Chicagoween fall calendar is packed with spectacular parades, ghost tours, pub crawls, and night-time cruises! Lincoln Park, Glessner House, and Chicago Congress Plaza Hotel are among the most popular haunted sites in the city. Starting from mid-October, the downtown dresses up in vibrant decorations during the day and night. Check them out at Daley Plaza, known for its orange fountain, and Navy Pier, boasting great pumpkin décor and many kids' activities. Halloween parades and trick-or-treating events peak in the last week of October. Don't forget to pack your costume to participate in the Haunted Halsted Parade, one of the best Halloween events in North America.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade (October 19, 2024)
Arts in the Dark is a spectacular family-friendly Halloween parade that is focused on art and traditions. This nighttime procession features amazingly huge puppets, skulls, mummies, decorated floats, performers in vibrant costumes, and holiday illuminations. The procession is focused on showcasing the diverse art scene of Chicago and doesn't feature sponsorship floats or participation of public officials.
The parade takes place on State Street, between Lake and Van Buren, from 6 to 8 pm. It attracts about 50,000 attendees and participants annually. Some parade entries were designed by the famous Art Institute of Chicago and Lookingglass Theatre Company with the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Arts in the Dark features performers from every one of Chicago's 50 wards, reflecting the amazing cultural diversity of the city.
Upside Down Halloween Parade (October 26, 2024)
A culmination of Chicago's Halloweek, the Upside Down Parade is a child-friendly event, featuring hundreds of families and children in spooky, creative costumes. The procession takes place in Washington Park and moves along Russell Drive, with kids receiving a bag of candy at the end of the parade. While the families stroll down the route, numerous performers, musicians and acrobats will showcase their talent, impressing the crowds. The event is scheduled to take place from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade (October 31, 2024)
For over 20 years, the annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and Costume Contest has been the main highlight of autumn in Chicago. Held in the LGBT-friendly Northalsted neighborhood, the parade usually starts at 6:30 pm, running from Halsted Street to Belmont Avenue. Be ready to meet many ghouls, zombies, and other monsters roaming around the streets of Chicago. The parade is free and open for everyone to participate in. Considerable cash prizes are awarded for the best costumes. During the parade, spectators also have a chance to witness music performances and fire displays demonstrated by the event's regulars, Full Moon Jam.
Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden (October 16-20, 23–27, 2024)
Nestled in the Cook County Forest Preserves, the Chicago Botanic Garden transforms every October with thousands of beautiful lights. More than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkin lanterns can be seen only on select nights before Halloween. Some of these jack-o'-lanterns weigh up to 150 pounds. Pumpkins, carved by professional artists, feature superheroes, celebrities, and Halloween themes. Guests are entertained by costumed performers and can see live carving demonstrations as well as enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks. The event runs from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm, with the last entry possible at 10 pm.
Halloween Gala at the Museum of Surgical Science (October 31, 2024)
Chicago's landmark, the International Museum of Surgical Science, annually hosts an exciting fundraiser, Memento Mori Gala, offering an exclusive opportunity to celebrate Halloween in the realm of surgical displays. The venue will feature an open bar with a variety of cocktails, beers and wines, tarot and palm readings, dance parties, and a costume contest. The event is scheduled to take place from 7 pm until 11 pm. Early bird tickets cost $90, with the price increasing to $125 in September. If you're attending in a company of four other people, you can purchase a ticket package for a discounted price of $70 per ticket (the cost will increase to $115 in September.)
Other Attractions in Chicago
If you get too cold during the outdoor Halloween events, you can stop by any of the Chicago Public Library locations or visit The National Museum of Mexican Art to see their indoor exhibitions.
