October 23–25, 2026
BatFest, Halloween nights, haunted trails and live shows.
40 distinct Chicago-suburbs picks for October 23–25, with 25 free/cheap choices and 15 ticketed outings.
Past guides
Past Chicago Suburbs Weekend Guides
Older Local Detour guides stay public for reference. Dates and event details may no longer be current.
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October 16–18, 2026
Lantern parade, casket races, glow golf and live shows.
38 verified picks for October 16–18, from Westmont’s homemade casket races to Oswego’s glowing lantern parade and family Halloween plans.
October 9–11, 2026
Glass pumpkins, fall festivals, rivalry football and live shows.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, Fall Festival at Danada, Mean Girls, the Little Brass Bell rivalry, Hispanic Heritage Day Fiesta and 21 more verified suburban picks.
October 2–4, 2026
Fall festivals, fireworks, live music and family plans.
Naper Settlement Oktoberfest, Downers Grove & Woodridge Fireworks, Cider and Ale Festival, Aurora Pooch Parade, Oak Brook Artisan Market and 21 more verified suburban picks.
September 25–27, 2026
Fall festivals, live music, cultural events and ticketed detours.
Huntley Fall Fest, Glenview Blocktoberfest with Los Lobos, Celebración de los Árboles, Long Grove Apple Fest, Frank Caliendo and 21 more verified suburban picks.
September 18–20, 2026
Fall festivals, live music, art, culture and a few bigger-ticket detours.
America’s Blues Birthday Party, Naperville Irish Fest, Moon Festival, Autumn in the Park, Tim McGraw and 26 more verified suburban picks.
September 11–13, 2026
Art, culture, live music, fireworks and a full slate of free suburban detours.
Oak Brook America 250, Glow in the Park, Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival, Fiestas Patrias, Firefly Market and 21 more.
September 4–6, 2026
Labor Day festivals, live music, fireworks and a few bigger detours.
Septemberfest, Last Fling, Frankfort Fall Festival, Ravinia, Cantigny and 16 more strong suburban weekend picks.
August 28–30, 2026
Corn Fest, Venetian Night, Shakespeare and major concerts.
Free festivals and outdoor music, plus Don Toliver, Miranda Lambert and other worthwhile paid picks.
August 21–23, 2026
Irish Fest, major concerts and free local music.
Irish Fest, RiverEdge, Ravinia, The Forge and strong free local music picks.
August 14–16, 2026
Festivals, FAN EXPO and major concerts.
Montgomery Fest, Naper Nights, FAN EXPO, major concerts and strong suburban picks.
August 7–9, 2026
Festivals, fireworks and live music.
Free plans first, plus worthwhile ticketed shows each day.
July 31–August 2, 2026
This Weekend, Sorted.
The original email edition with festivals, concerts, movies and family options.