Key Takeaways for Chicago’s 2026 Columbus Day Weekend
- Columbus Day weekend 2026 (October 10–12) centers on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the 74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade, and a concentrated live-music lineup.
- Muna headlines The Salt Shed Outdoors on Friday, October 9, and Olivia Rodrigo plays consecutive nights at the United Center on Sunday and Monday.
- The marathon’s Sunday street closures affect travel across the city, so visitors should plan routes and timing carefully around the Olivia Rodrigo show.
- Fall festivals, sports, and cultural programming run throughout the weekend, creating one of Chicago’s busiest fall travel windows.
- OnesToWatch Live highlights the rising artists behind these headline shows and introduces audiences to the next wave of live performers.
Get Tickets for Muna and Olivia Rodrigo
Featured Shows to Book Now
Three major concerts frame Chicago’s 2026 Columbus Day weekend. These shows anchor the city’s live-music calendar.
Muna — Gets So Hot Tour
Friday, October 9, 2026 | The Salt Shed Outdoors (Fairgrounds) | Chicago, ILOlivia Rodrigo — The Unraveled Tour
Sunday, October 11, 2026 | United Center | Chicago, ILOlivia Rodrigo — The Unraveled Tour
Monday, October 12, 2026 | United Center | Chicago, IL
What to Experience in Chicago on Columbus Day Weekend 2026
Chicago’s Columbus Day weekend blends headline concerts, civic events, sports, festivals, and museum programming. The list below groups options by theme so readers can scan by interest.
Headline Concerts
Muna — Gets So Hot Tour (Friday, October 9)
Muna headlines The Salt Shed Outdoors (Fairgrounds) on Friday, October 9 on the Gets So Hot Tour. The Los Angeles indie-pop trio has appeared in OnesToWatch coverage across their rise from cult following to festival main stages. The Salt Shed’s outdoor fairgrounds setup creates an open-air kickoff for the weekend.
Olivia Rodrigo — The Unraveled Tour (Sunday, October 11 and Monday, October 12)
Olivia Rodrigo brings The Unraveled Tour to the United Center for two nights, Sunday, October 11 and Monday, October 12, both at 7:00 p.m. OnesToWatch highlighted Rodrigo early in her career. The United Center’s 20,000-plus capacity reflects the scale of her current live production, and both shows sit at the top of the weekend’s music calendar. The Monday date lands on Columbus Day, which makes it a natural finale for visitors extending their stay.
Civic Anchors and Running Events
Bank of America Chicago Marathon — Spectate the Course (Sunday, October 11)
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon holds its 48th running on Sunday, October 11. More than 55,000 participants cover a course that passes through 29 Chicago neighborhoods. The professional field starts at 7:30 a.m. from Grant Park, with Wave 1 at 7:35 a.m. and Wave 3 at 8:35 a.m. Spectators cannot enter the start and finish areas inside Grant Park because those zones are reserved for participants, credentialed staff, and ticketed guests. Grant Park’s spectator areas, including the 27th Mile Post-Race Party and Runner Reunite area, open at 9:30 a.m. Viewing along the course is available at many points, with Bank of America Cheer Zones at Mile 13 on N. Wacker Drive and Mile 26 near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road. Streets along the course close at about 6:00 a.m. and reopen as the final runners pass at a 15-minute-mile pace, with full reopening expected by 4:00 p.m. Because of these closures, CTA rail is the most reliable way to move between viewing spots.
74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade (Monday, October 12)
The 74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade, organized by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, takes place on Monday, October 12. The 2026 parade features Grand Marshals Lou Gramm, Tony Danza, and Cristiana Dell’Anna, with Campania, Italy, as the Region of Honor. The event also marks the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization as the first American saint. Limited bus transportation is available through the JCCIA office by advance reservation.
Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place (Friday–Saturday, October 9–10)
The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo runs Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at McCormick Place, North Building, Level 3 – Hall B1. Marathon participants collect their bib and timing device here, and spectators can attend to explore running gear, wellness brands, and race information.
Abbott Chicago 5K (Saturday, October 10)
The Abbott Chicago 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 10 on Ida B. Wells Drive between Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue, finishing at Wacker Drive and Adams Street. Street closures for the 5K operate on Saturday and preview the broader marathon impact on Sunday.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest (Friday–Monday, October 9–12)
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest runs September 25–November 1, 2026 and opens on Columbus Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free-admission event features professional pumpkin carving, live music, seasonal animal enrichment, and fall food and drink. Ticketed rides such as the Fun Slide and Ferris wheel cost $4.50 per ticket, with discounted bundles available.
