š October Insider: Casket Races, Halloween Fun & Local Discoveries!
October ISSUE #2 ā¢ 2026
The Discover Berwyn Insider
Live Here. Explore Everywhere.
October Is Here ā Let's Get Out and Explore!
Fall is one of our favorite times of year around Chicago, and October certainly doesn't disappoint!
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From the outrageous Forest Park Casket Races to Chicago's spectacular Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, there's no shortage of reasons to get out and explore. Add in haunted attractions, neighborhood celebrations, colorful fall scenery, and some incredible local restaurants, and we've got plenty to keep us busy.
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In this edition of the Berwyn Insider, we're highlighting some of the best events and discoveries throughout Berwyn, our neighboring suburbs, and Chicago. Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a new place to eat, or something a little unusual, we hope you'll find a few ideas worth adding to your calendar.
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We're also continuing to grow Discover Berwyn, and we'd love your help. Know a hidden gem, an upcoming event, or a neighborhood business that deserves some attention? Send us your suggestions! Some of our favorite discoveries come directly from readers like you.
And if you enjoy the Insider, please forward it to a friend or neighbor. We're building a community of people who love exploring everything this area has to offer, and every new reader helps.
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Thanks for being part of it. Now grab a sweater, enjoy the fall weather, and let's see what's happening around our own backyard!
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Live Here. Explore Everywhere.
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ā¢ A NEW CHAPTER
Avito Caffe: A Fresh Stop at the Harlem Metra Station
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A BERWYN FAVORITE SINCE 2001 HAS A NEW HOME!
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After more than two decades on Ogden Avenue, Avito Caffe has relocated to the Harlem Avenue BNSF Metra station!
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Known for its Italian-inspired coffee, rich espresso, and neighborhood charm, Avito is bringing a familiar Berwyn favorite to a new location.
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Whether you're catching the morning train or simply looking for a great local cup of coffee, stop by, say hello, and support a longtime Berwyn business.
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NOW AT 7135 WINDSOR AVENUE ā¢ BERWYN
SAME LOCAL FAVORITE. BRAND-NEW STOP.Ā
OCTOBER EVENTS
Whatās Happening Around the Burbs
October brings spooky celebrations, colorful fall traditions, family fun, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore! From Berwyn and the near-west suburbs to downtown Chicago, here are a few events you won't want to miss.
Boo! at the Zoo
Halloween goes wild at Brookfield Zoo! Bring the family for trick-or-treating, costume parades, spooky decorations, animal encounters, and plenty of not-so-scary fun. Dress up, explore the zoo, and celebrate the season with your favorite animals.
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All Halloween festivities are included with regular zoo admission.
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Now Through Oct 25thĀ ā¢ Brookfield Zoo
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Forest Park Casket Races
Get ready for one of the area's wildest Halloween traditions! The 14th Annual Forest Park Casket Races return October 24, bringing outrageous homemade coffins, costumed teams, and plenty of spooky fun to Beloit Avenue. The Parade of Caskets kicks off at 10:30 AM, with races starting at 11 AM. Stick around for trick-or-treating on Madison Street afterward. Best of all, it's free to watch. Come see who crosses the finish line firstāand who ends up dead last!
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October 24th, 2026 ā¢ Forest Park Beloit Ave Between Madison and Adams St
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Chicago's most spectacular Halloween parade returns with giant glowing puppets, elaborate costumes, dancers, music, and larger-than-life creations! This free nighttime celebration of art and imagination moves back to Columbus Drive for 2026, with Grant Park and the Chicago skyline providing a magical backdrop.
October 24 ā¢ 6ā8 PM ā¢ Columbus Drive, Chicago
There's Still Plenty of October Fun Ahead!
From spooky Halloween celebrations and family-friendly adventures to live music, local happenings, and hidden gems, October is full of reasons to explore! Discover what's coming up across Berwyn, the near-west suburbs, and Chicago.
Next: āAround the Near-West Burbsā
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Things To Do Around Town
š½ļø EAT -SIP & SAVOR
MĆ©lange
This stylish new addition to Elmwood Park's Restaurant Row brings cocktails, shareable small plates, and a welcoming lounge atmosphere.
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Whether it's date night or drinks with friends, MĆLANGE offers something fresh to explore.
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GOOD WINE. SMALL PLATES. GREAT COMPANY.
š DO - SPOOKY FUN
The Wilkes Family Halloween Displays
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Head to downtown Bensenville for a frightfully fun Halloween experience! The Wilkes family brings spooky characters, elaborate displays, and plenty of Halloween magic to life every weekend in October.
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Every Weekend in October ā¢ Downtown Bensenville
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š EXPLORE - OPEN HOUSE ADVENTURE
Ā Open House Chicago 2026
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Ever wonder what's behind Chicago's most fascinating doors? Explore more than 200 historic buildings, architectural treasures, and hidden spaces normally closed to the publicāall for free!
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October 17ā18 ā¢ ChicagoĀ
BEHIND THE DOORS. BEYOND THE ORDINARY.
ABOUT DISCOVER BERWYN
Why We CreatedĀ Discover Berwyn
Discover Berwyn is created by Paul Froiland & Michelle Russell, local residents and real estate agents with Russell Froiland Residential at Keller Williams ONEChicago.
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We created Discover Berwyn to share the restaurants, businesses, events and places that make Berwyn, the near-west suburbs and Chicago worth exploring.
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Live Here. Explore Everywhere.
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Are you a local business owner? We'd love to hear from you, too. If you'd like your business featured, have an event or story we should know about, or would like to participate in an upcoming Discover Berwyn Community Coupon, reach out and say hello.
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Know someone who loves discovering great restaurants, local events, and hidden gems? Forward this newsletter to a friend or neighbor and help us spread the word!
