Day of the Dead Altars and a Warm Saturday

Your daily guide to what's popping in Chicago

By Raj Singh · Published October 9, 2026.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

MUNA: Gets So Hot Tour @ The Salt Shed

The indie-pop trio MUNA bring their Gets So Hot Tour to The Salt Shed in West Town tonight, with the listing showing a 7 PM start. Ticket prices weren't listed in our feed, so tap through to the link for availability before you make the trip over to Elston Avenue.

Día de los Muertos: Altar Making Art Workshop @ Riis Park

Riis Park hosts a free Día de los Muertos altar-making workshop this afternoon, running 3 to 6 PM. The source describes building a colorful, personalized altar honoring someone special using photos, flowers, symbols and mixed-media materials — all art materials are provided, and you're encouraged to bring copies of photos of loved ones or pets you'd like to include.

It's a teen-oriented program and part of the Park District's Night Out in the Parks series, so admission is free. Riis Park is at 6100 W Fullerton Ave on the Northwest Side.

Film Screening: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice @ Merlo Branch Library

Merlo Branch Library in Lakeview runs a free Community Cinema screening of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) this afternoon, from 2 to 4 PM. The source notes English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing will be available, and the Chicago Public Library runs these screenings at branches across the city.

It's rated PG-13 and admission is free — a low-stakes, spooky-season matinee at 644 W Belmont Ave.

YippieFest @ The Cornservatory

YippieFest turns the Cornservatory into a three-day theater marathon, with back-to-back shows from more than 30 groups and artists — short plays, improv, monologues, sketch comedy, stand-up and music among them. As the listing puts it, come early and stay late; you never quite know what comes next.

Day passes are $20 and let you come and go all day, and the listing notes all proceeds benefit local charities. The Cornservatory is at 4210 N Lincoln Ave on the North Side.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration @ Harrison Park

Ahead of the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday, Harrison Park in Pilsen hosts a free celebration on Saturday from noon to 4 PM. The Tierra Colombiana Dance Ensemble presents music, dance and storytelling, and the source says it's free and open to all.

It's part of the Park District's Night Out in the Parks series and runs all ages. Harrison Park sits at 1824 S Wood St.

Nightmare on Clark Street @ Stolen Saddle

Stolen Saddle — described as one of Chicago's largest country bars — kicks off its annual Halloween run, Nightmare on Clark Street, starting Saturday in Wrigleyville. Expect photo ops galore and an upstairs bar pouring spooky cocktails like Freddy's Tequila and Darcula's Blood. The listing is upfront that there's no haunted house this time around.

Tickets start at $19, and the event runs on select dates through November 1. It's at 3505 N Clark St, a short walk from the Red Line's Addison stop.

ON THE HORIZON

Loop Arts Fest @ State Street

Looking ahead to next Saturday, October 17, the inaugural Loop Arts Fest takes over State Street from Jackson Boulevard to Madison Street for a free, daylong street festival. It comes from the team behind the former Sundays on State street party, reworked into a new cultural celebration.

The listing promises live music and dance performances, local artists and vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and dance workshops, with things kicking off around noon. It's free and right in the heart of the Loop, within a short walk of nearly every L line that threads State Street.