Dinos in Downtown Wheaton

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

Dinosaurs invade Downtown Wheaton! September 25–October 8, 2023 This BIG outdoor exhibit features 10 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs throughout Downtown Wheaton! Enjoy dinosaur-themed specials, activities, and more from your favorite Downtown Wheaton shops and restaurants. ​Mark your calendar now to visit the exhibit, and check the Downtown Wheaton website for a map of dinosaur locations, dinosaur-related activities, and specials throughout Downtown Wheaton.

October Fest

Central Athletic Complex 500 S Naperville Rd, Wheaton, IL

Saturday, September 30 | 3:00–9:00 pm | Central Athletic Complex This event is held in conjunction with the Light the Torch 5K Night Run. Event features pumpkin painting, food and beer garden, small rides, and live performances by Vest Dance Troupe, The Wayouts and Wurst Kase Scenario. October Fest is a Charitable Event Event proceeds benefit the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. View More Information

Pumpkin Fest at Cosley Zoo

Cosley Zoo 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, Illinois

October 1–31 | Daily 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Cosley Zoo Enjoying the beautiful fall colors at Cosley Zoo is a must-do for autumn! 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 >

15th Annual Downtown Wheaton Chili Cookoff

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

Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 1:00–5:00 pm $15 Friends of Downtown Wheaton | $20 General Admission | $60 Chili Crew 4-Pack It’s back... the Chili Cookoff returns to Downtown Wheaton this October! 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! Featuring live music by... The Wheaton Dad Band (@WheatonDadBand) Check-in begins at 12:00 pm (location TBD), and at 5:00 pm we'll...

Cantigny Fall Festival

Cantigny Park 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL

Friday, Oct. 13: 4:00–11:00 pm | Saturday, Oct. 14: 10:00 am–11:00 pm | Sunday, Oct. 15: 10:00 am–4:00 pm Parade Field For the first time, our fall festival will be an entire weekend! The fun begins Friday night, October 13, from 4:00–11:00 pm featuring German-style food and beer, with live music under a big tent on the Cantigny parade field! Hang out in the tent or cozy up on the Adirondacks around a firepit or play lawn games outside of the tent. We’ll do it again on Saturday night after a fun day featuring 100 craft vendors, hayrides, petting zoo, inflatables,...

Danada Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides

Danada Equestrian Center 3S507 Naperville Rd, Wheaton, IL

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1:00–3:00 pm | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1:00–3:00 pm Enjoy a 30-minute ride while learning about a forest preserve’s heritage and natural areas. Rides begin at 1, 1:45, and 2:30 p.m., and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting at noon the day of the ride. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $5 per person ages 5 and up; under 5 free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-668-6012 for Danada (including calls for private group rides). Find Out More Information >

Downtown Wheaton Trick-or-Treating

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

The Halloween Spirit Returns to Downtown Wheaton! Saturday, October 28 | 10:00 am–1:00 pm From Trick-or-Treating to the I-Spy Scavenger Hunt, you and your little ones are sure to have a wicked good time! Please note the extended time for this event this year! Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Downtown Wheaton for a head start on this year's candy collection! Don't Miss the I-Spy Halloween Scavenger Hunt Throughout October Search throughout Downtown Wheaton to find spooky Halloween signs hidden inside participating businesses. Browse All the Details of These Spooktacular Events >

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

The Mac at College of DuPage 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL

Nov. 16–Dec. 17 | Thur.–Sat. 8:00 pm, Sun. 3:00 pm Playhouse Theatre | $44 Adult | $42 Senior A charming holiday sequel to Pride and Prejudice! by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon Directed by Amelia Barrett It’s two years after the end of the novel. The Bennet family is spending Christmas at Pemberley. Mary Bennet is the bookish, unmarried middle sister. An unexpected guest joins the festivities. This romantic comedy, rooted in the complications and joys of being part of a spirited family, will delight Austen enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Contains adult themes and language. Pre-Show with Director and Designers: Thursday, November 16,...

Nights of Lights | Park Lighting Ceremony

Adams Park 303 W Wesley St., Wheaton, IL

Friday, November 24  |  4:30pm ​Nights of Lights returns to Adams Park for its fourth year! Join us for the park lighting on November 24 at 4:30pm and enjoy this display through the holiday season. Featuring over 55,000 bulbs lighting the trees and an animated light display at the fountain, a walk through Adams Park will “wow” the whole family. Thank you to the City of Wheaton for providing this wonderful display throughout the holiday season. ​Nights of Lights continues through January 7, 2024. This event is open to the public at no cost. Read More Details >

Wheaton Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting

Downtown Pavilion Main & Liberty St., Wheaton

Friday, November 24, 2023 | 6:00–7:30 pm ​The tradition continues; join us for the annual Wheaton Christmas Parade for a magical evening of lights, music, and community Downtown Wheaton. The parade will travel from Wheaton Avenue at Wesley Street south to Front Street, turning east (left) on Front Street, and finishing at Cross Street.  Immediately following the parade, head over to the new south pavilion for the Downtown Wheaton Christmas Tree Lighting! Join us for the second annual Downtown Wheaton Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, immediately following the Wheaton Christmas Parade. Enjoy the tree daily 4:00–10:00 pm through January 7, 2024. Browse...