What's Happening This Weekend Near Berwyn: Casket Races, Halloween Fun & More | Oct. 23–25
October 21, 2026 | Discover Berwyn
Coffins are racing through Forest Park. Berwyn's parks are filling with trick-or-treaters. And downtown Chicago is preparing for one of the biggest Halloween parades in the country.
If you've been waiting for the perfect weekend to get into the Halloween spirit, this might be it.
From free family fun in Berwyn and a fall celebration in Oak Park to Brookfield Zoo's final Halloween weekend and an unforgettable parade along Chicago's lakefront, there's no shortage of things happening October 23–25.
And the best part? Some of the most entertaining events won't cost you a dime.
Here's what's happening around Berwyn, the near-west suburbs, and Chicago this weekend.
🎃 Right Here in Berwyn
FitzGerald's Fall Fair, Fright Nights & Live Music
Friday–Sunday, October 23–25 | 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
If you're looking for one place to spend a good chunk of your weekend, FitzGerald's has you covered.
On Friday evening, bring the family to the patio for a free outdoor screening of Disney-Pixar's Coco at 6:30 p.m. It's a fun way to celebrate the season and introduce younger audiences to the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos.
Saturday and Sunday bring FitzGerald's Fall Fair 5, beginning at 11 a.m. Expect live music, BBQ from Babygold, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house, cider, and s'mores kits. A $5 donation is suggested.
The music doesn't stop there.
Friday night features the Bono Bros Band performing a benefit show supporting NAMI, along with Righteous Rooster in the Sidebar.
Saturday brings bluegrass brunch with The Box Band and an evening performance by Alicia Blue.
On Sunday, catch Diamondback at country brunch or wrap up the weekend with the British Buddy Big Band at 7 p.m.
North Berwyn Park District Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 24 | Noon–2 p.m.
Joseph C. Vallez Activity Center | 1529 Harlem Avenue, Berwyn
Admission: Free
Get those Halloween costumes ready!
The North Berwyn Park District is hosting its Halloweekend Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat, and it's packed with activities for the kids.
Families can enjoy decorated vehicles filled with treats, pumpkin patch fun, crafts, games, photo opportunities, and a costume contest.
Costume judging begins at 1 p.m., so arrive early if your little ghost or goblin wants to participate.
It's free, open to all ages, and a great neighborhood event to enjoy before heading out for more Saturday festivities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat at Proksa Park
Sunday, October 25 | Noon–3 p.m.
Proksa Park | Berwyn
The Halloween fun doesn't end Saturday!
The Berwyn Park District is bringing its Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat celebration to Proksa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Expect costumes, treats, and a festive afternoon in one of Berwyn's favorite neighborhood parks.
It's another opportunity to get the kids outside and enjoy Halloween before the big night arrives next weekend.
👻 Around the Near-West Suburbs
Forest Park's 14th Annual Casket Races
Saturday, October 24 | Races begin at 11 a.m.
Beloit Avenue, Forest Park | Free to watch
Only in Forest Park could racing homemade coffins down a neighborhood street become one of the area's favorite fall traditions.
And we're absolutely here for it.
Teams of four push their creatively decorated caskets down Beloit Avenue while a brave, helmet-wearing rider hangs on for dear life.
Some teams are out to win. Others are clearly more interested in making everyone laugh.
Prizes recognize speed, creativity, and even finishing dead last.
Food and vendors begin at 9:30 a.m., with the races starting at 11. Afterward, head over to Madison Street for trick-or-treating at participating businesses.
It's unusual, funny, a little ridiculous, and a perfect example of what makes our neighboring communities so much fun.
Discover Berwyn pick: If you've never experienced the Casket Races, put this one near the top of your Saturday plans.
Oak Park's Harvest on Harrison
Saturday, October 24 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Harrison Street Arts District, Oak Park
Oak Park's Arts District is getting into the Halloween spirit with Harvest on Harrison, a neighborhood celebration combining art, local businesses, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
The day's festivities include an artist vendor fair, face painting, a DJ, trick-or-treating, and special activities throughout the district.
A costume contest for kids, adults, and pets begins at noon, while a trunk-or-treat runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Village Church parking lot.
There's also a bounce house and a bingo scavenger hunt.
If you haven't explored the independent shops and creative businesses along Harrison
Street lately, this is a great excuse.
Brookfield Zoo: Last Weekend for Boo! at the Zoo and Dinos!
