{"id":4130,"date":"2026-09-27T05:05:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T05:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resources.onestowatch.com\/best-columbus-day-chicago-weekend\/"},"modified":"2026-09-27T05:05:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T05:05:15","slug":"best-columbus-day-chicago-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/best-columbus-day-chicago-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Columbus Day Weekend 2026: Events &amp; Things To Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways for Chicago\u2019s 2026 Columbus Day Weekend<\/h2><ul><li>Columbus Day weekend 2026 (October 10\u201312) centers on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the 74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade, and a concentrated live-music lineup.<\/li><li>Muna headlines The Salt Shed Outdoors on Friday, October 9, and Olivia Rodrigo plays consecutive nights at the United Center on Sunday and Monday.<\/li><li>The marathon\u2019s Sunday street closures affect travel across the city, so visitors should plan routes and timing carefully around the Olivia Rodrigo show.<\/li><li>Fall festivals, sports, and cultural programming run throughout the weekend, creating one of Chicago\u2019s busiest fall travel windows.<\/li><li>OnesToWatch Live highlights the rising artists behind these headline shows and introduces audiences to the next wave of live performers.<\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Get Tickets for Muna and Olivia Rodrigo<\/a><\/p><h2>Featured Shows to Book Now<\/h2><p>Three major concerts frame Chicago\u2019s 2026 Columbus Day weekend. These shows anchor the city\u2019s live-music calendar.<\/p><ul><li><p><strong>Muna \u2014 Gets So Hot Tour<\/strong><br>Friday, October 9, 2026 | The Salt Shed Outdoors (Fairgrounds) | Chicago, IL<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fmuna-gets-so-hot-tour-chicago-illinois-10-09-2026%2Fevent%2F040064A5EF7C3DA5&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Get Muna Tickets for Friday Night<\/a><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Olivia Rodrigo \u2014 The Unraveled Tour<\/strong><br>Sunday, October 11, 2026 | United Center | Chicago, IL<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Folivia-rodrigo-the-unraveled-tour-chicago-illinois-10-11-2026%2Fevent%2F0400649C02FF6809&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Secure Seats for Olivia Rodrigo on Sunday<\/a><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Olivia Rodrigo \u2014 The Unraveled Tour<\/strong><br>Monday, October 12, 2026 | United Center | Chicago, IL<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Folivia-rodrigo-the-unraveled-tour-chicago-illinois-10-12-2026%2Fevent%2F0400649DEB9FA339&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Reserve Olivia Rodrigo\u2019s Monday Show<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul><figure style=\"text-align: center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/onestowatch-v2\/artist_343_hero_img.jpg\" alt=\"artist 343 hero img\" style=\"max-height: 500px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure><h2>What to Experience in Chicago on Columbus Day Weekend 2026<\/h2><p>Chicago\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aga-native-youtube-container wp-embed-responsive is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube aga-native-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"MUNA - I Know A Place (Official Video)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-t5gGm3NWU4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-t5gGm3NWU4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch on YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Headline Concerts<\/h3><ol><li><p><strong>Muna \u2014 Gets So Hot Tour (Friday, October 9)<\/strong><\/p><p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onestowatch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">OnesToWatch<\/a> coverage across their rise from cult following to festival main stages. The Salt Shed\u2019s outdoor fairgrounds setup creates an open-air kickoff for the weekend.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fmuna-gets-so-hot-tour-chicago-illinois-10-09-2026%2Fevent%2F040064A5EF7C3DA5&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Buy Tickets to the Salt Shed Show<\/a><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Olivia Rodrigo \u2014 The Unraveled Tour (Sunday, October 11 and Monday, October 12)<\/strong><\/p><p>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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onestowatch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">OnesToWatch<\/a> highlighted Rodrigo early in her career. The United Center\u2019s 20,000-plus capacity reflects the scale of her current live production, and both shows sit at the top of the weekend\u2019s music calendar. The Monday date lands on Columbus Day, which makes it a natural finale for visitors extending their stay.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Folivia-rodrigo-the-unraveled-tour-chicago-illinois-10-11-2026%2Fevent%2F0400649C02FF6809&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Get Tickets for Sunday, Oct. 11<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ticketmaster.evyy.net\/c\/6581772\/264167\/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Folivia-rodrigo-the-unraveled-tour-chicago-illinois-10-12-2026%2Fevent%2F0400649DEB9FA339&amp;utm_medium=affiliate\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Get Tickets for Monday, Oct. 12<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ol>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aga-native-youtube-container wp-embed-responsive is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube aga-native-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license (Official Video)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZmDBbnmKpqQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZmDBbnmKpqQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch on YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Civic Anchors and Running Events<\/h3><ol start=\"3\"><li><p><strong>Bank of America Chicago Marathon \u2014 Spectate the Course (Sunday, October 11)<\/strong><\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/chicagomarathon.com\/event-info\/participant-information\/course\/street-closures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon<\/a> 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\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/chicagomarathon.com\/event-info\/spectator-info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Bank of America Cheer Zones<\/a> 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.