Blue Skies Ahead: Movie Night, Apple Fest, and Ghost Tours

As we enter the crisp month of October, this week’s edition of Blue Skies Ahead welcomes fall with all things cozy, tasty and spooky. Kick off autumn with delicious fall treats at the Lincoln Square Apple Fest, explore the twisted history of the city through a chilling tour or spend a relaxing Friday night outside with a movie and meal at Senn High School.

Movie and Potluck at Senn High School: Oct. 4

To kick off the school year, Senn High School will host the community Friday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. on the Senn Lawn, located at 5900 N. Glenwood Ave., for a viewing of the movie “In the Heights.” Organizers ask attendees to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a dish to share. 

The movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Those interested can RSVP online.

Apple Fest 2024: Oct. 5-6

Hardcore apple and autumn fans can kick off the season with the 37th annual Apple Fest this weekend in Lincoln Square.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday Oct. 5-6, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is hosting this a-peeling seasonal event along Lincoln avenue, according to the event website. A $5 donation is also suggested to join other autumn in-ciders at the festival.

A variety of apple-solutely delicious apple-themed drinks and treats will be available at the event — including alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders, classic apple pie and cinnamon empanadas, according to the site. Numerous vendors from farms around the Midwest will also be present offering even more apple-themed foods and items like butters, candles and jewelry.

The Gangsters and Ghosts Tour: Daily

Learn more about Chicago’s criminally colorful past, ripe with stories of gangsters and speakeasies from the 1920s and 30s, at this immersive guided tour in Chicago’s downtown Vice District. The tour is offered by bus or on foot, running daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The tour features history on famous gang-related murders and shootings and explores the haunted scenes of crime. The walking tour begins at the Royal Sonesta Hotel at 71 E. Wacker Dr., and the bus tour takes off from the Palmer House Hilton at 17 E. Monroe St. Tickets can be purchased for $35 on their website, with discounts for kids and seniors. 

Andersonville Art Tour: Oct. 4-6

This annual event will feature local artists from around Chicago. It will kick off Oct. 4 with a series of Friday night parties hosted by participating galleries and businesses across the city. 

The celebrations will then extend into the weekend for three days of artwork and creative exploration. The work displayed will cover a variety of categories, including but not limited to theater, dance, music, film and culinary works.
The tour is walkable and begins at the Swedish American Museum, located at 5211 N. Clark St. Admission to the event is free, and more information can be found online at their website.