays of taxidermied animals, a wing dedicated to astronomy, and fascinating artifacts from ancient Egypt. I recommend planning to spend at least 3-4 hours to really take it all in.

1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive, (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. Open daily 9am-5pm (last admission is at 4pm). Basic admission is $30 USD . Special exhibitions are an additional charge (which varies), though you can get an all-access pass for $43 USD.  

Chicago is a skyscraper city, including a few rather iconic towers. Located atop what was formerly known as the John Hancock Building and now (uninspiringly) called 875 N. Michigan, the 360-degree viewing deck a thousand feet up and allows visitors to get the best view of the Windy City and Lake Michigan. You can even grab a pint at the Cloud Bar, which serves beer from Moody Tongue, a local brewery.

If you’re a thrill seeker and want more than just the view, sign up for Tilt. This part of the observation deck is where you can stand in front of a glass window, which then tilts forward, until it appears you’re looking directly down at the street, 94 floors below.

Just make sure to check the weather before you go so you will actually have a view to enjoy. Additionally, if you want to beat the crowds, come early (before 10am).

875 N Michigan Ave, (888) 875-8439, 360chicago.com. Open daily 9am-11pm (the last entry is at 10pm). Admission starts at $30 USD ( get your tickets in advance for skip-the-line access ).

If you really want to indulge, hop on a Chicago Pizza Tour , on which you’ll get to sample all the varieties on offer in town. Tours start at $49 USD.  

Stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Street, the 1.25-mile Riverwalk along the Chicago River makes for a fun stroll. Along the way, you’ll not only get fantastic views of the river and city, but you’ll encounter a legion of waterfront restaurants, cafés, and bars. There’s a ton of public art and green space too (great for picnicking and people-watching). It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment in this Midwestern metropolis, but if you prefer a more active experience, there are also lots of aquatic activities here too (such as kayaking or taking a river cruise).  

The neighborhood of Pilsen was founded in 1878 by Czech immigrants, who named the area after the fourth-largest city in the Czech Republic, where pilsner beer was born. The Czechs may be gone now, but today Pilsen is Chicago’s main Latino neighborhood, particularly Mexicans from the Michoacán region. Today you can wander the area, eating some of the best tacos while taking in the vibrant street art.  

The Second City is one of the most popular and well-known improv troupes in the country. It’s where greats like Bill Murray, John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler all cut their teeth. They put on regular performances and also host all kinds of special events. They even host workshops and classes if you want to give improv a try yourself. Just be sure to get your tickets in advance as the most popular shows sell out fast.

230 W North Ave, (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com. Performances are held daily so check the website for what’s on. Tickets start at $35 USD.  

600 E Grand Ave, (312) 595-7437, navypier.org. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm (individual attractions and restaurants may have separate hours). Admission to the pier is free, though attractions charge their own fees ( the Centennial wheel is $21.30 USD , for example).  

Home of the Cubs, Wrigley Field, on Chicago’s North Side, is smack in the middle of town. It also happens to be one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States (it opened in 1914). If you’re in Chicago during the baseball seasons (April to October) and the Cubs are in town, do yourself a favor and go to a game. It’s one of the most intimate and atmospheric baseball stadiums in the country. If the Cubs are not in town, you can also take a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.

1060 W Addison St, (773) 404-2827, mlb.com/cubs/ballpark. Tour dates and times vary depending on the season (check the website for availability). Tour admission is $30 USD. Tickets to see a game vary greatly but start at just $10 USD (for better seats at a popular game, expect to spend closer to $80-125 USD).  

Bring your appetite to Chinatown, where you can feast on cheap dim dum, do karaoke, or relax at one of the many tea houses. One of the oldest Chinatown’s in the country, over a third of Chicago’s Chinese population lives in Chinatown, making it one of the largest concentrations of Chinese-Americans in the USA. Don’t miss Ping Tom Memorial Park, and keep an eye out for colorful murals around the neighborhood. Some of my favorite places here are Hing Kee, MCCB Chicago, and Phoenix. &nbsp

The tradition began in 1843, when Chicago’s first Irish parade was held, but it wasn’t until 1962 that the dyeing of the river started, at the suggestion of a plumber’s union, which is still responsible for the green river each year, though it won’t divulge its secrets about what’s used (it’s environmentally friendly, though). Take a river cruise on the emerald waters or snap a pic from the sidelines and enjoy. This is one of the biggest days of the year here!  

This whimsical little park, located in the Lincoln Park area, was created to honor L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz . He lived in the area at the end of the 19th century, and when the city wanted to renovate the park they decided to do so in a way that honored Baum’s popular book.

There’s a playground named after Dorothy, a green space called the “Emerald Gardens,” and numerous life-size statues of popular characters from the musical adaptation, including the Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow.

Open daily 6am-11pm. Admission to the park is free.

Chicago doesn’t get the attention it deserves. I think it’s fun and perfect for a weekend getaway. And you really can’t beat the summers here either. With lots of interesting museums, plenty of green space, and some great eats, Chicago should be on every traveler’s list!

Book Your Trip to Chicago: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Chicago? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Chicago for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Things To Do in Chicago in October

October is a wonderful time to enjoy Chicago, and in this post, we list some of the top things to do in 2024.

With the peak tourist season having passed with the summer months, you can enjoy the beautiful fall streets with the locals. 

As local tour guides, we compiled this list based on our own experiences, but also answering your questions.

We lead thousands of people each month through the streets of Chicago and on every tour you ask us about things to do in the city.

We also grabbed ideas from the roughly 20k members of our popular  Chicago Travel Tips  Facebook group.

The group consists of locals, like our tour guides, veteran travelers, as well as newbies to Berlin.

You don't need to join in order to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Check out the group once you are finished reading this post.

• Nighttime Events
• Things To Do with Kids
• Free Things To Do
• How's the Weather?
• Free Tours by Foot

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER

October provides cooler weather, and fewer crowds, but maintains a fun calendar of events!

Before you check out our list of fun things to do this month, consider some of the following activities you can enjoy throughout the year:

• Free Chicago Walking Tours
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
• Chicago Boat Tours and Cruises
• Chicago Architecture Tours
• Chicago Food Tours

Below you will discover a guide to some of the best October traditions.  Find a complete calendar for October in Chicago here .

1. Take a Ghost Tour

There are a lot of different ghost tours you can take in Chicago, including at least one pay-what-you-want walking tour which covers a lot of creepy history in the Windy City.

In addition to this option, you can also take a ghost bus tour which will take you around the city with ease. 

If you're over the age of 21, you can also go on a ghost pub tour and learn about some of the haunted history tied to Chicago's pubs and bars.

For even more creepy tours to take, check our post covering Chicago ghost tours .

2. Go to a Concert

If you are a music lover or a fan, be sure to check out a concert while in Chicago. 

There are many venues from giant spaces to intimate bars.  

• Luis Miguel | October 4th, 5th
• Mary Chapin Carpenter | October 11th | Evanston
• Little River Band | October 13th
• John Mayer | October 18th
• LeAnn Rimes | October 20th | Skokie

These are just the most notable bands and performers on schedule, but there are many others coming to Chicago this month.

Check this list of Chicago concerts in October for even more shows to attend.

3. See Some Stand-Up Comedy

There are still plenty of great comedians planning performances in the area this October.

Each of these performances is scheduled to take place either in Chicago or within 30 minutes of the downtown area.

Comedy Shows

• Ben Schwartz | October 7th
• Jimmy Carr | October 13th
• Tom Segura | October 14th
• Jim Jeffries | October 21st
• Chelsea Handler | October 27th, 28th

Comedy Clubs

• Zanies Comedy Club
• Up Comedy Club
• Chicago Underground Comedy
• Second City
• i.o. Chicago
• Comedy Sportz  (family-friendly)

If you're looking for even more laughs in Chicago, check this list of comedy performances planned for October .

4. Attend a Sporting Event

October is filled with several options if you are a sports lover.

Seeing a big game is a great way to spend an evening. For more things to do at night, check the section on nighttime activities below.

• Chicago Bears
• Northwestern Wildcats
• Chicago Fire
• Chicago Red Stars

For other games, check out the  full list of sports taking place in September in Chicago .

5. Get Your Fitness On

The annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Fitness Expo takes place on October 8th.

It is one of the six World Marathon Majors, bringing in runners from all 50 states and over 100 countries!

It also brings thousands of runners and spectators into the streets of Chicago.

Prior to Race Day, you will find the Health Fitness Expo, which hosts over 200 exhibits, as well as the best in running apparel, footwear, and nutrition.

The Expo is hosted in McCormick Place and is free to the public.

6. Attend a Film Festival

For just shy of 60 years, the Chicago International Film Festival has showcased short and full-length films from 50 different countries, while also focusing on films made by Illinois locals.

This festival has uncovered new talent and provided Chicago with a wide variety of films, accompanied by panel discussions.

This year the festival takes place October 11th-22nd.

7. See Chicago Through New Eyes

Have you ever wondered what really lies within the walls of some of Chicago’s most famous and finest buildings?

The free Open House Chicago is your chance to discover some of Chicago’s architectural treasures.

Open House Chicago lasts all month long, and in-person site visits are on October 14th & 15th.

During the course of that weekend, you will have the opportunity to explore 200 of Chicago's most exciting and mysterious buildings, ones that are normally off-limits to the public.

8. Chicago Beer Festival

Chicago is a city recognized for its vibrant craft beer scene.

At the Chicago Beer Festival over 65 breweries will present their seasonal beers on October 7th at the Field Museum.

Tickets need to be purchased ahead of time, and access is limited to those 21+.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the festival's website .

9. Attend AppleFest

If you are looking for a family-friendly event, you're sure to find it at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest.

For almost 40 years the festival has been celebrating the start of autumn.

There will be apple-inspired dishes and ciders, various farms and vendors selling their fall wares, live music, family activities, and more.

Events take place on September 30th and October 1st.

Visit the Apple Fest website for more information .

10. Consider Getting a Tourist Pass

There are a few different tourist concession passes in Chicago which allow you to save money on a variety of popular attractions.

If you're planning to visit some of the most notable sites in the city or take a tour, we recommend looking into a tourist pass to cut your costs by as much as 50%.

Here are a few activities and locations you can visit using one of these services:

• 360 Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Shoreline Architecture Cruise
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• Chicago History Museum
• Field Museum

For more information about how to use them, please read our post covering Chicago tourist passes .

FREE THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER

This section will cover some additional free activities you can enjoy in Chicago during the month of October. 

Take a Free Walking Tour

We offer many pay-what-you-wish walking tours in Chicago which allow you to learn about the city from a local without having to spend a lot of money.

We also provide GPS-Led Audio Tours for those who want to avoid large crowds of tourists to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In addition to the ghost tours we covered in our Top 10 section, these tours are also available:

• Chicago Architecture Tour
• The Magnificent Mile Tour
• Riverwalk and Chicago History Tour
• North Loop and Millennium Park Tour

For even more options, please read our post covering free walking tours in Chicago .

Concessions for Chicago Museums & Attractions

October will also have some free days for anyone who wants to visit various museums.

Check here for the master list of museums and free admission dates.

Also, check for free or reduced admission for students, senior citizens, and members of the military and their families at any time of the year.

Many museums offer concessions or free admission to Illinois teachers and some price cuts are offered to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan teachers (with proper I.D.)

Columbus Day Parade

The 71st Columbus Day Parade returns to celebrate the Italian American Community.

The parade takes place on State Street and runs between Wacker Drive and Van Buren Street.

There will be a mass and wreath-laying ceremony as well.

Events take place on October 9th.

Visit the Columbus Day Parade website for more information.

THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN OCTOBER

This section will cover some additional nighttime activities you can enjoy in Chicago during the month of October. 

Don't forget to check our other sections for additional ideas such as concerts, sporting events, stand-up comedy, and more.

Lincoln Park Wine Festival

This festival returns to Jonquil Park for its 7th year.

Sommeliers and brand ambassadors guide you through tasting sessions. Tickets come with 12 tastings and stemmed commemorative wine glasses

The festival runs into the night hours of October 6th-8th.

For tickets and information visit the Lincoln Park Wine Festival website.

Arts in the Dark

This annual Halloween celebration is one of a kind.

There's a parade with unique floats, creative dance performances, and amazing giant puppets.

The Art Institute of Chicago is involved as are other world-renounced institutions.

The popular event draws 50,000 people to State Street.

Events take place on October 21st from 6:00-8:00 pm and more information can be found here .

Attend one of the Best Halloween Parades in the Country

The Northalsted Halloween Parade takes place on N. Halsted Street (from Belmont to Addison, 3300-3700) on October 31st each year.

Register to suit up in your costume or enjoy the spectacle from the sidelines for this Chicago tradition.

Known across the country for its creativity, this is a parade you won’t want to miss!

Attend Chicago's Largest Halloween Costume Party

The Haunted Halloween Ball takes place on October 29th.

The location, the Congress Plaza Hotel, is perfect because it's considered one of the most haunted hotels in the world!

This event brings in around 3,000 costumed guests, all of whom will have to find a way to get along with zombie cocktail servers and vampire bellmen.

For tickets, visit the Haunted Halloween Ball website.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN OCTOBER

This section will cover some additional family-friendly activities you can enjoy in Chicago during the month of October. 

Don't forget to check our other sections for additional ideas such as the Haunted Halloween Ball, sporting events, and more.

Go to a Pumpkin Patch

If you're looking for a fun family activity, consider taking the kids to a pumpkin patch near Chicago.