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade (Monday, October 12)<\/strong><\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/jccia.org\/2026\/09\/01\/74th-annual-chicago-columbus-day-parade-october-12-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">74th Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade<\/a>, 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\u2019Anna, with Campania, Italy, as the Region of Honor. The event also marks the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini\u2019s canonization as the first American saint. Limited bus transportation is available through the JCCIA office by advance reservation.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Abbott Health &amp; Fitness Expo at McCormick Place (Friday\u2013Saturday, October 9\u201310)<\/strong><\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/chicagomarathon.com\/event-info\/spectator-info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Abbott Health &amp; Fitness Expo<\/a> runs Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at McCormick Place, North Building, Level 3 \u2013 Hall B1. Marathon participants collect their bib and timing device here, and spectators can attend to explore running gear, wellness brands, and race information.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Abbott Chicago 5K (Saturday, October 10)<\/strong><\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/chicagomarathon.com\/event-info\/participant-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Abbott Chicago 5K<\/a> 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.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><h3>Festivals and Seasonal Events<\/h3><ol start=\"7\"><li><p><strong>Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest (Friday\u2013Monday, October 9\u201312)<\/strong><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lpzoo.org\/pressroom\/fall-fest-returns-to-lincoln-park-zoo-september29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Lincoln Park Zoo\u2019s Fall Fest<\/a> runs September 25\u2013November 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.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Oktoberfest Chicago (Friday\u2013Monday, October 9\u201312)<\/strong><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/tickets.oktoberfestnation.com\/e\/oktoberfestchicago\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Oktoberfest Nation Chicago<\/a> runs September 17\u2013October 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 Hofbr\u00e4u M\u00fcnchen beer, German food, carnival games including the Devil\u2019s Wheel, and live German bands. Guests 21 and older with valid ID can purchase alcohol.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Lincoln Park Wine Festival (Friday\u2013Sunday, October 9\u201311)<\/strong><\/p><p>The Lincoln Park Wine Festival runs October 9\u201311 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.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival (Monday, October 12)<\/strong><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/new.patch.com\/illinois\/chicago\/calendar\/event\/20261030\/d2c61464-176e-48a2-b8d8-b1b2123633bd\/sonny-acres-farm-announces-return-of-iconic-all-ages-fall-festival-september-19-through-october-30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Sonny Acres Farm<\/a> 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.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><h3>Sports at the United Center<\/h3><ol start=\"11\"><li><p><strong>Chicago Bulls NBA Preseason vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Friday, October 9)<\/strong><\/p><p>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\u2019s shows later in the weekend.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Chicago Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Saturday, October 10)<\/strong><\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/ticketnetwork.com\/e\/venues\/united-center-events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> 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.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><h3>Museums and Cultural Programming<\/h3><ol start=\"13\"><li><p><strong>Historic Pullman House Tour (Saturday\u2013Sunday, October 10\u201311)<\/strong><\/p><p>The Historic Pullman House Tour, now in its 53rd year, runs October 10\u201311. Visitors step inside private homes around Chicago\u2019s only National Park, with architecture ranging from workers\u2019 cottages to larger residences. The tour fits well on Saturday before the Blackhawks game or on Sunday morning before marathon crowds peak.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Chicago Fashion Week (Through October 18)<\/strong><\/p><p>Chicago Fashion Week runs October 8\u201318 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\u2019s programming.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Art Institute of Chicago \u2014 Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism<\/strong><\/p><p>The Art Institute of Chicago presents Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism through January 3, 2027. The exhibition highlights the American artist\u2019s most ambitious and experimental work. The museum sits near Grant Park and pairs easily with Sunday afternoon plans after marathon viewing.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Field Museum \u2014 Pok\u00e9mon Fossil Museum<\/strong><\/p><p>The Field Museum\u2019s Pok\u00e9mon Fossil Museum runs through April 11, 2027. The exhibition compares Pok\u00e9mon fossils with real dinosaurs and ancient life, creating a family-friendly stop that remains open all weekend.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Griffin Museum of Science &amp; Industry \u2014 Anne Frank: The Exhibition<\/strong><\/p><p>The Griffin Museum of Science &amp; 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.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>National Museum of Mexican Art \u2014 Where Memory Lives<\/strong><\/p><p>The National Museum of Mexican Art presents Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of D\u00eda de Muertos through November 29, 2026. The exhibition traces Day of the Dead traditions through Mexican artists\u2019 perspectives and remains on view throughout the holiday weekend.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Chicago Humanities Festival (Through November 14)<\/strong><\/p><p>The Chicago Humanities Fall Festival 2026 runs September 14\u2013November 14 with talks and events across Chicago and Evanston. Programming during Columbus Day weekend includes appearances by actors, comedians, photographers, and authors.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Mental Filmness Film Festival (Friday, October 9)<\/strong><\/p><p>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.