Festivals and Events in Chicago Area

Fall in Chicago means Fall festivals.  Looking for some fun or a good time then you are in the right place as there are Fall festivals happening all around Chicago in September and October.  Below is a list of several noteworthy festivals and events worth checking out.

Updated:  September 21, 2024

Chicago Area Events

September and October 2024

Sept. 14 - Oct 30       Sonny Acres Fall Festival - West Chicago

September 20 - 22       Riot Fest Music Festival - Douglas Park, Chicago

Sept 21 - Oct. 27       Pumpkin Daze - Abbey Farms - Aurora

Sept 22 - Oct 31       Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up (tickets required) - Goose Island, Chicago   

Sept 27 - 29       Oktoberfest Chicago - St. Alphonsus - West Lakeview, Chicago

Sept 27 - Oct. 30    Wicked West Fest - Westmont

October 4 - 5    Naper Settlement Oktoberfest - Naperville

October 4 - 6     Lincoln Park Wine Fest - Lincoln Park, Chicago

October 5        Chicago Beer Fest - Field Museum, Chicago

October 5      Family Fall Festival (starts at 9 AM) - Elmhurst

Oct. 11 - 13     Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show - Saint Charles     

Oct. 11 - 13     Scarecrow Fest - Saint Charles

Oct. 12 - 13    Fall Festival at Danada - Wheaton

Oct. 12 - 13    Harvest Pow Wow - Wheaton

October 13      Chicago Marathon - starts near Grant Park, Chicago

October 26     BatFest - Batavia

October 26     Fall Color 5K Run & Walk - Morton Arboretum - Lisle

Final Thoughts

Chicago is great in the Fall.  These events and festivals are just a sampling of the many festivals, concerts, and events in the Chicago area.  

(C) 2022-24 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Lake Geneva Winterfest

Lake Geneva 28th Annual Winterfest 

The City of Lake Geneva holds the 28th Annual Winterfest, featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship February 1 – 5, 2023. 

This is the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States.  This is the 28th year of the Winterfest and it welcomes the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country to compete against each other.  

The snow sculpting competition runs 11am Wednesday February 1st through 1pm Saturday February 4th at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along the beautiful shore of Geneva Lake. 

Admission is FREE to attend and the ice sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (and until they melt).

Lake Geneva Winterfest Snow Sculpture 

This is considered the gold standard of snow sculpting competition and draws over 60,000 guests annually to enjoy the snow sculpture competition and an array of fun winter-inspired events and activities throughout the region.

The winter fest has loads of fun events and activities including “BONFIRES ON THE BEACH,” which includes cozy bonfires, live entertainment, warm drinks, and tasty s’mores and other treats.

Besides the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship competition Winterfest includes a local school snow sculpture event, a fire and ice bar, the downtown ice sculpture walk, a snowball white party, and the Riviera Ballroom warming center. 

Free shuttle bus service is available for the Winterfest.

For the Winterfest schedule, directions, parking, and other information go to:  https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/

Lake Geneva offers a variety of activities for all ages besides the Winterfest.  This is a run down of some:  

• Ice skating 
• Sledding
• Skiing 
• Ice Fishing
• Explore the Ice Castles

Also, the Grand Geneva located at:  7036 Grand Geneva Way  Lake Geneva, WI 53147 has Ice Skating, a Sledding hill, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Bundle up and head out for the Winterfest in February and check out some of these other fun winter activities.

For more travel information and destinations visit our Travel Page.

And to learn about things to do in Hoffman Estates check out the post:  Things to do in Hoffman Estates

Final Thoughts

This is the 28th annual year of the Lake Geneva Winterfest.  The snow sculpture competition produces such amazing creations.  And besides the snow sculpture competition there is a ton of other activities and fun things to do.  Hope to see you February 1st - 5th at the Lake Geneva Winterfest.

(C) 2023 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Free Chicago Museum Days

Free Museum days for Illinois residents to Chicago museums is a great perk.  Chicago has some world renown museums and visiting the museums on free days is helpful on the wallet.  

The 2023 free museum dates have been announced by most museums and here is the list for Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and others.

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium has free museum days for Illinois residents:

• Every Wednesday evening from 4 – 10 p.m.

All tickets must be reserved online and in advance.

