Celebrate Halloween in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago LOVES halloween. Be sure to check this guide to Halloween events if you'll be in the Chicagoland area for Halloween this year. We've got haunted houses, pumpkin patches, spooky movies in the parks, Boo in the Zoo and much, much more.
Start getting ready for next year early!
You've got a lot of planning time until next Halloween!
Countdown to Halloween 2012
Halloween 2012: October 31, 2012
Halloween Events Sponsored by the Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District runs a variety of Chicago Halloween festivities suitable for the whole family. Their website lists: pumpkin patches, spooky 'drive-in movies', staged 'haunted houses', costume contests, Halloween festivals, and even a puppy Halloween party!Franken Plaza 2011 - October 28 through October 30
Chicago's Daley Plaza becomes Franken Plaza for Halloween between October 28 through the 30th, with special performances, a Monster Bash, prize give-aways, hayrides and trick-or-treating. Midnight Circus, Magic Matt, and Dave Herzog's Marionettes perform acrobatics and theatrics at the 14th annual Chicagoween celebration.
Friday, October 28th features a 5:50pm screening of Beetlejuice.
Saturday, October 29th is the Monster Bash and its costume contest (11am through 11:45am) and treats. The Monster Bash goes from 11am to 8pm.
Sunday, October 30th closes early at 6pm.
These events are free to the public.
Lincoln Park's Spooky Zoo
Free crafts, trick-or-treating, haunted house and education - October 23
Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting its Spooky Zoo event on Saturday, October 23.Lincoln Park's Spooky Zoo
11:00 am - Family entertainment
12:00 noon - 2:00pm - Haunted house, arts & crafts, educational activities, trick-or-treating
Spooky Zoo Spectacular, hosted by the Auxiliary Board, is an opportunity for children to celebrate Halloween in a free, safe and family-friendly environment. Guests are invited to: Learn fun facts about the animals in the Spooky Zoo Education Zone within the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo, stimulate their minds while making crafts in the US Bank Arts and Crafts Zone in the Kovler Lion House, collect treats and enjoy entertainment throughout the zoo while dressed in their best or spookiest costumes. New for 2011, bring your toddlers to Regenstein Center for African Apes for special activities and entertainment for our littlest guests. The Brookfield Zoo for Halloween
Fridays through Sundays - 6pm To 10pm beginning October 15
Get full details at the Brookfield Zoo's official Creatures of the Night page. You can also view a slideshow of images from Creatures of the Night via Picasa web albums."The Trail of Terror" has you passing through the woods where you'll find a dozen gruesome scenes of monsters and mutations. A make-believe virulent pathogen has been released into the atmosphere, are you brave enough to face the dangers that it has spawned?
"The Haunted Tram" spooks unsuspecting passengers on a foggy, darkened trail. Take in the horrifying details of gory scenes with monsters, goblins, and other creatures appearing unexpectedly.
Not-so-scary activities. Jack-o-lanterns and animated displays adorn The Pavilions for the Monster Mash Dance Party taking place every night. Bounce in the Ghost Ship Galleon Jumpee and enjoy the performance of stilt walkers and jugglers. Additionally take part in pumpkin carving and cookie decorating.
Hamill Family Play Zoo offers Halloween-themed craft activities and games: creating paper bats and a glowing work of art (while supplies last)! The 'backyard area' is home to a nightly scavenger hunt.
The Swamp and Australia House with their alligators, snakes, Rodrigues fruit bats (with a 3-foot wingspan) and an Argus monitor lizard offer real life monsters to view. (Indoor animal buildings close at 9:30 p.m.) During Creatures of the Night, several of the zoo's restaurants and gift shops will also be open.
Park in Brookfield Zoo's main parking lot (First Avenue and 31st Street). Activities are free (with the exception of cookie decorating, pumpkin carving*)
Costs
Zoo Admission - $12 for adults, $8 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and over - children 2 and under are free
Combo Ticket - (includes zoo admission and Creatures of the Night admission) $18 for adults, $12 for kids 3-11 and senior over 65
Parking - $9
Cookie Decorating - $3.75 (includes 2 cookies, frosting, and sprinkles)
Pumpkin Carving - $2.75 (includes pumpkin and carving kit)
Boo In The Zoo
Brookfield Zoo's Halloween Festivities
This quick video shows a sampling of Brookfield Zoo's "Boo at the Zoo" Halloween events. There is a costume parade & contest, pumpkin carving and special activities. Lighthearted spookiness reigns at after-dark carousel rides.
