Chicago: The Best Things To See And Do This Fall

If you're going to Chicago this Fall you should be seeing and doing these things

In his book Chicago: City on the Make Nelson Algren famously called Chicago 'an October kind of city even in Spring'.

Perhaps you knew this quote already from our previous article Cities Through the Eyes of Writers: Famous Cities from a Writer's Perspective; maybe you didn't. Either way, you should see what Algren was talking about and check out the Windy City in arguably it's best season: Fall!

If you're planning a trip to Chicago during the Autumn months, or you're in need of a little travel inspiration, look no further! Here are the best things to see and do in Chicago this Fall!

1- Watch the Chicago Cubs in their home stadium

Photo Credits: @rawedgesphoto_Instagram

With the World Series just around the corner (October 23rd 2018), you'll arrive in Chicago just in time for the playoffs! The baseball post season begins on October 2nd, so if you're lucky, you might be able to score tickets to see the Chicago Cubs battling for their place in the competition at their home stadium, Wrigley Field.

Just a word of warning: this might not be the easiest thing to do as the tickets will be in high demand and you'll have to compete with die-hard Cubs fans to get them... Check out ticket availability here!

However, if you're unable to purchase a tickets, don't worry. There are plenty of other things to do at Wrigley Field! Visitors can tour the stadium or see one of the concerts scheduled as a fun alternative to seeing a game.

Regardless of what you choose to do, there are plenty of fun options for spending an afternoon or an evening at this iconic field.

2- Go for an Autumn walk in Lurie Garden

Photo Credits: @luriegarden_Instagram

Escape the commotion of the city and celebrate the change of the season in Lurie Garden!

While Chicago's Millennium Park is typically associated with the famous Cloud Gate (also known as The Bean), it is lesser known for its beautiful Lurie Garden.

The impressive 3.5 acre Garden is open year round and boasts over 222 seasonal plants. Visit the Garden any day this Fall between 6:00 and 23:00 to enjoy the beautiful reds and yellows on display. You can even take a guided tour of the Garden until the end of September.

3- Get cultured at Chicago's Navy Pier

Photo Credits: @theeprodigy_Instagram featured on @navypierchicago_Instagram

Celebrate the arts at Chicago's cultural hub! Treat yourself to one of the many free cultural events at Navy Pier, or an afternoon of shopping and dining at its many stores and restaurants, if you need to escape the cooler weather.

On warmer Autumn days take advantage of the rides at Pier Park or see the city from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan on one of the cruises departing from the Pier.

Rain or shine Navy Pier is definitely worth a visit!

4- Have a beer at Chicago's Oktoberfest!

Photo Credits: @scottyd.unham_Instagram

Celebrate the traditional Bavarian festival in Chicago! Chicago's 17th annual Oktoberfest at St. Alphonsus church kickstarts on the 28th of September and concludes on the 30th.

Prepare yourself for a weekend filled with music, bratwurst and, of course, plenty of beer! The craft beer tasting is particularly worth trying, with tasting slots available for all three nights of the festival. Just make sure to book your tickets fast otherwise you may run the risk of missing out on one of the weekend's most popular events!

5- Watch a movie at the Chicago International Film Festival

Photo Credits: @unratedchicago_Instagram

Escape cold Autumn nights in the city by going to the cinema! Enjoy the best of international and independent film at the 54th annual Chicago International Film Festival. The festival will last from the 10th to the 21st of October and it has plenty of fabulous films in store!

At this spectacular cinematic showcase you can expect to see the work of a range of global directors, from the celebrated Steve Mcqueen, to lesser known directors such as Hirokazu Kore-Eda.

Have a look at the lineup here and if you see something you like, book yourself a ticket!

6- Learn more about Chicago at the Art Institute

Photo Credits: @lordbatman_Instagram ex

The Art Institute of Chicago is monumental to the city and internationally renowned. No matter what time of year you're visiting the city, it is essential to visit the Art Institute in order to really experience Chicago.

This Autumn, however, there are two exhibitions in particular that you should look out for. The first, which was inspired by another famous Nelson Algren quote, is Never a Lovely So Real: Photography and Film in Chicago, 1950–1980. This exhibition focuses on photography as an insight into the diverse communities of Chicago. The second exhibition is I'll Show You! Posters and Promos from Chicago's Famous Artists, a selection of posters and ads created deliberately as artwork.

Visit these two fascinating exhibitions in order to understand the social and artistic climates of Chicago on a different level. You can see Never A Lovely So Real until the 28th of October and I'll Show You until the 7th of January 2019!

7- Snuggle up at Freehand Chicago

Photo Credits: Freehand Chicago on Hostelsclub.com

Embrace the Autumn by staying somewhere warm and cozy! This boutique-style designer hostel is perfect if you need a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Freehand Chicago is the perfect combination of comfort and modernity: the stylish, earthy decor in the private rooms will make you feel like you're staying in a country inn while the high quality dormitories will make you forget that you're staying in a hostel...

Have a look at the lounge area in the photo above above: could you think of a better place to curl up with a cup of cocoa and a good book?

See what else Freehand Chicago has to offer through this link and book your stay ASAP!

8- Have a mug of fresh cider at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest!

Photo Credits: @sallie03_Instagram

Nothing says 'Autumn' more than an apple festival! Visit the festival on Saturday the 6th or Sunday the 7th of October to try the best products from local vendors and farmers while enjoying live music and entertainment.

Spend the day celebrating the versatility of this delicious fruit by eating the apple in all of its forms. You can, of course, sample traditional ciders and pies, but that's not all...Try apple and cheese arepas, soft pretzels with apple mustard, apple pie calzones or chicken and apple curry if you want to mix things up!

When you can't possibly eat any more, brush up on your cooking skills by watching cooking tutorials by Giddings Gourmet or judge the cooking abilities of others by watching the Apple Pie Bake Off!

9- Celebrate Halloween at the Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns

Photo Credits: @amberdontpanek

Try something unusual when celebrating this Halloween in Chicago...

From the 24th to the 28th of October the Chicago Botanic Gardens will open its gates from 6.30-22.30 to showcase over 1000 jack-o'-lanterns in the spirit of Halloween!

Tour the garden to see these ornately carved pumpkins, meet some halloween characters and enjoy a farmer's market. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend an evening and a great way to see the Botanic Gardens in a different light, so to speak.

10- Meet Teddy the Turkey at the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Photo Credits: @chiparade_Instagram

If you're in the city late enough in the season, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is unmissable. Celebrate what you are grateful for with Teddy the Turkey, the parade's mascot, and enjoy the many performers and floats. Arrive at the parade at 8 on Thanksgiving morning and return home at 11 to take your turkey out of the oven! There is no better way to kickstart your Thanksgiving weekend festivities than by attending this iconic spectacle.

Make the most of this Fall and book your trip to Chicago through HostelsClub.com!