Art Institute of Chicago

Offers free admission days for Illinois residents during particular days of the year.

Free museum days in 2023 for Illinois residents at the Art Institute of Chicago are:

• Weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from Jan. 9 – March 24, 2023

Free admission tickets for Illinois residents must be reserved online in advance.

Note:  The Art Institute is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators.

Chicago History Museum

Free admission on select holidays and dates throughout the year are available to Illinois residents.

The announced dates for Illinois residents to receive free admission are on the following days in 2023:

• January: 16 – 20, 24 – 27, 31
• February:  1 – 3, 7 – 10, 14 – 17, 20 – 24, 28
• Holidays:
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16)
• Presidents’ Day (Feb. 20)
• Fourth of July (July 4)

Note:  Always free for active duty military and veterans, active duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.

Field Museum

Offers free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.

Free museum days at the Field Museum in 2023:

• January:   10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
• February:   1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20
• March:  7, 14

Tickets for free days are only available onsite.  Free tickets include all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.

Museum of Science and Industry

Offers free admission for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.

Here are the free admission days announced for the Museum of Science and Industry for 2023:

• January  9–11, 16–18, 23–25, 30–31
• February 1–2, 6–9, 13–14, 16, 21
• March 1, 6, 14 
• April 18, 22
• May 4, 9, 17–18
• June 1, 6–7
• August 22, 28–29
• September 5–6, 11–12, 15, 18–20, 26
• October 4–5, 9, 16–17
• November 1, 8

Note:  The Museum is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Offering suggested donation admission on the following days in 2023 where Illinois Residents can enjoy free admission during these Suggested Donation Days,:

• January: 5, 12, 19, 26

Note:  Always free for active-duty service members with ID and their families, Illinois teachers, and children under three.

Shedd Aquarium

Illinois residents receive free access to all permanent exhibits, including special exhibits Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch, on select dates throughout the year.

Free museum days for Illinois residents at the Shedd Aquarium in 2023:

• January:   12, 13, 14, 15, and 16
• February:   7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, and 28

Note:  Advance reservations are required; no tickets will be available onsite.  All adults must provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate.

(C) 2023 jspublishing.blogspot.com

What are the Best Chicago Brunch Places?

Chicago is known for its world famous food scene and past posts have provided insight on some Chicago Best Restaurants and best taco places in the area.  Now we take a look at some of the best brunch places in Chicago.      

We take a look at eight (8) frequently recommended brunch places among Facebook users in the Chicago area.  

Lou Mitchell's

About:  Iconic diner serving hearty breakfasts & lunches since 1923.  Located near the Sears (Willis) Tower on Jackson Boulevard.

Brunch Menu Includes:  Fluffy Jumbo Omelettes, Pancakes and Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Country Style Sausage Gravy, Coffee Cake, Doughnuts, Marinated Skirt Steak, Baked Meat Loaf, Burgers, Chicken, etc.

Address:  565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Phone:  (312) 939-3111

Google Stars:  4.6

Price Range:  $$

Cindy’s Rooftop

About:  This restaurant offers one of the best rooftop dining and brunch experiences Chicago has to offer.  Frequently recommended by folks on Facebook.  Cindy’s is atop the Chicago Athletic Association north of the Art Institute and across the street from Millennium Park.

Brunch Menu includes: 

• Drinks:  DIY Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Coffee, Tea, Espresso
• Food:  Oysters On The Half Shell, Smoked Salmon, and Buttermilk Pancakes.  

Address:  12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Phone:  (312) 792-3502

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$$

Honeybear café

About:  Local, family-owned restaurant in the Rogers Park neighborhood offering a full service menu of breakfast and lunch items.  Frequently mentioned on Facebook as a great Chicago Brunch spot.  

Breakfast Menu includes:   Biscuits and Gravy, Huevos Rancheros, Skillets, Vegan Tofu Scrambler, Omelets, Crepes, French Toast, and lots more 

Address:  7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626

Phone:  (773) 754-7450

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$

Beatrix

About:  Neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Oak Brook and Loop neighborhoods.  Brunch Served Saturday & Sunday until 3:00pm

Brunch Menu includes:   

• Drinks:  Mimosas, Bloody Mary, Martinis, Margarita, Fresh squeezed juices
• Food:  Prime Steak & Eggs, French Toast, Pancakes, and more . . .

