This Week in Lincoln Park & Old Town: Zoo Fall Fest to Steppenwolf

Your week-ahead guide to Lincoln Park and Old Town — five picks, from free Fall Fest at the zoo to Topdog/Underdog at Steppenwolf.

By Raj Singh · Published September 27, 2026.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo @ Lincoln Park Zoo

Fall Fest is back at Lincoln Park Zoo, free and open from 8 AM, with s'mores, professional pumpkin carvers, a pumpkin patch, live music, and gardens decked out in autumn color. Some rides and attractions are ticketed.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Topdog/Underdog @ Steppenwolf Downstairs Theater

Steppenwolf's Topdog/Underdog plays the Downstairs Theater at 7:30 PM — a fast, fierce two-hander about brothers Lincoln and Booth, sibling rivalry, and a three-card hustle.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

DePaul Athletics Women's Volleyball @ McGrath Phillips Arena

DePaul women's volleyball hosts Marquette at McGrath Phillips Arena at 7 PM.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

Set In Chicago – Improvised Spooky Movie Sequels @ de Maat Theatre at Second City

For spooky season, Set In Chicago improvises an all-new scary-movie sequel from an audience pick at the de Maat Theatre; 7:30 PM, $20.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

The Dream Syndicate @ Old Town School of Folk Music

The Dream Syndicate play the Old Town School of Folk Music on Saturday; do312 lists an 8 PM start.

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