Chicago Halloween 2016: Top Events and Activities
Fall is without a doubt the best season in Chicago. With almost too many festivals and celebrations to name, we all know that the most important – above all – is Halloween. Nobody will argue if you tell them that Chicago does Halloween right! It’s so much more than trick-or-treating and jack-o-lanterns; it’s an all-out, month-long celebration, with spooks and treats for absolutely everyone. Here are some of the Halloween events we’re looking forward to around town:
The Halloween Gathering Festival & Parade
When: Saturday October 22nd. The festival is from 2-5 p.m. The parade is from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Millennium Park, Grant Park and George Solti Garden
The Halloween Gathering will bring out Chicago’s diverse and creative community for a brilliant spectacle of music and performance along the Chicago Cultural Mile in the downtown loop. It will be great fun for those of all ages with tarot card readings, mask making workshops, face painting, acrobatics, ghost stories, dramatic displays, concerts, a DJ dance party, a costume parade, and all sorts of other interactive activities complete with treats.
Halloween at Navy Pier
Halloween festivities at Navy Pier will be a 6-day celebration full of fireworks and spooky films.
Festive Holiday Fireworks
When: Saturday October 29th at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Navy Pier
‘Hotel Transylvania’ Movie Screening
When: Saturday October 22nd
Where: Navy Pier
Trick-or-Treating Along the Pier
When: Sunday October 23rd
Where: Navy Pier
Haunted Maze
When: Friday October 28
Where: Navy Pier
Halloween Weekend
When: October 29 – 31
Where: Navy Pier
Halloween weekend kicks into full gear with all of the above events with a special screening of the “Addams Family” before Saturday night’s fireworks display.
Northalsted Halloween Parade
When: Monday October 31 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Boystown in Lakeview – The parade will run down Halsted, from Belmont to Addison.
The annual Northalsted Halloween Parade showcases Chicago’s most outrageous costumes. This year’s theme is Scream, Queen! There’s so much to love about this event, especially the wide range of ages and personalities that will be in attendance.
Day of the Dead at the National Museum of Mexican Art
Day of the Dead
When: September 23 – December 11
Where: National Museum of Mexican Art
This free, annual tradition is the largest of its kind in the United States. Dia de los Muertos: Journey of the Soul will feature ofrendas and art pieces from more than 90 Mexican and American artists.
Day of the Dead Chicago Community Festival
When: Sunday October 30 from 3-8 p.m.
Where: National Museum of Mexican Art
This indoor/outdoor festival will host an image projection revealing the story of the Day of the Dead. There will be nearly 100 ofrendas outside as well as live music, face painting, sugar skull vendors and more.
Spooky Zoo Spectacular
When: Saturday October 29th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo
This free event will be great fun, safe fun for the whole family. There will be entertainment, trick-or-treating, toddler activities, arts and crafts, a Haunted House at the Kovler Sea Pool, Fall Fest rides and so much more!
We can’t wait to celebrate Halloween! There are so many exciting Halloween events happening around Chicago, let us know what’s on your list!
