Whether you’re a fan of tricks or treats, our selected events are for you! From spooky drinks to pet costume contests, Chicago is full of every Halloween party under the sun. This Halloween guide is sure to revamp your Halloween celebrations. Plus, our variety of events is perfect for you, no matter if you want a short event or want to party all night. If you see something that sparks your curiosity, head to the provided links for additional information and a weekend itinerary you can look forward to!
Lakeview East Little Monsters Crawl
If you want to take your kids trick-or-treating while supporting local businesses, we have the event for you! Lakeview East and Wrigleyville are putting on their annual Little Monsters Crawl. This trick-or-treating event will occur on October 30th, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. You can rest assured that your kids will be trick-or-treating safely, and there may even be treats for adults along the way. Plus, supporting local businesses helps show appreciation for the diversity of our Chicago neighborhoods! Adults can taste ROCKS Lakeview’s Bourbon Cider slushy, while kiddos can pick up art supplies at Artful Framer Studios. There’s something for everyone! Head to Lakeview East’s Website to find out more. Be sure to check back regularly; new businesses are being added every day!
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best free spots in Chicago, and its Halloween events live up to the hype! Fall Fest is back at Lincoln Park Zoo, complete with free admission and available add-ons. Fall Fest will be happening on October 28th through the 30th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This Fall Fest, there’s something for everybody. Try festive wine and beer at their “Ciders and Spiders” event, or watch professional pumpkin carving with the whole family! Check out their S’mores Kit and Caramel Apple Station for an additional price. Whether you love tricks or treats, Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest will have it all!
River North Halloween Bar Crawl
If you’re over 21 and love Halloween, this next event is for you. The River North Halloween Bar Crawl will take place on October 29th, from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am. Lucky for you, River North is home to some of the best bars in Chicago, so there won’t be a shortage of places to go. Plus, these great bars are all within walking distance of one another. If this sounds exciting, grab your best costume and gang of spooky creatures, and head downtown for a night of fun! Your ticket includes lots of free goodies and all the dancing and partying you want. Head over to their website to purchase a ticket. You can even check out photos from previous years to get in the spirit!
Halloween in Andersonville
Looking for a laid-back Halloween with a variety of events? Halloween in Andersonville will give you all the fun you want! This event will run on October 29th, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Complete with Sensory Sensitivity Trick-Or-Treating and Clark Street Trick-Or-Treating, families of all ages and abilities can enjoy Halloween. The list does not stop there. From 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, head over to the West Andersonville Community Gardens for their Ghostly Garden event. No matter what event you choose, Halloween in Andersonville has the non-scary events covered. Andersonville’s website is your one-stop shop to find out more about all the events they offer for Halloween, so be sure to check it out!
Streeterville Halloween Dog Party
If you love your dog and want to see them dressed up for Halloween, Streeterville is the place for you. Join the Museum of Contemporary Art for their Halloween Dog Party, and let your pet take part in this fun holiday! This party will take place on October 30th, from 9:00 am – 10:00 amOctober 30th, 9:00 am – 10:00 am in the Backyard of the Museum of Contemporary Art. MCA has an entire lineup of events. The costume contest judging will begin at 9:15 am, Alderman Brian Hopkins will judge the parade of dogs, and treats from Eli’s Cheesecake Company will be provided. Plus, this event is completely free! Enjoy this backyard party amongst beautiful fall weather and good company. MCA’s website has the most up-to-date information, so check there for updates!
Día De Los Muertos Halloween Party in Fulton Market
Get in the Spirit with Time Out Market and their Día de Los Muertos Halloween party! Whether you’re a fan of festive drink specials or spooky palm readings, this party can help you do it all. Also, be sure to wear your favorite costume for their costume contest, and make sure it’s a costume you can boogie in! This Día de Los Muertos party will run on October 29th, from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, so there is time for everyone to get in the spirit. Complete with a slew of different events, you won’t want to miss out on this free event. Head to Time Out Market’s Events page to find out more!
Ghouls Night Out hosted by Acebounce
Take your average night out to a new, spooky level with Acebounce’s Ghouls Night Out! Head to River North for this ghoulish Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 29th, from 9:00 pm to 12:30 am. For just $100, you and your ghouls get access to a 3.5-hour open bar, appetizers, unlimited games, and a live DJ. Plus, dress up in your spookiest costume for a chance to win their costume contest! Head here to grab your tickets. Be sure to act fast because tickets at this price won’t last long.
Dread Lobster at Heritage Chicago
No matter if you are a seasoned foodie or just like Halloween and good food, Heritage Chicago can get you in the spooky spirit! From Tuesday, October 25th through Monday, October 31st, join Heritage Chicago for their Dread Lobster menu. At Heritage Chicago, you will be met with world-class food and service, complete with a Halloween twist! Featuring everything from their “Char-Booterie” boards to their Blackened Halibut with Lobster Cream Sauce, their menu is sure to satisfy any craving. Act quickly to make your reservations because spots won’t last long!
Arts in the Dark
Arts in the Dark celebrates Halloween with a twist! Rather than celebrating Halloween for its horror and gore, Chicago’s infamous State Street celebrates Halloween as an artist’s holiday. This event draws together world-renowned institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lookingglass Theatre Company, After School Matters, and even a sneak peek at local aspiring artists. With hundreds of floats, puppets, and performances, this family-friendly parade is sure to be a great time!
Pier Pumpkin Lights
Love the pier? Well, you’ll love the Halloween spin that Navy Pier takes with their decorations! This year, Navy pier is taking Halloween and turning it into a whimsical, festive way to experience autumn. This fall, check out Pier Pumpkin Lights for various decorations, rides, and thousands of photo opportunities! Pier Pumpin Lights runs from October 1 till Halloween! Grab the family, and explore a variety of light-up pumpkins, skeletons, and other Halloween creatures!
Jack’s Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up
Pumpkin patches are the perfect way to get in the Halloween spirit. Jack’s Pumpkin Patch pop-up is the perfect place. There are 2 acres of pure fun! Carnival games, music, fortune telling, and more. There are even photo opportunities for your social media feeds. Open from September 22nd- October 31st, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the patch and grab some pumpkins for carving. The address is 1465 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642. Prices may vary depending on the day.
Halloween In the Parks
The Chicago Park Districts is hosting Halloween in the Parks. With various kid-friendly activities, this event is a perfect Halloween tradition. Throughout the entire month of October, there will be pumpkin patches, Halloween parties, etc. For more information visit the Chicago Park District website now!
Horror Movies On A Rooftop
Are you a horror movie fan? If so, there is a perfect event for you! Rooftop Cinema Club is hosting a Halloween Movie Night throughout all of October. The Rooftop Cinema Club is an outdoor screening experience on the top of The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan St) in Fulton Market. Drinks and snacks are provided. Prices vary, you can purchase the tickets here.
Written by: Maddie Belland, Paulina Czupryna, and Mariah Sturdivant