There aren't any farms in the city center, but you can find a lot of great places to visit within a 30-60 minute drive of the Windy City.

Here are a few pumpkin patches you might want to consider visiting this October:

• Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm
• Bengtson's Pumpkin Fest
• Sonny Acres Farm
• Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm
• Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up

For even more options, check this list of pumpkin patches near Chicago .

Visit Some Vampires

Teens might enjoy a visit to the Vampire Diaries Official Convention. It takes place October 13th-15th at the Westin Hotel in Rosemont.

Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, and others are attending.

For tickets, visit the website .

Trick or Treat At the Zoo

For the past 30 years, the zoo has provided kids with a fun, safe, and festive way to celebrate Halloween with Lincoln Park's Spooky Zoo !

Kids dress up in costumes and explore the zoo with their trick-or-treat bags. There are craft stations, live music, and a haunted house.

This year's event date hasn't been announced at the time of this post, so keep checking the website for updates.

NOTE: You can use a Chicago tourist pass to save money on tickets!

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9 Unforgettable Family-Friendly Things to Do in Chicago

W hen seeking family fun in the Windy City, Chicago’s abundant attractions and vibrant culture offer an array of unforgettable experiences. From iconic parks to historic landmarks, the city invites families to embark on exciting adventures that cater to all ages. Discover the top family-friendly things to do in Chicago with your loved ones and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Millennium Park: Modern Marvels and Outdoor Delights

A visit to Millennium Park promises a seamless blend of modern marvels and natural beauty, captivating visitors of all ages. Marvel at the enigmatic “Bean” sculpture that reflects the city’s skyline, explore cutting-edge modern art exhibits, and enjoy leisurely strolls in the family-friendly park. With an outdoor performance venue that hosts diverse events, Millennium Park provides an enchanting setting for creating lasting memories against the backdrop of Chicago’s skyline.

But that’s not all—Millennium Park’s Crown Fountain beckons families to cool off in summer as the interactive digital faces spout refreshing water, adding laughter to the air. Also, don’t miss the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an architectural marvel hosting concerts and performances, where you can unwind while enjoying music and the city’s artistic spirit.

2. Engage in Sports Fever: Embrace Chicago’s Athletic Spirit

Immerse your family in Chicago’s passionate sports culture by attending live games featuring iconic teams like the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Be it football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, or soccer with the Chicago Fire, the city’s fervor for sports is palpable. Experience the electric energy of the crowd and witness top-notch athleticism, giving your family a taste of the Windy City’s competitive spirit.

Additionally, the Chicago Sports Museum within Water Tower Place offers an interactive experience that lets you test your skills against Chicago legends, making sports history come alive. Explore memorabilia, engage in virtual games, and learn about the city’s sports legacy in an engaging and educational environment.

3. Stroll the Pedestrian Paradise: Downtown Delights

Downtown Chicago beckons families to explore its vibrant streets, where storefront attractions and pedestrian-friendly destinations invite leisurely walks. Along the scenic Lake Shore Drive, iconic stops like Navy Pier and the captivating Shedd Aquarium await. For shopping enthusiasts, the renowned Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue and State Street boasts a captivating blend of classic and contemporary shopping experiences, satisfying diverse tastes.

Moreover, Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel takes family fun to new heights, offering sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Afterward, immerse yourselves in the interactive exhibits of the Chicago Children’s Museum , where creativity and learning converge for kids of all ages.

4. Immerse in Art and Entertainment: Theatrical Treats

Discover Chicago’s vibrant arts scene by treating your family to an array of performances and cultural explorations. From acclaimed Broadway shows like Wicked to ballet and orchestral concerts, the city’s theaters cater to all tastes. Delight in comedy at the famed Second City, where Saturday Night Live cast members launched their careers. Explore the city’s rich artistic landscape, including the captivating Lyric Opera.

Furthermore, Chicago’s Museum Campus features the Adler Planetarium, where families can embark on cosmic adventures through immersive shows and exhibits. Explore the mysteries of the universe and spark your family’s interest in science and space exploration.

5. Savor the Waterfront Experience: Navy Pier Adventures

Navy Pier, a historic freighter hub turned family-friendly attraction, promises a trove of adventures for visitors of all ages. Gaze in awe at the Ferris wheel towering 150 feet above, and indulge in onsite amusements like an 18-hole miniature golf course and musical carousel. Cultural gems like the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre provide captivating performances against the backdrop of Lake Michigan, creating a unique family experience.

For a touch of nostalgia, explore the Chicago Children’s Museum within Navy Pier, a haven for interactive learning and play. Engage your kids’ curiosity with exhibits that cover topics from art and science to engineering, all designed to make learning an exciting adventure.

6. Touch the Sky: Sears Tower Skydeck

Elevate your family adventure to new heights at the Sears Tower Skydeck, offering one of the most breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline. Gaze out over up to 50 miles on clear days, marveling at the sprawling cityscape that extends to parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Ascend together to the sky and share the awe-inspiring panorama from this iconic Chicago landmark.

As you stand on the Skydeck, don’t forget to step onto The Ledge—a glass balcony extending from the tower’s exterior. This exhilarating experience allows you to see the city beneath your feet, creating an unforgettable memory of conquering new heights together.

7. Dive into Marine Wonders: Shedd Aquarium Exploration

Shedd’s Aquarium right at the top of the best family-friendly things to do in Chicago . Embark on a captivating aquatic journey at the Shedd Aquarium, where marine life from around the world awaits discovery. While children marvel at the displays, adults find equal delight in the exotic species like piranhas, anacondas, and vibrant coral reefs. The aquarium offers an immersive experience that allows your family to explore the diverse ecosystems that thrive in our planet’s oceans and waterways.

For a deeper understanding of aquatic conservation, participate in Shedd’s educational programs that promote marine stewardship. Engage in interactive workshops, encounter marine animals up close, and leave with a renewed commitment to protecting our oceans.

8. Shop and Explore: The Magnificent Mile Experience

The renowned Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue is a shopper’s paradise, offering a mix of upscale department stores, luxury boutiques, and renowned hotels. Indulge in retail therapy at establishments like Gucci, Coach, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., all while enjoying the charming cityscape. Explore this fashion-forward district and create lasting memories amidst Chicago’s retail wonderland.

To make your shopping experience even more memorable, consider visiting during the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where holiday lights illuminate the street, and festive activities like a tree-lighting parade and fireworks create a joyful family atmosphere.

9. Discover Cultural Gems: Chinatown’s Charms

Venture into the vibrant world of Chicago’s Chinatown, where a rich tapestry of shops, eateries, and cultural events awaits. Uncover the enchanting sights of parades, festivals, and unique celebrations that offer a glimpse into the heart of this cultural haven. From souvenirs to authentic cuisine, Chinatown invites your family to embrace its dynamic atmosphere and indulge in a world of sensory delights.

As you explore Chinatown, be sure to visit the Chinatown Square, where you’ll find a captivating fusion of traditional and modern architecture. Discover hidden gems like herbal shops, tea houses, and bakeries, offering an immersive experience that’s as educational as it is delightful.

Family Family-Friendly Things to Do in Chicago: Explore Chicago’s Treasures

As you explore family-friendly things to do in Chicago, you’ll unearth a treasure trove of experiences that cater to every age and interest. From modern wonders to historic landmarks, this dynamic city opens its arms to families seeking unforgettable adventures. Embrace the city’s diverse culture, rich history, and vibrant attractions as you embark on a journey of discovery, creating memories that will linger in your hearts for years to come.

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The 32 best Chicago attractions

The best Chicago attractions include museums, vast city parks, jazz clubs and theaters.

Chicago might be the Second City, but our attractions are first class. Need evidence of that fact? Look no further than the many Chicago museums , where you'll find everything from the best-preserved T.Rex skeleton ever found to paintings from Van Gogh and Picasso. Or take a stroll through our gorgeous parks and gardens , home to some of the best public art in Chicago (hello to The Bean). Or spend a day swimming in Lake Michigan's surprisingly huge freshwater waves at one of the many Chicago beaches , or see a jazz show at a bar once frequented by Al Capone, or have a Michelin-starred meal at one of the best Chicago restaurants ... the list goes on. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a lifelong Chicagoan looking to see a little more of their home city, we’ve curated a list of the very best attractions Chicago has to offer, just for you.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now RECOMMENDED: The best cheap things to do in Chicago RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Chicago RECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in Chicago

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

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Best Chicago attractions

1.  Art Institute of Chicago

• Art and design
• price 2 of 4

What is it? Located in downtown Chicago, the Art Institute is a great art museum that is home to  more than 300,000 artworks that span centuries .

Why go? Here, you can find one of the world’s most iconic   paintings like Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (which you may have seen in the cinematic classic  Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ), Edward Hopper's Nighthawks and Grant Wood's American Gothic . Afterwards, explore the stunning Modern Wing, itself a work of art by architect Renzo Piano, or special exhibitions like Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt , featuring artworks and artifacts spanning 3,000 years.

2.  Lincoln Park Zoo

• Things to do
• Lincoln Park

What is it? It's   l ocated smack dab in the middle of Lincoln Park, and is home to more than 1,000 animals, including lions, bears, apes and red pandas! 

Why go? You don't even need to open your purse to come here, as it's the only remaining free zoo in Chicago, so just walk right in! It's a great place to take the kids to and requires very little planning. They even offer parties for adults at night, if that's your bag. 

3.  360 CHICAGO

• Streeterville

What is it? Sitting right at the top of the towering 875 N Michigan Avenue building (formerly the John Hancock building), this observation deck places you 1,030 feet in the air. On a clear day, visitors can see four different states ( Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan) .

Why go? If you want to do more than just take a really good look at the view then you should probably test your mettle on 360 CHICAGO’s TILT attraction , which dares guests to not freak out as the observation deck is tilted (duh) out over the busy streets below. If you’ve got a fear of heights, this may not be for you.

4.  Garfield Park Conservatory

• Parks and gardens
• East Garfield Park

What is it? T his enormous greenhouse in Garfield Park is a mong the largest conservatories in the United States. It provides a home for some 600 species of plants (most of which aren’t indigenous to the region).

Why go? Make sure to secure a (free!) reservation online and then s top by to admire the gigantic trees that fill the Palm House, or the Jurassic Park -evoking Fern Room, designed to show you what Illinois may have looked like millions of years in the past. In the warmer months, be sure to make time to explore the sprawling outdoor gardens too. 

5.  The Field Museum

• Science and technology
• Museum Campus

What is it? In 1893, this huge natural history museum   was created to become the home to biological and anthropological collections. And, fun fact: It has more dinosaur bones and ancient artifacts than any other institution in Chicago.

Why go? Take a trip here and be transported back in time. Here, you'll find a recreation of   an ancient Egyptian tomb, stand beneath a towering skeleton of Máximo the titanosaur, or encounter Chicago's most famous prehistoric resident, SUE the T. Rex , the largest and most complete T. Rex fossil skeleton ever found. Fuel your passion for discovery with dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, cultural insights and groundbreaking science.

6.  Millennium Park

• Millennium Park

What is it? One of the most popular places to spend time outdoors in the city, Millennium Park really is vast, covering a massive 24.5 acres. It hosts well-known pieces of public art and a long list of special events, including free concerts and movie screenings in the summer—plus it’s also very good for a nice sit-down.

Why go? Snap a requisite selfie in front of the hulking Cloud Gate (a.k.a. the Bean), take a walk to the Boeing Galleries, go for a stroll through the serene Lurie Gardens or relax on the lawn in front of the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

7.  Museum of Science and Industry

What is it? Interactivity is the name of the game at the Museum of Science and Industry, a long-running Hyde Park institution and the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere. It boasts such attractions as a mirror maze, a simulated tornado and an entire WWII-era U-505 submarine.

Why go? Step inside a building that dates back to the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and explore exhibits that depict a Chicago street circa 1910 and a massive model railroad that depicts the 2,200-mile journey from Seattle to Chicago. Right now MSI is hosting Pompeii: The Exhibition, dedicated to the ancient Roman city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption 1,900 years ago.

8.  Wrigley Field

• Sports and fitness
• Baseball & softball
• Wrigleyville
• price 1 of 4

What is it?   Built in 1914, this timeless institution is home to the city’s North Side baseball team, the Chicago Cubs.

Why   go?   Whether it’s a weekday afternoon or a Saturday night game, expect a sold-out crowd of faithful fans as well as out-of-towners who have made the pilgrimage just to visit the venerable stadium. Even if you have no interest in baseball, you can grab a Chicago-style hot dog and soak in the electric atmosphere. And when the last out has been recorded, head over to the myriad of neighborinig bars and restaurants to keep the good times going.

9.  The 606

• Humboldt Park

What is it? This is Chicago’s version of NYC's High Line,  a  2.7-mile stretch of an abandoned elevated rail line. It has now been revamped into a pedestrian path that connects Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park.

Why go? Try coming here for a run, or even take a bike along and quickly get around to many different neighborhoods, with more than a dozen entrance and exit points along the route. You'll see some great art on your journey.

10.  Shedd Aquarium

• Zoo and aquariums
• price 3 of 4

What is it? This Museum Campus staple is the home to thousands of aquatic creatures from all around the world, including adorable rockhopper penguins, a truly impressive selection of sharks and a giant Pacific octopus.

Why go? Watch tropical fish swim through a 90,000-gallon aquarium in the gigantic Caribbean Reef exhibition or pony up some extra cash to have a face-to-face encounter with a penguin, otter or an adorable beluga whale.

