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OCTOBER 9–11 · CHICAGO SUBURBS

This Weekend, Sorted.

Fall festivals, fireworks, live music, family plans and a few ticketed detours worth knowing about for October 9–11.

Hi Neighbors,

We 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

Glass Pumpkin Patch

FRIDAY–SUNDAY · Fri presale viewing 10–11 AM, shopping 11 AM–5 PM; Sat–Sun 10 AM–5 PM · Lisle · Included with Morton Arboretum admission

Handblown glass pumpkins turn the Arboretum into one of the better fall-only stops of the weekend.

Best forCouples or friends who want a clear plan built around one event.
Why it made the cutHandblown glass pumpkins turn the Arboretum into one of the better fall-only stops of the weekend.
The catch: Included with Morton Arboretum admission. Check current availability before leaving.
02FREE / CHEAP

Fall Festival at Danada

SATURDAY–SUNDAY · 11 AM–5 PM · Wheaton · Free admission and parking; small fees for some activities

A full two-day fall festival at Danada Equestrian Center with free admission and parking.

Best forFamilies looking for a defined weekend outing.
Why it made the cutA full two-day fall festival at Danada Equestrian Center with free admission and parking.
The catch: Free admission and parking; small fees for some activities. Some individual activities may carry small fees or have limited capacity.
03TICKETED

Mean Girls

FRIDAY–SUNDAY · Fri 7 PM; Sat 2 & 7 PM; Sun 1 & 5:30 PM · Aurora · Tickets from $34 in person; online/phone fees extra

Paramount’s Broadway production has five weekend performances across Friday through Sunday.

Best forCouples or friends who want a clear plan built around one event.
Why it made the cutParamount’s Broadway production has five weekend performances across Friday through Sunday.
The catch: Tickets from $34 in person; online/phone fees extra. Check current availability before leaving.
04FREE / CHEAP

North Central vs. Wheaton — Battle for the Little Brass Bell

SATURDAY · 6 PM; post-game fireworks · Naperville · $10 adults; $5 students and seniors

Rivalry football under the lights, then fireworks after the game.

Best forFamilies looking for a defined weekend outing.
Why it made the cutRivalry football under the lights, then fireworks after the game.
The catch: $10 adults; $5 students and seniors. Game and post-game fireworks are weather/operations dependent; ticket inventory may change.
05FREE / CHEAP

St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend

FRI–SUN · HOURS VARY · St. Charles · Free admission

120+ handmade scarecrows, family zones and live entertainment throughout downtown.

Best forFamilies who want an easy, all-ages fall festival with plenty to see.
Why it made the cutSee 120+ scarecrows, vote for favorites, and explore the family and activity zones.
The catch: Free admission; some activities and food cost extra. Fri noon–6, Sat 10–6, Sun 10–5.
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.

NEXT WEEKEND, BEFORE FRIDAY
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Need a faster filter?Free + cheapLive musicFamily-friendlyDate night
OCT
9

Friday

Also featured above: Glass Pumpkin Patch, Mean Girls, St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend

FREE + CHEAP
9 free/cheap choices.
9 PICKS
Silent Parade
Begins 7 PM; passes Downers Grove about 7:15 PM; ends in Lisle about 7:45 PM · Free public viewing · Downers Grove / Lisle
TICKETED + HIGHER COST
5 ticketed/higher-cost choices.
5 PICKS
Yannis Pappas
Fri & Sat 7 PM and 9:30 PM · $36 GA / $41 priority; 21+; two-item minimum; government photo ID required · Batavia
OCT
10

Saturday

Also featured above: Glass Pumpkin Patch, Fall Festival at Danada, Mean Girls, North Central vs. Wheaton — Battle for the Little Brass Bell, St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend

FREE + CHEAP
12 free/cheap choices.
12 PICKS
OAKtoberfest
3–7 PM · Free admission; beer available for purchase · Glen Ellyn
Harvest Fest
3–6 PM · Free admission; food and drinks extra · Lemont
Love/Sick
Sat 2 & 7:30 PM; Sun 2 PM · $14 public · Naperville
FitzGerald's Fall Fair 5
Sat–Sun 11 AM start (end time not posted by venue) · Free booking; $5 suggested donation; food and activities may cost extra · Berwyn
TICKETED + HIGHER COST
10 ticketed/higher-cost choices.
10 PICKS
Yannis Pappas
Fri & Sat 7 PM and 9:30 PM · $36 GA / $41 priority; 21+; two-item minimum; government photo ID required · Batavia
OCT
11

Sunday

Also featured above: Glass Pumpkin Patch, Fall Festival at Danada, Mean Girls, St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend

FREE + CHEAP
12 free/cheap choices.
12 PICKS
Love/Sick
Sat 2 & 7:30 PM; Sun 2 PM · $14 public · Naperville
FitzGerald's Fall Fair 5
Sat–Sun 11 AM start (end time not posted by venue) · Free booking; $5 suggested donation; food and activities may cost extra · Berwyn
Last Call Art & Music Fest
Sun noon–5 PM; live piano performance 3–5 PM · Free admission; food and artisan purchases extra · Niles
TICKETED + HIGHER COST
7 ticketed/higher-cost choices.
7 PICKS
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