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OCTOBER 2–4 · CHICAGO SUBURBS

This Weekend, Sorted.

Fall festivals, fireworks, live music, family plans and a few ticketed detours worth knowing about for October 2–4.

Hi Neighbors,

I narrowed this weekend to 26 suburban picks that cleared the fact-check, from free fall events and fireworks to a few ticketed nights worth knowing about.

START HERE

Five Worth Leaving the House For

01
DETOUR OF THE WEEK

Naper Settlement Oktoberfest

FRIDAY–SATURDAY · Fri 5–10 PM; Sat 3–10 PM · Naperville · $25 adult; $15 child 4–12; under 4 free

Seasonal atmosphere, food and live entertainment make it a substantial fall plan.

Best forAdults, couples and live-music fans.
Why it made the cutSeasonal atmosphere, food and live entertainment make it a substantial fall plan.
The catch: Ticketed plan; $25 adult; $15 child 4–12; under 4 free. Check live inventory before leaving.
02FREE / CHEAP

Downers Grove & Woodridge Fireworks

SATURDAY · 7:30 PM · Downers Grove/Woodridge · Free

A rescheduled community fireworks night that is unusually specific to this weekend.

Best forA solid suburban outing for this weekend.
Why it made the cutA rescheduled community fireworks night that is unusually specific to this weekend.
The catch: Admission is low-cost, but food, drinks, shopping or add-ons may cost extra.
03TICKETED

Cider and Ale Festival

SATURDAY · Noon–3 PM; VIP entry 11 AM · Lisle · $75 event / $85 VIP / $35 designated driver / $12 child; member discounts

A destination-style fall event at Morton Arboretum rather than a generic neighborhood festival.

Best forAdults, couples and live-music fans.
Why it made the cutA destination-style fall event at Morton Arboretum rather than a generic neighborhood festival.
The catch: Ticketed plan; $75 event / $85 VIP / $35 designated driver / $12 child; member discounts. Check live inventory before leaving.
04FREE / CHEAP

Aurora Pooch Parade

SUNDAY · 10 AM–12 PM; parade/judging 11 AM–12 PM · Aurora · Free

It offers enough programming or a distinctive enough hook to earn a spot over a generic local listing.

Best forFamilies and anyone looking for a straightforward fall outing.
Why it made the cutIt offers enough programming or a distinctive enough hook to earn a spot over a generic local listing.
The catch: Admission is low-cost, but food, drinks, shopping or add-ons may cost extra.
05FREE / CHEAP

Oak Brook Artisan Market

SATURDAY–SUNDAY · Sat 10 AM–6 PM; Sun 11 AM–6 PM · Oak Brook · Free admission and parking

It offers enough programming or a distinctive enough hook to earn a spot over a generic local listing.

Best forCouples, browsers and an easy daytime outing.
Why it made the cutIt offers enough programming or a distinctive enough hook to earn a spot over a generic local listing.
The catch: Admission is low-cost, but food, drinks, shopping or add-ons may cost extra.
THE FULL GUIDE

More Plans, Organized by Day

The featured five are not repeated below. The rest is split by day and price so you can get to a plan faster. Every event name opens the current organizer or ticketing page.

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Need a faster filter?Free + cheapLive musicFamily-friendlyDate night
OCT
2

Friday

Also featured above: Naper Settlement Oktoberfest

FREE + CHEAP
4 free/cheap choices.
4 PICKS
Sonny Acres Fall Festival
Fri–Sat 10 AM–10 PM; Sun 10 AM–9 PM · $10 Fri–Sun for ages 13+; 12 and under free; parking free; rides/activities/haunted attractions extra · West Chicago
First Fridays Aurora
Evening; participating locations vary · Free to explore; purchases extra · Aurora
TICKETED + HIGHER COST
1 ticketed/higher-cost choices.
1 PICKS
OCT
3

Saturday

Also featured above: Naper Settlement Oktoberfest, Downers Grove & Woodridge Fireworks, Cider and Ale Festival, Oak Brook Artisan Market

FREE + CHEAP
9 free/cheap choices.
9 PICKS
Sonny Acres Fall Festival
Fri–Sat 10 AM–10 PM; Sun 10 AM–9 PM · $10 Fri–Sun for ages 13+; 12 and under free; parking free; rides/activities/haunted attractions extra · West Chicago
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TICKETED + HIGHER COST
5 ticketed/higher-cost choices.
5 PICKS
OCT
4

Sunday

Also featured above: Aurora Pooch Parade, Oak Brook Artisan Market

FREE + CHEAP
5 free/cheap choices.
5 PICKS
Sonny Acres Fall Festival
Fri–Sat 10 AM–10 PM; Sun 10 AM–9 PM · $10 Fri–Sun for ages 13+; 12 and under free; parking free; rides/activities/haunted attractions extra · West Chicago
TICKETED + HIGHER COST
2 ticketed/higher-cost choices.
2 PICKS
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