11.  Chinatown

What is it?  One of the oldest Chinese-American communities in the country.

Why go?  Explore a variety of Asian businesses, learn about Chinese culture by checking out a museum or have a picnic in a beautiful park when you visit Chinatown. There’s no shortage of things to do and you can easily spend an entire day wandering the South Side neighborhood. Best of all, a seemingly endless wealth of restaurants are at the ready to help you refuel once you’re worked up an appetite, so prepare to feast on dumplings, noodles, barbecued meats and much more. 

12.  Music Box Theatre

• Movie theaters
• Independent

What is it? This beloved two-screen Lakeview movie house doesn’t usually show the latest blockbusters, but that’s kind of the charm. What it does offer is a beautifully curated selection of films in a vintage theater with clouds projected on its ceiling.

Why go? The Music Box is one of the best spots in town to see movies that don't typically make it to the multiplex. Think arthouse releases, documentaries and foreign language films. It’s also got a comfortable lounge and garden, perfect for killing some time before or after a film. If you don't feel like leaving the house to see a flick, you can rent one through the Music Box Direct streaming platform .

13.  The Green Mill

• Cocktail bars

What is it? This Uptown cocktail lounge is a fixture of Chicago’s live jazz scene and has been slinging drinks since before Prohibition (Al Capone and other gangsters used to hang out at the Green Mill—his associate ‘Machine Gun’ Jack McGurn was even a part-owner).

Why go? Once you’ve snapped a picture of the iconic Green Mill marquee, head inside, order a cocktail and take in a set from some of the city’s top jazz musicians. The music typically goes late—weekdays it shuts at a whimsical 1:11am—but you’ll usually need to show up early if you want to score a good seat.

14.  Jackson Park

• Literary events

What is it? You might know Jackson Park best for the fact that it served as the site of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. It's also a great place to visit to get lost in nature, without even having to leave the city.

Why go? Take a walk through the Garden of the Phoenix and see Yoko Ono's stunning Skylanding sculpture. Or head over to the iconic Statue of the Republic at the intersection of Hayes and Richards Drives. Or, if you’re really looking for a ramble, take a detour to the nearby Midway Plaisance Park, which leads to Washington Park.

15.  Lakefront Trail

• South Shore

What is it? This epic 18-mile trail stretches all the way from Hollywood Avenue to 71st Street. On it you'll find walkers, runners and cyclists, getting their daily exercise and soaking in the glorious lakeside views.

Why go? Unsurprisingly the trail is hugely popular—prepare to fend off crowds in summer, though it's worthwhile to make a trip for the view and easy access to the lake for a dip. 

16.  National Museum of Mexican Art

• Lower West Side

What is it? Located in the Latino neighborhood of Pilsen, this cultural institution hosts one of the country’s largest collections of Mexican art—and admission is always free.

Why go? Inside the permanent “Nuestras Historias” exhibition, you’ll see work from famous artists like José de Páez and Miguel Cabrera as well modern pieces by Chicago-based talent such as muralist Héctor Duarte and imagist Errol Ortiz.

17.  Hideout

• River West/West Town

What is it? Situated in a tiny house on a nondescript industrial corridor is o ne of Chicago's smallest and most hallowed independent music venues .

Why go?  It can be difficult to reach this tucked-away spot via public transportation, but it is worth it for the cheap beer, fresh sounds and DJs dropping nostalgia, from Prince to Devo.

18.  Museum of Contemporary Art

What is it? T his iconic Chicago museum mainstay is a destination for cutting edge exhibitions and programming. It h osts one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the United States.

Why go? Take in a constantly shifting lineup of exhibitions, including touring shows from the likes of Takashi Murakami and Kerry James Marshall, or stop by the MCA Store, where you'll find everything from ceramics made by local artists to apparel from internationally-renowned designers.

19.  Chicago Riverwalk

What is it? T he Riverwalk provides a pedestrian path along the city’s most popular waterway as it hugs  the banks of the main branch of the Chicago River. It’s lined with restaurants, bars and gathering spaces.

Why go? The waterside walkway allows you to observe some of the city’s most gorgeous architecture from a new perspective. Plus, it's the best spot to take in the late night Art on theMart, which projects images on the side of Merchandise Mart in the evenings.

20.  Humboldt Park

What is it? Humboldt Park is one of the biggest stretches of green space on Chicago’s West Side. And it’s a good one, filled with  lagoons, pedestrian paths, wide-open fields and a boathouse.

Why go?  Humboldt Park is especially great in the warmer months, when it becomes something of a community hub, attracting crowds who come to enjoy the views of the lagoons from the boathouse, eat Puerto Rican food sold by vendors throughout the park and ramble along the winding paths.

21.  Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

What is it? A 90-minute boat tour on the Chicago River.

Why go?  You may be familiar with the city’s gorgeous skyline, but do you know the deep history behind it? The Chicago Architecture Center's renowned boat cruise will take you down the Chicago River and give you the fascinating scoop on more than 50 buildings along the way. It’s the perfect way to see the city from new angles and learn something in the process.

22.  Chicago Theatre

• Music venues

What is it? A hundred-year-old theater in the heart of downtown.

Why go?   From Aretha Franklin to Frank Sinatra, some of the biggest names in the world have performed at this legendary, 3,600-seat theater. You can catch all types of concerts and stand-up sets here every week. If you’re more interested in the history side of things, book a tour that lets you explore the venue and even stand on the historic stage!

23.  Chicago Cultural Center

What is it? Cultural events and the arts are the focus of this public building, which also happens to contain the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome.

Why go? There’s always something happening in the Chicago Cultural Center, including free concerts in the Preston Bradley Hall and art exhibitions on the third floor. Best of all, you’ll never have to pay admission. Want to snag a souvenir? Stop by Buddy , a shop showcasing local artists.

24.  Chicago History Museum

What is it:  Once upon a time this museum was just the stodgy old Chicago Historical Society, which let you sift through thousands of archived photographs and curio. That library still exists, but joining it are several permanent and temporary exhibits, the largest of which is "Chicago: Crossroads of America," a treasure trove of fascinating historical objects, including a chunk of the original Fort Dearborn.

Why go:  I f you want an in-depth look at the people, places and things that make Chicago what it is today, the History Museum is well worth a visit.

25.  WNDR Museum

• Installation

What is it?  An interactive experience based around art and technology that encourages guests to reconsider the world around them.

Why go?  The WNDR Museum is the home of Chicago's only Infinity Mirror Room, created by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. After you snap a selfie inside of it, check out more one-of-a-kind art installations, including a room dedicated to the work of artist Keith Haring and a hallway that features a light-up floor.

26.  Historic Pullman Foundation Visitors Center

What is it?  This destination houses exhibits about the growth and preservation of this historic South Side neighborhood, site of the 1894 Pullman Strike and other important moments in U.S. labor history.

Why go? Back in the 1880s, businessman George Pullman built a company town to house employees for his eponymous railroad sleeper car company. The town was annexed into Chicago at the turn of the 20th century, and the industrial complex has since been designated a National Monument. Swing by the Visitors Center on the first Sunday of every month for a guided tour.

27.  The Second City

• Comedy clubs

What is it? Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Joan Rivers are just a few of the famous folks who honed their talents onstage at this theater devoted to sketch and improvised comedy.

Why go? You’ll see some of the most talented rising comedic talents (and maybe a couple future Saturday Night Live cast members) on the Second City’s Mainstage. If you want to learn more about improv, stand-up or sketch writing, you can sign up for a class at the Training Center.

28.  Goose Island Fulton Street Brewery & Taproom

• United Center

What is it? Goose Island, one of Chicago's oldest craft breweries, produces many of its beloved beers at this facility. It also contains a barrel aging warehouse and a sleek taproom where visitors can pop in for a drink.

Why go?  Whether you’re after a fresh-poured Goose Island beer or you’re on the lookout for a rarity (including the sought-after Bourbon County Stout and its many variants), you can grab a seat in the Fulton Street brewery's taproom or patio. 

29.  Robie House

• Historic buildings and sites

What is it? This house is widely considered to be the greatest example of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's signature Prairie-style architecture. It was inspired by the flat Midwestern plains when it was constructed in 1910.

Why go? It's free to admire the building from outside. But if you want to get the full experience, snag a ticket for a tour offered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, you can go inside and see the original art glass accents, restored furniture and a fireplace that divides the home's living and dining areas.

30.  Navy Pier

What is it? Navy Pier is a popular spot for tourists to flock to, and it stretches out into  the waters of Lake Michigan. It's also home to a 200-foot Ferris wheel, Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and plentiful dining options.

Why go? This is a great place to bring the whole family along to, as there's something to do for everyone. You can take a ride on the Ferris wheel, take a boat tour or even visit the world's largest rooftop bar, Offshore .

31.  The B_Line (Hubbard Street Murals)

What is it? Back in 1971, artist Ricardo Alonzo and local volunteers from the West Town Community Art Center filled a stretch of Hubbard Street in the West Loop with vivid murals on environmental themes as a street art project. Now, with curator and managing director Levar Hoard at the helm, local artists have been working to restore and reimagine this open-air street art gallery since 2019.

Why go? There are many incredible places to view street art in Chicago, but The B_Line, which runs along West Hubbard Street roughly between Racine and Halsted, is diverse, vivid and a clash of past and present—you'll see some of the original works alongside newer landmarks, including a powerful tribute to late Chicago rapper Juice WRLD.

32.  DuSable Museum of African American History

What is it?  Founded in 1961 by educator and artist Margaret Taylor Burroughs, the DuSable Museum is the country's oldest independent African American museum. The museum is named for Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian trader who is considered the first permanent resident of Chicago, and holds more than 15,000 pieces. Pay a visit to see paintings, sculptures, print works and historical memorabilia relating to the history, contributions and experiences of African and African American people.

Why go?  The DuSable Museum hosts a variety of exhibitions focusing on national, local and global Black history and culture, as well as timely programming—current highlights include "Fighting Racism in the Trenches," which chronicles the story of World War I veteran Kathryn Magnolia Johnson.

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Travel | Best places to travel in October

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There’s no better month to take in the foliage, food, wine and adventure of fall than October. Here are the best places to travel in October, according to Travel + Leisure.

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35 Best Places to Visit in October in the USA

Fall is an incredible time to explore the USA – from vibrant cities and stunning mountain vistas, to wild coastlines and barren deserts. This list of the best places to visit in October will give you all of those things…and more!

Get ready for breathtaking views, adventurous activities, delightful dining experiences, and plenty of memories that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in the US in October

There’s no better way to enjoy the post-summer season than with a road trip during the month of October. Although it’s now officially autumn, many locations across the United States still boast pleasantly warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making them great places to visit.

From small towns to bustling cities, here are 35 of our top destinations for an October road trip:

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

Rolling hills and autumn foliage make this parkway a must-visit. Take in the views of mountains , waterfalls, and sunsets as you drive along the 469-mile long route.

October is arguably the best time to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway thanks to the spectacular display of fall color that sweeps over the region.

The vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold leaves create an enchanting backdrop as you navigate the winding roads.

Hiking is a must-do here, with over 100 trails to choose from, each offering a unique vantage point of the fall foliage.

2. Acadia National Park, Maine

Take the drive to Maine and explore this stunning National Park. Enjoy an array of outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, rock climbing and hiking.

With over 120 miles of trails, 47 mountains and four distinct ecosystems there’s something for everyone in Acadia National Park.It’s also a great spot for wildlife viewing; you may catch a glimpse of beavers, seals, foxes and black bears out in their natural habitats.

The autumn season brings a range of vibrant colors to the park, making it an ideal time to plan your visit.

Take in views of the changing foliage from the summit of Cadillac Mountain or take a boat trip around Jordan Pond to enjoy the view from afar.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As one of the most visited national parks in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of scenic drives and trails.

With its pleasant weather, you can indulge in hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching activities.

The park boasts a diverse wildlife and stunning views, including the iconic Clingmans Dome – one of the highest points in the Appalachian Mountains.

For an unforgettable experience of the Smoky Mountains, join a guided jeep tour! Explore the breathtaking woodlands and stunning water features along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

4. Mackinac Island, MI

Visiting Mackinac Island in October is truly an enchanting experience. As the high summer temperatures give way to a crisp autumn breeze, the Island transforms into a picturesque landscape painted with red, yellow, and orange hues.

The island’s car-free policy adds a touch of tranquility, making it a perfect getaway to reconnect with nature and enjoy the serene beauty of fall.

Another attraction not to miss is the Grand Hotel, a National Historic Landmark known for its beautiful architecture and the world’s longest porch. You can enjoy afternoon tea or even stay overnight to soak in the grandeur.

Don’t forget to try the island’s world-famous fudge from one of the many candy shops lining Main Street. The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in October is a sweet treat for all ages!

5. Nashville, Tennessee

The city’s many parks, such as the iconic Centennial Park, boast arrays of reds, oranges, and yellows, making for a truly picturesque backdrop for a quiet afternoon stroll or picnic.

The fall season coincides with the Nashville Film Festival, an annual event that draws cinephiles from around the world.

Take a break from the festivities to enjoy a hot beverage from a local café, then head out to explore the city’s rich cultural offerings, including the Tennessee State Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

As the day winds down, don’t miss the breathtaking sunset over the Cumberland River, a sight that truly encapsulates the beauty of Nashville in the fall.

6. Galveston, Texas

This classic beach town in Texas is full of attractions for the whole family. Enjoy the breathtaking beaches and explore activities like deep sea fishing or kayaking on one of its many bays.