Oktoberfest Chicago (Friday–Monday, October 9–12)
Oktoberfest Nation Chicago runs September 17–October 24, 2026 at 171 N. Peoria Street in Fulton Market, with sessions on all four Columbus Day weekend dates. The outdoor, all-ages festival serves Hofbräu München beer, German food, carnival games including the Devil’s Wheel, and live German bands. Guests 21 and older with valid ID can purchase alcohol.
Lincoln Park Wine Festival (Friday–Sunday, October 9–11)
The Lincoln Park Wine Festival runs October 9–11 at Jonquil Park. The open-air event features wine tastings with sommeliers, food vendors, and live music, and it works well as a daytime stop before the Muna show on Friday.
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival (Monday, October 12)
Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago opens on Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., an exception to its usual Monday closure. The Fall Festival offers amusement rides, a petting zoo, hayrides, seasonal food, a full bar, train rides, and live music, giving families a day-trip option outside the city.
Sports at the United Center
Chicago Bulls NBA Preseason vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Friday, October 9)
The Chicago Bulls host the Memphis Grizzlies in preseason action at the United Center on Friday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m. For visitors arriving early, the game offers a relaxed way to see the arena before Olivia Rodrigo’s shows later in the weekend.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Saturday, October 10)
The Chicago Blackhawks face the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on Saturday, October 10, with puck drop at 6:00 p.m. Saturday is the only evening in the four-day window without a featured concert, so this matchup becomes the main sports draw that night.
Museums and Cultural Programming
Historic Pullman House Tour (Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11)
The Historic Pullman House Tour, now in its 53rd year, runs October 10–11. Visitors step inside private homes around Chicago’s only National Park, with architecture ranging from workers’ cottages to larger residences. The tour fits well on Saturday before the Blackhawks game or on Sunday morning before marathon crowds peak.
Chicago Fashion Week (Through October 18)
Chicago Fashion Week runs October 8–18 with runway shows, in-store events, and pop-up markets across the city. Several events fall during Columbus Day weekend, adding a style-focused layer to the city’s programming.
Art Institute of Chicago — Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism
The Art Institute of Chicago presents Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism through January 3, 2027. The exhibition highlights the American artist’s most ambitious and experimental work. The museum sits near Grant Park and pairs easily with Sunday afternoon plans after marathon viewing.
Field Museum — Pokémon Fossil Museum
The Field Museum’s Pokémon Fossil Museum runs through April 11, 2027. The exhibition compares Pokémon fossils with real dinosaurs and ancient life, creating a family-friendly stop that remains open all weekend.
Griffin Museum of Science & Industry — Anne Frank: The Exhibition
The Griffin Museum of Science & Industry hosts Anne Frank: The Exhibition through January 31, 2027. The show features a full-scale reconstruction of the Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid, along with rarely seen artifacts.
National Museum of Mexican Art — Where Memory Lives
The National Museum of Mexican Art presents Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos through November 29, 2026. The exhibition traces Day of the Dead traditions through Mexican artists’ perspectives and remains on view throughout the holiday weekend.
Chicago Humanities Festival (Through November 14)
The Chicago Humanities Fall Festival 2026 runs September 14–November 14 with talks and events across Chicago and Evanston. Programming during Columbus Day weekend includes appearances by actors, comedians, photographers, and authors.
Mental Filmness Film Festival (Friday, October 9)
The Mental Filmness Film Festival, hosted by Collaboraction Theatre Company, starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9. The free event offers an alternative Friday evening option or a prelude to the Muna show.
Additional Events and Context for the Weekend
Several other performances and sports dates sit just outside the core OnesToWatch Live focus but still shape the city’s energy. Jerry Seinfeld appears in Chicago on October 9–10. Switchfoot with special guest Anberlin brings the Forever Now Tour to the city on October 10, and JPEGMAFIA’s Experimental Rap Tour also stops in Chicago that night. TASTE OF CHAOS is scheduled for October 11. The Blackhawks’ home schedule continues into the following week, and the Bulls’ preseason wraps shortly before the regular season opens.
The Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, runs October 14–25 and gives visitors a reason to extend their stay. Open House Chicago follows on October 17–18 with free access to notable buildings across the city.
Patterns, Themes, and Weekend Takeaways
Columbus Day weekend 2026 in Chicago rests on three layers: civic anchors, a dense live-music schedule, and a broad fall cultural calendar. The marathon on Sunday and the parade on Monday frame the daytime hours, while Muna and Olivia Rodrigo shape the weekend’s nighttime rhythm. Festivals, sports, and museum programming fill in the remaining slots, so visitors can build full itineraries without gaps.
Muna’s Friday show and Rodrigo’s Sunday and Monday dates give music-focused travelers a clear structure for a three- or four-night stay. Their paths from early editorial coverage in OnesToWatch to large-scale touring illustrate the kind of career arc the platform follows closely.
