Average High Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
Average Low Temperature: 44°F (7°C)
Average Precipitation: 2.5"
Weather wise, October can be one of Chicago's most beautiful months with crisp, cool temperatures and sunny days. (It can also be a hot month in Chicago, particular in the beginning of the month when temperatures can stay well into the 80s.)
October is also one of Chicago's busiest months with the annual Chicago Marathon, which attracts tens of thousands to the Windy City, as well as Halloween and more.
Here are some fun things to do in Chicago in October 2012 that go beyond the "boo" in Halloween.
September 26, 2012 (sometimes the date is in October): Yom Kippur - Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is one of two Jewish High Holy Days and falls 10 days after Rosh Hashanah on the 10th of Tishrei, which is a Hebrew month that correlates with September-October on the secular calendar. The purpose of Yom Kippur is to bring about reconciliation between people and between individuals and God. According to Jewish tradition, it is also the day when God decides the fate of each human being. (For more information on Jewish holidays in October and throughout the year, read our Jewish Holiday Calendar 5772.)
October 1 - 31, 2012: Halloween Events - Enjoy hay rides, pumpkin decorating, costume contests as Chicago celebrates Halloween, which is on Wednesday, October 31, all month long, including Chicagoween when Chicago's Daley Plaza turns into Franken Plaza. (Get tips on planning a Halloween party and how to make your own Halloween costume.)
October 7, 2012: Chicago Marathon - This annual favorite that attracts overe 40,000 runners and thousands of cheering spectators strides through some of Chicago's most popular and historic neighborhoods. (Get tips on marathon training and running advice for beginners and what to do the day before running a marathon.)
October 8, 2012: Columbus Day Parade - Enjoy the parade that marches along Columbus from Balbo to Monroe. Parade starts at 12:30 p.m. (Learn the history of Columbus Day.)
October 20, 2012: Spooky Zoo Spectacular! - The kid-friendly Lincoln Park Zoo turns into a Halloween fun place with events, costumes, and more.
October 20 - 21, 2012: Boo! at the Zoo (Brookfield Zoo) - A haunting good time awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo Halloween celebration, sponsored by Fisher-Price. The not-so-scary event features a 7,000-square-foot corn maze, a hay ride, a costume parade, a costume showcase, and Halloween-themed crafts, and activities. In addition, there will be special animal Zoo Chats about some of the zoo’s creatures.
Dressing up for Halloween this year? Check out one of Chicago's Halloween Express stores where you can literally find thousand of costumes for adults, teens, tweens, kids, and even pets.
Remember: Chicago's Green City Market runs through October 29, 2012 in Lincoln Park after which it moves indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
