The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events in Chicago

Halloween in Chicago brings the city to life with spooky tours, lively parades, and fun events for every age. Each October, neighborhoods across Chicago transform with haunted houses, costume contests, and pumpkin patches. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Chicago this Halloween, you’re in the right place.

From ghost tours near the old Congress Plaza Hotel to family-friendly festivals at local parks, Chicago offers something for everyone. The mix of city lights, historic streets, and fall weather creates the perfect setting for both scary and silly fun. Locals and visitors alike look forward to these Halloween traditions year after year.

In this guide, you’ll find the top Halloween events in Chicago for 2025. Whether you want to join a parade, visit a haunted spot, or pick pumpkins with the kids, there’s no shortage of choices. Let’s take a look at what to do this Halloween in Chicago.

Experience Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

If you’re looking for something calm and beautiful, head to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns. This yearly event features more than a thousand hand-carved pumpkins glowing through the night. Artists work for hours to create detailed designs, faces, and full scenes carved into real pumpkins.The path through the garden is lit by flickering lights, giving everything a cozy yet mysterious feel. You’ll also find seasonal snacks like hot cider and warm donuts. It’s great for families, couples, or anyone who wants a quiet Halloween evening without the crowds. This is one of the most unique things to do in Chicago this Halloween.

Take a Halloween Ghost Tour of Chicago

Chicago has no shortage of creepy stories, and ghost tours are a great way to hear them. Some tours focus on history, while others dive straight into scary stories. You’ll visit spots like the Congress Plaza Hotel, one of the most haunted buildings in the city. Guides share stories of ghosts, crimes, and strange events that are part of Chicago’s darker past.

You can choose from walking tours, boat tours, or even haunted bar crawls. The tours usually run in the evening and are led by locals who know the stories well. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this is a fun way to explore the city in a new way. If you’re listing the top things to do in Chicago this Halloween, ghost tours should be near the top.

Party at the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

For a wild, high-energy Halloween experience, don’t miss the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Every year, this parade fills Northalsted with music, dancing, lights, and some of the most creative costumes in the city. The night kicks off with a zombie flash mob dancing to “Thriller,” and it only gets better from there.Local performers, drag queens, and DJs help keep the energy up. Prizes are given out for the best costumes, so expect to see some seriously creative looks. It’s free to watch or join in. If you’re someone who likes parties more than pumpkins, this parade is one of the best Halloween events in Chicago.

Halloween Day Crawl in River North

If bar crawls are more your style, the Halloween Day Crawl in River North is made for you. It’s a daytime event, so you can wear your costume in the sun and still enjoy the nightlife later. You’ll get entry to several bars, drink specials, and even a costume contest.

The crawl usually includes spots like Moe’s Cantina, Hubbard Inn, and Joy District. It’s easy to join, and the route is walkable. Just grab a wristband, wear your costume, and head out. For anyone 21 and older, this is a fun way to explore River North while celebrating Halloween with friends.

Have a Drink at a Halloween Pop-Up Bar

Pop-up bars are everywhere during Halloween season in Chicago. Some turn entire buildings into haunted houses. Others go for fun themes like zombie movies or retro horror films. These bars often serve themed drinks—think blood-red punch or candy corn cocktails.One of the most popular is Nightmare on Clark Street, a multi-level haunted bar in Wrigleyville. Another favorite is Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, which offers a corn maze, axe throwing, and seasonal drinks. There’s even a haunted hotel party for those who like a mix of spooky and stylish. These pop-ups are among the top things to do in Chicago this Halloween if you’re looking for a drink with a twist.

Halloween House Music Party

Chicago is known as the birthplace of house music, and every October, that legacy meets Halloween. The Halloween House Music Party brings DJs, dancing, and a crowd ready to party in costume. These events happen in clubs, rooftops, and underground venues around the city.

Expect high energy, flashing lights, and bass-heavy beats. Some events are ticketed and sell out fast, so plan ahead. Whether you’re into EDM, techno, or classic house, there’s something for every music lover. If you’re looking for Halloween events in Chicago for adults, this one stands out.

Halloween in the Parks

Looking for family-friendly fun? Chicago’s park districts host dozens of Halloween events each year. You’ll find costume parades, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and more in neighborhoods across the city. Parks like Lincoln Park, Humboldt Park, and Washington Park often hold weekend events for kids and parents.

These gatherings are perfect if you want a safe, low-cost way to celebrate. Some events include small haunted houses or petting zoos, while others focus on crafts, games, and candy. For families wondering what to do in Chicago for Halloween, park events are always a good choice.

Explore a Spooky Museum

Chicago’s museums get into the Halloween spirit too. If you’re into strange and scary history, the International Museum of Surgical Science is worth a visit. It’s filled with medical tools, old X-rays, and stories from the early days of surgery. The building itself adds to the creepy feel.Another spooky option is the Medieval Torture Museum in the Loop. It’s packed with over 100 torture devices from different times in history. The museum includes a ghost-hunting app and audio guide that gives extra detail as you walk through. These stops are perfect for older teens and adults looking for unique Halloween activities in Chicago.

Celebrate Day of the Dead

While Halloween gets most of the attention, Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is just as important, especially in Mexican-American communities. This tradition honors loved ones who have passed with art, food, and music. The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is the best place to learn and take part in this celebration.

Their exhibits show colorful altars, called ofrendas, filled with candles, flowers, and personal items. There’s also a street festival with music, food vendors, and family activities. It’s a peaceful and respectful way to learn about another culture while still enjoying the season.

Celebrate Halloween at the Theatre

Chicago’s theatres roll out the red carpet for Halloween each year with spooky stage shows. From horror classics to dark comedies, there’s something for every taste. Frankenstein, The Addams Family, and even Misery often show up on local stages.Theatre companies like American Blues Theater, Studebaker Theater, and Beverly Theatre Guild bring Halloween stories to life with live actors and great effects. Seeing a scary play is a nice change of pace if you want a quieter but still thrilling night out. It’s one of the more overlooked but rewarding Halloween events in Chicago.

Catch a Scary Movie

October is prime time for horror movies, and Chicago’s theaters go all out. The Music Box of Horrors is a month-long festival of scary films at the historic Music Box Theatre. Expect everything from silent classics to ‘80s slashers to modern thrillers.Other spots like The Logan Theatre and Chi-Town Movies Drive-In offer costume nights, horror marathons, and special screenings. You can even bring the family for tamer picks or attend late-night shows for full fright. For movie lovers, this is one of the easiest and most fun things to do in Chicago this Halloween.

Final Thoughts

Chicago offers more than just candy and costumes when Halloween rolls around. The city turns into a mix of lights, stories, and events that suit every kind of celebration. Whether you’re chasing thrills, planning a night out, or spending time with family, there’s something happening nearby.

This guide covered the best things to do in Chicago this Halloween, from pumpkin displays and ghost tours to house music parties and cultural events. No matter how you like to celebrate, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy October in the city.

Now’s the time to plan your weekend, pick your costume, and make this Halloween one to remember.