Sat, Oct 3 – Sun, Oct 4
This page covers and . It moves on to the next weekend on its own, from what Illinois attractions publish on their own websites.
Everything below is a dated item a venue published itself, quoted word for word and linked back. Nothing is a listing anyone paid for, and no price appears here that the venue did not print.
3 of the 19, one to a region and one to a kind of day out, chosen for being on this Saturday or Sunday rather than on all year — and for the venue having published both a photograph and a price. Everything else is below.
On nowOct 3
Chicago History Museum, Chicago
A trolley tour with Mike McMains spotlighting the South Loop's and Bronzeville's neighborhood evolutions and hidden LGBTQIA+ histories.
On nowOct 3
Jonamac Orchard, Malta
Guests navigate a 10-acre haunted corn maze at night with terrifying creatures and spooky surprises lurking behind the stalks. Entry times are metered, and the experience takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
On nowOct 3
Spider Hill Haunted Attractions, Chillicothe
Families experience Massacre Mansion and Trail of Terror haunted attractions. Doors open at 6:45 pm, attractions start at 7:00 pm, and ticket sales continue until 11:00 pm. The venue will not be open on Halloween.
19 items running for a fortnight or less, so these are on now rather than on all year. Where the same place also has a longer run on, it is on the same card.
Chicago History Museum, Chicago
2 things on here this weekend
On nowOct 3 · 10:00 amEvent
A trolley tour with Mike McMains spotlighting the South Loop's and Bronzeville's neighborhood evolutions and hidden LGBTQIA+ histories.
“October 3 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm”
This weekendOct 4 · 12:00 pmEvent
Author and historian Bernard Turner leads a van tour through Bronzeville exploring how African Americans shaped the history and culture of this South Side neighborhood.
“October 4 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm”
This weekendOct 4 · 9:00 amEvent
Gillson Park, Wilmette
Families gather seeds from native plants at Gillson Park Bird Habitat from 9–11 am, then join a tree walk from 10–11:30 am. Drop-ins welcomed; tools provided.
“Dates: October 4, 2026 at 9:00 am”
On nowOct 1 – 15Season
NIU Art Museum, DeKalb
NIU Art Museum celebrates Latino Heritage Month with a range of fun and educational events and activities throughout the period.
Free to get into
The venue: “Admission is free and open to the public, but donations are always appreciated.”
“Dates: October 1, 2026 – October 15, 2026”
On nowOct 3Event
Heritage Park, Oswego
Kids and dads fish together, cook an outdoor breakfast, and spend time together with poles, bait, and assistance provided by Oswegoland's Fishin' Fools Club.
“October 3 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am”
On nowOct 3Friday & Saturday (October)Regular dates
Jonamac Orchard, Malta
Guests navigate a 10-acre haunted corn maze at night with terrifying creatures and spooky surprises lurking behind the stalks. Entry times are metered, and the experience takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
“Friday & Saturday (October)”
On nowOct 3 – 4Event
Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles
The Kane County Flea Market runs Saturday and Sunday with up to 1,000 dealers displaying and selling antiques and collectibles indoors and outside.
“KANE COUNTY FLEA MARKET 10/3/2026 - 10/4/2026 HRS: SAT. 11-4; SUN. 7-3.”
Keller’s Farmstand, Oswego
3 things on here this weekend
On nowOct 3Event
Chief Meteorologist Drew Burgoyne from CBS 58 Milwaukee presents on severe weather and safety using science demonstrations. Two sessions held at noon and 2pm, each about 40 minutes long.
“Saturday, October 3: 12:00 & 2:00 (about 40 minutes)”
On nowSep 12 – Oct 25Season
Fall activities include a 12-acre corn maze, grass maze, playhouse with slides, farm animals, games, and climbing structures. Wristband admission required for ages 5 and up; children 4 and under free.
“Saturday, September 12 - Sunday, October 25, including Monday, October 12”
On nowSep 26 – Oct 31Season
Families pick their own pumpkins from a sprawling patch at the Oswego farm, choosing from small, medium, or large varieties with vine still attached. U-pick and pre-picked pumpkins available.
“OPENING SATURDAY SEPT 26th- OCT 31”
This weekendOct 4Event
Blackberry Farm, Aurora
A bubble-making activity included with Pumpkin Weekends admission on October 4, running from noon to 3pm.
“October 4 Bubble Making: Noon to 3 p.m.”
This weekendOct 4Event
Tinley Park Historical Society, Tinley Park
On Sunday, October 4, certified antiques appraiser Rex Newell examines items brought by guests, sharing histories and approximate values. Families can attend without bringing an object.
Free to get into
The venue: “Admission is FREE.”
“Sunday, October 4, 2026 1:00pm – 3:00pm”
The Pumpkin Patch, Caledonia
2 things on here this weekend
On nowOct 3Open daily 9am – 6pmRegular dates
A 7-acre pumpkin patch where families pick their own pumpkins from over 50 varieties, enjoy wagon rides on weekends, visit the petting zoo, play in inflatables, and explore a corn maze and haunted shed.
