Things to Do in Bartlett IL This Weekend: Oct 16–18
A spooky trolley ride, a drive-in double feature, live rock in St. Charles, and music bingo in Streamwood — nine verified picks within 25 minutes of Bartlett.
By Bartlett Guide · Published October 11, 2026
Mid-October is the busiest weekend stretch of fall around Bartlett — Halloween events are in full swing, the farmers markets are on their last weeks, and the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles has back-to-back shows. Every pick below was verified against its public event listing on October 11, 2026.
Friday, October 16
TSW Drive-In Movie Night — Ghostbusters + Jurassic Park
Town Square Wheaton's nostalgic drive-in: Ghostbusters (1984) at 7 PM and Jurassic Park at 9 PM. Grab dinner at a Town Square eatery and eat it during the movie. Vehicle entry from 6 PM / 8:30 PM; spots are limited.
Friday Night Music Bingo in Streamwood
Singo — a musical spin on bingo at The Chicago Loop Sports Bar and Grill: mark matching song titles while the DJ plays "the good parts." Free Singo cards; come sing along.
Schaumburg Farmers Market
Weekly Friday market through October 30 — produce, meats, flowers, plants, cheeses, and local eats. One of the last chances before the season ends.
The Musical Box — Genesis tribute at the Arcada
The Musical Box's acclaimed Genesis tribute production, "And Then There Was… Phil," in downtown St. Charles — the closest thing to seeing 1970s Genesis live.
Saturday, October 17
Ghost Train at the Fox River Trolley Museum
Ride a spooky trolley down to the haunted forest preserve, where ghost stories come alive around the campfire. Family-friendly tales and treats earlier, spookier rides later — pick your comfort level.
Batavia Farmers' Market
Weekly Saturday market through October 24 — produce, baked goods, plants, and honey, with vendors growing or producing at least 75% of their goods. Pair it with a walk along Batavia's riverfront.
Cantigny 5K Run/Walk
A 5K through Cantigny's 500-acre grounds in Wheaton — fall color should be near peak. $25 to register; walkers welcome.
Boo Bash at Geneva Commons
Halloween Boo Bash at Geneva Commons — costumes, treats, and family fun at the outdoor shopping center. Confirm details on the event page before heading out.
Y&T live at the Arcada
Veteran hard-rock band Y&T ("Summertime Girls") live in downtown St. Charles — the Arcada's second big show of the weekend. Check the theatre's site for ticket availability.
Tips for the weekend
- Book the drive-in early. TSW drive-in spots are limited and the double feature (Ghostbusters + Jurassic Park) will draw a crowd — aim to arrive when vehicle entry opens.
- Pair dinner with the show. St. Charles' downtown is a 2-minute walk from the Arcada — see our Bartlett-area restaurant picks or grab cheap dinner under $15 before heading west.
- Watch the full calendar. These are the highlights — the Bartlett events page, South Elgin events, and Streamwood events are refreshed daily with 100+ listings.
FAQ
What is there to do in Bartlett IL this weekend?
October 16–18 brings the Ghost Train trolley ride in South Elgin, a drive-in double feature in Wheaton, music bingo in Streamwood, farmers markets in Schaumburg and Batavia, and two concerts at St. Charles' Arcada Theatre — all within 25 minutes of Bartlett.
Is the Ghost Train in South Elgin family-friendly?
Yes — the Fox River Trolley Museum runs family-friendly ghost stories and treats earlier in the evening, with spookier rides later. Check the event listing for this year's schedule before bringing small kids.
Where can I watch a drive-in movie near Bartlett?
Town Square Wheaton (2001 S Naperville Rd, ~25 min) runs drive-in nights — October 16 features Ghostbusters at 7 PM and Jurassic Park at 9 PM. Vehicle entry opens at 6 PM and spots are limited.
Are there free things to do near Bartlett this weekend?
The farmers markets in Schaumburg and Batavia are free to browse, and the Boo Bash at Geneva Commons is a free family event. Music bingo in Streamwood uses free Singo cards — you just pay for food and drinks.
Sources & verification. Details verified October 11, 2026 against the public Facebook event listings for each event (via the Bartlett Guide's daily events refresh). Hours, prices, and availability change — confirm before heading out.