Locations:  

• City:  River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Loop 
• Suburbs:  Oak Brook

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$

Frances' Brunchery

About:  Landmark in Lincoln Park for over eighty (80) years – serving diners breakfast, lunch, and brunch (before it was even a thing).  Serving daily 9 AM – 3 PM.

Breakfast Menu includes:   French Toast, Omelets, Pancakes, Waffles, Homemade Sausage patties, Skillets, and more.

Address:  2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Phone:  (773) 248-4580

Google Stars:  4.4

Price Range:  $$

Beatnik On The River 

About:   Mediterranean restaurant with a funky-ornate setting with riverfront seats offers a favorite Weekend Brunch experience. Hear world beats by DJs in a riverfront terrace (heated and enclosed with clear panels during cooler months), and sip on tropical drinks while enjoying brunch.

Brunch Menu includes:   Tomato & Avocado Toast, Cubano Breakfast Sandwich, Vegan Chilaquiles, bakery items, and more

Address:  180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Phone:  (312) 526-3345

Google Stars:  4.2

Price Range:  $$$

Wake ‘n Bacon

About:  Trendy destination with extensive, locally sourced international brunch menu.  A unique brunch with American, Asian, and Latin flavors paired with fun cocktails.   Note:  Reservations Are Required For a Table

Breakfast Menu includes:   

• Drinks:  Coffee, Tea, Specialty Drinks, Cocktails, Beer
• Food:  Spiced Maple Chicken 'n Waffles, Berry Bliss Crepes, French Toast, Pancakes, Eggs, and a variety of other unique dishes

Address:  420 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Phone:  (773) 880-5100

Google Stars:  4.2

Price Range:  $$

Yolk

About:  Café chain serving creative breakfast dishes & sandwiches in a cheery, contemporary atmosphere.

Breakfast Menu includes:   Eggs Benedict, Combos, Avocado Toast, Skillets, Omelets, pancakes, breakfast burritos, and more 

Address:  Multiple locations throughout Chicago and Illinois – see website for addresses

Google Stars:  4.1 – 4.4 **Depending on the location

Price Range:  $$

Final Thought

Chicago is home to a wide variety of great food and these venues offer a flavorful and unique experience.   So if you are in Chicago and are looking for great brunch or breakfast places try one of these Facebook user favorites.  Leave a comment on any additional brunch places you recommend and we will research it.   Enjoy!! 

(C) 2023 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Chicago Ice Skating

Chicago Ice Skating Rinks abound

Updated:  November 9, 2024

Ice rinks, both outdoor and indoor, for skaters of all types and abilities, abound in the Chicago area. 

Chicago Ice Skating locations are very accessible so don’t stay inside this winter - get your exercise by lacing up your ice skates and visiting one of the many Chicago Ice skating locations.  Most places in the list rent skates if you don't have your own.

We compiled the table below of indoor Chicago ice skating options for the Chicago suburbs.  It include a list of Outdoor Chicago ice skating options for the Northwest suburbs and downtown Chicago just below the table. 

You will find Chicago ice skating available in Addison, Hoffman Estates, Crystal Lake, Glen Ellyn, Darien, and many locations throughout the Chicago area including Wilmette, Evanston, and Vernon Hills.

Get ready for a winter of active ice skating fun.  So, don't stay inside, instead,  visit some of the best ice skating rinks in the Chicago area and get your ice skating on.

 

