Events In Illinois That, We Promise, Have Nothing To Do With Politics

Judging by the relentless parade of campaign ads on television, streaming services, social media and even in your mailbox, you might think the Nov. 3 midterm elections are the only thing happening in Illinois.

If you're sick of the ads, you're hardly alone. A survey found about a third of American adults were already fed up with political advertising in July, months before the final campaign blitz.

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For anyone looking for a break from politics, here are six events upcoming events in Illinois where the only thing vying for your attention is a good time.

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

Grant Park, Chicago

Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade brings giant handmade puppets and skeletons, dancing witches, circus troupes, youth dancers and musicians and thousands of other artists for an illuminated parade along Columbus Drive.

Batavia BatFest

Downtown Batavia

Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Batavia's BatFest brings out thousands of people with its costume contests (for humans and pets!), dance performances to scary songs and pumpkin roll. The family-friendly festivities also include a reptile show and an appearance by Incredible Bats.

Book Fair for Adults

Oct. 24 at 10 a.m.

Alsip-Merrionette Park Library, 11960 S. Pulaski Rd., Alsip

Local bookstores will have items for sale at the Alsip-Merionette Park Library for its Book Fair for Adults. In addition to books, visitors can also buy works from area artists. Light refreshments will be available at this 21-and-over event.

Night of 1,000 Jack-O'-Lanterns

Oct. 21 through Oct. 25

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

Chicago Botanic Garden lights up with intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns, among which are 75 that weigh 150 pounds or more. Night of 1,000 Jack-O'-Lanterns also features costumed characters and autumnal treats that include apple cider donuts and housemade caramel apples.

Wheaton Haunted Halloween Flea Market

Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to midnight

DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton

The Wheaton Haunted Halloween Flea Market will feature hundreds of vendors offering eclectic...and even eerie...vintage and collectible items for purchase. Comic book artists, horror figures and the Windy City Ghostbusters will be on hand. Costumes are encouraged.

Chicago Halloween Ball

Oct. 31 at 9 p.m.

Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, 520 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

Billed as "Chicago's biggest costume party," the Chicago Hallween Ball takes place in the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, long rumored to be haunted.

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!