Things to Do
What to do in Chicago this Halloween
It's time to unravel the spooky fun Chicago has to offer as we edge closer to a mysterious Halloween.
From long tailed parades to high profile Halloween parties, Chicago is filled with Halloween events that balance spookiness and fun to perfection. Whether you are looking to spend some family time at a pumpkin party or wanting to squeeze some pumpkin juice at the patch, we have made sure all your Halloween requests are heard. Trick or treat?
JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch
(Throughout October)
JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch, Source: Facebook
Jump straight into the Halloween mood with JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch, a 5,000 square foot outdoor patio in Downtown. Decorated with over 600 pumpkins, a 1954 Red Ford Truck, Hay Bales, and a bathtub filled with corn, the pumpkin patch offers a variety of drinks, shakes, and treats to indulge in.
Try the Pumpkin Patch Shake topped with pumpkin pie slice, taffy apple, roasted marshmallow, and toffee pretzel, while you may also opt for other seasonal options like the pumpkin pie, caramel apples, and spiked ciders.
Reserve a table for $10 and sip on spiked classics such as the pumpkin spiked latte and caramel apple mule.
Location - 23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654.
Timings - 11 am onwards.
Haunted Dining in the Dark
(Wednesday, October 13 to Saturday, October 30)
Would you like to dine in the dark with a spooky waiter serving you? If so, check out Haunted Dining in the Dark at the Hubbard Inn. Heighten your senses in a pitch-black room as you get served a three-course meal available in vegan, fish, and meat options.
The immersive experience lasts for 90 minutes, and you can choose a wine pairing option with your food. The waiters are equipped with night vision glasses in case you were wondering how the food shall be served at your table.
Ticket price: $89 per person.
Location - 110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654.
Timings - Slot one: 6 pm
Slot two: 8.30 pm
Seadog Haunted Tours
(Friday, October 15 to Sunday, October 31)
Costumed guide on Seadog Haunted River Tour, Source: Website
Board the Seadog boat on Navy Pier and embark on a 75 minute journey that takes you through the windy city’s marvelous architecture. A costumed guide will narrate all the spooky events, secrets, spirits, scandals, and sins via a series of spine-tingling tales as you enjoy the breezy night time tour.
The tour also includes a short speed boat ride on the lake.
Dress code: Casual attire. Costumes are welcomed.
Ticket price: $49.95 for an adult, $31.97 for a child, and free for infants under 3.
Location - Navy Pier, East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Timings - 7 pm onwards (Friday and Saturday)
5 pm onwards (Sunday)
Arts in the Dark Upside Down Parade
(Saturday, October 23)
Arts in the Dark Parade, Source: Website
Stationed along the beautiful tree lined stretch in Russell Drive, Arts in the Dark Upside Down Parade will tag along more than 20 performance groups in the heart of Washington Park.
Saluting the creativity and diversity of community neighborhoods in Chicago, the reverse parade will hand out a goodie bag to each attendee while the supply lasts.
Location - 5531 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, 60637.
Timings - 12 pm to 3 pm.
Haunt & Flaunt Halloween Rooftop Party
(Thursday, October 28)
Rooftop Halloween party at Marvin’s Food & Fuel, Source: Website
Halloween parties don't come any bigger and better than the Haunt & Flaunt Halloween Rooftop Party at Marvin’s Food & Fuel. Costume up and boogie down on the climate controlled rooftop where Chicago’s premier DJs, Will Galvan and Billa, mix the grooves with special guest Denali Foxx from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The party will uncover ghoulish fun with Halloween movie screenings, drinks, and music to make the experience unforgettable.
With the ticket, you get a complimentary Halloween welcome punch and a chance to seize special prizes such as the most creative, funny, and scary costume awards.
Ticket price: $40 per person.
Location - 952 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607.
Timings - 8 pm to 2 am
Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
(Thursday, October 28)
Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way, Source: Facebook
The fourth annual Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way will host a lot of fun activities for children and adults in Wrigleyville. The Old Town School of Folk Music will play Halloween songs to dance to, while the Kid Create Studio will set up paper and slime making classes where you can learn to make a paper ghost of your own.
As you divulge in the celebration, an array of candy stations will take care of your sweet tooth with the provision of chocolate, sweets, sours, tootsies, and lollipops.
To end the evening on a relaxing note, blanket up and stick around for the screening of the movie, Hotel Transylvania. It's about time the inner child in you got out!
Location - 3637 N Clark St, Chicago 60613.
Timings - 3.30 pm to 7 pm
Northalsted Halloween Parade
(Sunday, October 31)
One of the biggest Halloween parades in the country, Northalsted Halloween Parade will carry cosplayers, kids, parents, and pets from Halsted Street. All girls band, Catfight, will light the march with rocking music as flag marshals, Batty Davis and Matthew Rodrigues, lead the way.
Upto $6000 worth of cash is up for grabs at the event, with $500 for first place and $250 for runners up in the mix. There are a total of 7 award categories that include scary, drag, creative, cosplay, and more.
Location - W Roscoe St & N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657.
Timings - 6.30 pm onwards
Header image - Halloween party, Source: Pexels, image by Andrea Piacquadio
