Make the spookiest night of the year simply epic!
(Updated on July 24th, 2024)
All Hallows’ Eve. All Saints' Eve. Samhain (a Celtic name).
Whatever you call it, Halloween activities are a fascinating mix of family-friendly fun and seriously spooky events.
From jack-o’-lantern shows and pumpkin carving to ghost tours and potion-making (yes, really)—Here are the best things to do this Halloween in Chicago.
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Botanic Garden
The image is taken from the Botanic Garden’s website.
Sounds like Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses, doesn’t it?
However, this annual event is one of Chicago’s best Halloween attractions for kids.
The garden becomes a glowing wonderland with hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins, some weighing up to 150 pounds!
Wander the lit-up pathways with your children, savoring fall treats.
And enjoy live entertainment including costumed performers and carving demos.
As their website says, it’s ‘(slightly) sinister fun for all’!
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps (Chicago Botanic Garden)
Date & Time:
Wednesday, October 16th, to Sunday, October 20th, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
Wednesday, October 24th, to Sunday, October 27th, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
Nightmare on Clark Street
Representative image.
Looking for a real spine-tingler? Book spots at Bamboo Club in Wrigleyville for Nightmare on Clark Street! It’s Chicago's ultimate Halloween haunt for grown-ups.
Expect three floors of absolute terror at this haunted house. Creepy clowns, blood-curdling butchers, spiders, and aliens all lie in wait.
Need a breather? Head for the bar offering Halloween-themed drinks and Jell-O shots.
Don’t miss their Tiki bar-themed menu once you emerge on the other side.
Tip: Kids under 15 aren’t allowed. Anyone under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps (Bamboo Club)
Date & Time:
Friday, September 20th, to Sunday, November 3rd.
Please note that the haunted house closes on Halloween (Thursday, October 31st).
Timings vary according to the date; please check their website for details.
If you're looking for more dining options, check out these restaurants near Fox in a Box - Chicago.
Haunted hotels
Can you brave a stay at the Windy City’s most haunted hotels? Test your nerves this Halloween!
The Congress Plaza Hotel
Boy, are you in for a treat at The Congress Plaza Hotel! Here’s why…
The infamous serial killer H.H. Holmes allegedly picked up victims from the lobby.
Stephen King’s Room 1408 is said to have been inspired by them.
Room 441 here is particularly infamous.
Care to stay the night?
#DidYouKnow The Congress Hotel is known as the “Home of Presidents.” It hosted several of our commanders-in-chief, including FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, and Calvin Coolidge.
The Drake Hotel
Otherwise famous for its Palm Court teas and celebrity guests, The Drake also has a reputation for being haunted.
You may spot The Lady In Red, who apparently killed herself on finding her husband with another woman, haunting the 10th floor.
Or you could meet The Woman In Black, who is said to have murdered a guest in January 1944.
Maybe you’ll meet your soulmate—alive or otherwise?
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Celebrate this Mexican holiday from October 31st into the first week of November. It’s a unique festival honoring and remembering ancestors.
Start at the National Museum of Mexican Art. The Dia De Los Muertos exhibit and the Day of the Dead Xicágo event are too good to miss.
There’s also a Day of the Dead Parade in Pilsen, with Aztec dancers and Mariachi bands.
Want to give the legs a workout? Take part in Carrera de los Muertos—the Race of the Dead.
Finally, Maxwell Street Market has hosted a family-friendly Day of the Dead festival with pumpkin carving, face painting, and more!
Arts in the Dark
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LUMA8 and the City of Chicago are back with the 10th Arts in the Dark!
This family-friendly Halloween Parade in downtown Chicago goes along State Street, from Lake to Van Buren.
You’ll be amazed at the unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances.
No wonder it’s been voted one of the best Halloween events in the country!
Pro tip: Arrive early and grab some goodies at the candy giveaway.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 19th, from 6 PM to 8 PM.
If you're looking for more outdoor activities in the city, explore our list of Chicago's best outdoor activities.
Pumpkin Painting at Jojo's
What goes well with a round of pumpkin painting? A burger and a cocktail, according to the fine folks over at JoJo’s ShakeBAR!