Chicago Halloween Events in the News
What's the latest Chi-town word for this year's Halloween festivities
- Historian talks about Chicago candy making and more
- They didn't invent Halloween trick-or-treating, but they were really the ones who aggressively promoted it. It wasn't until after World War II, trick-or-treating became the way you celebrated Halloween. It was largely because, I think, Chicago candy ...
- Don't Be Scared to Attend Chicago's Horror Film Festival
- The annual spookfest, staged in Chicago in September, is like a dress rehearsal for Halloween since anything goes in the dress department. Enjoy films. Meet fellow ghouls and guys and grab fashion kudos if your get-up is uber-extreme.
- Valentine T. Mickus
- Val was born to Bill and Helen Mickus on December 21, 1938 in Chicago Illinois. As a member of the ?Cal Cats? gang, he spent his teenage years on the streets of Chicago drag racing and pitching pennies. He showed a early love of nature as he wandered ...
Tweeting about Halloween in Chicago
What's the latest news heard on Twitter about Halloween events in the city of Chicago?
Halloween In Chicago On Facebook
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What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago for Halloween
Everyone has different ways of celebrating Halloween and a big city like Chicago has plenty of options. What is your favorite way to spend Halloween in Chicago?
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Go Catch A Movie
Chicago Halloween Movies
Almost nothing is better for a good Chicago scare than to catch a classic horror movie. Many scary movies were filmed right here in the Windy City, but we have even more cool opportunities for you to go and see them here. Check out the link below to get the lowdown on what's available.
Real Chicago Haunted Houses
Supernatural places any day of the year
- Harpo Studios - (Washington Ave.) a temporary morgue after the Eastland Steamer capsized in the Chicago River leaving 844 dead. Eery laughter and a "grey lady" are reported to be seen.
- The Water Tower - (North Michigan Ave.) The Chicago Fire claimed over 300 lives. The ghost of a water worker who stayed behind to try to stop the blaze and ended up hanging himself from the tower to avoid a fiery death is said to peer out the windows.
- Jane Addams Hull House - (South Halsted St.) The original owner of the home, Mrs. Charles Hull, and a "devil baby" are said to haunt the bedroom.
- The Biograph Theater - (North Lincoln Ave.) The ghost of John Dilllinger is said to be seen running down the alley where he was shot by the FBI every evening at 9pm.
- The Congress Plaza Hotel - (South Michigan Ave) Al Capone used to use this hotel as his headquarters and his ghost is said to still walk the halls and secret passageways.
Haunted Houses In Chicago
Staged productions to give you a fright.
Chicago has lots more 'haunted houses'. These kinds have actors chasing you through foggy, dark, narrow passages. Check out this listing of the big haunted houses in the Chicagoland area.
Chicago Ghost Tours
Presented by Richard T. Crowe or set sail on Lake Michigan With SeaDog or The Tall Ship Windy
Chicago Ghost Tours
If you'd like to get some Chicago history and sightseeing done with your Halloween festivities, check out some of the local Chicago ghost tours and hot spots.Richard T. Crowe's Ghost Tours shares three decades of Chicago ghost-hunting with you. Choose from a luxury bus tour, limo package or private tour of Chicago's most haunted spots, with these in-depth excursions lasting approximately 4 hours and costing $44 per person.
Haunted Chicago Cruises
SeaDog Tours offers Haunted Chicago boat rides during the month of October on Friday Saturday and Sunday Evenings (October 7 through October 31). These tours board at 6:45 and cruise from 7pm to 8pm. The cost is $17.95 per child and $28.95 per adult. Costumed tour guides fill you in on Chicago's infamous massacres and supernatural occurences, as well as telling you some grisly tales about the Hancock building..
Spirit Ships and Haunted Harbors sets sail Friday through Sunday in October at 7:15pm (7pm on Saturday nights). Both written and orated by local historian / playwright / storyteller Orion Couling, this journey offers "a rousing sail and story telling adventure that peers into the dark waters of Great Lakes ghost ships and darker deeds of souls that sailed its shorelines." The sailing costs $30 for regular admission, with youth and seniors paying $25, or children paying $10.