With plenty of local seafood restaurants, you won’t miss out on a delicious dinner overlooking the ocean waves.

You can also embark on a kayaking adventure through the park’s wetlands, offering an up-close view of its diverse wildlife.

For thrill-seekers, the Pleasure Pier amusement park awaits with its exciting rides and attractions. Don’t miss the famous iron shark rollercoaster for a heart-pounding experience!

7. Savannah, GA

As you walk along the cobblestone streets lined with Spanish moss-draped oak trees, you’ll be captivated by the timeless beauty of the antebellum houses, historic churches, and monuments that tell stories of Savannah’s past.

For the foodies, Savannah offers a plethora of southern cuisine, with local restaurants serving everything from classic fried chicken to Lowcountry boil.

However, as the city’s charming demeanor gives way to the chill of the night, Savannah transforms into one of the most haunted cities in America.

October is the perfect time for thrill-seekers to explore the city’s spooky side with ghost tours that take you through cemeteries, haunted mansions, and the city’s oldest streets, filled with tales of spirits and supernatural occurrences.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

Walk along the famous Las Vegas Strip and take in the dazzling lights, iconic landmarks, and themed resorts.

Las Vegas is known for its world-class entertainment. Consider watching a captivating show like a Cirque du Soleil performance, a magic show, or a live concert.

Consider a helicopter tour over the Las Vegas Strip for a unique and breathtaking perspective.

For a break from all the hustle and bustle, spend your day at one of Las Vegas’ many spas. Relax and pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or body treatment.

9. Washington D.C.

October is the perfect time to witness the magic of fall foliage in D.C. Head to the National Mall and stroll amidst the iconic monuments while being surrounded by golden and crimson leaves. The Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool never looked so stunning!

You can’t visit D.C. without delving into the incredible world of Smithsonian museums. The best part? Most of them are free!

As you explore the iconic monuments and memorials that define this city, channel your inner history buff.

From the solemnity of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the inspiring Washington Monument, you’ll be immersed in the stories of our nation’s past.

10. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, the Windy City, is simply a delight to visit in October. As the autumn leaves turn vibrant hues of orange and red, the city becomes a spectacular canvas for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The famous Millennium Park is a must-visit locale, home to the renowned Cloud Gate sculpture (better known as “The Bean”). This iconic attraction reflects the city’s stunning skyline, offering a unique photo opportunity.

Last but not least, October in Chicago means Halloween celebrations are in full swing. The city embraces the spooky season with haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and Halloween-themed events.

11. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona, is a city of stunning natural beauty that becomes even more spectacular during the month of October. Known for its striking red rock formations, Sedona provides a breathtaking backdrop for a host of outdoor adventures.

One of the best ways to soak in the scenery is by hiking or mountain biking along the city’s extensive network of trails.

Favorites include the Cathedral Rock Trail and the Bell Rock Pathway, both of which offer panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock country.

Take in the stunning landscape of red rocks as you explore one of the most beautiful cities in the Southwest United States.

12. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and it certainly lives up to its name. This vibrant city is a hub for all things music, with more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation.

October is a prime time to enjoy what Austin has to offer musically, with the city playing host to the famous Austin City Limits Music Festival , a two-weekend event that attracts music lovers from around the globe.

Food enthusiasts will also find plenty to love about Austin. The city is famous for its food trucks, with over 1,000 mobile food vendors offering everything from gourmet donuts to vegan soul food.

13. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, is a gem of the South, whose charm is amplified during the month of October.

As the sweltering summer heat subsides, the city’s cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, and historic landmarks become even more enjoyable to explore.

The city’s rich history is evident in the well-preserved architecture and historic plantations, which offer a glimpse into the Old South.

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic district of downtown or take a romantic carriage ride for a unique experience.

14. Miami, Florida

Take advantage of warm temperatures and sunny skies with a visit to one of South Florida’s most popular cities.

Miami, Florida, is a vibrant and multicultural city that truly comes alive in October. As temperatures dip slightly, creating the perfect beach weather, Miami’s famous white-sand beaches become ideal for sunbathing or ocean swimming.

South Beach, known for its colorful art deco buildings and bustling nightlife, is a must-visit.

The city’s food scene is as diverse as its population, with a fantastic array of international cuisines on offer. Savor delicious Cuban dishes in Little Havana or try fresh seafood in waterfront restaurants. In October, the city hosts the Miami Spice Restaurant Months, an event where many local eateries offer their best dishes at reduced prices.

15. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, renowned for its vibrant live-music scene and unique blend of cultural influences, glows even brighter in October, making it one of the best places to visit.

The city is a feast for the senses, from the wafting scent of Creole and Cajun cuisines to the dulcet tones of street-side jazz musicians.

The French Quarter, the city’s historic heart, is famous for Bourbon Street’s raucous nightlife, the elegant French Market, and iconic Jackson Square.

A visit to the local eateries is a must, where you can savor beignets from Café du Monde or po-boys, a classic Louisiana sandwich.

16. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, is a natural wonder that comes alive in October.

Located primarily in Wyoming, the park spans over 2.2 million acres, providing visitors with a vast playground of geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes.

The park is famous for its geysers, with Old Faithful being the most renowned. This impressive geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting hot water up to heights of 130-140 feet.

You might spot grizzly bears, wolves, herds of bison and elk, and even bald eagles. The Lamar Valley is often termed as the “Serengeti of North America” because of its abundant wildlife.

17. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a city that seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with artsy sophistication. In October, the city becomes an autumnal paradise, with the surrounding mountains adorned in red, orange, and gold hues.

Asheville’s food scene rivals that of much larger cities, with a focus on farm-to-table fare. Numerous restaurants, breweries , and food trucks serve everything from gourmet donuts to mouth-watering barbecue.

Asheville is also known as the craft beer capital of the Southeast, boasting more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city.

Asheville’s surrounding nature provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains , driving along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, or exploring the Pisgah National Forest, the city is a haven for nature lovers.

18. Hudson Valley, New York

Hudson Valley, a region in New York State stretching along the Hudson River from Westchester County to Albany, is a charming destination renowned for its vineyards, orchards, and scenic beauty, especially during October when fall foliage is at its peak.

The region is home to several state parks, including Bear Mountain State Park and Hudson Highlands State Park, where hiking, biking, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the Hudson River and surrounding foliage are popular activities.

No visit to the Hudson Valley is complete without experiencing the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a dazzling display of thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins arranged in spectacular installations.

19. Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington, situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, is a city known for its dynamic blend of natural beauty and inventive urbanity. As October rolls in, the city takes on an unmistakable charm with the onset of fall.

A visit to Seattle is incomplete without a stop at the Space Needle. This iconic structure offers panoramic views of the city skyline, the surrounding mountains, and the waters of Puget Sound.

Then, there’s Pike Place Market, Seattle’s original farmers’ market, brimming with fresh produce, seafood, and specialty foods. It’s also the home of the first-ever Starbucks store, adding a touch of coffee history to your visit.

Seattle’s music scene is legendary, giving birth to grunge music and artists like Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana.

20. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Experience the majesty of the great outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

Known for its stunning landscapes, this national park is breathtaking in October, when the aspen trees turn a vibrant gold, strikingly contrasting the evergreen pines and the stark mountain peaks.

The park spans over 415 square miles of varied terrain, encompassing mountain ranges, forests, tundra, and numerous lakes.

The Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.S., offers panoramic views of the entire park and is an absolute must-visit.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to diverse fauna, including elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and mule deer. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting over 280 documented species of birds.

21. New York City, New York

New York City, often called New York, is one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally diverse cities.

Start with a leisurely walk in Central Park, the city’s “green lung.” Here, you can marvel at the stunning fall foliage, get lost in the Ramble, or visit the Central Park Zoo.

A stroll through the park in October is nothing short of a magical experience with the trees ablaze in autumn colors.

The city is also renowned for its museums, which are some of the finest in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim Museum house extraordinary collections that span centuries and continents.

22. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas, is a city steeped in history and bursting with vibrant culture. As the autumn leaves start to fall in October, the city presents a stunning spectacle, making it an excellent time for visitors.

One of the city’s highlights is the San Antonio River Walk. This network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River is lined with bars, shops, restaurants, and public art, offering a unique way to experience the city.

As you stroll along the River Walk, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque scenes of the river, the colorful umbrellas of the outdoor patios, and the beautiful, old cypress trees adorned with twinkling lights.

Just off the River Walk is The Alamo, a historical Spanish mission and fortress compound symbolizing Texas’ struggle for independence from Mexico. It’s a must-visit for history buffs who want to learn about Texas’ past.

23. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, often referred to as “Philly,” is a city steeped in history and vibrant cultural offerings.

You can explore Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.

Adjacent to it stands the iconic Liberty Bell, symbolizing freedom and justice.

24. Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is synonymous with world-class wineries and breathtaking vineyard landscapes. As October rolls around, the valley is immersed in glorious fall colors, providing a picturesque backdrop to the golden vineyards, making it one of the best places to visit.

The crème de la crème of Napa Valley is undoubtedly its wineries. With over 400 wineries, each offering unique and exquisite wines, you can embark on an unforgettable wine-tasting journey. Some of the famous ones include the Robert Mondavi Winery, Opus One Winery, and Castello di Amorosa.

October is also the time for harvest, an exciting period in the winemaking process. Many wineries offer tours that allow you to understand the process from grape to glass, offering an enriching and educational experience.

But Napa Valley is not just about wine. The culinary scene here is equally impressive. With a range of Michelin-starred restaurants to charming roadside eateries, you can indulge in a variety of gastronomic delights.

The valley offers a network of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, each unveiling a unique view of the rolling vineyards and fall foliage. The Napa Valley Vine Trail stretches from Vallejo’s Ferry Terminal to the foot of Mount St. Helena and offers a perfect opportunity for a leisurely bike ride or walk.

25. Salem, Massachusetts

Delve deeper into the bewitching allure of Salem, Massachusetts, especially in October, a month steeped in the city’s infamous history of the Salem witch trials.

The town pulls out all the stops for its annual Salem Witch Trials-themed “Haunted Happenings” festival, transforming into a hotbed of Halloween activities.

The festival includes a grand parade, film nights, ghost tours, haunted houses, psychic fairs, and costume balls that attract tourists worldwide. For a touch of the macabre, head over to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a sobering tribute to the witch hunt victims that shook the town in 1692.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch House (the former home of a trial judge), both of which provide immersive insights into the witch trials.

26. San Diego, California

San Diego, often referred to as “America’s Finest City,” is a sun-soaked coastal city in Southern California known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a rich tapestry of history and culture.

The city’s temperate climate and consistent sunshine make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities all year round, but October brings a special charm with comfortably warm days and cooler nights.

One of the city’s iconic destinations is Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban cultural park that boasts an array of museums, several theaters, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo.

Spend a day exploring the park’s Spanish-Renaissance architecture, beautiful gardens, and fascinating exhibits catering to all ages and interests.

27. Dahlonega, Georgia

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega, Georgia, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and Southern charm.

Known as the heart of Georgia’s wine country, Dahlonega boasts a plethora of family-owned vineyards and wineries that take full advantage of the region’s perfect grape-growing conditions.

If you love wine, you’ll really enjoy Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Three Sisters Vineyards, and Frogtown Cellars.

October in Dahlonega is truly magical, with vibrant fall foliage painting the surroundings in red, orange, and yellow hues.

28. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, is a city that beautifully blends the old and new, a hub of innovation steeped in rich history.

Explore iconic attractions like Beacon Hill and Fenway Park while enjoying some of America’s best seafood. Enjoy a lobster roll from one of its many seafood restaurants or take a relaxing stroll along the river.

The city’s Freedom Trail is a must-visit, a 2.5-mile-long path that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Guided tours offer fascinating insights about the American Revolution and its heroes.

29. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, an enchanting coastal city, is a true gem to visit in October.

The cool autumn air is perfect for exploring the city’s famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path that borders the historic Newport Mansions’ back lawn and the Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves.

Experience coastal charm, historic mansions, and scenic drives. Enjoy a leisurely walk along its beaches and visit the charming stores of Thames Street.

As October nights can be quite chilly, consider ending your day with a cozy meal at one of Newport’s many excellent seafront restaurants, enjoying the city’s famous seafood while gazing out over the harbor.

30. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan, is undoubtedly a top pick for October visits. Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World”, this charming town offers much more than just cherries.

While Traverse City is renowned for its wine, with over 40 wineries in the surrounding area, it also boasts an impressive culinary scene that foodies will love.

The city’s downtown area is home to unique boutiques, art galleries, and various eateries within walking distance.

31. Bar Harbor, Maine

In Bar Harbor, Maine, you’ll experience a true New England charm that perfectly marries a quaint small-town atmosphere with the sprawling natural beauty of its surroundings.

Often regarded as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is the ideal destination for nature lovers, offering countless opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and photography.

October ushers in vibrant fall foliage that transforms the landscape into a riot of color, making it one of the best places to visit during this month.

Embark on a scenic drive along the 27-mile-long Park Loop Road, boasting spectacular vistas over the rugged coastline, dense forests, and panoramic mountain peaks.

32. O‘ahu, Hawaii

Known as “The Gathering Place”, O‘ahu is the heart and soul of Hawaii, offering a unique blend of city life and island beauty. October is a fantastic time to visit, as the tropical paradise offers warm weather and fewer crowds.

In Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a must-see, famous for its long rolling surf, endless sunshine, and iconic Diamond Head backdrop.

The vibrant neighborhood surrounding the beach is packed with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment, ensuring never dull moments.

Hike the Manoa Falls Trail, where a lush rainforest leads you to a stunning 150-foot waterfall. Or head to the North Shore to witness some of the world’s best surfers tackling phenomenal waves.

33. Siesta Key, Florida

Known for its powder-white quartz sand beaches that stay cool underfoot, Siesta Key Beach has been ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.

The island offers the perfect escape from cooler weather in October with its balmy temperatures and warm gulf waters.

The island’s vibrant Village district is home to quaint shops, restaurants, and lively nightspots, providing an enjoyable contrast to the serene beach environment.

As the day draws to a close, Siesta Key’s west-facing position treats visitors to dramatic sunsets, best enjoyed with a leisurely beach stroll.

34. Aspen, Colorado

With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational possibilities, Aspen definitely stands out as one of the best places to visit in October.

The Maroon Bells, often referred to as the most photographed peaks in North America, offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

If you’re a fan of winter sports, Aspen’s world-class ski resorts open in late October, offering early access to some of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding trails.

As the autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to end the day than by relaxing in one of Aspen’s luxurious spas or by a roaring fire in a rustic mountain lodge.

35. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a charming coastal city known for its long stretches of pristine sandy beaches and inviting southern hospitality.

The city’s main attraction is its stunning beach, which offers a variety of water sports, from swimming and surfing to fishing and boating.

For a dose of local culture, visit the Wharf at Orange Beach, a large outdoor shopping center with a marina, movie theaters, and a range of restaurants and shops.

As the day ends, nothing beats the pleasure of watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, with orange, pink, and red hues painting the sky.

Bottom Line

Now that you’ve explored this list of the best places to visit in October, which destinations will you be adding to your bucket list? With so many destinations to explore, an October road trip is sure to be an adventure that you’ll remember for years to come.

For more travel destinations , check out these posts!

• 17 Best Places to Visit this April in the USA
• 30 Best Places to Visit in September in the USA

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The northern lights danced across the US last night. It could happen again Saturday.

Amazing auroras sparked by a massive solar storm — the strongest in decades — set the world abuzz Friday night as colorful glowing light radiated into the skies as far south as Florida and the Bahamas, to the surprising delight of many who waited up and kept watch.

And good news for anyone who missed it: You may get another chance Saturday night or Sunday.

"Overnight, aurora were visible across much of the United States. Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update . A later update suggests the possibility of widespread viewing in the U.S. on Sunday too.

(A word of caution, experts have previously told USA TODAY that forecasting space weather is difficult . Researchers must rely on observations of the 93-million-miles-away sun to make their predictions.)

Northern lights are only visible at night time, and experts say it's best to view them away from the hustle and bustle of city life to get the best show. Still, Americans in cities said they could see the lights overnight, including in metro Detroit .

Wisconsinites got to see the lights dance across the sky in green and purple hues. Even residents of downtown Milwaukee caught a glimpse despite the bright city lights obstructing the view.

See photos: Northern lights on full display across US, Europe on Friday

Will the aurora be visible this weekend?

It could be.

The Space Weather Prediction Center offers an experimental forecast map that showed on Saturday the aurora may be visible Saturday in a wide swath of the U.S., possibly in states including Oregon, Nebraska, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. But visibility will depend on shifting factors that include weather.

For Sunday, space weather forecasters said the aurora could become visible again over the northern half of the country, with sights extending as far south as Alabama and northern California. The effects of that storm are expected to arrive Sunday morning ET.

What is the cloud forecast Saturday night? Will clouds block the northern lights?

If you missed the aurora borealis Friday night, you might still catch a glimpse on Saturday or Sunday, depending on where you live. But not if clouds get in the way.

The cloud forecast for Saturday night is generally good for most of America, but some of the people who missed their chance last night due to clouds may have a similar problem Saturday, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines. Areas that are likely to be cloudy include New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as parts of the Southern Plains, including Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

“Even just a few breaks in the clouds will allow the aurora to be visible,” Kines said. “There’s always hope.”

Peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m., Kines said. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he said, though some reported seeing the auroras Friday night from metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit.

Sunday night, if there is any aurora to see, those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can rejoice, because Kines said the skies should be clearer.

What is causing the northern lights this weekend?

The spectacle is being caused by geomagnetic storm that erupted from a sunspot cluster on the sun.

The storm was unusually strong — classified as "extreme" (or a G5) storm, the highest level, the  Space Weather Prediction Center  said Friday evening. It's the first G5 storm to hit our planet since 2003.

The geomagnetic storm's effects (which aren't all as pretty as the northern lights) are likely to linger through the weekend. The  Space Weather Prediction Center  said the storm is likely to continue through Sunday.

"There have been reports of power grid irregularities and degradation to high-frequency communications and GPS," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update.

Where were the northern lights seen on Friday night?

Across much of the United States and Europe where skies were clear — as far south as Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona.

To the great disappointment of many in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, cloud cover dimmed or obstructed the stunning display altogether.

Although it's unusual, auroras have been seen in the far southern United States in the past. This happens when a particularly large coronal mass ejection arrives in the Earth's outer atmosphere, triggering a geomagnetic storm, NOAA reports.

On the night of Nov. 5-6, 2001 , aurora displays were seen in Texas and Arizona.

What causes the aurora?

NASA describes an aurora as an "intricate dance of particles and magnetism between the Sun and the Earth."

The Sun's activity creates strong electrical currents known as geomagnetic storms.

These eruptions are mostly happening at a large, complex sunspot cluster, NOAA'S Space Weather Prediction Center said. Sunspots, which increase and decrease on a 11-year cycle, are areas where the magnetic field is about 2,500 times stronger than Earth's.

The reason the auroras move is because of how the Sun's ionized gases interact with the Earth's magnetic field.

If you took a great photo, NASA wants to know

In a collaboration with the National Science Foundation and the New Mexico Consortium aurora sightings and photos are being collected at the Aurorasaurus web page.

Why was the aurora borealis so red on Friday?

Mike Theiss, an extreme nature photographer and hurricane storm chaser, who lives in Florida was shocked to see posts Friday night about how far south people were seeing the auroras. To his amazement, he was able to step out of his front door in Key Largo in the Florida Keys and see and photograph the aurora. Hours later he was still incredulous, and surprised at the colors in the aurora.

"I’ve documented the Northern Lights in Iceland, North Dakota, Arctic Circle in Canada but never this red color," Theiss said. "This is the first time I’ve seen red."

The multiple colors seen in auroras are related to the types of gas being bombarded at various levels above the Earth. Auroras occur within one of Earth's upper atmosphere layers, the thermosphere, according to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Solar particles trapped there interact with various gas molecules, such as nitrogen and oxygen, according to the research corporation's website. Oxygen gives off green and red lights, while nitrogen glows blue and reddish purple. For example, nitrogen gas glows blue at 75 to 110 miles altitude.

The less common red auroras form from interacting with higher altitude oxygen molecules, the website explains.

'Two incredible spectacles of the universe': Northern lights come about a month after eclipse

Seeing the aurora amazed Antonella Fruscione, an astrophysicist at Harvard University. She sent photos of the sight as well as the April total solar eclipse to her friends in Italy.

"And I sent them the picture that I took at the solar eclipse and I said, 'Can you imagine how fortunate I was this year, one month apart, I see these two incredible spectacles of the universe,'" she recalled telling them.

The phenomena seen Friday and possibly Saturday night is unusual, she said.

"It's a very rare occurrence, especially because last night it was really visible," Fruscione said.

What was the Halloween storm in October 2003?

Over two decades ago in late October 2003, three massive sunspot groups appeared on the sun's surface with little warning, accompanied by 17 major solar flares, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Satellites, radio and GPS systems went on the fritz around the world, causing some major disruptions. But it also offered a stunning view of the auroras as far south as California and Florida. People in Australia and Mediterranean countries even caught a glimpse.

Contributing: Doyle Rice and Krystal Nurse , USA TODAY

28 Best Places to Visit in October in USA (You’ll Love)

Posted on Published: August 23, 2023  - Last updated: January 5, 2024

There’s nothing quite like a fall vacation. The hustle and bustle of the summer is gone. Most tourist destinations are like sleepy ghost towns waiting for the rush of holiday travelers. So if you’ve ever wondered where’s the best places to visit in October in the USA – here’s your list.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Traveling in the fall, and more specifically, October cannot be beat. It’s the shoulder season for many destinations across the states. That means less crowds and affordable prices. And bonus – beautiful fall colors across much of the USA!

Traveling in the fall is one of the best times to take a vacation. But not every spot is equally as great. That’s why this list of the best fall vacations in the US is highlighting cool spots you’ve seen before, and even better destinations you haven’t heard of. 

And by the way…I’m continually checking places off my travel bucket list . However, I haven’t been everywhere yet (working on it!) so I enlisted some travel blogger friends for help creating this epic list. 

Save money on travel with points: Check out the best credit card offers to save big money by using rewards points for flights and hotels. They’re so good; I regularly have 2-3 in my wallet and book most of my travel with points!

Map of the best fall vacations in the US

This list is covering a lot of the country! From the west coast to the east coast and some spots in between, this map shows a visual, which can be useful when planning your fall getaway.

Best places to visit in October in USA

October is a fabulous time to travel, and these are some of the most ideal spots in these gorgeous United States to see. From popular fall foliage spots to destinations you’ve never heard of, let’s dive into the list!

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia

Average temp:  high 62, low 41

Stretching 469 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the entrance to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (where it turns into the equally scenic Skyline Drive), the Blue Ridge Parkway is widely regarded as one of America’s most scenic roads.

More than 15 million people using the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) each year, making it the most visited of all the national park units in the United States. So it’s also arguably the most popular!

The BRP’s origins date back to 1935, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the historic initiative part of his New Deal. It was designed to improve American infrastructure and create jobs as a means to accelerate the nation’s economic recovery after the Great Depression.

It took until 1966 to construct the majority of the road, and another 21 years to finish the picturesque stretch from the Linn Cove Viaduct to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. 

The result is an epic and iconic road trip that dazzles with spectacular colors in the fall, when the leaves turn to sun-speckled gems in red, orange, and golden hues. It’s by far one of the most scenic fall drives in the US!!

An autumn drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests; numerous impressive state parks (including NC’s Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest peak east of the Mississippi); and countless hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and streams. 

There are also some 200 breathtaking BRP overlooks as well as charming mountain towns such as Banner Elk, Boone, and  Little Switzerland . 

The best of the parkway’s landmarks include Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, Looking Glass Rock, and Julian Price Memorial Park. Each offers opportunities to savor the splendor of America’s wilderness at its most pristine, preserved by FDR for future generations.

Recommended by Bret Love and Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

2. Bend, Oregon (one of the most underrated and best places to visit in October USA)

Average temp:  high 62, low 33

While Bend, Oregon is a fantastic destination year-round, the fall is a great time to visit this Central Oregon town. You’ll find far fewer crowds than in the summer months and the crisp autumn air is perfect for many outdoor adventures.

Bend is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and October is a great time to experience Oregon’s high desert. Cooler autumn temperatures make it the perfect time of year to hit the nearby trails.

There are a variety of  hikes in Bend, Oregon  for all skill levels and in a diverse range of settings, from pine forests to snowcapped peaks to juniper and sage dotted deserts. You can also get out onto the water on a SUP or kayak or cruise through some of the famed Bend mountain biking trails.

A fun fall activity is to head to nearby Smith Rock State Park for beautiful views and a lovely riverside walk. Once you’ve had your fill, head to the ranch just outside the park that has a large pumpkin patch, food trucks and festive games for all ages.

October is the perfect time of year to hop around the different breweries around town to sample the local brews. If you’re a real craft beer enthusiast, you may want to participate in the Bend Ale Trail, which is run by the local tourism board. Collect stamps at each brewery you visit for a prize!

Recommended by Katie Diederichs of Go Wander Wild

3. Mammoth Lakes, California

Average temp:  high 60, low 30

One of the best places to visit in October in USA is  Mammoth Lakes . It’s located in Eastern California and is one of the most underrated places to visit in the USA in the fall. The beautiful colorful trees with the mountains in the background make this a wonderful place to stay in October. 

June Lake Loop is one of the best spots to experience the fall colors. There are many lakes to explore on the loop like Silver Lake, June Lake, Gull Lake, and Grant Lake.

The whole loop is filled with stunning yellow Aspen trees, and there are many spots to explore with these beautiful trees. Make sure to stop by Silver Lake Cafe for lunch and watch the stunning views of Silver Lake while you eat.

Another great spot to see fall colors is Convict Lake which is located southeast of Mammoth Lakes . The yellow Aspens are situated at the mountain base, so it is best to walk the whole loop.

You can also visit many of the lakes that are located in Mammoth Lakes Basin. They include lakes like Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mary and Lake George. It’s a magical area to explore in the early cool fall morning. 

There are so many yellow colors in Mammoth Lakes. It is probably one of the most underrated areas to experience fall foliage, and one of the best places to visit in the US in October!

Recommended by Michelle of The Wandering Queen

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (one of the best October vacation destinations)

Average temp:  high 46, low 29

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain is one of the most beautiful (and popular) national parks in the country.

Located about 2 hours away from Denver, this park takes time ans effort to explore with countless trails, waterfalls and even one of Colorado’s most popular “fourteeners” Longs Peak. 