Indoor Ice Skating rinks in the Chicago Suburbs

City:	Place to Skate:	Address:	Phone #:
Addison	Addison Ice Arena	475 S Grace St, Addison, IL 60101	(630) 543-9200
Bensenville	Edge Ice Arena	735 E Jefferson St, Bensenville, IL 60106	(630) 766-8888
Bolingbrook	Rocket Ice Skating Rink	180 Canterbury Ln, Bolingbrook, IL 60440	(630) 679-1700
Buffalo Grove	Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion	1500 Abbott Ct, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089	(847) 821-7465
Carol Stream	Carol Stream Ice Rink	540 Gundersen Dr, Carol Stream, IL 60188	(630) 682-4480
Crystal Lake	Crystal Ice House	320 Prairie St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014	(815) 356-8500
Darien	Darien Sportsplex	451 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL 60561	(630) 789-6666
Evanston	Robert Crown Community Center	1801 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202	(847) 448-8258
Geneva	Fox Valley Ice Arena	1996 S Kirk Rd, Geneva, IL 60134	(630) 262-0690
Glen Ellyn	Center Ice of Dupage	1N450 Highland Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137	(630) 790-9696
Glenview	Glenview Community Ice Center	1851 Landwehr Rd, Glenview, IL 60026	(847) 724-2800
Gurnee	Top Shelf Ice Arena	6152 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031	(847) 224-7171
Hoffman Estates	Triphahn Ice Arena	1685 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169	(847) 885-7500
Joliet	Inwood Ice Arena	3000 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435	(815) 741-7275
Mt. Prospect	Nicholas Sportsplex	1501 Feehanville Dr, Mt Prospect, IL 60056	(224) 443-4370
Naperville	All Seasons Ice Rink	31W330 N Aurora Rd, Naperville, IL 60563	(630) 851-0755
Northbrook	Northbrook Sports Center	1730 Pfingsten Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062	(847) 291-2993
Oak Lawn	Oak Lawn Ice Arena	9320 S Kenton Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453	(708) 857-5173
Oak Park	Paul Hruby Ice Arena	415 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302	(708) 725-2000
Orland Park	Arctic Ice Arena	10700 160th St, Orland Park, IL 60467	(708) 403-4231
Park Ridge	Oakton Ice Arena	2800 Oakton St, Park Ridge, IL 60068	(847) 692-3359
Rolling Meadows 1	Nelson Sports Complex	3900 Owl Dr, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008	(847) 818-3210
Rolling Meadows 2	West Meadows Ice Arena	3939 Winnetka Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008	(847) 398-2700
Skokie	Skatium Ice Arena	9340 Weber Park Pl, Skokie, IL 60077	(847) 674-1500 ext. 2900
Vernon Hills	Glacier Ice Arena	670 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills, IL 60061	(847) 362-1222
Wilmette	Centennial Ice Rink	2300 Old Glenview Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091	(847) 256-9666
Woodridge	Seven Bridges Ice Arena	6690 IL-53, Woodridge, IL 60517	(630) 271-4400

 

Chicago Ice Skating Outdoor Rinks in the Northwest Suburbs

• Hoffman Estates - for conditions click here
• North Ridge Park Pond – 1370 West Sturbridge Dr
• Fabbrini Park Pond – 1704 Glen Lake Rd
• Evergreen Park Pond – 600 Washington Blvd

• Schaumburg - for conditions click here
• Volkening Lake - 900 W. Schaumburg Road
• Timbercrest Park Ice Rinks - 120 W. Beech Drive

• Arlington Heights - for conditions click here
• Arlington Ridge Center - Legacy Park - 660 N Ridge Ave.
• Camelot Park - 1005 E Suffield Drive
• Frontier Park - 1933 N Kennicott Drive
• Heritage Park - 506 W Victoria Lane
• Hickory Meadows - 1324 N. Hickory Avenue
• Pioneer Park - 500 S. Fernandez
• Recreation Park - 500 East Miner

 

Chicago Ice Skating Rinks in the City of Chicago

Several Outdoor and Indoor ice skating rinks exist in downtown Chicago including:

MillenniumPark Ice skating rink - Admission to the ice rink is free but online tickets are required

• Dates:  November 15, 2024—February 2, 2025 (weather permitting)

 

MaggieDaley Park ice skating ribbon — online reservation is needed

• Dates:  Nov. 15, 2024 - Mar. 9, 2025 (weather permitting)

 

MidwayPlaisance in Hyde Park -  1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago, IL 60637

 

GallagherWay rink in Wrigleyville - 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your winter this year by taking advantage of the many places to ice skate in the Chicago suburbs and the city.  

Plenty of options exist.  So, skate in the comfort of one of the indoor ice skating arenas or venture outdoors to skate at Millennium Park or the Maggie Daley Park ice rink and soak in some rays of sun. 

Have fun and get some ice skating exercise this winter!!

(C) 2022-24 jspublishing.blogspot.com