Spooky-Season Finds for a Mild Fall Weekend

Your daily guide to what's popping in Chicago

By Raj Singh · Published October 25, 2026.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

Chicago Fall Market @ Artifact Events

Markets for Makers brings its fall edition to Artifact Events in Ravenswood — 90-plus makers under one roof, plus DIY craft stations, themed photo walls, snacks and a tote bag to fill as you shop small. It's an easy way to knock out some early gift-buying and support independent makers in one stop.

Today, Sunday, runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — the second and final day of the Oct 24–25 weekend. Admission is $6, and under-12s get in at no charge.

Grace Spee: The Feminine Gothic Narrative in Survival Horror @ Chicago Gamespace

Chicago Gamespace's solo show by designer-artist Grace Spee draws on the visual language of survival-horror games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. Through risograph prints, two hand-printed artist books and a large articulated paper doll, the work examines vulnerability, fear and female protagonists moving through Gothic environments — a sharp, season-appropriate gallery stop on Bloomingdale Avenue.

The gallery is open Sundays 2–5 p.m.; admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids. The exhibition runs through Dec 20, and there's a reception and artist talk this Thursday, Oct 29, from 5–7 p.m. if you'd rather catch Spee in person.

Brett Goldstein: Sex, Death & Small Talk @ The Chicago Theatre

Brett Goldstein brings his touring show "Sex, Death & Small Talk" to the landmark Chicago Theatre on State Street this afternoon, with a 4 p.m. showtime. The listing doesn't include a ticket price, so tap through to check availability before you head into the Loop.

Streetlight Manifesto: The Presence of the Past Tour @ House of Blues

Ska-punk band Streetlight Manifesto plays House of Blues in River North on their Presence of the Past tour, with the show at 7 p.m. There's no price in the listing, so check the link for tickets.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26

Day of the Dead Altar Preparation @ Vittum Park

A free, hands-on Chicago Park District workshop — part of the Night Out in the Parks series — where you create an altar for your loved ones to be displayed at Vittum Park's Dia de los Muertos event. The space and altar are provided; you're encouraged to bring your own photos and mementos.

Monday, Oct 26, from 6–8 p.m.; free and open to all ages. At Vittum (Harriet Elizabeth) Park, 5010 W 50th St.

Wake 'n Bacon Brunch Happy Hour @ Wake 'n Bacon

If Monday needs a soft landing, Wake 'n Bacon in Lakeview runs a weekday happy hour from 2–4 p.m. with 50% off cocktails, coffees and food. It runs Monday through Friday, so it's an easy mid-afternoon reset at 420 W Belmont Ave.

THIS WEEK

Haunted House Party at the Shedd @ Shedd Aquarium

On Halloween night, the Shedd Aquarium throws a 21-and-up house-music party, with DJ sets from Gent Hunt and DJ Heather and costumes encouraged. Despite the name, Time Out points out there are no scares here — the vibe is decidedly house party, not haunted.

Saturday, Oct 31, at 7 p.m.; 21 and up; $19.95 for members and $29.95 for non-members. It's on the Museum Campus, with buses 12, 130 and 146 serving the area. One night only — grab tickets before Halloween.