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The best things to do in the fall in Chicago

Fall in Chicago brings colorful leaves, pumpkin-flavored everything and some of the richest cultural offerings of the year

By Time Out Chicago editors Posted: Tuesday September 3 2019

Fall in Chicago
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas

Arguably the city's most fleeting season, fall in Chicago is the best time of year to stick around town. Who'd want to miss the fiery fall foliage, spooky Halloween festivities and delicious Oktoberfest brews? The weather is still nice enough to check out some of the best Chicago attractions, and believe us when we say that Millennium Park looks its best when the trees are washed in red and orange hues. Fall in Chicago also brings a resurgence in some of our favorite treats, including soul-warming ramen, holiday-ready pies and seasonal ales. Of course, if you must skip town, you won't have to go far to find pumpkin patches and apple orchards at farms within driving distance—it's the perfect excuse to plan a day trip from Chicago. Celebrate the season with our guide to fall in Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best things to do in Chicago

Things to do this fall

See the best fall foliage in Chicago
Things to do

See the best fall foliage in Chicago

Grab your camera and take in the vibrant reds and yellows before it's too late

Go apple picking near Chicago
Kids

Go apple picking near Chicago

Apple picking near Chicago is plentiful at these easy-to-reach farms

Get lost at these corn mazes near Chicago
Kids

Get lost at these corn mazes near Chicago

Get lost in family fun at the best kid-friendly corn mazes within driving distance of Chicago.

Check out pumpkin patches near Chicago
Kids

Check out pumpkin patches near Chicago

Pick out the pefect pumpkin in time for Halloween at these pumpkin patches.

Eat the best pies in Chicago
Restaurants

Eat the best pies in Chicago

Whether it's for Thanksgiving dinner or just an average day, here's where to go for a slice.

Slurp the best ramen in Chicago
Restaurants

Slurp the best ramen in Chicago

Grab a spoon and some chopsticks and prepare to slurp your way through our favorite ramen joints

Sip your way through the best coffee shops in Chicago
Restaurants

Sip your way through the best coffee shops in Chicago

Get your caffeine fix with pumpkin spice lattes, boozy Irish coffee and dessert-worthy affogatos

Drink up at the best breweries in Chicago
Bars

Drink up at the best breweries in Chicago

If you want to taste the freshest suds in town, you’ll have to go straight to the source

Month-by-month calendars

September
Things to do

September

October
Things to do

October

November
Things to do

November

December
Things to do

December

Fall events and holidays

Oktoberfest events in Chicago
Things to do

Oktoberfest events in Chicago

Throw on your lederhosen and grab a stein

Halloween in Chicago
Things to do

Halloween in Chicago

The can't-miss events, costumes and Chicago traditions

Thanksgiving in Chicago
Things to do

Thanksgiving in Chicago

Turkey trots, restaurant feats and one big ol' parade

The best Chicago beer festivals
Bars

The best Chicago beer festivals

Where to sample craft beers, ciders and more

Fall concerts

September concert calendar
Music

September concert calendar

Chance the Rapper, Lizzo and the Avett Brothers

October concert calendar
Music

October concert calendar

Madonna and more!

November concert calendar
Music

November concert calendar

December concert calendar
Music

December concert calendar