Rocky Mountain National Park is pure magic during fall, when the incredible golden colors come out in full display. The best time to see them is from mid-September through early October. 

Another thing you should know about visiting RMNP during the fall is that weekends still might be busy, as more people come to take pictures and see thousands of amazing golden-hue Aspen trees. Crowds begin to dissipate in the fall, and if you want the ultimate experience, try to plan your visit for weekday. 

To see the fall colors in their full glory, take a drive along the Trail Ridge Road that is open from Memorial Day until late October. The alpine highway is a perfect way to enjoy the the fall scenery at RMNP without getting out of the car. In fact, the Trail Ridge Road is one of the top Colorado bucket list activity!

Still, try to explore some trails. Take a hike or two to enjoy the fall colors , and if you plan on doing a more challenging trail at a higher altitude, make sure to bring some layers . Temperatures begin to drop in the fall, and it’s a good idea to bring a jacket with you, especially if you plan on camping here. 

Note: through most of October, the park requires a timed entry permit. Plan your trip in advance and grab your permit here .

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

5. Door County, Wisconsin

Average temp:  high 56, low 41

Door County, Wisconsin likely isn’t the first spot to come to mind when thinking of amazing fall colors in the United States. However, the colors here are breathtaking , and there are many wonderful activities to enjoy in Door County during fall! 

The colors begin changing during the end of September, and visitors hoping to see the leaves during their peak color should plan to visit the area in mid-October. 

To see some of the best fall colors in Door County, try hiking in Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park, Cave Point County Park and The Ridges Sanctuary, just to name a few spots.

For those looking for a less active leaf-peeping experience, be sure to take a drive along Highway 42. You can also see the leaves from above at viewing platforms, such as the newly constructed Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum Lighthouse Tower. 

Fall is also a great time to visit the apple orchards in Door County. Be sure to stop by Wood Orchard Market, where you can get awesome seasonal products such as their special apple cider donuts! 

With the cooler fall temperatures, cozying up to a fire during a traditional Door County fish boil is one of the best  things to do in Wisconsin  at this time of year. Fish Boils are fun to watch and delicious. Each boil master makes theirs a little differently but, you can count on all recipes using white fish and various vegetables and spices boiled in a large kettle over an open fire.

Door County is an underrated destination, and definitely one of the best places to visit in October USA!

Recommended by Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel

6. San Diego, California

Average temp:  high 74, low 61

Listen, San Diego has amazing temperatures most of the year, so there’s not really a ‘bad’ time to go. However, as someone who’s traveled to San Diego many times in the fall, I can truly say that October is a fantastic time to visit this amazing city!

Less tourists visit San Diego in the fall, so there’s not as many limitations to amazing activities because of overcrowding. For instance, the San Diego Zoo is a fantastic spot to explore. It’s really enjoyable in the fall when you can see what you’re there to see, instead of waiting all the time.

An amazing activity in the San Diego area is kayaking in La Jolla Cove in October. Other top things to do include Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego and Coronado Island.

By the way, here’s an idea of how to spend a weekend in San Diego if it’s on your short list!

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels 

Book a photo shoot: The best souvenir, booking a photo shoot while traveling preserves memories of your vacation! I love Flytographer because the photo sessions are fun, easy and affordable. you can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code SSST.

7. Oahu, Hawaii (top of the list for warm places to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 84, low 69

The island of Oahu has beautiful weather throughout the year but fall is one of the best times to visit. At this time of year, you can expect fewer crowds around the island, plenty of days with clear blue skies and the island is still really warm so you can spend your time lying on the beach.

While it may be hotter in the summer months, the fall actually offers a more enjoyable temperature so you can get out and explore the island. 

One of the highlights of any visit to Oahu is exploring the many beaches dotted around the island. The most beautiful beach on Oahu is Lanikai Beach , which is a palm tree lined stretch of brilliant white sand and crystal-clear blue water.

As it’s on the east side of the island the water is usually quite calm so it is ideal for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. If you are feeling energetic you can kayak out to the Mokalua Islands which are just a few hundred metres from shore. 

Another great activity is to explore Kualoa Regional Park, which is where scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed. You can explore the park on foot or take a quad bike tour. The mountains here are unique with their deep ridges and tropical green coverings.

During a visit to Oahu you can also snorkel, surf, hike, visit local farms to try fresh fruit and so much more. It’s an amazing island and the weather in particular makes this a perfect fall getaway.

Recommended by Luke of Wild About BC

8. Acadia National Park, Maine (a top choice on this list of best places to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 55, low 38

Acadia is among a very small group of US national parks with two genuine ‘peak’ seasons. Summer is naturally congested in Acadia, but fall is equally as busy and because of the spectacularly beautiful Autumnal foliage lighting up the park.

But striking colors aren’t everything and the fall season is loaded with other benefits in Acadia National Park. 

Hiking conditions are cooler in September and October, which comes in particularly handy when climbing both of Acadia’s adrenaline pumping hikes – Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail.

Beehive and Precipice are the two outstanding hikes but there are a dozen other trails without ladder climbing elements. All of which summit with remarkable views over the Gulf of Maine, gorgeous lakes, tiny islands and of course mountain sides covered in vibrant orange, yellow, red and green trees.

Epic sunrises are one of Acadia’s greatest assets and from the summit of ultra-popular Cadillac Mountain, you can be among the first people in the US to see the sun rise over the eastern horizon. In fall, sunrise is over an hour later than in summer, which means a slightly less agonizing alarm time.

To see the richest and most vivid colors, simply get stuck into all of the  best things to do in Acadia National Park , including hikes, lakes and carriage roads.

Pro tip: Be sure to book Bar Harbor accommodation a long way in advance to avoid missing out and always be out in the park early, parking spaces are limited and fill quickly each day.

Without a doubt, Acadia National Park is one of the best places to visit in October in USA.

Recommended by Mark and Kristen of Where Are Those Morgans?

9. Moab, Utah

Average temp:  high 74, low 41

Moab, Utah is an adventure city in the Southwest USA. With countless national parks, state parks and recreation areas surrounding Moab, it’s truly an amazing place to vacation.

It makes this list of the best places to visit in October in the USA because the weather usually hasn’t turned too wintry yet to enjoy the outdoors. And in the summer, Moab is packed with tourism!

If you love hiking, October is the perfect time to explore Arches National Park by foot or hike Canyonlands National Park . There’s also white water rafting, canyoneering, wineries and breweries and so much more.

Visitors should still book accommodations as far out as possible to get the best pricing. And be sure to book any tours in advance since Moab is a hot spot!

Related: 30 Cool Things to Do in Moab, Utah

Best October vacation destinations

Some amazing spots have already been covered, but some of the best fall foliage in USA continues…

10. Asheville, North Carolina

Average temp:  high 68, low 46

Asheville, North Carolina is one of the best places in the US to experience fall.  The mountains are blazing with red, orange, and yellow leaves, the weather is perfect and the orchards are open. 

While it may be the busiest time of year, it’s well worth the visit, but try to time it for a weekday visit instead of the weekends.

Be sure to spend some time walking around downtown Asheville and wandering the shops of the hip West Asheville area.  Visiting the Biltmore Estate is also a must-do. 

There are so many amazing places to eat in Asheville, you’ll be able to try new, delicious food for every meal. Tupelo Honey and Gan Shan West are great options.

One of the best things to do in Asheville is driving part of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway and the best time to  drive the Blue Ridge Parkway is fall . There are tons of hikes to waterfalls nearby like Linville Falls, Looking Glass Falls, or Moore Cove Falls. 

Visiting Asheville in the fall makes all of these things even better than they normally are because you get to see them surrounded by stunning fall foliage, and who doesn’t love that?  

Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World

11. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington (a PNW fave on this list of best places to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 47, low 33

Within the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier National Park boasts vibrant autumnal colors not only on the leaves of its famously grand trees, but also from the wildflowers, succulents, and other fauna carpeting the park’s rolling valleys.

If you’re looking for some of the best spots to see the fall colors, head to the Skyline Trail Mount Rainier, a 5.5 mile hike that takes you up close-and-personal with Mount Rainier and meanders through meadows aflame with autumnal foliage, from the vibrant red of scarlet paintbrush to the flaming orange of elderberries. 

Alternatively, check out Naches Peak Loop, a part of the Pacific Crest Trail that traverses colorful subalpine valleys bursting with autumnal colors while snowy Mount Rainier looms overhead.

For a lower impact way to enjoy the fall foliage, take a scenic drive through the Chinook Scenic Byway. It’s a 107 mile road that will take you through both Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest.

This drive provides a gorgeous tour of rushing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and of course, panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains’ beautiful fall colors.

With stunning autumnal foliage, world-class hiking, and a variety of activities for all types of travelers, Mount Rainier in the fall is a fantastic place to explore. 

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

12. Boston, Massachusetts

Average temp:  high 62, low 47

Fall is the ultimate time to visit New England. From “leaf-peeping” in parks to crisp weather and apple-picking, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to the region from all over the world. If you’re seeking a combination of a city break and a fantastic fall destination, consider Boston.

Boston is teeming with history, green spaces, restaurants, and quaint neighborhoods to charm any visitor. Known as the “Cradle of the American Revolution,” don’t miss the Freedom Trail .

It’s a 2-mile, largely flat walking path that traces various sites of historical importance, such as the site of the Boston Massacre, the beginning of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, and the Battle of Bunker Hill in Charlestown.

The Trail kicks off at the beautiful Boston Common, the oldest city park in the U.S., dating back to 1634! As you walk, you will also discover other lovely fall destinations, such as the Beacon Hill neighborhood, with its cobbled streets and romantic buildings. Be sure to stop at Acorn Street, said to be the most-photographed street in the U.S .

For some Victorian splendor, visit Copley Square and the Back Bay, gazing up at its two beautiful churches and the Boston Public Library – certainly one of the city’s most picturesque places. In particular, the Library’s Bates Room, with its glowing lamps and vintage books, will give you major “back-to-school season” vibes.

Nearby, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall has gorgeous trees in blazing fall colors – one of the best places to check out fall foliage in town . There are also a variety of parks to discover if foliage is what you seek, including the Fens, the Emerald Necklace parks system and the Public Garden. 

Boston is certainly one of the best places to travel in October in USA, especially if you love history!

Recommended by Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides

13. Napa Valley, California (a favorite of these fall vacation ideas)

Average temp:  high 77, low 47

It’s without question that the beautiful  Napa Valley  region in California is one of the most beautiful fall travel destinations in the USA. The normally vibrant green of the grapevines turns to shades of yellow, gold and orange in Napa Valley. And as the weather cools, the leaves start to fall, leaving a carpet of orangey gold underfoot.  

Napa Valley is actually a region featuring a collection of towns in between the vineyards and rolling hills. The area is a really easy drive from the best things to do in San Francisco , and will take around 1.5 hours. Having a car is a great idea in Napa Valley so that you are able to hop between wine tastings and towns at your leisure.  

For a spectacular view, Artesa Wines is a great choice for a wine tasting as the large-windowed cellar door sits stop a hill providing great panoramic views of the surrounding valley.  

Auburn James, just outside St Helena, is also a beautiful winery to stop in at, with a gorgeous tasting room. It is worth noting that booking in advance for your tastings is always a good idea and usually involves a small payment.  

Once you’ve finished your wine tastings, head into the township of St Helena for dinner at the Farmstead – a stellar farm to plate restaurant pairing local wines with delicious food.  

Recommended by Emma of Emma Jane Explores

14. Chicago, Illinois

Average temp:  high 62, low 50

If you’re looking for the best place to visit in October USA, look no further than Chicago!  This fun city is vibrant and full of fall foliage! Plus, there’s a ton of things to do, indoor and out.

While you could spend a week in the city, a Chicago 3 day itinerary would be just about perfect. 

A must-see is Millennium Park and the world-famous “Bean.” October is the  perfect time to witness the ever changing colors of autumn against the Chicago skyline.  The Bean is sort of like the cherry on top of that whole experience!

If you’re into museums, Chicago has so many options to choose from. The Art Institute of Chicago is located downtown within walking distance of many other main attractions. Enjoy works by Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and so many others!

You can  visit the Willis Tower Skydeck , where you can walk out on a ledge over 100 stories up (indoor, don’t worry!) and see the city below.  Another perfect activity is the Navy Pier,  where you can walk, dine and even join in on fun activities like a mirror maze or giant Ferris wheel!

With typically mild weather conditions in Chicago, it’s one of the best US cities to visit in October! Daytime averages in the 60s and nightly about 50 degrees, layers will be your friend!

Pro tip : stay near downtown or within a short metro ride to the city center. It’s a relatively walkable city so be prepared with your cute walking shoes !

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

15. Kauai, Hawaii (another favorite on this list of best places to visit in the US in October)

Average temp:  high 76, low 60

It sounds cliché, but Hawaii is such a gorgeous destination that it’s always worth the visit! However, as someone who has been to this beautiful island chain many times, visiting in the fall is one of my very favorite times to go.

Kauai is one of the best places to visit in October in the USA because it’s the shoulder season so it’s more affordable. Hiking trails and parking lots are generally less full, making it a great time to vacation on this island.

Highlights in Kauai in October

• See the Waimea Canyon and NaPali Coast. It’s absolutely stunning! 
• Helicopter tour of the island . Since 80% of it isn’t drivable, this is the best way to see this gorgeous place.
• Hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail . You’ll have to get advanced reservations to enter the park, but it’s a breathtaking experience!
• Hike the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail in southern Kauai near Poipu. This is and easy walk and offers ocean views nearly the entire way.
• Snorkel on Anini Beach. It’s one of the most calm spots on the island and a great spot to see sea turtles! (Just be sure to respect Hawaiian culture, keeping your distance from sea turtles and not walk on the coral.)

