Halloween in Chicago is an entire mood. With incredible Halloween parties in Chicago, Halloween stores in Chicago, and Halloween costumes in Chicago, you’ll never fall short of things to do.
There’s nothing quite like the crisp autumn air and the changing of the trees during this magical holiday season in the Windy City. I promise there ain’t no Halloween like a Chicago Halloween, so bring your best squad ghouls and buckle up for this wickedly awesome post for all your Halloween in Chicago needs.
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Halloween Chicago Activities
Here’s the top activities in Chicago for Halloween. Here you’ll find pumpkin spice and everything nice!
National Museum of Mexican Art
Check out the National Museum of Mexican Art’s free event featuring Day of the Dead customs. It’s the perfect way to get an immersive experience on vibrant Mexican culture.
When: September 20, 2024 – December 8, 2024
Address: 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Adult’s Night Out Howl-O-Ween At Lincoln Park Zoo
Halloween events in Chicago for adults are a must. Because let’s be real, sometimes children are real fun suckers.
Adult’s Night Out guests will enjoy the zoo after-hours, complete with a scary haunted trail, Halloween-themed animal chats, a live DJ, and pop-up bars and concessions throughout the seasonally outfitted zoo.
When: October 24, 2024
Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
2. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America
If you’re looking for the best things to do during Halloween in Chicago, then don’t miss Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America. There’s nothing quite like the Halloween events at the park and roller coasters. My favorite is the after-dark events with scare zones, haunted houses, and ghouls.
When: September 14, 2024 – November 3, 2024
Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Halloween 5k Chicago
Winter is long and hard in Chicago so stay outside while you still can and get warmed up with the Halloween 5k Races in Chicago.
- Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5k Chicago Race – October 27, 2024
- 5k Halloween Hustle in Palatine – October 26, 2024
Halloween Ghost Tour Chicago
Chicago has a long history and a fair share of ghost stories. From chilling tales of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 to the Bloody Valentine Massacre, these stories will capture your imagination!
Some of the best places to visit during the Halloween season is the Congress Plaza Hotel, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the former site of H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle. these are just a few of most (allegedly) haunted sites in Chicago.
- Chicago Haunted River Tour
- Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in Chicago
- Haunted Chicago Bike Tour
- Windy City Ghosts Tour
Haunted Halloween Ball at Congress Plaza Hotel
You haven’t been to a Halloween Monster Mash until you’ve attended the Congress Plaza Hotel Halloween Ball in Chicago. This is one of the most famous Halloween parties.
On October 26th, the massive ballroom of the 122-year-old hotel will transform into a zombie-themed dance floor where live DJs, vampire bellmen, and costumed go-go dancers rule the night. Bone to be wild at the biggest Halloween costume party in the City!
When: October 26, 2024
Address: 520 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL
Night of a 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns
This Chicago Halloween celebration comes back year after year! It’s also great for kids of all ages.
Held at the Chicago Botanic Garden, you will see impressive jack-o-lanterns crafted by talented artists. There will also be plenty of spiked cider and seasonal beer.
When: October 16th – 20th, 2024 | October23 – 27, 2024
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
Pumpkin Nights at Navy Pier
You can do a plethora of activities like ride the Ferris wheel, take photos, have a bite, and go shopping. There’s always special events in the fall and around Halloween time so be sure to check the Navy Pier calendar here.
When: September 30, 2024 – October 31, 2024
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
TILT Terror Nights at 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Trick-or-treat yourself with TILT Terror Nights at 360 thrilling after-hours experience. The Tilt is already a gravity-defying feat where you hover 1,000 feet over the Chicago skyline.
Be sure to stay for the themed cocktails and to die for city views. Halloween in downtown Chicago is always a treat.
When: October 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL
The 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago
If you’ve got it, haunt it! The Thirteenth Floor Haunted House in Chicago has been voted as one of the SCARIEST haunted houses of the season.
Address: 5050 River Road, Schiller Park, IL
Explore a Spooky Museum
The Loop houses more than 100 macabre devices and tools that show some of the darkest days of humanity. Halloween is the perfect time to explore the museum’s eerie exhibits — if you dare. Get your tickets to the Medieval Torture Museum here.
Watch a Scary Movie in Chicago
An awesome way to celebrate spooky season in Chicago is to watch a horror film. Here are some of the best places to catch a horror flick for Halloween.
Halloween Brunch Chicago
This is for all my millennials who need a Halloween Brunch in Chicago. After all, witches who brunch together, stay together. #avocadotoast all day every day!
Jojo’s Shake Bar
Jojo’s in River North always has something going on every season and Halloween is no different. Its large patio turns into a giant pumpkin patch.
Life is gourd when you can pick pumpkins, but the best part is always food. Sample their over-the-top desserts (like caramel apples, shakes, pies, and shakes topped with pie) in a glass dome. I think Jojo’s is one of the cutest Halloween restaurants in Chicago.
Address: 23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL
Halloween Decorations Chicago
If you’re looking to buy some of the best Halloween decorations in Chicago, then these stores are my top picks for some fangtastic ones! Halloween stores in Chicago are always a fun time so be sure to have a blast shopping in them for me!
Where To See Halloween Decorations in Chicago
Below is a list of some of the best decorated neighborhoods to check out the spookiest Halloween decorations in Chicago. For more spooktacular decorations and neighborhoods, check out this guide on Block Club Chicago.
- Hernandez’s Pilsen yard on 19th Street between Throop and Loomis streets includes a 15-foot ofrenda for Día de los Muertos.
