Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the return of Chicago Fall Fest, a two-week series of cultural and community events scheduled from October 17 to November 2. The initiative is designed to engage youth and residents of all ages with activities celebrating Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Diwali, and more. Details about the events can be found at www.ChicagoFallFest.org.

“Chicago Fall Fest will be a celebration of our residents’ creativity, culture, and connections,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Through this series, my administration continues our commitment to engaging young people in safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces for them to thrive. I am grateful to our community partners who are leading many of our events to ensure they are reflecting the needs and spirit of our communities.”

The festival begins on October 17 with Teen Night CHI-TOBERFEST at Harold Washington Library Center’s Winter Garden, organized by Project Exploration in partnership with the City of Chicago. The event will offer music, free food, and activities for teens.

“We’re proud to be part of Fall Fest and to bring the spirit of Austin to the citywide celebration,” said Janeicia Williams, Director of Community Ecosystem and Austin My CHI. My Future. lead at Project Exploration. “Through The Austin Experience, we host free and fun events for teens and families, led by youth who are owning what safe spaces look like on Chicago’s West Side.”

On October 18, the 11th Annual Arts in the Dark Parade will take place on State Street, featuring artists, cultural organizations, puppets, music, and fire spinners. The parade is presented by LUMA8 and the City of Chicago with support from Chicago Loop Alliance and Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee and Chicago.

That same spirit continues with the UPSIDE DOWN Halloween Parade on October 25 in Washington Park. Families attending this event will walk in costume through the park to experience live entertainment.

"We are delighted that Mayor Johnson and the City of Chicago continue to support events that highlight the cultural richness of our city," said Sharene Shariatzadeh, President and CEO of LUMA8. "Both Arts in the Dark and the Upside Down Halloween Parades give locals and visitors alike a way to celebrate Chicago's extraordinary spirit—where world-class creativity, diverse communities, and bold artistic expression come together to create experiences found nowhere else."

Between October 22 and November 7, ten community “Fall-4-All” events will be held across various neighborhoods, offering DJs, food, resources, and activities. These gatherings are organized with local partners in areas including Ravenswood, Altgeld Gardens, Belmont Cragin, Englewood, Garfield Park, East Side, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, and Little Village.

Throughout Fall Fest, My CHI. My Future. Safe Spaces for Youth partners will host teen-focused “Kickbacks” across the city. These are planned by youth employees at each organization to engage other young people and their families. The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) funds these programs in several neighborhoods.

“Fall Fest is a wonderful opportunity for our Youth program participants to utilize their creativity and produce safe, fun and memorable events for themselves and their peers,” said DFSS Commissioner Angela Green. “DFSS is excited for another engaging fall season of Youth activities, and for the meaningful work opportunities these experiences provide for our young people.”

The Chicago Park District also began its Halloween in the Parks program in October with fall-themed activities such as costume parties and haunted houses at parks throughout the city.

"Fall in the parks is a vibrant time full of opportunities to enjoy pumpkin patches, haunted houses, bonfires, scary movies, costume parades and more during the Chicago Park District’ indoor and outdoor Halloween in the Parks programs and events that welcome everyone to come and participate," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez Rosa. "Whether you come for the free MARS candy or a delightful fright, the Chicago Park District team is excited to offer a variety of fun-filled and spooktacular options to stay active in our parks. We're thrilled to partner with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Fall Fest 2025 and be part of the plethora of fall-themed, family-friendly events happening citywide."

The Chicago Public Library will also host over 100 fall-themed events throughout October.

“Fall at Chicago Public Library is a time to celebrate creativity, culture, and community,” said Library Commissioner Chris Brown. “From teen-led events to Día de los Muertos storytelling, our branches are alive with opportunities for connection and expression. We’re proud to join Mayor Johnson and partners across the city to make this season one where every Chicagoan can find joy, belonging, and inspiration.”

Community organizations, businesses, and block club leaders can register their fall events at ChicagoFallFest.org. The website provides an updated list and map of all scheduled activities.

A full listing of events can be found at www.ChicagoFallFest.org as well as through My CHI. My Future.’s website and mobile app.