Halloween in Chicago means crisp air, hot cider and tons of spooky events. Chicagoans go nuts for the macabre! This isn’t new. Some of the events on our list, like Splatter Theater, a live action slasher film, have been around for 30 years. Others, like Recess’ Nightmare Before Christmas anniversary celebration, are fresh and timely. Whether you want to party in costume into the wee hours of the morning, watch Beetlejuice at a drive-in or simply pick out a pumpkin with your kids, there’s something for everyone in Chicago this Halloween.
The 16 Best Halloween Events in Chicago, from Potion-Making to Tarot Readings
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Published Oct 19, 2023
The Cauldron Chicago
1. Splatter Theater
- Location: The Annoyance Theater, 851 W. Belmont Avenue
- Dates: Saturdays through 10/28 and Tuesday 10/31, 8 p.m.
For more than three decades, The Annoyance Theater has brought a slasher film to life on stage. Every year, audience members watch as classic horror movie characters (the jock, the ditz, the nosy neighbor) are killed by “some guy in a hockey mask.” The cast commits hard and really sells each murder (and yes, there is fake blood galore). This description on The Annoyance’s website paints a wild picture: “With freshly painted white walls, the stage will be drenched in gallons of blood, horrifying and delighting the audience along the way.” It’s funny, it’s gory, it’s very Halloween—and a Chicago tradition. Get tickets early before they sell out!
6. Día de los Muertos Xicágo
- Location: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street
- Dates: Sunday 10/29, 3 to 8 p.m.
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood is a spectacular place to visit year-round, but on Sunday, October 29, it cranks things up a notch with a Día de los Muertos celebration. According to the museum’s website, visitors can enjoy ofrendas, altars community members have created to celebrate their loved ones, plus “live musical performances, art activities and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum.” This event is free to attendees and a perfect family-friendly event for a crisp, fall weekend.
12. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up
- Location: 1265 W. Le Moyne
- Dates: Daily through 11/5
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up feels like the spooky small town Halloween carnival you’d see in a movie. Go mining for gems, try to find the hidden bar in the corn maze, play carnival games, try axe throwing and more. There are plenty of delicious snacks and drinks available, but if you go on a weekend night you’ll also have the option of local food trucks. There’s hay and lights and pumpkins everywhere at Jack’s (it’s also all outdoors, to be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing). Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed, other than service animals. Jack’s is also cashless and while walk-up tickets might be available, it’s advisable to purchase entry ahead of time. Choose from a variety of packages that include goodies like donuts, photo ops and drinks. This is a family-friendly space suitable for all ages!
13. Halloween Sip & Paint
- Location: LG’s Bar and Kitchen, 1525 N. Wells Street
- Dates: Wednesday, 10/25, 7 to 9 p.m.
You don’t have to party late into the night or even wear a costume to get into the Halloween spirit! Indulge your inner creative (and your inner sommelier) at LG’s Bar and Kitchen’s Halloween Sip & Paint event. Choose from five different fine wines, paired with a miniature "Boo"cuterie Board, while you paint a spooky painting. For just $45, participants receive painting supplies, a canvas and bottomless vino. The best part? Sip & Paint runs 7 to 9 p.m., so you can still go out after or be at home in bed by 10. Your call.
15. Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl 2023
- Location: 3300 N. Halsted
- Dates: Saturday 10/21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Don’t leave your dog home this Halloween season (and don’t let them eat chocolate). But do show up for Lakeview’s Halloween Pup Crawl on Saturday, October 21. Plop a dog costume on your pup and stroll along North Halsted to show off your pooch and meet other dogs in costume. There will be a photobooth with a professional photographer who can take your pic (and your dog’s, of course) with drag performer Miss Foozie. The $10 entry fee per dog includes a raffle ticket and Miss Foozie will draw winners at 2pm at Lark, whose patio will be open for a dog-friendly brunch (you don’t have to be present to win).