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><h2>Additional Events and Context for the Weekend<\/h2><p>Several other performances and sports dates sit just outside the core OnesToWatch Live focus but still shape the city\u2019s energy. Jerry Seinfeld appears in Chicago on October 9\u201310. Switchfoot with special guest Anberlin brings the Forever Now Tour to the city on October 10, and JPEGMAFIA\u2019s Experimental Rap Tour also stops in Chicago that night. TASTE OF CHAOS is scheduled for October 11. The Blackhawks\u2019 home schedule continues into the following week, and the Bulls\u2019 preseason wraps shortly before the regular season opens.<\/p><p>The Chicago International Film Festival, North America\u2019s longest-running competitive film festival, runs October 14\u201325 and gives visitors a reason to extend their stay. Open House Chicago follows on October 17\u201318 with free access to notable buildings across the city.<\/p><h2>Patterns, Themes, and Weekend Takeaways<\/h2><p>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\u2019s nighttime rhythm. Festivals, sports, and museum programming fill in the remaining slots, so visitors can build full itineraries without gaps.<\/p><p>Muna\u2019s Friday show and Rodrigo\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onestowatch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">OnesToWatch<\/a> to large-scale touring illustrate the kind of career arc the platform follows closely.<\/p><p>For a broader view of artists gaining momentum this year, explore <a href=\"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/en\/blog\/the-top-30-artists-to-watch-in-2026\" target=\"_blank\">OnesToWatch\u2019s 2026 Top 30 Artists To Watch<\/a>.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onestowatch.com\/\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\">Discover Your Next Favorite Artist on OnesToWatch<\/a><\/p><h2>Practical Reader Guidance for Planning<\/h2><p><strong>Book Now.<\/strong> 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.<\/p><p><strong>Sequence Around the Marathon.<\/strong> 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/chicagomarathon.com\/event-info\/participant-information\/course\/street-closures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">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<\/a> in both directions, although the Kennedy\u2019s Adams Street exit ramp closes. CTA rail offers the most predictable way to move between the course and the arena.<\/p><p><strong>Monday Timing.<\/strong> 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.<\/p><p><strong>Weather.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/lot\/october_normals_chicago\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noindex nofollow\">NOAA\/National Weather Service Chicago\u2019s 1991\u20132020 climate normals show October averages a high of 62.7\u00b0F (about 17\u00b0C) and a low of 45.4\u00b0F (about 7\u00b0C)<\/a>. 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.<\/p><p><strong>Transit.<\/strong> 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.<\/p><p>To see which emerging artists may reach this level of touring next, review <a href=\"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/en\/blog\/the-top-30-artists-to-watch-in-2026\" target=\"_blank\">OnesToWatch\u2019s 2026 Top 30 Artists To Watch<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><h3>Is Columbus Day Weekend a Good Time to Visit Chicago?<\/h3><p>Columbus Day weekend ranks among Chicago\u2019s 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\u201312 one of the city\u2019s busiest weekends. Weather is typically mild, with daytime highs near 63\u00b0F and cooler evenings around 45\u00b0F. Visitors should plan for Sunday street closures related to the marathon and expect elevated hotel demand across all four nights.<\/p><h3>What Are the Biggest Events During Chicago Columbus Day Weekend 2026?<\/h3><p>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\u2019s Fall Fest also run across all four days.<\/p><h3>What Time Does the Chicago Marathon Start in 2026?<\/h3><p>The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon\u2019s professional men\u2019s and women\u2019s fields start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. The men\u2019s professional wheelchair start is at 7:20 a.m., the women\u2019s 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.<\/p><h3>Is the Columbus Day Parade Still Happening in Chicago in 2026?<\/h3><p>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\u2019Anna, with Campania, Italy, as the Region of Honor. Limited bus transportation for attendees is available through the JCCIA office by advance reservation.<\/p><h3>What Free Things Can You Do in Chicago on Columbus Day Weekend 2026?<\/h3><p>Lincoln Park Zoo\u2019s 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.<\/p><h2>Conclusion<\/h2><p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onestowatch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">OnesToWatch<\/a> 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.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onestowatch.com\/\" class=\"solid-button\" target=\"_blank\">Explore Emerging Artists on OnesToWatch<\/a><\/p><section data-read-next=\"true\"><h2>Read Next<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.onestowatch.com\/chicago-october-weekend-events\" target=\"_blank\">Best Things To Do In Chicago: October 16\u201318, 2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.onestowatch.com\/best-things-to-do-chicago\" target=\"_blank\">Best Things To Do in Chicago the Weekend of Sept. 25, 2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.onestowatch.com\/chicago-september-weekend-events\" target=\"_blank\">Top Things To Do In Chicago: September 11\u201313, 2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.onestowatch.com\/chicago-weekend-events-september\" target=\"_blank\">Best Chicago Events: September 18\u201320, 2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.onestowatch.com\/chicago-things-to-do-weekend\" target=\"_blank\">Best Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Plan your Chicago Columbus Day Weekend 2026 with OnesToWatch Live \u2014 concerts, the Chicago Marathon, parades &amp; more. Book tickets now!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":4129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4130","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4130","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4130"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4130\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4130"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4130"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onestowatch.com\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4130"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}