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Wheaton French Market

Wheaton French Market

Downtown Pavilion Main & Liberty St., Wheaton

Hours/Days: April 12–October 25, 2025 Saturdays, 8:00 am–2:00 pm Extended-season Hours/Days: November 1–29, 2025 Saturdays, 8:00 am–1:00 pm Spring is here, and we're excitedly anticipating the return of the Wheaton French Market on Saturdays! It opens for the 2025 season on Saturday, April 12th at the Downtown Pavilion (corner of Main & Liberty Streets). Shop al fresco with friends and neighbors at the friendly Wheaton French Market. Explore an astonishing variety of local produce, baked goods, honey, fresh flowers, handcrafted goods, jewelry, candles, artisan foods, music, unique gifts, and more!

Bloody Mary Fest

Bloody Mary Fest + Mimosas!

Downtown Wheaton 100 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL

2025 Bloody Mary Fest—Now with Mimosas! $35 each | $100 4-Pack From spicy to mild, made with varied types of liquor (Bloody Maria, anyone?), this is the ultimate celebration of everyone’s favorite brunch cocktails, featuring live music, shopping, snacks along the way—and now mimosas! Join us in Downtown Wheaton as your favorite shops and restaurants show off their best Bloody Marys and yummiest mimosas. Ticketholders receive ten samples of different variations of Bloody Mary cocktails and mimosas from your favorite shops and restaurants throughout Downtown Wheaton. Come for the Bloodys & bubbles—stay for lunch, shopping, and live music! Additional Details:...

Oktoberfest with Musicians

Oktoberfest with Strolling Musicians

Hale Street, Downtown Wheaton 198-114 N Hale St., Wheaton, IL

Kick off Oktoberfest in Downtown Wheaton! September 20 | 1:00–5:00 PM Check out local business specials while enjoying live music performed by the traditional Bavarian band, Die Musikmeisters! The band will play while strolling through downtown. Read More Details >

Cantigny Fall Festival

Fall Fest at Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL

Celebrate the season with us at Cantigny’s Annual Fall Festival September 27 & 28 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Parade Field This family-friendly weekend features a vibrant Fall Market, live music, guided garden tours, and a variety of food trucks offering tasty bites. Kids can enjoy hands-on crafts, bounce houses, and a delightful petting zoo, creating memories for all ages. Activities to Enjoy at Fall Fest: Garden Tours (Meet your guide in the Visitors Center): Wander through stunning autumn gardens and enjoy picture-perfect moments. 10:30, 11:30, 2:15, and 3:15 Petting Zoo: Meet friendly farm animals. ($) Paint-a-Pumpkin: Create a festive...

Pumpkin Fest at Cosley Zoo

Pumpkin Fest at Cosley Zoo 2025

Cosley Zoo 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, Illinois

October 1–31 | Daily 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Cosley Zoo Taking in the beautiful fall colors at Cosley Zoo is a must-do! Come see the animals and take in the thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo’s lawn. Children’s rides are also available for an additional fee. Purchase apples, gourds, cider, cornstalks, various sizes of straw bales, and don't forget your pumpkins! Check out the fall merchandise in the Wild Side Gift Shop, too! Proceeds from your purchases benefit Cosley Zoo. Regular admission rates apply. Browse More Information >

Wheaton Chili Cookoff

Downtown Wheaton | Chili Cookoff

Hale Street, Downtown Wheaton 198-114 N Hale St., Wheaton, IL

October 4 | 1:00–5:00 pm | Downtown Wheaton Participating Restaurants The Chili Cookoff returns to Downtown Wheaton this October for its 17th year! Your favorite Downtown eateries compete for your vote with their unique spin on this fan-favorite dish. Ticketholders will enjoy unlimited chili tastings before voting on the tastiest recipe. Join us for this festive fall event... admission includes UNLIMITED tastings, so bring your appetite. This event will sell out, so buy your tickets now! $15 Friends of Downtown Wheaton $20 General Admission $60 Chili Crew 4-Pack Don't miss the fun and live music by The Wheaton Dad Band,...

Cosley Zoo Spooktacular

Cosley Zoo Spooktacular

Cosley Zoo 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, Illinois

October 17 | 5:15–8:30 pm | Cosley Zoo Take an evening stroll through the zoo and enjoy family-friendly seasonal decorations and activities. Finish your visit by decorating a pumpkin, or take one to go and decorate it at home! Get your costumes together and register early to secure your spot. All ages are welcome. $12.95 per person for ages 2–adult. Admission is free for ages 1 and under, but a ticket is required. Browse More Information >

Light-up-Wheaton-2023-Christmas Decorating Contest

Light Up Wheaton Decorating Event 2025

November 4-December 11 Let’s get festive! The City of Wheaton and the Wheaton Park District are proud to present the annual Light Up Wheaton decorating contest. All Wheaton residents, businesses, houses of worship and community organizations, and neighborhoods are invited to participate in this free, friendly competition—all themes and holidays welcome! Showcase your fun, creative, out-of-the-box decorating ideas in what has quickly become one of Wheaton’s favorite holiday traditions. Awards will be given in three categories: Most Creative, People’s Choice, and Mayor’s Choice. Registration closes December 11.* *All registered participants must submit a photo of their entry (along with address)...

Cosley-Zoo-Festival-Lights-2025

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Tree Sale

Cosley Zoo 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, Illinois

November 28–December 30 | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM | Cosley Zoo A winter visit to Cosley Zoo has become a favorite family tradition. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. Cosley Zoo has four varieties of trees ranging from 4’ to 11’! Wreaths, greens, and garland are also available for purchase. All proceeds from this event benefit Cosley Zoo. Christmas lights turn on at 3:00 PM Hot Chocolate is available weekdays...

2025 Cocoa & Coffee Crawl

2026 Cocoa & Coffee Crawl

Downtown Wheaton 100 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL

The Family-Favorite Winter Event Returns! Saturday, January 10, 2026 |12:00–3:00 PM $18 General Admission $25 Admission with VIP Souvenir Mug $64 Family 4-Pack (no mugs) Gather the whole family for a fun-filled winter day sampling a variety of unique hot cocoas and artisan coffees at your favorite Downtown Wheaton shops and restaurants! Cocoa flavors will include: Classic Hot Chocolate | Mexican Hot Chocolate | White Hot Chocolate | Eggnog Hot Chocolate | Peppermint Hot Chocolate | Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate | Unicorn Hot Chocolate and more! Event check-in begins at 11 AM at the DWA Office (206 N. Main St.)....