Lanterns, Hockey and a Weekend of Oktoberfest

Your daily guide to what's popping in Chicago

By Raj Singh · Published October 6, 2026.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

Kelela - new avatar live @ The Vic Theatre

The acclaimed R&B singer Kelela plays The Vic Theatre tonight with her "new avatar live" show, listed for 8 p.m. It's the marquee concert of the night on the North Side. Doors and any other details are on the ticket page, so sort your tickets before you head over.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues @ United Center

The Blackhawks host the St. Louis Blues at the United Center tonight at 7 p.m. — early-season hockey in the West Loop against a Central Division foe. If you'd rather be in the stands than at a bar, it's a clean weeknight plan; tickets and start time are on the listing.

Created Equal: The Declaration of Independence @ Special Collections Research Center

If you're on the South Side today, this free exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Special Collections Research Center Exhibition Gallery in Hyde Park. It traces how the Declaration's claim that "all men are created equal" was read as both a manifesto of secession from Britain and a promise of liberty, equality and rights — and how that meaning has never been settled or uncontested.

Admission is free. It's a quiet, substantive hour rather than a spectacle — a good one if you want something to actually think about.

Chicago By Night River & Lake @ Chicago's First Lady Cruises

For the wildcard tonight: Chicago's First Lady runs its Chicago By Night cruise along the river and out onto Lake Michigan, gliding past the lit-up skyline with live commentary along the way. It's billed as a family-friendly sail, and tickets start at $50.

You'll feel the night breezes once you're out on the water, so bring a layer — it drops into the upper 40s after dark tonight. It boards downtown at 112 E. Wacker Dr.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns @ Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden's Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns opens Wednesday, with more than 1,000 real pumpkins — some weighing up to 150 pounds — carved into LED-lit creations and staged along the garden's pathways. New this year is a 20-foot inflatable sculpture called "Monarch Skull" by artist Alyse Gamson, and there are seasonal snacks and drinks for sale.

Gates are listed for 6:30 p.m. It's an outdoor walk and Wednesday evening looks mild and dry. The garden is up in north-suburban Glencoe — the Union Pacific North Metra line to Braeside gets you close.

THIS WEEK

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at West Lawn @ West Lawn Park

On Thursday evening, West Lawn Park throws its 6th annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, 6 to 8:30 p.m., with cultural exhibits, live performances, vendors and arts and crafts. It's free and open to all ages, outdoors in the West Lawn neighborhood on the Southwest Side, and part of the Park District's Night Out in the Parks series. Thursday looks mild for an evening outside.

Oktoberfestiversary @ Dovetail Brewery

The one to plan for: Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing Company team up for Oktoberfestiversary, their annual fall bash, Saturday and Sunday in the shared lot between the two North Center breweries. Expect special beer tappings alongside their regulars, live music, and food trucks — Bad Johnny's, El Zorro Tacos and Soul & Smoke are all slated.

There's a $5 suggested donation that benefits local food pantry The Friendship Center, which makes this an easy yes. It's outside, so dress for October. Take the Brown Line to Irving Park, or the 9, 50 or 80 bus.