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.

Blog Posts You Might Like

Popular Chicago City Tours

Halloween Chicago Activities

Here’s the top activities in Chicago for Halloween. Here you’ll find pumpkin spice and everything nice!

1. Adult’s Night Out At Lincoln Park Zoo

Halloween events in Chicago for adults is a must. Because let’s be real, sometimes children are real fun suckers. Guests will enjoy unique animal chats, educational entertainment, a live DJ, and multiple bars throughout the zoo at this after-hours event. Some of the drinks available are beer, cider, hard seltzer, or glass of wine in hand. Proceeds benefit Lincoln Park Zoo and help the zoo stay free and open 365 days a year! For more information, check out the event here on the Lincoln Park Zoo website.

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. This was one of my all time favorite events to attend in high school and college. There’s nothing quite like the Halloween events at the park and roller coasters. Fright Fest is running from September 16, 2023 – October 29, 2023. My favorite is the after dark events with scare zones, haunted houses, and ghouls. Get your tickets and more information about the event here.

Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031

3. 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.

4. Halloween Ghost Tour Chicago

Chicago has a long history and fair share of ghost stories. From chilling tales of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that burned down the entire city, to the Bloody Valentine Massacre, these stories will capture your imagination!

5. Haunted Halloween Ball at Congress Plaza Hotel

You haven’t been to a Halloween Monster Mash until you’ve attended Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago. This is one of the most famous Halloween parties in the City. Everyone and anyone is usually at this Halloween ball in Chicago. 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, baby! The Haunted Halloween Ball starts at 9pm and goes until 3am on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Address: 520 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL

6. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is great fun for the entire family. You can do a plethora of activities like ride the ferris wheel, the spinning chairs, and check out much more. The Pier Pumpkin Lights are back this year from October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023. There’s always special events in the fall and around Halloween time so be sure to check the Navy Pier calendar here.

Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL

7. TILT Terror Nights at 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Trick-or-treat yourself with this thrilling after hours experience. The Tilt is already a gravity defying feat where you hover 1,000 feet over the Chicago skyline. However during the night event, you’re gonna get a longer and faster spin. Be sure to stay for the themed cocktails and to die for city views. Halloween in downtown Chicago is always a treat. You can buy your tickets for the TILT Terror Nights here.

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 

8. The Thirteenth Floor Haunted House Chicago

If you’ve got it, haunt it! The Thirteenth Floor Haunted House in Chicago has been voted time and time again as one of the SCARIEST haunted houses of the season. Yes. Even more scary than the Joliet Prison. In fact, it’s so scary you have to sign a waiver before you go on. Get your tickets and more information on the Thirteenth Floor Haunted House here.

Address: 5050 River Road, Schiller Park, IL

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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!

12. 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.

13. Arts in The Dark Halloween Parade 2023

This is one of the most famous Halloween parades in Chicago that showcases 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”. The Arts in The Dark Halloween Parade 2023 begins at dusk. It will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023. It also includes live music, colorful floats, amazing giant puppets, and lots of fun. The parade is organized by LUMA8 (8 creative leaders whose work can be seen everywhere in Chicago). You can see more information about this Chicago Halloween Parade here.

Parade Route: State Street southward from Lake. to Van Buren St.

14. Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2023

With over two thousand participants, you better have a Halloween costume 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, Northalsted is THE place to go for the BEST Halloween costumes in Chicago. Get ready to boo-gie because the Chicago gayborhood never disappoints. From drag queens to kids to pets, this annual Boystown event inspires some of the most stunning costumes in Chicago. The parade kicks off on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 6pm and you definitely don’t want to miss it! You can read more about the Northalsted Halloween Parade here.

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. It starts at 11pm on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Bring your ghouls and witches to create the ultimate experience that no club, hotel or land entity could possibly 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! This is bound to be one of the best Halloween parties in Chicago 2022. You can purchase tickets for the Black Pearl Halloween Cruise Chicago here.

Address: 600 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611

16. Nightmare on Clark Street

This awesome Wrigleyville bar will get you ready for a Nightmare on Clark Street. Tickets will be going on sale at the end of September 2023 for this spooky season in Chicago event. Make a reservation for Nightmare on Clark Street here.

Address: 3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

17. Official Halloween Bar Crawl Chicago

This year, the first 200 crawlers to sign up get spooky souvenir shot glasses. Top Shelf Crawls is also promising a premier list of bars and nightclubs with no cover and exclusive drink specials. If you dress up, you can win up to $2500 in cash and prizes. This year, the Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl will be taking place on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Tickets are from $14.99 – $24.99 and you can buy them here at Eventbrite.

Address: Two Lane America 1050 North Damen Avenue, Chicago IL

18. 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 from October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023. The main event, “NOLA Halloween Happy Hour,” comes Thursday with a half-price cocktail menu featuring drinks named for horror movie classics such as Evil Dead and Rosemary’s Baby, an “illusionist” presentation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a burlesque show at 9 p.m.

Address: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622

19. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up Chicago

This is my absolute favorite thing to do in Chicago and is always worth every damn penny I spend here. Jack’s is back again this year starting from September 21, 2023 -November 3, 2023. It’s full of Halloween Instagram Worthy photo opportunities that is sure to make you witch and famous. 😉 Grab your tickets here for a spooktacular time at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up Chicago.

Address: 1267 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642

20. 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.

Address: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

21. 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.

Address: 1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622

22. 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

23. Titanic Masquerade Chicago Halloween Yacht Party

On Friday, October 27, 2023 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 2 decks. The event starts at 9pm. You can purchase tickets to the Titanic Masquerade Chicago Halloween Yacht Party here.

Address: 600 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611

24. 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 sure to be eerie-sistible! The theme for Halloween 2023 is Boogie Frights. This year features debauchery, cocktails, and 3 rooms of performances curated by Michelle L’amour and the Unbridled cast. The evening will finish with a dance party that’s equal parts gore and glam! Costumes are strongly encouraged. This year it will take place on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 8pm. More details are available via the Unititled Supper Club Restaurant.

Address: 111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

25. Utopian Tailgate

This super eclectic bar is gearing up for a one of a kind party this year on [date here]. 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!

Free Seoul E-Book

Do you love South Korea?

Enter your name and email address and click the button below to receive your Easy Seoul Travel Guide so you can travel like a local!

Related Posts

| 0 comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.