Gather your crew and head for JoJo’s on any evening within the event date. It takes place on their patio.
Create a pumpkin masterpiece.
And then treat yourself to JoJo’s delectable menu—smash burgers, pot pies, and their famous pumpkin patch shake.
Ready to see if you’re the pumpkin-carving Van Gogh of Chicago?
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps (JoJo’s ShakeBAR)
Date & Time: TBA
Chicago ghost tour
What better time for a ghost tour than Halloween? Check these out -
Haunted History Tours by Lincoln Park Zoo: Did you know Lincoln Park Zoo is one of America’s most haunted zoos? Discover its secrets with bestselling author Adam Selzer.
Chicago Ghost Tours from Free Tours by Foot: Pace through the haunts of infamous Windy City residents like John Wayne Gacy and HH Holmes. Explore The Loop, past the old Red Light District and the Congress Hotel.
Chicago Gangster And Ghost Tours: Watch some of our city's most haunted crime scenes up close and personal.
Shadows on the Street: Learn about mysterious sightings and untimely endings in the historic Prairie Avenue district, starting at the Glessner House.
Test your wits with us at Fox in a Box Escape Room
Want to feel like you’re in a Halloween movie? Here’s your chance—Test your Sherlock skills with us at Fox in a Box.
Try our Zodiac Killer escape room, where you and your friends must use your wits to escape a vicious psychopath (strictly 18+).
Want to add kids and make it a family Halloween adventure? Check out our other games—a prison break, a bank heist, and a bunker mission.
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps
Date & Time: Sunday to Friday, 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM & Saturday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Want more escape room options for your children? Check out the best Chicago escape rooms for kids.
The Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl
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Ever dreamt of mixing potions and casting spells like a wizard? Head for The Cauldron at Halloween!
Don your cloak, grab a magic wand, and immerse yourself in a cocktail class like no other.
Find out how molecular mixology lets you brew enchanting elixirs.
Top that off with a supernatural dance to bewitching beats in a magical ambiance.
Date & Time: Monday, October 2nd, to Sunday, November 5th.
Website: Visit the website.
Medieval Torture Museum
The image is taken from the Museum’s website.
What better Chicago museum to haunt on Halloween than the Medieval Torture Museum? It’s a top tourist attraction in The Loop.
Sprawling across 6,000 square feet, the museum showcases over a hundred devilish devices from yesteryears.
Experience their audio-guided "Ghost-Hunting Experience" through the dark corridors.
Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm; Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm.
Website: Visit the website.
Watch horror movies
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We round off our list with another Halloween staple - watching scary movies!
This October, Chicago will buzz with movie marathons, outdoor theatres, and drive-ins dedicated to spine-chilling viewers.
Dive into a month of horror at the historic Music Box Theatre in Lakeview with their Music Box of Horrors.
For those who love the thrill of drive-ins, Chi-Town Movies Drive-In in Pilsen hosts Friday night double features and Serial Killer Sundays.
And if that wasn't enough, The Logan Theatre is all set with its Horror Movie Madness, offering classic horror films, costume contests, and free family matinees.
Resources for making Halloween plans in Chicago
Choose Chicago: Your go-to guide for the latest on events, dining, and accommodations in the city.
Chicago Halloweek: The City’s official website on Chicago’s Halloween events.
OEMC App: Stay informed with real-time emergency alerts, weather advisories, and city-wide updates.
Divvy: Rent a bike to explore the city’s lakefront and neighborhoods at your own pace.
SpotHero: Book parking in advance and avoid the hassle of finding a spot during busy events.
Ventra App: Load your “L” card and plan your public transit routes easily.
The CTA Website: Get real-time updates on buses and trains, ensuring you’re never late to the festivities.
Celebrating Halloween 2024 in Chicago - key takeaways
From eerie museum corridors to the “potion-brewing” magic and real-life escape rooms, Chicago is full of Halloween-y fun.
From scares to cultural festivities or simply carving pumpkin-spiced memories, the Windy City promises an All Hallows Eve like no other.
So, as the witching hour approaches, gather your bravest pals, don your spookiest attire, and set forth into the night.
Halloween planning done? Check out the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Chicago!
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