Things to Do:

Chicago Suburbs

Hi, we’re Mike & Marta! Looking for something to do this week? You’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the events, experiences and things happening across the Chicago suburbs so you can click, explore and start making plans.

Close-up of a circular sign with green text that reads 'do the happy b' on a white background.

New updates every week - starting Sundays at 6pm cst.

Featured Events:

A patriotic poster promoting a veterans support event at American Legion Post 208 on November 14, 2026. Features soldiers silhouetted against a sunset, the American flag, and logos of the American Legion and a music celebration. Highlights include tickets, food, and entertainment details.

Nov 14 - Rock The Vets

Rock the Vets is an annual charity event featuring live music from the cover band Oh Yes held at the American Legion Hall Post 208 in Arlington Heights

MORE INFO

A lantern-lit evening experience featuring live entertainment and a Spirit Trail-Bourbon Tasting at Memorial Park in Wheaton.

Oct 17 - Memorial Park after Dark

MORE INFO

Events this week:

  • Vibrant Nightmare on Chicago Street 2026 poster featuring costumed performers, a singer with face paint, and bright green and purple event branding for downtown Elgin

    Oct 16-17 - Nightmare on Chicago Street

    Live Music featuring Plain White T’s and the Zombie Apocalypse covering 8 blocks in Downtown Elgin

    More Info
  • Nighttime promotional image of Schaumburg Halloween Carnival and Haunted House at Wintrust Field showing a glowing Ferris wheel, carnival tents, full moon, and large illuminated “Halloween” sign

    Oct 16 - Schaumburg Carnival List Item

    Schaumburg Carnival and Haunted House starts at Wintrust field in Schaumburg

    more info
  • Dark navy Memorial Park After Dark graphic with a glowing lantern logo and “lanterns, spirits & legends” text for the October 17 Wheaton event

    Oct 17 - Memorial Park after Dark

    A lantern-lit evening experience featuring live entertainment and a Spirit Trail-Bourbon Tasting at Memorial Park in Wheaton.

    More info
  • Elegant black invitation-style graphic for Monster Mash at The Dole featuring a witch hat illustration, spiderwebs, and October 16 event details in Crystal Lake

    Oct 16 - Monster Mash Adult Costume Party

    Come dressed in your best Halloween costume, sip on delicious potions and dance the night away at the Dole in Crystal Lake

    more info
  • Witches Night Out graphic showing a silhouette of a witch flying on a broom under a full moon with jack-o’-lanterns and a castle silhouette for the Libertyville event

    Oct 16 - Witches night out

    Grab your withes hat and broom for a night of fun in downtown Libertyville

    more info
  • Lake County Home Show promotional image featuring a modern kitchen, outdoor patio with flowers, and elegant gold event lettering for the Grayslake fairgrounds

    Oct 17-18 - Lake County Home Show

    HUNDREDS of Fresh AND AFFORDABLE products, services and ideas to help you remodel, repair and beautify YOUR home at The Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake

    more info
  • McHenry Drive-In movie poster pairing classic horror films The Exorcist and Poltergeist with their iconic original artwork for the October 16–17 double feature

    Oct 16-17 – The Exorcist and Poltergeist Double Feature

    The Exorcist and Poltergeist, the 2 scariest movies from when I was a kid are playing at the McHenry Drive in McHenry

    more info
  • Playful Pumpkin Splash graphic showing cartoon orange pumpkins floating and swimming in blue water for the Arlington Heights Ridge Center family event

    Oct 18 - Pumpkin Splash

    Skip the patch and jump in the pool to pick your pumpkin at Arlington Heights Ridge Center

    more info
  • Adorable Australian Shepherd dog dressed as a ghost sheet costume with eye holes for the Long Grove Pet Costume Parade on October 18

    Oct 18 – Annual pet costume parade

    Local dogs throughout the area are invited to show off their best Halloween costumes in Historic Downtown Long Grove

    More info
  • Colorful neon-style Pinball Expo 2026 logo with bold blue and pink lettering, a silver pinball, and “Celebrating 42 Years” text for the October 14–17 event

    Oct 14-17 - Pinball Expo 2026

    Play or buy all kinds of arcade games at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg

    More info
  • Bold maroon and white 1st Annual Wauconda Wine Walk graphic featuring a large wine bottle silhouette and “Shop, Explore, Sip!” text for October 15

    Oct 15 – First annual Wauconda wine walk

    Shop, sip and explore 16 different locations for the 1st Annual Wauconda Wine Walk.

    More info
  • Rock The Vets benefit concert graphic featuring Oh Yes band performing live at American Legion Post 208 in Arlington Heights IL on November 14 2026 supporting local veterans

    Nov 14 - Rock The Vets

    Rock the Vets is an annual charity event featuring live music from the cover band Oh Yes held at the American Legion Hall Post 208 in Arlington Heights

    more info