Looking for ideas on how to spend a fun weekend with your friends and family? A Chicago Cubs Game is still one of the best choices in the fall, even with the regular season now over. The Cubs have reached the postseason and will begin a best-of-three Wild Card Series, giving fans one last chance to enjoy Wrigley Field this year.
Wrigley Field, the only Major League Baseball stadium with ivy-colored outfield walls, has hosted six World Series. Whether you love music, good food, company, entertainment, or baseball, Wrigley Field has it all. And while the Cubs’ playoff stay may be brief, the atmosphere will be unforgettable.
Playoff games begin Tuesday, September 30 and run through Thursday, October 2. So if you’re thinking of grabbing a last minute ticket, here are a few things to consider.
On game days, fans sometimes arrive early to watch batting practice or explore the festive Wrigleyville neighborhood with its various restaurants. For example, Bryon’s Hot Dogs is a local favorite that is known for their Chicago-style hot dogs topped with a variety of ingredients.
“I always have fun when I go to the games. I would say the atmosphere of Wrigley Field and the community of the fans makes the experience enjoyable,” Lilly Meyer, a senior at Schaumburg High School, said.
Playoff games bring extra excitement. The crowd is louder, the energy higher, and fans of all ages can take part in traditions like meeting the Cubs’ mascot Clark or cheering during the seventh-inning stretch. Prior to games, players sign autographs, kids can participate in activities like running the bases, making it a rewarding experience for people of all ages.
“It’s definitely one of my favorite memories when I was seven because I remember the food was good, the people in the stands were loud, and I was just beyond excited the whole time I was there,” Anna Villarreal, a senior at Schaumburg High School, remarked.
The Cubs offer a free remote lot at 3900 N. Rockwell St. for night and weekend games. Free shuttles run from the lot to the ballpark starting two hours before the first pitch and for approximately two hours after the game.
To avoid traffic and expensive parking, the Metra lines travel regularly to the city. Metra schedules can differ on Sundays, so be sure to check in advance.
Having clinched a Wild Card spot in 2025, this short series will decide whether they advance to the Division Series. Even if the run ends quickly, postseason baseball at Wrigley Field is a celebration in itself—proof that in Chicago, the season doesn’t feel complete until the final out.
“It’s an environment that combines competitive nature and a love of a place of belonging,” Mckell Mazzacano, also a senior at Schaumburg High School, said.
As the Cubs fight for their playoff lives, there’s no better time to be part of the action. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or visiting for the first time, Wrigley Field offers more than just baseball—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and joy.