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Published September 18, 2023

The Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Chicago

Bust out the costumes, jack-o-lanterns, and Halloween candy—spooky season has arrived in Chi-Town. 🎃👻🕷️

by Chicago Bucket List

 

Summertime Chi is behind us, and while a tear or two may have been shed, we're diving headfirst into spooky season. Fall in Chicago is jam-packed with Halloween-themed events, no matter your age, scare affinity, or favorite autumn activities.

From horror film screenings to ghoulish parties and haunted ghost tours, there's no shortage of nightmarish fun to enjoy. Looking for something a little more lowkey? Paint pumpkins and sip spiked hot cocoa with your besties, or round up the kids for a day at the pumpkin patch. Read on for more of the best ways to celebrate Halloween in Chicago.

24 Can't-Miss Halloween Events in Chicago This Year

Attend a Haunted Cocktail Soiree

For an elevated approach to Halloween, dress up and attend Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party. More than just drinks and costumes, this experience pulls you into a haunting tale based on historical events and centuries-old legends. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere with mini-cocktail tastings, captivating live performances, and wandering entertainers, each holding a piece of the original ghost story.

Where: International Museum of Surgical Science: 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
More information.

EXCLUSIVE

location_on
1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party - Chicago
Starting at $69

Book now

 

Party at Nightmare on the Express

All aboard! Halloween is taking over the Ogilvie Train Station with three dance floors, over a dozen DJs, dancers and performers, costume contests and themed competitions, spooky activations, and more. Bonus: a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Never Had a Bad Day Foundation to support those suffering from cancer.

Where: Ogilvie Train Station: 120 N Canal St, Chicago, IL
More information

BEST PRICE

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120 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Nightmare on the Express - A Halloween Event
Starting at $20

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Grab a Drink at Frankenstein's Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab

Frankenstein's might look like an ordinary bar from the outside, but inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mysterious potions, shimmering elixirs, and spine-tingling concoctions. Mad scientists will guide you through the experience and together, you'll unlock the secrets hidden within the simmering beakers and test tubes!

Along with concocting your own spirits, you can also opt for a game of Duckpin bowling, plus enjoy additional drinks from the bar and spooky photo ops.

Where: The Pink Squirrel: 2414 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL
More information

PRESENTS

location_on
2414 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
Frankenstein's Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab - Chicago
Starting at $22

Book now

 

Experience The Garden of Decay

The Garden of Decay is a brand-new immersive theater experience now open at Navy Pier. Explore a haunted genetic plant lab with a grieving botanist's quest for resurrection, guided by audio narration. Afterward, enjoy interactive art, themed vendors, botanical cocktails, and late-night entertainment at the Garden of reCreation. Family-friendly daytime experiences are available, with an 18+ atmosphere after 7:15 PM.

Where: Navy Pier: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
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BEST PRICE

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Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Garden of Decay
Starting at $39

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Join the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade is not your average parade. Yes, there are performers, bands, and floats, but there are also jeeps, fire breathers, and wildly creative costumes. Anyone is welcome to participate as long as they register ahead of time. And if the parade isn’t enough Halloween fun for you, head to the after-party, where cash prizes will be awarded.

Where: Parade begins at Halsted & Belmont and ends at Halsted & Brompton.
More information

 

Paint a Pumpkin at JoJo’s

Gather the family, friend group, or the office softball team, and head to JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch for food and fall festivities. Pick a pumpkin from the patch and paint it to your heart’s desire, then order from a menu that includes smash burgers, pot pies, caramel apples, pumpkin and apple pies, and spiked hot cocoa. Not to mention a full bar with signature cocktails and JoJo’s famous pumpkin patch shake.

Where: River North, 23 W Hubbard St
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EXCLUSIVE

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Multiple locations
Pumpkin Painting at Jojo's Pumpkin Patch
Starting at $11

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Get Spooked at Nightmare on Clark Street

Nightmare on Clark Street is back for another year with multiple levels of thrills and scares. Make your way through the terrifying, adults-only haunted house in this immersive, over-the-top horror experience.