For the best places to eat in Kauai, it’s easier to get reservations for restaurants (which is recommended for Kauai since it’s a smaller island) in October.

Hands down, Hawaii is one of the very best states to visit in October, and Kauai is phenomenal!

16. Lutsen, Minnesota (an underrated and absolute best fall vacations in the US)

Average temp:  high 52, low 34

A fabulous, unknown place to many for enjoying fall leaf color and waterfalls can be found on the North Shore along Lake Superior in Minnesota. The North Shore is a special place and is only 2 hours north of Minneapolis-St Paul airport.

Duluth is where the journey begins, but for the full experience continue northward two more hours to Lutsen, Minnesota.  It’s truly one of the best places to visit in October in USA!

Let’s go! Start the adventure in Canal Park in Duluth, MN with the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in the backdrop, while you explore the lighthouse pier and the newly renovated Lakewalk. Your drive will continue with must-see stops at Gooseberry Falls, Splitrock Lighthouse and Temperance River State Park.

Great accommodations can be found in Lutsen or Grand Marais, which are centralized for hiking and lots of activities in the area. An aerial gondola ride over the Poplar River and up the Moose Mountain is an experience not to miss to see the best fall leaf colors !

The window for peak fall color on the north shore varies anywhere from mid-September to early-October. However, the fall colors continue to be stunning in different types of forests at times beyond that window.

If you haven’t yet experienced the North Shore of Minnesota in the fall it’s one to add to your list! There are so many things to do and places to stay, it’s easy to find hotels on the North Shore MN as well.

Recommended by Michelle of Almost There Adventures

17. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Average temp:  high 58, low 46

Welcome to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the town National Geographic Travel has crowned “America’s Greatest Small Town.”

Portsmouth is the crown jewel of New Hampshire’s Seacoast and is perfectly situated within an hour from the White Mountains and an hour from Boston. Its location makes it the perfect New England destination for leaf peeping .

Downtown historical Portsmouth is very unique as it has colonial homes dating back to the 17th century. The most famous historical portion of the city is located in the south end. Strawbery Banke, an outdoor history museum, is New Hampshire’s oldest neighborhood to be settled by Europeans.

When visiting Portsmouth, be sure to check out all the small businesses downtown in an area of the city known as Market Square.

Portsmouth has more restaurants per capita than any other small town in the United States and is also home to dozens of charming boutiques. These boutiques come to life during the autumn with their seasonal decor and gift offerings.

Be sure to swing by Cup of Joe cafe for a cozy cup of salted caramel hot chocolate or their signature pumpkin spice latte. Lastly, the best thing about Portsmouth, NH is it’s a very walkable town, meaning no car is needed to explore this charming downtown this upcoming autumn season !

Recommended by Nicole of The Abroad Blog

18. Eastern Sierra, California

Average temp:  high 62, low 38 (varies)

The Eastern Sierra of California is a fabulous fall getaway destination in the USA. Fall color here is considered second only to New England , so you know you are in for a visual treat if you visit when the colors are at their peak!

From Lake Tahoe in the north to Bishop and Lone Pine in the south, the region is ablaze with foliage colors in the fall. You’ll be mesmerized by the show of yellow, oranges, and reds put on by aspens, willows and cottonwoods. 

Taking a  Highway 395 road trip  is a great way to enjoy fall in the Eastern Sierra. If you prefer to have a base, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop are the largest towns in the area, and make for good bases from which to explore the beauty of the fall foliage all around you.

Doing scenic drives to enjoy the colors is the top thing to do in the fall. There are numerous paved and dirt roads you can drive. Both Inyo and Mono Counties offer the most beautiful drives. If you plan to drive the dirt roads, bring an appropriate vehicle.

The region is also known for its numerous spectacular lakes, so get out onto the water to enjoy the colors on the banks. Boating or kayaking is offered at many lakes. You can also go hiking, to view the colors up close: there are many legendary Eastern Sierra hikes from which to choose.

The Eastern Sierras are certainly one of the beset October vacations USA for lakes, mountains and hiking.

Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California

19. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (another underrated destination on this list of beset places to travel in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 58, low 39

You’ll hit gold if you visit Shenandoah National Park during the autumn . . . plus orange, red and burgundy.

Shenandoah’s trees shed their green attire. Autumn’s palette paints the forest rusty orange, reddish yellow, and burgundy. Woodland creatures abound, including black bears, deer, wild turkeys and bats.

Located less than two hours from Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park attracts hikers and drivers. It’s also a favorite for singles and families to spend a weekend. But book your reservations early for either the park campgrounds or the Skyland Resorts and Big Meadows hotels, as they routinely sell out for the weekend.

The best time to visit is Monday through Thursday as the 105-mile Skyline Drive can turn into a traffic jam in October at peak foliage times. Skyline Drive weaves its way across western Virginia. Speed limit is 35 mph.

Your best bet is to enter the enter at the Front Royal Entrance, stop at the Dickey Ridge Visitors Center to get a panoramic family portrait and then head down the road. Stop at a convenient parking lot so you can hike through forests, scale rocky ledges, explore Appalachian Trail stops and watch waterfalls.

Or you can spend 3 hours traveling the entire length of the park on Skyline Drive. It ends at Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, which is also the northern entrance to the  Blue Ridge Parkway .  Shenandoah National Park features 200,000 acres of protected land. Stony Man and Hawksbill peaks exceed 4,000 feet.

This beautiful fall destination is the perfect getaway for families, couples, solos or even a friends’ trip!

Recommended by By Terri of Female Solo Trek

Fall vacation ideas

From big cities to wide open spaces, there’s still plenty more places to see on this mega list of the best place to visit in October in the US!

20. Austin, Texas

Average temp:  high 82, low 60

What a perfect city for a fall getaway! As someone who’s visited Austin a few times, I can honestly say October was my favorite! The weather is way better (i.e. way less hot) than during peak travel season.

Visiting Austin in the fall is the perfect time for outdoor adventures. There’s so much hiking in Austin, plus fall festivals, outdoor drive-in movies, pumpkin patches and more.

If you love being on the water, Lady Bird Lake is a great spot for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. For easy hiking in Austin , consider McKinney Falls State Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt or the popular Mount Bonnell.

Of course there’s live music all over Austin, and let’s not forget the mural hunting, either. Whether you’re going for Insta-worthy shots or just happen to walk by them on your way to get epic cone at Amy’s Ice Cream, you’re bound to find some fun artwork in the downtown area.

October is the perfect time of year to spend a weekend in Austin .

21. Newport, Rhode Island

Average temp:  high 62, low 53

One of the best fall vacations in the US is definitely Newport, Rhode Island. The area has peak fall foliage throughout October.

It’s a small town located on Aquidneck Island and is surrounded by beautiful beaches and sea cliffs. During the fall, you can walk around and enjoy outdoor activities without the crowds.

The majority of people drive to Newport from somewhere on the east coast. If you’re visiting from further away, you can fly into Providence, Rhode Island, only 45 minutes away. 

One of the best  things to do in Newport  is see the history of the area on the Cliff Walk. You can walk 3.5 miles past the Breakers, one of the Newport mansions, around sea cliffs, and past a few beaches.

Newport’s mansions are renowned for their architecture and history. Some of the mansions were constructed in the early 19th century. Walk around the Wharves (Bannister’s and Bowen’s) in the evening for a variety of food and shopping. 

Newport has lots of delicious places to eat. For breakfast, head to Cru Cafe near the Audobain Museum – a great way to start the day is with their blueberry stuffed French toast!

Your New England vacation wouldn’t be complete without some seafood. At the Lobster Shack, you can find fresh seafood. You can stay at the Marriott Newport if you want to stay in the heart of Newport. The hotel is within walking distance of the wharves. 

Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler

22. Aspen, Colorado (a top choice for best places to visit in October in the US)

Average temp:  high 58, low 31

Perhaps one of the most beautiful fall foliage settings is in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The town of Aspen is perfect for a fall getaway because it’s surrounded by mountains and gorgeous aspen trees. I’m convinced it’s the among the best places to visit in October in USA.

Unlike some other destinations on this list which get vibrant reds and oranges during the fall, aspen trees turn a gorgeous yellow color. And when you get a mountainside full of them, it’s like eye candy!

A gorgeous day trip from Aspen is Maroon Bells Park. The feature is the mountain peak of Maroon Bells, which are surrounded by a lake and gorgeous aspen trees in the fall.

You could spend the day hiking the trails near the Maroon Bells if you love hiking and exploring the outdoors on foot. Note: you’ll want to plan ahead for this one, as reservations are now required to visit. Get your Maroon Bells reservations here .

Other things to do in Aspen include the Silver Queen Gondola, drive Independence Pass, visit the Ashcroft Ghost Town, and of course, shopping and dining in Aspen.

So whether you’re making the fall foliage in Aspen the focus of your trip or you’re combining it with an epic Colorado road trip , Aspen will surely be a highlight for a fall vacation!

23. New York City, New York

Average temp:  high 64, low 50

New York City is amongst the best places to spend fall in the United States. The city is known for its beautiful fall colors and even a bit of Indian summer if you’re lucky.

New York can get very hot during the summer so the fall is the perfect time to enjoy the city without the heat. Fall is a lot more comfortable for sightseeing and you’ll love the views of the city. 

If you’re traveling with older kids, this New York weekend itinerary with teens is the perfect mix of activities.

Head to the Highline Park which is a former elevated railroad track that has been converted into a walkway. It’s the perfect way to see the city without having to deal with the traffic and busy streets! 

For an even better view of the city, you need to go all the way to the top of the One World Trade Center . This modern skyscraper is a must-see and truly the best place to take pictures of the city.

Afterward, head to the river for an evening cruise. There are tourist boats that will take you around the Hudson and East River.

However, for a more affordable option just take the ferry to Jersey or Staten Island. The ride won’t be as long but tickets only cost a few dollars and you’ll get to avoid the tourist crowds.

A trip to New York City is one of the best October vacations USA and one you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel

24. Zion National Park, Utah (another favorite on this list of best places to travel in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 66, low 39

Zion National Park is simply stunning any time of year. However, it’s especially amazing to visit this national park in the fall.  With dwindled crowds and less intense weather to worry about, Zion is a great idea for a fall vacatio n!

If you want to hike the infamous Angels Landing, advanced planning is required, as the permit application process is during the summer. But, if you happen to get a permit for the hike, October is a phenomenal time to do it!

Of course, there are many things to do in Zion without hiking this challenging trail.  The much easier and yet equally rewarding Canyon Overlook Trail is a fun one, and can be completed for most fitness levels . At just a mile, this trail offers absolutely incredible views of the park!

A place for all ages, this park is magnificent for those young and old. An itinerary for Zion with kids includes other simple hikes like the Riverside Walk. Go further into the canyon by hiking The Narrows!

If you’re looking for a scenic drive in October, the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway Scenic Drive is incredible.  You won’t get the traditional vivid colors like some of the other destinations on this list of the best places to visit in October in US, but instead you’ll get amazing desert landscape and massive canyon views. So fun!

Be sure to pack plenty of water, layers for varying weather, hiking snacks and hiking gear like grippy hiking shoes , trekking poles and a hiking backpack .

Zion is absolutely one of the best places to go in October in USA, and a spot you’ll love!

Recommended by Nikki of Inspired Routes

25. Las Vegas, Nevada

Average temp:  high 83, low 46

Las Vegas is the perfect destination to visit all year round but fall is a great time to visit. Temperatures begin to cool after the summer and so do the crowds. Plus, visiting mid-week will get you cheaper hotel rates, too. 

Because temperatures are cooler, it means you can take advantage of some of the best outdoor attractions in the city, perfect for those visiting  Las Vegas for the first time .

Enjoy a Gondola ride at The Venetian, watch the Bellagio fountains or watch the volcano erupt outside The Mirage.

Rent a car or join a tour to visit the nearby national parks; Grand Canyon is the most popular day trip option from Las Vegas but October is a fantastic time to visit Death Valley, Red Rock Canyon and Bryce Canyon.

Alternatively, head to the unusual Magic Mountains or explore ‘The Neon Museum’ , a gallery of old signage from Vegas hotels of the past. 

In the Bellagio hotel, you’ll find the gorgeous Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This is one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas and a great indoor activity to enjoy.

Each season, the gardens get transformed and the fall display is the most breathtaking. Expect oversized pumpkins, woodland creatures and tall, entertaining trees. 

For more natural fall colours, head to one of the nearby parks ; Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, Paseo Verde Park and Gilcrease Orchard are top choices for this time of the year. 

We recommend staying at The Cosmopolitan; it’s an elegant, stunning hotel and rates are normally super high but drop during the Autumn time.

Recommended by Katie of Creative Travel Guide

26. Washington DC (Rock Creek Park)

Average temp:  high 69, low 46

Washingtonians and visitors don’t even have to hop in a car to enjoy peak fall foliage in a forest. Rock Creek Park is situated in the nation’s capital.

It’s the nation’s third oldest national park. Rock Creek Park was authorized in 1890.

Come October, the oaks, American beech and tulip trees suddenly change into the colors of the sunset—golden, orange and red. The 1,754-acre park features hikes for the hardcore as well as weekend adventurer.