Halloween At Navy Pier
Halloween fun for all ages, Chicago-style
Navy Pier's 'Navy Fear' celebration has attractions suitable for the whole family. Located right on the lakefront with a carnival-atmosphere any day of the year and regular installments such as the Chicago Children's Museum - this one is always a hit for Chicago families at Halloween time. Saturdays are the big days to hit Navy Pier during the month of October for Halloween fun.
Kids in costume receive a 50% discount to The Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze
Trick Or Treating
Costumed children aged 12 and under are invited to trick or treat at various Navy Pier locations on the following dates and times:
- Friday, Oct. 28: 3:30pm - 7:30pm
- Saturday, October 29: 12 noon - 4pm
- Sunday, October 30: 12 noon - 4pm
- Monday, October 31: 3:30pm - 7:30pm
Trick or Treating treats will be distributed at the following locations: Bubba Gump's, Harry Caray's Tavern, Life in the Windy City, IMAX Theatre, Ahoy Chicago, Garrett Popcorn Shop, iCandy Sugar Shoppe, King Wah, Connie's Pizza, Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze, Tall Ship Windy, Riva Cafe and Navy Pier Signature Store
Chicago Childrens Museum
Fridays through Sundays in October (as well as Halloween day), the Chicago Childrens Museum will offer costume creating, pumpkin decorating, a "spooky backyard" and a Monster Mash Dance Party.
Navy Pier Halloween Fireworks
Navy Pier continues its Fireworks Show With A Halloween Theme at 9:00pm every Saturday in October.
No Navy Fear this year!!!!
There will be no haunted house at Navy Pier this year..
Navy Fear will not be at Navy Pier this year!!! The Fear's website states that there was disagreement between Navy Pier and The Fear as to the location of the haunted house. Since an agreement couldn't be reached, the Fear will NOT be at Navy Pier this year and is searching for a permanent location for their haunted house. In the meantime though, you can visit the other haunted house that they operate, Statesville Haunted Prison.
Halloween Nightlife in Chicago
Northalsted Halloween Parade
If you're interested in hitting some North Chicago nightclubs and maybe entering a few Halloween costume contests, North Halsted in the "boystown" neighborhood is for you. Around 6:15 pm they even have their own parade, kicking off at the corner of Belmont and Halsted.
The 14th Annual North Halsted Halloween Parade will be emceed by Miss Foozie on Sunday, Oct. 31 and feature a "Little Street of Horrors" theme. Suitable for children, families and pets, the Northalsted Halloween Parade is always one of Chicago's most unique Halloween celebrations, with hundreds parading down Halsted Street in costume. This year will also feature floats. Registration for the parade / costume contest begins at 3pm at Spin Nightclub, 800 W. Belmont
Kids and pets costume contest winners are announced just after the parade, followed by adult and group contest winners on the Main Stage (Roscoe and Belmont) starting at 7:30 p.m.
Categories for this year's costume contest include:
PS - Boystown is an "alternative" district in Chicago noted for its vibrant gay community. Just so you know ;)
The 14th Annual North Halsted Halloween Parade will be emceed by Miss Foozie on Sunday, Oct. 31 and feature a "Little Street of Horrors" theme. Suitable for children, families and pets, the Northalsted Halloween Parade is always one of Chicago's most unique Halloween celebrations, with hundreds parading down Halsted Street in costume. This year will also feature floats. Registration for the parade / costume contest begins at 3pm at Spin Nightclub, 800 W. Belmont
Kids and pets costume contest winners are announced just after the parade, followed by adult and group contest winners on the Main Stage (Roscoe and Belmont) starting at 7:30 p.m.
Categories for this year's costume contest include:
- Kids
- Pets
- Drag
- Scariest Adult
- Most Original
- Best Theme
- Best Couple
- Best Group
PS - Boystown is an "alternative" district in Chicago noted for its vibrant gay community. Just so you know ;)
Chicago Halloween Parade
South West Chicago's Garfield Ridge Neighborhood
Check out a quick video of a child-friendly halloween parade in the south western Chicago neighborhood of Garfield Ridge
curated content from YouTube
Fantasy Costumes
Portage Park's Six Corners Shopping District
Fantasy Costumes is open year-round in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood. Right off the Six Corners shopping district, its located across the street nearly from the Portage Theatre on Milwaukee Ave. Featuring a large selection of both adult and children's costumes for every occasion (mascots, Purim, Santa suits, Mardi Gras costumes, etc..) they feature specialty items such as Ben Nye, Graftobian, Mehron, Snazaroo and Wolfe Brothers makeup; prosthetics; Star Wars, Super Hero and Wizard of Oz accessories..
