6 Places in Chicago to Celebrate Halloween

Halloween is quickly approaching, and there is no better place to celebrate than in the heart of Chicago. The crisp air and spooky decorations throughout the city make the perfect background for any of your festive activities. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly night full of pumpkin flavored treats or a night of thrills to send chills down your spine, there’s something for everyone in the city. Here are 6 places in Chicago to celebrate Halloween this year that you’re sure to love.

Visit Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

Located in Northern Chicago, this outdoor event offers a variety of your favorite fall activities. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up offers so much to do and see, from a corn maze to a painted pumpkin walk to food trucks to ax throwing. If the carnival games don’t win you over, the fortune tellers will.

Open from September 22nd through October 31st, you can plan the perfect time to visit and customize your Halloween experience. There are many photo opportunities at Jack’s as well, helping you get the perfect seasonal photo for your Instagram. The venue offers help with planning proposals, corporate events, and more to make your visit special.

Experience the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 

The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade travels on a route through Northalsted, one of Chicago’s best nightlife neighborhoods. Taking place on Halloween night, you can participate in a costume contest with cash prizes to really get involved in the fun. 

This parade is one that you won’t soon forget, and it’s free to participate in. Performers include fire breathers, dancers, and extravagant costumes. There’s no better way to spend your Halloween night than with fellow Halloween lovers.

Go to a drive-in movie theater

Drive-in theaters are a unique and special experience when you have the opportunity to attend. Chicago has a couple of drive-in theater options, and during October, they play your favorite Halloween classics. 

You can watch newer scary movies such as “Us” and “A Quiet Place,” or older classics such as “Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Friday the 13th.” There are even a few family-friendly options, such as “Hocus Pocus.” There’s no better way to watch these hair raising movies than under the stars with your favorite snacks or Halloween candy.

Walk through a Chicago park

If fall weather is your favorite part of Halloween, then you probably want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The events that Chicago Parks hosts are great ways to enjoy the breeze and have some festive fun. 

At one event in Wicker Park, Halloween Town, you can play spooky games, compete in a costume contest and parade, make arts and crafts, and even grab a free pumpkin. You’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy while wearing your favorite flannel jacket surrounded by the falling leaves.

Get spooky on a ghost tour

Paranormal fans, this is the perfect Halloween activity for you. Chicago has a rich history, and with that always comes a few ghost stories. There are several ghost tours of the city throughout October, where you can see haunted buildings, hear scary stories, and feel an unearthly presence. 

From Al Capone’s stomping grounds to the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, there are plenty of creepy landmarks where you can experience the chilling history of the city first hand. These tours are usually around two hours long, and there are many affordable options. This is the perfect activity to scratch your true-crime or urban-legends itch.

Stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest

No holiday is complete without a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo. During October, they hold Fall Fest, an event that is perfect for everyone in your family. Every weekend from September 30th to October 30th, you can enjoy the animals while participating in your favorite fall festivities.

Some of the activities offered this year include a carousel, pumpkin walk, harvest maze, and a ferris wheel. There are even free activities and shows, including live music and professional pumpkin carvers. Your family will love the zoo more than ever after seeing all that Fall Fest has to offer.

Don’t be frightened

If you’re looking for the perfect Halloween celebration for you, there’s no better place than Chicago. From family activities to fun parties to bone-chilling experiences, there is something for everyone here. Don’t be frightened—come and see for yourself. 

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