While the summertime in Chicago is a great time to check out a Cubs game or Millennium Park, summer is sadly nearing its close. However just because fall is looming (it officially begins on September 22nd), doesn’t mean you are limited to staying inside. In fact, there are tons of great outdoor fall activities in Chicago.
Fall Activities in Chicago
Ready to make the most of this colorful season? Try one of the following fall activities in Chicago:
1. Enjoy the Bacon and Beer Classic
Who doesn’t love beer and bacon? And it is even better when you get the two together at the same time! Well, if that sounds like the best time ever to you, then you need to head out to the Bacon and Beer Classic, which takes place on October 1st. You can sample nearly 100 different craft brews while stuffing your face with over 30 unique bacon-infused dishes from local chefs. In addition to eating and drinking, you can also play giant Jenga, compete in a bungee run, and much more. The activity takes place at Soldier Field, which is located near the Grant Park and South Loop neighborhoods.
2. Go to Richardson Adventure Farm
This place is unlike any farm you have ever seen and is one of the coolest outdoor experiences you can have in the Chicago area. This farm has been owned by the Richardson family for nearly 200 years, but for the last few years, it has been much more than a farm. The Richardson Adventure Farm gets thousands of visitors every year and has so many different things you can do. You can zip line, have a picnic, see the world’s largest corn maze, watch pig races and do so much more! While it is located a bit north of Chicago in Spring Grove, IL, it is definitely worth the drive.
3. Check out the Chicago Marathon
Even if you aren’t competing (and even just the idea of running a marathon wipes you out), it is still nice to check out the Chicago Marathon. Since 1977, this marathon has drawn thousands and thousands of runners (it has a current limit of 45,000 runners). However, that number pales in comparison to the more than 2 million spectators that pack the streets. Some areas throughout the race have parties, some have shows and some have food specials. All in all, there is no shortage of things to do or see on marathon day. The marathon takes place on October 8th 2017 and spans throughout various neighborhoods in Chicago such as Grant Park, Chinatown, Lincoln Park, and more!
4. Go Watch a Bears game
There are a number of sporting events taking place in Chicago during the Fall, but there is nothing like heading out to Soldier Field to watch the Bears. Originally opening in 1924, it is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL and is one of the most intimate places to watch an NFL game. However, it has gone through hundreds of millions of dollars of renovations throughout the years to keep it current. Soldier Field (which is located near the Grant Park neighborhood) also plays host to a number of different concerts and events, which can be a great way to check out the stadium if sports aren’t your thing.
5. Get On the Water with an Architecture River Cruise
While the rivers of Chicago are normally too chilly to take a dip in during the Fall, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water. One of our favorites is to take an Architecture River Cruise (which take off from the New East Side neighborhood). This excursion takes you down the Chicago River to see some of the most famous buildings and architecture in the city. The views are breathtaking and you will learn a lot about Chicago in the process. Education and entertainment at its best.
6. Check out the Midnight Circus
While circuses are not as common around the country as they used to be, they are still out there. One of the best just so happens to be in Chicago and that is the Midnight Circus in the Parks. This circus features everything from acrobats, to aerialists and everything in between. It is fun for the whole family and they have shows all fall at numerous different parks throughout the city including Wicker Park and McKinley Park. This program is not only entertaining, but it helps out charity as well. To date, they have raised over $850,000 for improvements to many different parks in Chicago.
7. Pay a Visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden
One of the single best things about the Fall season is the amazing colors. The normally-green leaves and foliage turn a warm orange and red. While this change in seasons can be admired from anywhere, the Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the best places to check it out. It spans 385 acres and features millions of different plants and trees, many of which change colors when the seasons change. There are also yoga classes and other various events that take place there throughout the Fall. The botanic garden is just a little bit south of Highland Park, but the drive up from Chicago is definitely worthy of the sights you will see.
8. Stuff Your Face at the Chicago Gourmet
If you’re anything like us, you love to eat. Chicago is one of the best places in the country for delicious grub, but on the week of September 19th to 24th, things get kicked up a notch. This is because the annual Chicago Gourmet is in town. This is the 10th year of the event that features some fantastic events and even better food from all over the world. This event takes place at Millennium Park in the downtown/Grant Park neighborhood and is sure to be one of the most exciting things happening in Chicago this Fall.
9. Go to the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
When many people think of the fall, they think of Halloween. If that describes you, then you might want to check out the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival (which runs from October 6th to 8th). This festival is all about pumpkins. Carving them, viewing them, and much more! There is, of course, a variety of games, rides, food and live entertainment as well. This festival takes place in Highwood, which is just a little bit north of Highland Park.
10. Grab a Coffee and Explore
One of the best fall activities in Chicago is simply exploring by foot. Grab a coffee or a water and start walking through the streets of Chicago. There is no better way to explore a city than by foot. Abd Fakk is the perfect time for one of those long walks outside.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.