“Open daily 9am – 6pm”
This weekendOct 4Open daily 9am – 6pmRegular dates
A 7-acre pumpkin patch where families pick their own pumpkins from over 50 varieties, enjoy wagon rides on weekends, visit the petting zoo, play in inflatables, and explore a corn maze and haunted shed.
“Open daily 9am – 6pm”
On nowOct 3Event
Twisted Roots Flower Farm, Belvidere
Families experience the flower field on October 3rd at Twisted Roots Flower Farm, with options for different ticket levels.
“The Flower Field Experience - Oct 3rd”
Community Solar System, Peoria
2 things on here this weekend
On nowOct 3Event
Laser light shows at the museum planetarium with multiple showtimes available for families to experience.
“Laser Light Nights Sat Oct 3, 2026 12:15pm”
On nowOct 3Event
A family-friendly film screening of The Sandlot with morning and afternoon showtimes at the museum.
“The Sandlot (1993) Sat Oct 3, 2026 10am”
On nowOct 3Fridays & Saturdays in October from 7pm til 11pmRegular dates
Downs Haunted House, Downs
The haunted house features a fright fest with a haunted house, haunted hay rack ride, concessions, bonfires, apparel sales, and queue line entertainment including a fire-blowing clown and stilt walker.
“Fridays & Saturdays in October from 7pm til 11pm”
On nowOct 3 · 10:00 amEvent
Prairie Farms, Champaign
A cooking class for ages 3–5 where children and caregivers make pumpkin muffins together, learning measuring, counting, cause and effect, and following directions. All creations are peanut-free.
Free to get into
The venue: “Admission to the farm is free, but donations are appreciated.”
“October 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am”
On nowOct 3 · 7:00 pmOpen Every FRIDAY and SATURDAY in October! Massacre Mansion and Trail of Terror!Regular dates
Spider Hill Haunted Attractions, Chillicothe
Families experience Massacre Mansion and Trail of Terror haunted attractions. Doors open at 6:45 pm, attractions start at 7:00 pm, and ticket sales continue until 11:00 pm. The venue will not be open on Halloween.
“Open Every FRIDAY and SATURDAY in October! Massacre Mansion and Trail of Terror! 27th year of operation! Get ready for the best-haunted attraction in the area!! Doors open at 6:45 pm Attractions start at 7:00 pm Ticket Sales until 11:00 pm Spider Hill will NOT be open on Halloween”
National Building Arts Center, Sauget
2 things on here this weekend
On nowOct 3Event
A guided bus tour exploring Route 66 and the architectural fragments featured in the City 66 exhibition. Families can learn about the road's history and the buildings along its path.
“October 3: Bus tour ( [tickets available]”
On nowAug 27 – Oct 17Season
An outdoor exhibition of architectural fragments recovered from buildings along Route 66, including stone, terra cotta, and cast iron pieces from the actual road. Families can view the collection during regular hours.
“August 27 to October 17: Regular hours (Thursday 1–5 PM, Friday 9 AM–5 PM, Saturday 9 AM–5 PM)”
21 longer runs — exhibitions and seasons open across the weekend but on for more than 14 days. Closing soonest first.
On nowSep 26 – Nov 1Season
Field Museum, Chicago
The Field Museum transforms with Underground MISadventure: Zombie Fungus and Halloween Harvest Maze. Families explore immersive experiences featuring creepy fungi, poisonous mushrooms, and a spooky plant maze with scavenger hunts.
“Fright at the Field will run September 26 through November 1, 2026.”
On nowSep 19 – Oct 12Season
Royal Oak Farm Orchard, Harvard
Families celebrate the fall harvest with U-pick apples, wagon rides, an apple tree maze, bakery treats, petting zoo, mini golf, and orchard tours at Royal Oak Farm's annual AppleFest.
“AppleFest | Daily September 19th – October 12th”
Sonny Acres Farm, West Chicago
2 things on here this weekend
On nowOct 2 – 30Event
An interactive haunted experience with live actors in a barn maze and hayride featuring scarecrows and zombie cowboys. Guests encounter creepy scenes, props and theatrical effects throughout the attraction.
“Select Nights October 2–30, 2026”
On nowSep 19 – Oct 30Season
Families pick pumpkins, ride hayrides, visit farm animals, enjoy amusement rides and attractions, browse the farm store, and eat seasonal food throughout the festival grounds.
“SEPTEMBER 19th – OCTOBER 30th”
On nowOct 1 – 31Season
Cosley Zoo, Wheaton
The zoo features thousands of pumpkins lining the lawn, children's rides, and fall merchandise. Families can see animals, purchase pumpkins and gourds, and enjoy face painting on Saturdays.
“Month of October | Daily 9A-5P | Cosley Zoo (1356 N Gary Ave)”
On nowSep 19 – Oct 31Season
Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm, Waukegan
The farm opens for its fall season with pre-picked pumpkins in many varieties, sizes, and colors, plus fall mums, gourds, corn stalks, and straw bales for purchase. Hayrides tour the fields with educational talks on crops and farming.
