Classic’s Community Calendar of Events for October in Lake County IL and the Greater Chicago Area

Oct 2, 2023

We’re back with another fun edition of Classic’s Community Calendar of Events for the month of October. We’ve scoured the internet and local postings to find you some of the most fun and exciting events around the Lake County and Greater Chicago areas. If you’ve got a local event coming up, feel free to drop it in the comments section of our Calendar post on social media so our readers can find it, too! From dance class to painting to concerts to seasonal fun, we’ve got a little bit of everything for our community to enjoy. There’s plenty of family fun for everyone, too.

Sundays and Fridays Starting with October 1st and October 6th, head over to Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach at 7PM to take a walk through the weird, witchy, and wild rooms and interactive experiences in this local haunted house attraction. Back for its 21st year, the haunted house is chock full with horror carnival games with prizes, mini escape rooms, a haunted bar, and even a gift shop.

October 2nd through the 14th starting at 11AM, head over to Downtown Long Grove to enjoy a series of free events called Long Grove October Days! Enjoy a rotating calendar of events and activities including DIY Scarecrow day, family fun nights, ladies night out and much more.

October 2nd at the Wauconda Area Public Library from 7PM to 8PM, enjoy the local Oktoberfest event! More than just beers and brats, immerse yourself in German Language, dance, music, and even more fun in store!

Tuesday night at 7PM on October 3rd, head over for an incredible night of live music with DJ SPontaneous and Up in Smoke Creations at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan!

On October 3rd, Tuesday, head over to Prairie Crossing Farm in Grayslake from 10AM to 1PM to enjoy their Fall Festival event!

The morning of October 3rd from 10AM to 10:30 is a great time for parents and tiny tots to come over for the Drop-In Terrific Twos Storytime event at the Lake Forest Library in Lake Forest.

October 4th at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, head over for a night full of fun, friends, and unlimited laughs for Drag Queen Trivia Night!

Wednesday October 4th is Highland Park’s 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Ravinia Farmers Market! Celebrations kick-off at the opening of the market, which runs every Wednesday through OCtober 25th from 7AM to 1PM.

Thursday, October 5th, is a great day to check out the Libertyville Farmers Market in Cook Park from 1AM to 1PM.

October 5th at Events at Independence Grove in Libertyville, enjoy a festive night of live music with local artists at the Beer Garden Music Nights event running from 6:30PM to 8PM.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival community night and opening carnival event is headed into town in Highwood on Thursday October 6th through the 8th! Come enjoy the pumpkin carving displays, carnival rides, costume contest, trick or treating, live music and so much more!

Get in touch with your creative side and try out the historic art of Blacksmithing with a Basics of Blacksmithing workshop at Wade House in Pleasant Prairie, WI from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday October 7th.

October 7th is a busy day over at the American Aid Society Oktoberfest in Lake Villa! Stop by and check out the local food, live music, and entertainment! Doors open at 6:40PM and a $9 donation per person applies, with kids under 12 admitted free.

On Saturday October 14th from 10:30AM to 1:30PM at Dandelion Gallery & Studio of Waukegan, join in for the Creative Wellness Fundraiser event featuring Yoga, Meditation, Peace Circles, art, and dance! Appropriate for children ages 5+ and adults.

On October 14th, you’ll have a blast at the Genesee Theatre for Sugar Skull! A Dia De Muertos Musical Adventure starting at 6:30PM. Children 12 and under are just $10; children under 12 mos are permitted on laps of a paying ticket-holder. Adult tickets range from $20 to $50. Enjoy this exciting, heartwarming musical and 8-person cast of musicians, actors and dancers as they explore Mexican traditions and culture through song, dance, and drama!

October 20th, 21st, and 22nd, head over to the Lake County Fairgrounds for a “dog-gone” good time at the Fall Harvest Cluster Dog Show event from 8AM to 6PM each day in Grayslake. This is a great family friendly opportunity to check out the Kenosha Kennel Club and Skokie Valley Kennel Club’s jam packed weekend full of dogs and puppies and demonstration of canine skills!

On October 21st, the Waukegan Parks District is pleased to announce the return of the GO Waukegan Zombie Walk! It’s happening at 9AM in Hinkston Park, where everyone will be able to walk together as a community and celebrate the season!