Events in Chicago in October 2026
Chicago has 4 sourced events in October 2026. Compare dates, venues, and ticket sources below, then build the rest of your trip around the events you choose.
The Chicago calendar for October 2026 leads with these:
- SHFM National ConferenceOct 6 - Oct 8Source: festival calendar
- Chicago International Film FestivalOct 14 - Oct 25Source: festival calendar
- Pack Expo International 2026Oct 18 - Oct 21Source: festival calendar
By TripSapien · Updated November 1, 2026
Sourced events
- Oct 20
Going to Chicago in October?
Add your dates and we'll build the rest of your trip around these events — every place checked for closures and booking needs.
Planning leads
Early leads on events still lining up. Exact dates and details firm up closer to your trip.
- Oct 1 - Oct 3
Latina Comedy Festival
Chicago
Planning lead · details firm up closer in · Source: festival calendar
- Dates unconfirmed
Many down-town private buildings open free to the public for two days in mid-October.
Planning lead · details firm up closer in · Source: seasonal calendar
Holidays, observances & long weekends
Holiday and observance schedules can affect services and venue hours; confirm each place directly.
- Columbus Day · publicOct 12
- Long weekendOct 10–Oct 12
Holiday data: date-holidays (ISC/CC-BY-3.0).
Ready to plan Chicago?
Turn these October events into a full Chicago plan, every place checked for closures, limited hours, and booking needs on your dates.