Fantasy Costumes In Action
Corner of Irving Park and Milwaukee
Check out couple's costumes provided by Fantasy Costumes as well as a WGN broadcast from Fantasy.
Halloween Stores in Chicago
Purchase costumes, decor and props
Which Chicago Neighborhood has the best trick or treating?
Do you have a favorite Chicago neighborhood for either fantastic decorations or great treats?
Directory of The Best Chicago Halloween Yard Displays
Chicagoland Home Haunts gives a great directory on the BEST Halloween displays to be found in the Chicagoland area. Areas Represented Include: Orland Hills, Orland Park, Mokena, Oak Forest, Plainfield, Lockport, WoodRidge, Burbank, Carol Stream, Arlington Heights, Algonquin, Lake In The Hills and, of course, Chicago.
Chicagoans take their Halloween festivities seriously. Do you have a favorite neighborhood to visit in Chicago on Halloween night - either for the excellent treats they give out or the fantastic decorations? Vote now!
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Let this page be your Chicago Halloween headquarters
Contact This Page's Author
How To Reach Laura Schofield
If you've taken the time to stop by this catalog of my Squidoo work, please sign my guestbook.
Contact Laura Schofield
*If you would like to suggest any links To Chicago Halloween attractions or have your own photos and / or stories published, please send me an email. I can be contacted through my personal homepage, laura-schofield.com. If you enjoy the work I've done here, I do offer professional copy writing, photo restoration / manipulation, search engine optimization and web design services. I can again be contacted for any of these services through my website.
Your favorite Chicago Halloween Activities
Have you ever spent Halloween-time in Chicago? What is your favorite activity? Is it Boo in the Zoo? Seeing spooky movies in the parks? Trick or treating in the Chicago neighborhoods? Sound off here!
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arbellizi
Oct 16, 2011 @ 6:05 am | delete
- Chicago is a beautiful city and Halloween is the best holiday ever, This is why this lens is awesome...
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jarcseo
Nov 12, 2010 @ 4:29 am | delete
- That was fabulous lens. I really like that lens very much. Hope you can add this types of events further also. anyway thanks for the lens.
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MarkUpshaw Nov 9, 2010 @ 1:02 am | delete
- Good lens of Chicago at this time.
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JenOfChicago
Oct 21, 2010 @ 11:22 am | delete
- We have some great haunted houses in this town!
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TheWhistler
Oct 21, 2010 @ 11:14 am | delete
- Well done, a very inclusive lens on Halloween in Chicago.
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Sharing The Chicago Halloween Spooks
Pass it on!
If you really enjoyed this lens you should nominate it for a Lens of the Day award. If it wins, this lens will be prominently displayed on Squidoo for a day. And just think how many people will get some tips on things to do in Chicago, whether they're in Chicago or just being an armchair tourist. We might even get a few more tips to post on here So go on and get everyone cooking - share this lens!
Can't rate this lens or nominate it because you're not yet a member of Squidoo?
If you're not yet a member of Squidoo, you can sign up and get started with the Squidoo community right here. Go on, its addictive (in a good way)!
Can't rate this lens or nominate it because you're not yet a member of Squidoo?
If you're not yet a member of Squidoo, you can sign up and get started with the Squidoo community right here. Go on, its addictive (in a good way)!
Book your flight to Chicago now!
If you're looking at all this and knowing you're going to be near the area for Halloween, go ahead and just book your flight to Chicago, IL (either O'Hare or Midway airports) now.
More Fantastic Deals Every Day
You've Gotta Get It
You've Gotta Get It offers fantastic Chicago deals every day. What they're offering changes all the time, so be sure to check back frequently. Other Things To Do In Chicago
And how to get around town
Check out some of the other pages I've put together on sight-seeing in Chicago and how to best get around town..
This Halloween Magazine page written by
LauraSchofield
Laura Schofield is a Chicagoan with 4 kids who adore Halloween. She's keeping on top of all the city's Halloween events for their sake and is sharing... more »
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