Your Guide to November 2026 in Chicago

Hey Chicago! Kicking off the month with an election is just so November. If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time!

Of course, this November is more than midterms. Scorpio season’s in full swing. Folks are coming home for the holidays. Make the most of it — before days get even shorter.

In addition to fall fun, there are some major news stories to keep an eye on this month.

Election Day: The last day to vote is today, Nov. 3. Here’s everything you need to know about where to vote. And here’s everything you need to know about what’s on the ballot.

Chicago's budget rematch: Mayor Brandon Johnson recently unveiled a $17.6 billion budget proposal for 2027. It relies on a corporate head tax, similar to what alders rejected last year. Will this one suffer the same fate? City Council has till the end of the year to duke it out.

Veterans Day: This Veterans Day, consider visiting one of Chicago’s many veterans monuments. The National Veterans Art Museum in Portage Park is also worth a visit — there’s a special exhibit on Kurt Vonnegut.

Thanksgiving Day: The official Chicago Thanksgiving Parade begins at 7:40 a.m. and stretches from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street on State Street. That same morning, the Turkey Trot takes off from DuSable Harbor.

Fall foliage: Leaf-changing is a bit behind schedule this year, so there’s still time to get out there:

One more tip for ya: Don’t forget to get a flu shot!

Every month, the City Cast Chicago team tells you what we’re eating, where we’re shopping, and what else we’re planning for.

Michelle: Staying Active and Outside

I’ll be checking out Block Club’s South Side Health and Wellness Fest Nov. 7. It’s completely free and includes a fun run, along with wellness resources. (Might take my parents for a blood pressure test and a cardiac ultrasound.) Other things I’m looking forward to: Ralph Barbosa at the Den Theatre and looking at Saturn at the Obama Presidential Center Branch.

Emmi: Build Your Own Bar Crawl

I’m planning my birthday party on the (closed-to-traffic) Cortland Street Bridge, followed by a bar crawl through Bucktown. I’ll hit some faves from last year’s b-day crawl, like Ed & Jeans and Map Room, plus new stops. I just hope this mild fall weather holds up 🤞

Jacoby: Early Holiday Cheer

I am a sucker for the Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. It opens on Nov. 7 and runs through Jan. 3. I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas, but I do love a good tree. Millennium Park holds its annual tree lighting on Nov. 20.

Chima: Even MORE Early Holiday Cheer

As soon as November hits, it’s basically Christmas — argue amongst yourselves. I’m so ready to put up a cat-proofed tree. I’m going to forage through Humboldt House for funky or Chicago-themed decor. I’ll also be tapping into ice-skating classes at the Morgan Park Sports Center, so I’m ready when outdoor rinks open.

Shoutout to my fellow November babies. I’ve got a good feeling about this month for us 🧡🧡🧡

— Emmi Mack