“2026 Fall Season September 19th - October 31st”
On nowOct 1 – 31Season
Patch 22, Wadsworth
The farm opens weekends in October with extended hours. Families can meet and feed animals, ride ponies, and purchase pumpkins and fall goods.
“Farm Hours (Fall): Saturdays AND Sundays: 10am-5pm,October (No Reservation Required)”
On nowAug 27 – Oct 31Season
Woody's Orchard & Fun Farm, Plano
Families enjoy apples, pumpkins, donuts, and farm activities including jump pads, hay wagon rides, corn maze, mini golf, zip lines, and music with DJ Angie on weekends.
“Thursdays-Sundays August 27-30, September 3 - October 31 10am – 6pm”
On nowSep 19 – Nov 1Season
Abbey Farms, Aurora
Forty acres of pumpkins, one of the largest corn mazes in Kane County, hayrides, activity park, petting zoo, and food. One ticket covers every activity inside the farm.
“September 19 through November 1.”
On nowSep 11 – Nov 1Season
Goebbert's Farm - South Barrington, South Barrington
The Fall Festival runs through November 1st with animal encounters, corn maze, duck derby, giraffe barn, magic show, gem mining, pony rides, camel rides, pig racing, haunted house, and wagon rides.
“Fall Festival started September 11th and runs through November 1st, 2026”
Kuipers Family Farm, Maple Park
3 things on here this weekend
On nowSep 18 – Nov 1Season
Families stroll through the orchard and hand-pick apples from over 45 varieties. The orchard is open daily as part of Fall Harvest Fest through November 1.
“Fall Harvest Fest runs September 18 through November 1.”
On nowSep 18 – Nov 1Season
Families explore the Pumpkin FunFarm's 30+ attractions, pick apples from the U-Pic Apple Orchard, and enjoy food and live music on weekends throughout the fall season.
“Fall Harvest Fest runs September 18 through November 1.”
On nowSep 18 – Nov 1Season
Children bounce, climb, and slide through attractions including a corn maze and hayrides. Pig races run on weekends. Parents can relax with food and drinks while kids play.
“The Pumpkin FunFarm opens September 18, 2026 as part of the Fall Harvest Fest!”
On nowSep 19 – Nov 1
Siegel's Pumpkin Farm, Lockport
The farm features over 45 unique attractions and activities including rides, games, animal encounters, and food options. Families can enjoy the Saddle Up Ride, Dino Barn, Mountain Slide, Duck Races, and petting areas.
“Open Daily Sept 19th - Nov 1st 2026 10am to 6pm”
On nowSep 12 – Nov 1Season
Windy Acres Farm, Geneva
Fall Fest runs daily with attractions including a corn maze, petting zoo, trackless train, and jumping pillow. Families enjoy grilled foods, live music on weekends, face painting, and a magician most weekends.
“September 12th – November 1st! Open EVERY DAY 10am – 5:30pm”
On nowSep 4 – Nov 8Season
Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest, Homer Glen
Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest offers unlimited rides, award-winning food, and family-friendly attractions including a pumpkin patch, hayrides, train rides, petting zoo, and live music.
“OPEN: Sept. 4th - Nov. 8th”
On nowAug 15 – Nov 22Season
Batavia Depot Museum, Batavia
Local bands, choirs and ensembles are celebrated in this exhibit exploring how groups created music and community together across generations at the Batavia Depot Museum.
Free to get into
The venue: “General admission is free!”
“Dates: August 15, 2026 – November 22, 2026”
On nowSep 23 – Oct 24Season
Next Picture Show, Dixon
An exhibition celebrating the beauty, history, and enduring spirit of rural life, featuring artists from across the country sharing interpretations of farming communities and working landscapes.
“This popular exhibition runs Sept. 23 through Oct. 24, 2026.”
On nowSep 29 – Nov 24Season
Okaw Valley Orchard, Sullivan
The orchard is open late June through the day before Thanksgiving, offering peaches in summer and apples throughout fall. Families visit the playground, picnic areas, and animals while picking fresh fruit.
Free to get into
The venue: “No admission fee — just come and enjoy!”
“Season Late June – Day Before Thanksgiving Peaches in summer, apples all fall”
On nowMar 27 – Dec 31 · 3:00 pmSeason
Illinois Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fairground, Springfield
A photography exhibition by David J. Schwartz, whose work appears on USPS Route 66 Centennial stamps, documents people, places, and moments along the Mother Road, capturing Route 66 as a living highway shaped by communities.
Free to get into
The venue: “The Experience is open 365 days a year from roughly 8am to 8pm and is FREE of charge”
“March 27, 2026 – December 31, 2026 at 3:00 pm”
On nowSep 13 – Oct 31Season
Pumpkin Blossom Hill, Red Bud
Pumpkin Blossom Hill offers a variety of pumpkins, gourds, and fall crafts. Families can browse and select the perfect pumpkin for their home during the seasonal opening.
“Opening Weekend: Sunday, September 13th 10-4pm and will remain open until October 31st.”
Looking further ahead? Every attraction’s own page carries its full what’s on list.