Friday–Sunday, October 23–25 | 8400 31st Street, Brookfield
This is your last chance to catch two seasonal attractions at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Boo! at the Zoo wraps up on Sunday, October 25, along with the zoo's Dinos! experience.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy Halloween decorations, trick-or-treat stations, festive characters, and plenty of seasonal photo opportunities.
Saturday and Sunday feature costume parades at noon and 3 p.m. You can even watch animals interact with pumpkins during scheduled enrichment activities.
Weekend zoo hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with Boo! at the Zoo activities included in regular admission or membership.
And if you want to make a morning of it, Saturday's Boo Brunch offers a Halloween buffet, DJ, and face painting, with seatings at 10 a.m. and noon. Separate tickets are required.
Discover Berwyn tip: Don't forget a trick-or-treat bag for the kids. The zoo doesn't supply them.
Bellwood's Haunted Trails at Stevenson Park
Saturday, October 24 | Noon–4 p.m.
Stevenson Park, Bellwood
If the kids are still looking for more Halloween fun, Bellwood's annual Haunted Trails event offers another suburban option.
The afternoon celebration takes place at Stevenson Park and provides a chance to enjoy a seasonal outing beyond the usual neighborhood trick-or-treat route.
Oak Park: Beatles & BBQ at Cheney Mansion
Friday, October 23 | 5 p.m.
Cheney Mansion | 220 N. Euclid Avenue, Oak Park
Looking for something that doesn't involve costumes or candy?
Phil Angotti & Friends are bringing the music of the Beatles to historic Cheney Mansion for a special evening of live music and BBQ presented in partnership with FitzGerald's.
It's an appealing option for music lovers who want to start the weekend with something a little different.
Tickets are approximately $68; check availability with the organizer.
🌆 Worth the Trip: Chicago
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 24 | 6–8 p.m.
Columbus Drive, Grant Park | Free
Chicago knows how to celebrate Halloween, and Arts in the Dark might be one of the most spectacular ways to do it.
Now in its 12th year, this nighttime parade brings together artists, performers, dancers, cultural organizations, and youth groups from across the city.
Think enormous illuminated puppets, imaginative floats, elaborate costumes, and creative performances all against the backdrop of downtown Chicago.
This year, the parade returns to Columbus Drive with an expanded route to accommodate a crowd expected to exceed 100,000 spectators.
The parade begins at Balbo Drive and heads north.
Costumes are encouraged, so don't be shy about dressing up.
Discover Berwyn tip: Arrive early, especially if you're bringing children. This is one of the biggest free Halloween experiences in the region.
Día de los Muertos Xicágo
Saturday, October 24 | 3–8 p.m.
Harrison Park | 1824 S. Wood Street, Chicago | Free
One of Chicago's most meaningful fall celebrations takes place in Pilsen on Saturday.
Presented by the National Museum of Mexican Art, Día de los Muertos Xicágo invites visitors to celebrate and remember loved ones through community-created ofrendas, art, music, and cultural performances.
The celebration includes traditional and contemporary expressions of Día de Muertos, along with a special illuminated ofrenda projected onto the museum's exterior.
Unlike a typical Halloween party, this event is centered on remembrance, family, and the beauty of a living cultural tradition.
If you've never experienced Día de los Muertos in Pilsen, it's well worth the visit.
More Chicago Fun This Weekend
Chicago International Film Festival: The festival's final weekend offers another opportunity to catch films and special screenings around the city.
Lincoln Park Spooktacular: A neighborhood Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating at participating businesses on Saturday and Sunday.
Chicago sports: The Blackhawks host Montreal on Friday evening and Florida on Sunday afternoon. The Bulls welcome Washington on Saturday night at the United Center.
Check individual event and team schedules for current ticket information.
⭐ Our Five Weekend Picks
Can't do everything? Neither can we.
Here are five experiences we'd put at the top of the list:
Best quirky tradition: Forest Park Casket Races — Saturday morning.
Best free family fun in Berwyn: North Berwyn Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat — Saturday afternoon.
Best neighborhood stroll: Harvest on Harrison — Saturday.
Best big-city experience: Arts in the Dark — Saturday evening.
Best Sunday family outing: Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat at Proksa Park.
And if you just want good music, BBQ, and a little fall atmosphere, FitzGerald's is waiting on Roosevelt Road.
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Event Sources
Information was compiled from publicly available event announcements and organizer calendars, including:
Dates, times, prices, and activities are subject to change. Always check directly with organizers before attending.
