7 Can't-Miss October Events In Chicago

October brings a fresh wave of events to Chicago, including new shows, captivating art exhibitions and more.

Chicago Fashion Week

Chicago Fashion Week brings together some of the city's most style-centric organizations—including the Chicago Fashion Coalition, whose recent runway show highlighting garments by designer Summer Han is pictured here.

Dates: Oct. 9-20

Multiple locations / Website

Chicago’s fashion community will be out in full force over the course of 12 days as the city hosts a series of fashion shows, presentations and award programs, with nearly 95% of the events open to the public. The event will feature distinguished Chicago designers such as Sheila Rashid and Chelsea B., and include prominent events like the Fashion Group International Chicago’s Rising Star Awards and the Costume Council’s 50th Anniversary Gala.

Cecilia Beaven

Inspired by her Mexico City roots, Cecilia Beaven creates artwork that transcends the canvas, blending visual and cinematic elements.

Dates: Oct. 13-April 6

5020 S. Cornell Ave. / Website

Chicago-based Mexican artist Cecilia Beaven’s artwork will be prominently featured in a solo exhibition at the Hyde Park Art Center. Her creative narrative storytelling through mystical environments—commonly taking the form of expansive graphic wall paintings—will be showcased alongside a new temporary mural and sculpture that delves into the women-centered worlds she has been developing over the past five years.

Atonement

Choreographed by the celebrated Cathy Marston, the Joffrey Ballet’s U.S. premiere of Atonement brings Ian McEwen’s poignant 2001 novel to life onstage.

Dates: Oct. 17-27

Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive / Website

The Joffrey Ballet opens its 69th season with the North American premiere of Cathy Marston’s adaptation of Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel, itself famously adapted into the Academy Award-winning film of the same name. The full-length narrative ballet follows Briony Tallis, reimagined as a celebrated choreographer, as she confronts the haunting echoes of her past through a breathtaking dance of redemption.

Step Afrika!

Step Afrika! brings the energy with 17 full-time dancers, inviting audiences to join in the fun of their lively step performances.

Date: Oct. 19

50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive / Website

The Auditorium Theatre presents this Washington, D.C.-based troupe, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, which originated in African American fraternities and sororities. Step Afrika! combines this with traditional African dance and contemporary art forms, adding elements of storytelling, humor and audience interaction.

Pericles

This exclusive limited engagement of Pericles marks the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 100th international production.

Dates: Oct. 20-Dec. 8

800 E. Grand Ave. / Website

The Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Chicago for the first time in 30 years, partnering with Chicago Shakespeare Theater to present the Bard’s classic Pericles. This timeless tale of love, hope and miracles follows Prince Pericles’s epic journey through storms, shipwrecks, abduction and loss.

Some Like It Hot

Musical comedy Some Like It Hot won more theater awards than any other show in its season.

Dates: Oct. 22-Nov. 3

151 W. Randolph St. / Website

The four-time Tony Award-winning musical Some Like It Hot brings its show-stopping charm to the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Set in Chicago during Prohibition, the crowd-pleaser follows two musicians who, after witnessing a mob hit, embark on a cross-country train journey while fleeing from gangsters.

Jeremy Frey: Woven

“Green Point Urchin” (2022) is one of over 50 creations featured in The Art Institute of Chicago’s latest exhibition, Jeremy Frey: Woven.

Dates: Oct. 26-Feb. 10

111 S. Michigan Ave. / Website

The Art Institute of Chicago presents Jeremy Frey: Woven, a mid-career retrospective showcasing over 50 baskets crafted by the Maine-based Frey over the past two decades. This exhibition highlights his innovative approach to Passamaquoddy basket weaving, exploring new shapes, textures and colors, and features recent experiments with printmaking and time-based media and intricate embroidery with dyed porcupine quills.

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