Where: 3505 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL
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3505 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Nightmare on Clark Street
Starting at $19

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Survive the Sweet Dreams Halloween Pop-Up

Imagine every scary movie you’ve ever watched has come to life in one spot. That’s what you can expect at this 20,000 sqft Halloween pop-up. Prepare to meet some of the most infamous characters in horror as you make your way through frightening scenes and nightmarish setups. Ticket includes a free drink for those over 21!

Where: Rizzo’s Bar & Inn, 3658 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
More information

BEST PRICE

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3658 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Sweet Dreams Halloween Pop-up
Starting at $10

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Go on A Boos and Booze Bar Crawl

Take your pick of three neighborhood bar crawls happening on October 28 in West Loop, Wicker Park, and River North. Come dressed in costume and make your way through 5+ venues with discounted drinks, complimentary shots at designated bars, prizes and giveaways, and a free Halloween mask while supplies last!

Where: Various locations. Check event pages for details.
More information

BEST PRICE

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201 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
West Loop Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl
Starting at $15

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Party at the Monster Mash Halloween Bash

Dress up in your most creative and frightening costume for this Halloween party happening on October 28. Prizes will be doled out to the top three best costumes, and there will be raffle prizes throughout the nights. You could win gift cards, a chance to go to a Blackhawks game, concert tickets, and more. GA tickets include a call drinks package, food and drink specials, two raffles, and entry into the costume contest!

Where: Passport Bar Room: 1601 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
More information

BEST PRICE

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1601 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Monster Mash Halloween Bash
Starting at $25

Book now

 

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

It's not Halloween until you've picked out a pumpkin and carved a jack-o-lantern. We've rounded up the best places to pick pumpkins, drink hot cider, get lost in a corn maze, go on a hayride, and more! There's no better way to celebrate Halloween all season long!

Where: Various locations.
More information

 

Make a Basic Witch Cocktail

Mix up your own witch's brew at this DIY fall-themed cocktail experience. Expert instructors will guide you through each class, sharing their knowledge and experience to help you hone your mixology skills as you create drinks like the Caramel Apple Mule, BOO-Cardi Rum, Iced Pumpkin Spiked Latte, and Bathtub Gin & Juice!

Where: River North, 23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL
More information.

EXCLUSIVE

location_on
Multiple locations
Basic Witch Mixology
Starting at $35

Book now

 

Dance at the Cauldron After Dark

Get ready to cast some serious moves at The Cauldron Chicago. This event combines dancing, drinks, and witchy vibes to transport you to a mystical realm filled with groovy beats and a spellbinding ambiance. Grab your wands, put on your best wizard robes, and let the music guide you!

Where: The Cauldron: 1612 W Division St, Chicago, IL
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1612 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
The Cauldron After Dark
Starting at $15

Book now

 

Go to the Halloween Party at The Cauldron

The Cauldron will kick things up a notch at a ghoulish Halloween Party on October 28! Come dressed in your most haunting attire—the spookier, witchier, and zombie-er, the better—and prepare for a night filled with chills, thrills, and ghostly delights. Tickets include a specialty Halloween-themed drink or shot!

Where: The Cauldron Chicago: 1612 W Division St, Chicago, IL
More information

EXCLUSIVE

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The Cauldron Chicago, 1612 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Halloween Party at the Cauldron
Starting at $20

Book now

 

Go to a Park Pop-Up Event

The Chicago Parks District is hosting several pop-up events during the weeks leading up to Halloween. Take the whole family to make themed arts and crafts, sip cider with the Sanderson Sisters, go to the Upside Down Halloween Parade at Washington Park, visit the Halloween Town at Wicker Park, explore the Halloween Horror House at Sherwood Park, and more.

Where: Various locations
More information

 

Dance at TAO Halloween Weekend

TAO is hosting a DJ party series featuring Sam Feldt, Lil Jon, James Kennedy, and Lost Frequencies! Happening Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Halloween, you can come out in your costume and dance the night away with some of the best DJs in the world.

