Experience the Midwest

Events and Festivals in the Midwest

NOW - OCTOBER 26, 2024

Outdoor Market Weekends

La Crosse, WI

 

Come enjoy the Outdoor Market Weekends from now until October to enjoy the farmers market, flea market, Amish goods and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: La Crosse, WI (LSE)

NOW - OCTOBER 27, 2024

China Lights: Year of the Dragon

Milwaukee, WI

 

Gaze at over 40 larger-than-life light displays on approximately nine acres at Boerner Botanical Gardens, made of over 1,000 components, illuminated with LED lighting for an amazing visual experience.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee-Downtown, WI (MKE)

NOW - OCTOBER 31, 2024

Fall Colors Trip

Alton, Carbondale and Normal, IL

 

Check out the fall foliage colors with this Fall Color Trip Planner from Enjoy Illinois. Take in the seasonal beauty as you ride Amtrak Illinois Service.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL) - Carbondale, IL (CDL) - ‎Alton, IL (ALN)

NOW - OCTOBER 31, 2024

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

Chicago, IL

 

Come celebrate Chicago’s largest fall festival. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is an over-the-top pop-up that includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks and tons of pumpkins.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Chicago, IL (CHI)

NOW - OCTOBER 31, 2024

Pirates and Pumpkins

St. Louis, MO

 

The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is being invaded by pirates and a spooky patch of magnificently carved pumpkins. Take a self-guided tour through a highly themed wonderland of treasure caves and grottos. Follow pirate clues through the marine habitats and hands-on animal adventures. Families will have the opportunity to "Trick or Treat" on Fridays & Saturdays from 5 pm - 8 pm at Union Station, one block west of Gateway Station.

Nearest Amtrak Station: St. Louis, MO (STL)

OCTOBER 5, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues NHL Hockey

Milwaukee, WI

 

The Chicago Blackhawks are returning to Fiserv Forum to host a preseason game against the St. Louis Blues as part of the arena’s “Home Away From Home” series.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee-Downtown, WI (MKE)

OCTOBER 5 - 27, 2024

Oktoberfest

Hermann, MO

 

Immerse your senses with the sights, sounds and aromatic smells of authentic German food, music and activities. Hosted each weekend in October, the festival features events focused on German Heritage. You’ll also find several brat stands, as well as local craft beer, wine and spirits available around town to celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Hermann, MO (HEM)

OCTOBER 12 - 13, 2024

72nd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival

Hermann, MO

 

The fair offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover handmade crafts from 60+ local vendors showcasing their handcrafted wares. Our fair brings together artisans of all mediums, from ceramics to textiles to woodworking and beyond, offering unique and handmade items that are perfect for anyone looking to support local crafters or find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Hermann, MO (HEM)

OCTOBER 17, 2024

Witches & Wine Festival

Hermann, MO

 

Come out for a Ladies' Night Out in beautiful historic Hermann. Join us for a bewitching evening of Witches & Wine at our October event. Sip on spooky spirits and indulge in delicious treats as we celebrate the season of magic and mystery with wine, food, dancing, vendors, local shops, costume contests and more. It's sure to be a night full of enchantment and fun from 5pm to 9pm. Attendees must be 21+ to attend and the price varies.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Hermann, MO (HEM)

OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2024

2024 Hunting Moon Pow Wow

Milwaukee, WI

 

Hunting Moon Pow Wow brings together a host of Native American cultures for a celebration of singing, drumming and dancing in the heart of downtown Milwaukee.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee-Downtown, WI (MKE)

OCTOBER 19 - 20, 2024

Open House Chicago

Chicago, IL

 

Enjoy a free public festival that offers self-guided history and architecture trails throughout Chicago and behind-the-scenes access to more than 160 architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites across the city.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Chicago, IL (CHI)

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

College Football: University of Illinois vs. Michigan State

Champaign, IL

 

The Fighting Illini take on the Michigan State Spartans for Senior Day at Memorial Stadium.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Champaign-Urbana, IL (CHM)

NOVEMBER 28, 2024

Annual Thanksgiving Lighting & Fireworks Extravaganza

Sedalia, MO

 

Experience the Annual Thanksgiving Lighting & Fireworks Extravaganza. For free admission, bring the family out to enjoy traditional Christmas music and a fireworks display synchronized to music on Thanksgiving evening.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Sedalia, MO (SED)

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 31, 2024

Christmastime in Hermann

Hermann, MO

 

Celebrate the holidays all month long with the Sounds of Starkenburg Concerts & Christmas Market, Children’s Lantern Parade, Holiday House Tours and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Hermann, MO (HEM)

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