October in Chicago is like something out of a movie. The temperatures are pleasant, the peak tourist season has passed, and crisp, vibrant orange leaves cover the streets and parks. There are also dozens of events throughout the city. The Chicago International Film Festival, one of North America’s longest-running competitive film festivals is also one of the best. The Open House Chicago, a famous architecture event that lets individuals explore Chicago’s towering skyscrapers and historic private residences is also a main attraction. The city’s population has grown over the last decade (2%), reaching around 2.7 million people in 2020. Chicago has an admirable work-life balance, and so it’s not surprising that with every passing season, something is going on for people of varying interests. That said, October in Chicago also means one universal thing to residents in the city: betting on the MLB playoffs. The Windy City has an online gambling and sports betting industry that comes alive in September and October, in part because US online casinos offer free spins without an initial deposit, allowing players to play slots for real money without making an installment. However, it’s also because US sportsbooks offer odds on the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately, the Cubs’ 2021 playoff race ended early, but that shouldn’t affect the usual surge Chicago’s sports betting market sees in October. The city still has its NFL team, the Chicago Bears, which is another hot pick for Illinois sports bettors: in September 2020, Illinois bettors placed over $91.4 million in wagers on football games.
HEADED TO PLAYOFFS: The Milwaukee Brewers are headed to the postseason for the fourth-straight season after beating the Chicago Cubs 6-4 on Saturday night. https://t.co/CQ0vSKt744— NBC15 News (@nbc15_madison) September 19, 2021
So we know in October, Chicago locals will be doing one of two things: attending a film or art festival or watching and betting on the Chicago Bears, who, as of September 27, are second in the NFC North. However, there is one more annual event in Chicago in October that, even though is a favorite, still deserves more recognition and turnout, and that’s Making Strides of Chicago. Making Strides of Chicago 2021 On October 16, Chicago’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Soldier Field, located in the Near South Side of Chicago and the home of both the Chicago Bears and the city’s MLS team, Chicago Fire FC. The Making Strides movement aims to help the American Cancer Society continue its fight in preventing, finding, treating, and surviving breast cancer. The 2021 event will begin at 9:00 am at Soldier Field’s South Parking Lot and follows a three-mile walk along the Lakefront Path. Other activities at the event include a photo booth, refreshments, and a Wall of Hope area. This year, the Making Strides organization is doing something different, too. For those individuals who can’t attend the public event on October 16, there will be a digital event on October 17, 24, or 30 at 11:00 am.
Can you believe it?! Our event is one month away and we are so excited to come together IN-PERSON with you and the rest of our breast cancer fighting community! Join us on October 16 at Soldier Field!https://t.co/dxLJhV7zHP pic.twitter.com/95FkCnoUgl— Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Chicago (@ChicagoMSABC) September 16, 2021
Chicago offers plenty of events year-round, but there’s no denying the city comes alive in October, as there are dozens of festivals, pumpkin patches, and sports games on the weekends. However, some events deserve more recognition, including Making Strides of Chicago.
Dorothy Boucher says
Everything here sounds amazing! I would love to visit Chicago during the Autumn season, sounds wonderful!! and love the film festivals.
@tisonlyme143