If time permits, hike the two primary trails – Western Ridge Trail and Valley Trail. They run side by side. Imagine walking along a ladder laid on the ground.

Half-day hikes include Boulder Bridge, Milkhouse Ford, Rapids Bridge and Chestnut Oak/Mountain Laurels.

Or, devote a fall weekend to exploring Rock Creek Park . Tramp around the Civil War fortifications, watch interpreters at the Peirce Mill and Barn and visit the horses.

Bring a carrot or pull on your boots to ride a horse at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, which is the only public riding facility in Washington DC.

Families will definitely want to visit the Nature Center and Planetarium. There are picnic areas scattered across Rock Creek Park, so fill a basket with ciders, sandwiches and apples.

Recommended by Terri of Female Solo Trek

27. Siesta Key, Florida (another favorite warm place to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 85, low 67

A Florida beach may not come to the top of mind when thinking about the best October vacation destinations. However, it’s the perfect time to go! And what better way to end this list than one of the top-ranked beaches in the USA!

Siesta Key, Florida is home to turquoise water and some of the finest white powder sand you’ll ever step foot on. While you won’t see much fall foliage here, you’ll see wide open beaches and affordable prices, compared to the peak summer season and those looking for a winter escape.

Fall is the ideal time to visit Siesta Key. The weather is very comfortable and the water is still warm enough to enjoy.

From excellent restaurants, shopping, kayaking and beaching, there’s seriously so many things to do in Siesta Key. Whether you’re looking for a fall getaway as a couple, family, solo or friends trip, you’ll love spending time in Siesta Key!

While a bit unconventional in terms of fall colors, this is still one of the best places to visit in October in the USA.

28. New Orleans, Louisiana

Average temp:  high 81, low 62

New Orleans is one of the top warm places to visit in October in USA. It’s a fantastic walking city so it’s an ideal location to visit in the fall when the summer weather has cooled a bit and the crowds have left.

New Orleans is a very family friendly city , even in the French Quarter, or a great destination for a romantic getaway or a fun girls’ or boy’s weekend. 

A trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without exploring the French Quarter. Here you can aimlessly walk along cobblestone streets, poking your head into cute shops, or eating your way through delicious food.

One of the must-try treats is a beignet, a cross between a french pastry and a doughnut. They are easily found in the French Quarter. 

If you’re curious about the history of this area, take one of the many walking tours that will ultimately take you to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Here you will learn all about the ghosts, the after-life and even voodoo, themes found all over New Orleans.

A fantastic experience is visiting the National WWII Museum, a short walk from the French Quarter.

This is an exceptional interactive museum that focuses on the United States’ role in Asia and Europe during WWII. It’s a thrilling experience that will grab the attention of anyone even those that aren’t normally interested in history or wars. 

There are countless exciting activities to do within a short drive of New Orleans. You can visit a plantation, like Oak Alley Plantation, and learn about slavery and a difficult part of US history. The drive there is beautiful and exploring the grounds is a lovely thing to do in the fall.

In addition, you can take a swamp tour which is a lot of fun. You hop on a bayou boat and explore some of the many surrounding swamps filled with crocodiles and other wild creatures.

October is the perfect time of year to visit New Orleans due to the cooling weather and reasonable crowds.

Recommended by Nicole of Go Far Grow Close

Best places to visit in October in the USA

Whew! What a list. I hope you’ve found enough inspiration for your fall getaway – or 2! With so many amazing spots in the USA to choose from, I’m sure you can’t go wrong!

Let’s recap those destinations again, in a much more condensed list…

Best fall vacations in US

• Blue Ridge Parkway, NC to VA
• Bend, Oregon
• Mammoth Lakes, California
• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• Door County, Wisconsin
• San Diego, California
• Oahu, Hawaii
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Napa Valley, California
• Chicago, Illinois
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Lutsen, Minnesota
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire
• Eastern Sierra, California
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Austin, Texas
• Newport, Rhode Island
• Aspen, Colorado
• New York City, New York
• Zion National Park, Utah
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Washington DC (Rock Creek Park)
• Siesta Key, Florida
• New Orleans, Louisiana

So, have you decided? Comment below with your fall vacation plans!

By the way, if you’re planning to rent a car for your fall getaway, check out the discounted rates on Discover Cars . I routinely save 10% – 30% on rentals. They search top car carriers to find the best deal, at no extra price to you! Here’s that link again to search rental cars .

Related content: 28 Underrated Destinations in the USA 32 Best Places to Visit in September in USA (Unique and Cool Ideas You’ll Love) 30 Incredible Warm Winter Vacation Spots in the USA 35 Swoon-worthy Beach Vacations 26 Best Beaches on the Gulf Coast 100 Romantic Vacations in the United States

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Sunday 27th of August 2023

I have actually visited quite a few of these in the autumn (I am from the UK!) I am pleased to say. There are still a few more to tick off though. Fall is my favourite season for visiting the US. I would especially love to see Aspen in the fall. I have only ever seen it in the winter. You have whetted my appetite for another fall road trip!

Monday 28th of August 2023

Oh yay Jane! I'm so glad to hear you've visited so many spots in the US during the fall season. Such a spectacular time to travel! Hope you get to cross a few more off your list soon :)

I've been to Kauai in October and you are correct, it's a great time to go! Warm, sunny and not too crowded either.

haha yes! Although there may not be a bad time to go to Kauai....🤣

Saturday 26th of August 2023

Love this entire listicle! All these places must be stunning during autumn and I'd love to visit some day. Thanks for sharing this!

You're so welcome Kelly. Glad you enjoyed the list!

This list is amazing. I completely agree with Bend, OR as one of the best underrated places to visit! I really want to get out to the northeast at some point to see the fall colors, they look incredible. Thanks for the inspiration.

Oh yay Sophie, so glad you found some inspiration here. The PNW is so stunning in the fall and worth the trip 🧡

Sunday 24th of October 2021

Such an exhaustive list Nikki! I am really glad that I stumbled upon your blog today. Hope to tick some of this list in the next few years though. Kudos on this article and stay safe! :)

Thursday 28th of October 2021

Thanks so much Darryl! It was fun putting an extensive list together. I hope you get to see many of the places on this list!

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Best places to visit in october 2024.

Fall is here, and in many regions the leaves have changed and are ready for their close-up. While in some destinations you'll still have to contend with foliage-seeking tourists, other top getaways in October offer a bit more breathing room after the departure of summer crowds. Taking into account these factors, as well as expert opinion, traveler sentiment and array of sights (among other details), U.S. News chose the best places to visit in October. Have a favorite? Vote below to influence next year's list. 

Yellowstone National Park

Zion national park, british virgin islands, serengeti national park, buenos aires, black forest, asheville, nc, acadia national park.

If "White Lotus" piqued your interest in a Sicilian getaway, but you don't quite have the budget to splurge, plan a trip for October when the summer tourists have gone home. At the start of the offseason, hotel rates in this Italian paradise can drop to almost half of their peak prices. You'll still be able to squeeze in some of the season's last beach days as temperatures typically remain in the 70s. What's more, the streets are likely to be less crowded, so you can easily spend your days sauntering through the region's quaint villages and sampling exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.

If you can handle declining temps (think: 40s and 50s), you'll be rewarded with a wonderful time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park. October sees far fewer visitors than peak summer months, which means you'll encounter less traffic and won't have to jostle for a spot at top attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Plus, you might catch the tail end of elk rutting season and hear their otherworldly bugling. This national park's roads close for the season in November, but keep in mind that some lodging options close earlier, so book your accommodations early.

Pleasant weather, more manageable crowds and fall foliage – what's not to love about Zion National Park in October? Daytime temperatures in the 70s will keep you comfortable for activities like hiking and rock climbing, but pack layers and prepare for cooler temperatures in sunless hiking spots like the Narrows. What's more, leaf peepers won't want to miss taking the Canyon Overlook trail to catch a glimpse of the autumn colors. While fewer travelers tend to visit this national park in October than the summer months, you'll want to avoid peak times like fall break.

Beat the winter holiday rush with an autumn trip to the British Virgin Islands. Though October falls in the middle of the rainy season, this typically means brief squalls rather than days full of rain, and low season travel will mean fewer tourists and great rates on accommodations. The Moorings Interline Regatta also takes place in October, delighting sailors and landlubbers alike with its exhilarating sailboat races and nightly parties. However, these great rewards do come with a bit of risk, as well. Since this island lies in the hurricane belt, you may want to consider travel insurance for a fall trip here.

Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Iceland's capital, so an October visit will give you access to top sights sans crowds. Take in the city's quirky architecture like Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa concert hall on a free walking tour before grabbing a craft beer or a bowl of fiskisúpa (fish soup). Temperatures may hover in the 40s, but the area's hot springs and geothermal pools will warm you right up. Plus, as a trade-off for shorter days and cooler weather, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights this time of year.

October falls within the Southern Hemisphere's spring season, so expect to enjoy long, sunny days and beautiful blooming jacarandas during an October visit to Sydney. Average daytime temperatures rest in the 70s this time of year, meaning you can comfortably check out Sydney Harbour's most famous landmark , the Sydney Opera House, and tour the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. This is also a perfect time to stroll along the coastal walk between the iconic Bondi and Coogee beaches. What's more, October is when two of Sydney's most popular events – the Night Noodle Markets and Sculpture by the Sea – occur.

Serengeti National Park's wildlife-viewing opportunities are incomparable, and visiting in October at the end of its dry season offers certain benefits. October is one of the Tanzanian park's warmest months, with average temperatures sitting in the low 80s. And while you might encounter a few short rain showers toward the end of the month, October is generally still quite dry, meaning you'll find fewer mosquitos and sparse vegetation – which makes it easier to spot animals – during game drives. The best place to catch a glimpse of migrating herds this time of year is in the Northern Serengeti.

Buenos Aires' spring shoulder season promises mild weather and moderate crowds – ideal conditions for exploring this Argentinian capital's charming neighborhoods. Come October, chic Palermo's stately trees, gardens and parks are at their finest, while 70-degree temperatures breathe new life into San Telmo's street fairs and alfresco restaurants. With the money you save on accommodations by avoiding peak tourist season, buy tickets to an opera at Colón Theater, take in a tango show or wine and dine at a parrilla (steakhouse).

Japan may be famous for its spring cherry blossoms, but Kyoto's many beautiful shrines, temples and pavilions shine even brighter among the orange- and red-hued trees that begin to dot the city in October. Strolling the tree-lined Philosopher's Path or taking in the leafy views from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple's verandah will leave you with unforgettable memories of this Japanese city. Plus, if you time your visit around October 22, you can catch two popular festivals, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) and the Kurama no Hi Matsuri (Kurama Fire Festival).

For smaller crowds and more affordable accommodations and airfare, consider a tropical escape to Aruba in October. During this low season month, hotels slash their prices up to 50%. Plus, the island experiences some of its warmest weather (think: daytime temps in the high 80s) come October, so you can stretch out and enjoy various water sports on popular white sand shores like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Though October can be rainy, showers tend to be brief, leaving plenty of time for fun in the sun. Plus, since Aruba sits below the hurricane belt, storms here are unlikely.

While Germany's Bavaria region and its raucous Oktoberfest celebrations garner a lot of attention every fall, the Black Forest in southwestern Germany offers a quieter escape into nature. Despite its many evergreens, the Black Forest is one of the best destinations in the country for fall foliage. Take in the colors while driving along the Black Forest High Road, riding the Feldberg cableway or boating on Lake Schluchsee. Though you may encounter rain, the Black Forest (the birthplace of Grimm's Fairy Tales), offers plenty of enchanting villages and cozy towns to duck into.

October falls at the end of this Indonesian island's peak dry season, meaning you can enjoy great weather for most of the month without the crowds and high accommodation rates of the busier summer months. Daytime temperatures hover in the high 80s, providing ideal conditions for swimming, surfing and sunbathing at beaches like those in Padang Padang and Sanur. Families on fall break will also enjoy cooling off at the Waterbom Bali water park. What's more, tourist hot spots like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple are less likely to be packed in October, making it a great time for sightseeing.

As one of the first months without summer tourists, and the final one before chilly temperatures arrive in earnest, October in Lyon is a prime time to visit. Travelers can score dinner reservations and settle in for autumnal feasting in France's third largest city, which is widely celebrated for its cuisine. A stroll through Vieux-Lyon, the city's picturesque old town, will also be more pleasant without rubbing elbows with hordes of other tourists. What's more, this month, Lyon celebrates its fame as the birthplace of cinema – the Cinematograph was invented here in the late 1800s – with the Lumière Film Festival.

Nothing beats seeing the vibrant foliage take over Asheville in the autumn. With dozens of deciduous tree species showcasing vivid hues of red, yellow and orange come October, this North Carolina destination is a leaf peeping paradise. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall colors and take photos at numerous overlooks. Plus, the mild fall weather is ideal for a scenic hike through the Pisgah National Forest or a stroll around the colorful Biltmore grounds. What's more, with Asheville's booming food scene, you'll be able to cozy up for a top-notch dinner after a day of adventure.

The most beautiful time to visit Acadia National Park is October, hands down. By mid-month, this top attraction in Maine is blanketed by vibrant fall foliage, both along the coast and high atop its many mountains. And starting Oct. 7 every year, Cadillac Mountain (the tallest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard) becomes the first place to see the sun rise in the U.S. Remember to register your car for a trip up the mountain, and bundle up before venturing out to catch a sunrise; it can be quite chilly at the peak early in the morning.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Albuquerque

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