Clear Skies, Scarecrows and Close-Up Magic

Your daily guide to what's popping in Chicago

By Raj Singh · Published October 17, 2026.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Fall Festival at North Park Village Nature Center

The North Park Village Nature Center throws its annual Fall Festival, a tradition the park district says has run for more than 30 years. Expect a fall walk along the trails, a build-your-own-scarecrow station, kids' arts and crafts, and free candy courtesy of Mars.

It runs Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM — free, all ages, and no registration needed, just drop in. It's outdoors, and the forecast cooperates: mainly clear with a high near 53. Getting there is easiest by bus — the CTA #53 Pulaski bus to Ardmore, or the #84 Peterson bus to Pulaski; the park district listing has driving and parking details.

Voices of the City @ Harold Washington Library

The Harold Washington Library hands its whole building over to a free, multi-floor arts celebration — film, storytelling, visual arts and music, with themed experiences on each level shaped by local voices. It's presented with Open House Chicago, the Chicago Loop Alliance and the Chicago Museum of Ice Cream, and the first 100 people to check in pick up a discount code for a Museum of Ice Cream visit.

It runs Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, at 400 S. State Street in the Loop — an easy indoor option if the chill gets to you.

deadmau5 at Navy Pier Open Air

deadmau5 plays Navy Pier's Open Air show tonight. The listing puts the start at 4 PM, at 600 E Grand Ave in Streeterville on the lakefront. Check the listing for ticket details before you head over.

Scott Green Lies To Your Kids @ iO Theater

Billed as "The Kids Show For Adults," this is an all-ages magic show that goes out of its way to tell you it's not a sweet, gentle, clap-along children's show. Scott Green — a Penn & Teller: Fool Us alum and the Chicago Bulls' team magician — brings an unpredictable hour packed with how-did-he-do-that moments and comedy.

It's Saturday, 6 to 7 PM, at the iO Theater. Tickets are $33.90 general admission, $23.40 for kids under 12.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

Filipino Variety Show @ Gangnam Market

A free 90-minute Filipino variety show hosted by comedian Jackie Lynn, with a lineup of stand-ups, drag performers and musicians, closing out with a DJ set from Special Ed. It's Sunday at 6 PM at Gangnam Market in West Town. Free to get in.

Luminaria de la Vida @ South Shore Cultural Center

The South Shore Cultural Center opens Luminaria de la Vida, the first solo exhibition from Vida Radick, who has taught ceramics for more than two decades and worked for the Chicago Park District for over 25 years. Her series of luminaries anchors the show, built around a quiet interplay of light and shadow and favoring organic forms. It's presented by the park district's Culture, Arts & Nature department.

The opening runs Sunday, 2 to 5 PM, at 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Free, all ages.

ON THE HORIZON

Arts in the Dark on Columbus Drive

Chicago's arts-centric Halloween parade returns next Saturday, Oct 24 — a free, family-friendly procession down Columbus Drive. Participants from major cultural organizations, youth programs and aspiring artists march from Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard.

It steps off at 6 PM. Transit is easy — take the Red or Blue Line to Jackson. It's an annual, one-night thing and it's free, so it's worth marking the calendar now.