Where: TAO Chicago: 632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
More information

BEST PRICE

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632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
TAO Halloween Weekend
Starting at $20

Book now

 

Attend Bloody Whim: Immersive Halloween Experience

Discover nightmares filled with dark corners, creepy characters, and jump scares in this immersive Halloween experience. Soothe your nerves with delicious themed cocktails like the IV Blood Bag, the Witches Brew, and the Green Zombie alongside live performances every night within the bowls of The Butcher Bar, a Texas Chainsaw-inspired haunt.

Where: 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago IL
More information

BEST PRICE

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1225 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Bloody Whim: Immersive Halloween Experience
Starting at $31

Book now

 

Watch Classic Halloween Movies

Throwback Movie Club is hosting classic spooky season films all throughout October on the roof at Back 2 The Video Store. Come kick back under the moon with specific movie-themed cocktail menus and smores, and watch movies like Hocus Pocus, Signs, The Shining, Practical Magic, Scream, and more!

Where: Whiskey Business: 1365 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL
More information

PRESENTS

location_on
1365 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Back 2 The Video Store: A 90s Speakeasy Bar - Chicago
Starting at $21

Book now

 

Attend a Witches Brew Cocktail Experience

You're invited to a cocktail party featuring custom-themed cocktails and some of Chicago's best performers. Each ticket allows guests 90 minutes to take fun photos in movie-themed photo ops, with two immersive performances will take this cocktail party over the top.

Where: Never Have I Ever: 2247 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
More information

EXCLUSIVE

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NEVER HAVE I EVER, 2247 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Witches Brew at Never Have I Ever
Starting at $40

Book now

 

Haunted Shipwreck at Offshore Rooftop

Come walk the plank at Offshore Rooftop and get shipwrecked this Halloween! This haunted shipwreck pARRRty (ok, we'll stop) will be filled with giveaways, music, dancing, and more. Tickets include access to a premium 4-hour bar with bottomless drinks and passed bites. Make sure to don your best costume for a chance to win the contest!
 
Where: Offshore Rooftop: 1000 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
More information

BEST PRICE

location_on
1000 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Haunted Shipwreck at Offshore Rooftop
Starting at $105

Book now

 

 

Party at the Hubbard Inn Halloween Bash

Don't miss out on the spine-chilling fun as Hubbard Street is transformed into a nightmarish playground. This Halloween party will be one for the books, with haunted surprises all night long. Receive a free shot upon entry if you arrive before 11pm, and spend the night dancing with friends at this multi-level venue right in the heart of River North.

Where: Hubbard Inn: 110 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL
More information

EXCLUSIVE

location_on
Hubbard Inn, 110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Hubbard Inn Halloween Bash
Starting at $24

Book now

 

Trick or Drink Your Way through Halloweekend

Round up your friends, bust out your Halloween costume, and get ready to party your way through ten Chicago bars. Kick off your night at Hopsmith Tavern to get your wristband and map with participating bars, their location, and their drink specials.

Where: Start at Hopsmith Chicago: 15 W Division St., Chicago, IL
More information

BEST PRICE

location_on
15 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Trick or Drink: Halloween Bar Crawls - Chicago
Starting at $15

Book now

 

Go to Fall Fest at the Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo hosts a myriad of Halloween-themed events and attractions throughout the month of October. Trick-or-treat the zoo with the family, and check out ticketed attractions like the harvest maze, pumpkin walk, a super-sized slide, inflatables, and more. Guests can also enjoy free musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, and professional pumpkin carvers. Or enjoy an adults-only evening with animal chats, live DJs, fall-themed activities, and multiple bars throughout the zoo.

Where: Lincoln Park Zoo: 2001 North Clark Street
More information

 

Brave a Ghost Tour

Chicago has a handful of ghost tours if you’re up for a night of spooks and frights. Learn about the haunted history behind the Congress Hotel, the mysterious deaths that took place along Prairie Avenue, the dark events that took place in Chicago’s old Red Light district, and other shadowy secrets across the city.

There are so many options to choose from, but to get started, try Weird Chicago, Lincoln Park Hauntings, or a Ghosts and Gangsters segway tour.

Where: Various locations.

 

EXPLORE MORE
Chicago's Ultimate 2023 Fall Bucket List
The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Chicago
What's Happening in Chicago This Month

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