For a broader view of artists gaining momentum this year, explore OnesToWatch’s 2026 Top 30 Artists To Watch.
Discover Your Next Favorite Artist on OnesToWatch
Practical Reader Guidance for Planning
Book Now. The Olivia Rodrigo shows at the United Center are the highest-demand tickets of the weekend, and both dates should be secured well in advance.
Sequence Around the Marathon. On Sunday, October 11, streets along the Chicago Marathon course close at approximately 6:00 a.m. and reopen progressively, with full reopening expected by late afternoon. The United Center sits at 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the Dan Ryan (I-90/94), the Kennedy (I-90/94), the Eisenhower (I-290), and the Stevenson (I-55) expressways remain open in both directions, although the Kennedy’s Adams Street exit ramp closes. CTA rail offers the most predictable way to move between the course and the arena.
Monday Timing. Columbus Day is a federal holiday, so federal offices and post offices close, and most banks follow suit, though some, including TD Bank, keep branches open. The Columbus Day Parade runs in the morning, while the Olivia Rodrigo show begins at 7:00 p.m., which allows visitors to attend both.
Weather. NOAA/National Weather Service Chicago’s 1991–2020 climate normals show October averages a high of 62.7°F (about 17°C) and a low of 45.4°F (about 7°C). The same dataset reports normal October precipitation at 3.43 inches (about 87 mm), with roughly 10 days of measurable rain. Layering works best for outdoor events such as the Muna show at The Salt Shed Outdoors and Oktoberfest Chicago.
Transit. The CTA rail system is the most reliable way to navigate the weekend, especially on Sunday when marathon closures affect large sections of the street grid. Parking near the United Center is available but in high demand on concert and game nights.
To see which emerging artists may reach this level of touring next, review OnesToWatch’s 2026 Top 30 Artists To Watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus Day Weekend a Good Time to Visit Chicago?
Columbus Day weekend ranks among Chicago’s stronger fall travel windows. The combination of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the Columbus Day Parade, fall festivals, and a concentrated live-music schedule makes October 9–12 one of the city’s busiest weekends. Weather is typically mild, with daytime highs near 63°F and cooler evenings around 45°F. Visitors should plan for Sunday street closures related to the marathon and expect elevated hotel demand across all four nights.
What Are the Biggest Events During Chicago Columbus Day Weekend 2026?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11 is the largest single event, drawing an estimated 1.7 million spectators. The 74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade on Monday, October 12 serves as the primary civic event of the holiday. On the music side, Muna headlines The Salt Shed Outdoors on Friday, October 9, and Olivia Rodrigo plays two nights at the United Center on Sunday and Monday. Oktoberfest Chicago and Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest also run across all four days.
What Time Does the Chicago Marathon Start in 2026?
The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s professional men’s and women’s fields start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. The men’s professional wheelchair start is at 7:20 a.m., the women’s professional wheelchair start is at 7:21 a.m., and the handcycle start is at 7:23 a.m. Wave 1 begins at 7:35 a.m., Wave 2 at 8:00 a.m., and Wave 3 at 8:35 a.m. Grant Park opens to spectators at 9:30 a.m., when the 27th Mile Post-Race Party begins, and the celebration continues until 4:00 p.m. All times remain subject to change.
Is the Columbus Day Parade Still Happening in Chicago in 2026?
Yes. The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans has confirmed the 74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade for Monday, October 12, 2026. The 2026 edition features Grand Marshals Lou Gramm, Tony Danza, and Cristiana Dell’Anna, with Campania, Italy, as the Region of Honor. Limited bus transportation for attendees is available through the JCCIA office by advance reservation.
What Free Things Can You Do in Chicago on Columbus Day Weekend 2026?
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest is free and open Friday through Sunday plus Columbus Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spectating the Chicago Marathon along the course is free, and the Bank of America Cheer Zones at Mile 13 and Mile 26 welcome the public. The Columbus Day Parade is a free street event. The Mental Filmness Film Festival on Friday, October 9 is also free. Museum exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum require standard admission, while the National Museum of Mexican Art remains free to all visitors.
Conclusion
Columbus Day weekend 2026 gives Chicago visitors a tightly packed four-day window of concerts, civic events, and cultural programming. The marathon and parade shape the daytime schedule, while Muna and Olivia Rodrigo anchor the nights. Their careers reflect the kind of trajectory OnesToWatch follows from early coverage through large-scale touring, which makes this weekend a useful snapshot of where contemporary pop and indie acts now stand. For readers tracking the next wave of artists likely to reach this level, OnesToWatch continues to profile performers poised for similar stages in the years ahead.
Explore Emerging Artists on OnesToWatch