- The block of Hamlin Avenue just north of Argyle Street goes big for Halloween, with most houses participating.
- There’s a witchy hamlet on Throop Street just south of Madison Street in the West Loop.
Halloween Parade Chicago
Is this season really festive without a parade? After all who doesn’t want to see the fun, quirky, and stylish costumes? Here are my top picks for the best Halloween parades in Chicago.
Arts in The Dark Halloween Parade 2024
Arts in the Dark is one of the most famous Halloween parades in Chicago, showcasing a magical nighttime parade for kids and adults! World-renowned institutions, as well as artists of all kinds, come together to celebrate one of Chicago’s favorite days, known as the “artist’s holiday.”
This family-friendly Halloween activity begins at dusk. It also includes live music, colorful floats, giant puppets, and lots of fun. The parade is organized by LUMA8 (8 creative leaders whose work can be seen everywhere in Chicago).
When: October 19, 2024
Parade Route: State Street southward from Lake. to Van Buren St.
Haunted Northalsted Halloween Parade 2024
With over two thousand participants, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and costume contest to die for! The Haunted Halstead Halloween Parade is considered one of the top 10 Best Halloween Celebrations by Fodor’s Travel.
If I do say so myself, Boystown is THE place to go for the BEST Halloween costumes in Chicago. Get ready to boo-gie because the Chicago gayborhood never disappoints. The parade kicks off on Halloween at 6pm.
When: October 31, 2024
Parade Route: 3300-3700 N. Halsted St.
Halloween Parties Chicago
If you’re looking for all the best Halloween parties in Chicago, then check out this amazing list. Chicago goes all out for the spookiest time of year so expect some truly spooktacular activities. Here you’ll find the top Halloween bars in Chicago.
15. Black Pearl Halloween Cruise
Calling all Pirates of the Caribbean fans! You’re not going to want to miss out on this Halloween Cruise in Chicago.
Bring your ghouls and witches to create the ultimate experience that no club, hotel, or land entity could ever offer at this pirate-themed (all costumes welcome) party. And with two of Chicago’s hottest DJs performing live on two decks, they will rock this boat with the best club mixes on the planet!
Address: 600 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611
Nightmare on Clark Street
This awesome Wrigleyville bar is the perfect place to enjoy Halloween in Chicago. Nightmare on Clark Street is on of my favorite Halloween events.
The entire property transforms into a giant haunted house, and last year was hella spooky with all the zombies and nods to iconic horror films.
When: September 20, 2024 – November 3, 2024
Address: 3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Official River North Halloween Bar Crawl Chicago
This year, get ready for the best Halloween night of your life. The official River North Booze Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl will bring you face-to-face with Zombie cocktail servers, allegedly haunted places, and eerie surprises.
When: October 31, 2024
Address: Two Lane America 1050 North Damen Avenue, Chicago IL
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods
A lot of these Halloween bars Chicago really like to get ya witchful thinking with all the creative things they come up with. Ina Mae’s reaches down into its New Orleans roots.
This Halloween pop-up showcases “Ina’s Voodoo Lounge,” which runs the entire month of October. The main event, “NOLA Halloween Happy Hour,” features a half-price cocktail menu featuring drinks named for classic horror movies such as Evil Dead and Rosemary’s Baby.
When: October 31, 2024
Address: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up Chicago
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up in Chicago is one of the best Halloween events. This is my absolute favorite thing to do in Chicago and is always worth every damn penny. It’s full of Halloween Instagram Worthy photo opportunities and pumpkin picking that is sure to make you witch and famous. 😉
When: September 20, 2024 – November 3, 2024
Address: 1267 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642
Longman & Eagle
Join Longman & Eagle for their annual pumpkin carving! They offer limited complimentary pumpkins and carving kits, apple donuts, hot cider, and lots and lots of Jim Beam whiskey, obviously. They hold this event every year so be sure to stay tuned for details.
When: October 19, 2024
Address: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Lottie’s Pub
This is a long time neighborhood favorite. Last year they threw a Day of the Dead Halloween party and Halloween trivia night. I can’t wait to se what they come up with next.
When: October 30, 2024
Address: 1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622
Reggie’s Chicago
Reggie’s in the South Loop is continuing with a favorite ye old Halloween tradition… Going to the Old Joliet Haunted Prison.
For $60 you too can skip the line for this haunted house in Joliet with an escape room and other attractions. This was one of my favorite things to do during Halloween when I was in high school and let me tell ya… It is pretty damn scary.
Address: 2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
Titanic Masquerade Chicago Halloween Yacht Party
You’re invited to the ultimate Chicago Halloween party cruise aboard the Spirit of Chicago that will be transformed into a haunting Titanic, filled with party-goers. You’ll be entertained by Chi Town’s hottest DJs performing live on two decks.
When: October 25, 2024
Address: 600 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611
Untitled Supper Club
Creepin’ it real… If you’re looking for a bougie and fancy area, this over-the-top River North venue called Untitled is eerie-sistible! The theme for Halloween 2024 is Order of the Red Veil.
Address: 111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Utopian Tailgate
Getting down with the season’s fun they’re turning into “Dystopian Tailgate” with a spooky circus party with food, drinks, and costume contests. Revelers can also have their tarot cards read and catch performances from acrobats, jugglers, and fire twirlers.
Address: 1608 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
I hope you enjoyed this Chicagoween blog post for things to do in Chicago on Halloween. Halloween festivals Chicago always bring it and whenever I’m traveling elsewhere, I always miss it.
This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!
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