Neighborhood News-Gold Coast, Chicago Riverwalk, Lincoln Square, North Park, Lincoln Park

Halloween is for everyone, especially children and pets! On the next to last weekend in October, take your furry babies out for their own treats! Plus, spook-tacular events for you and your family!

As the 150th anniversary of the Chicago Fire comes to an end, Beyond the Mansion: Great Chicago Fire Walking Tour holds its last tour of the season on Thursday October 21, from 3:30-5:30pm. n 1879, the Chicago Daily Tribune headline announced, “Something New in Houses— A Fire-Proof Residence.” Built on the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire, the former Nickerson residence, now the Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie Street, the walking tour will begin inside the Museum, with a look at the engineering innovations that made this Marble Palace fire-proof, and continue with a stroll around the neighborhood. Tickets are $30 each.

Giddy up lil’ doggies! On Friday, October 22, the Northman Beer & Cider Garden on The Riverwalk233 East Riverwalk, Chicago, 4th Annual National Pug Day, dress in your best western gear with your pugs in tow.  There will be specialty beer tappings, Pug Day glassware, dog bandanas, stickers, and more! A portion of each Maplewood pint sold will go to Wild Hearts, a non-profit providing comprehensive care to animals with mobility issues and the people who love them. 

Bring your furry babies to Lincoln Square for Pup-O-Ween on Saturday, October 23, from 10am-2pm at the Ainslie Arts Plaza, 4844 N. Lincoln Ave. Treats and promotions aplenty for your dog as you Trick-or-Treat! And… the fun isn’t just for your pup. Dog parents get treats, too! Halloween activities are planned based on current local and state COVID-19 mandates for public events. Pup-O-Ween Costume contest begins at 12pm, Howl-o-ween themed photo booth with costume props. And goodie bags! Admission is free (while supplies last.)

North Park Village Nature Center Park 5801 N. Pulaski Rd, celebrates its 30th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 23, and Sunday, October 24, from 10am–3:30pm. Enjoy a fall walk through the Natural Area, build a scarecrow, visit the children’s arts and crafts station, and much more! To keep your family safe in the parks, registration is required with 6 different timed-entry options across both days. In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Free admission.

Spooktacular on Clark Street, Lincoln Park’s favorite family-friendly trick-or-treat extravaganza – transforms participating businesses on Clark Street from Armitage to Diversey, and Orchard to Lakeview into Halloween candy havens! On Sunday, October 24, from 1-4pm, be amazed by spooky specials throughout the day, creepy stilt walkers, and incredible magicians! Plus, celebrate our resilient business community and stroll along the street to take in festive window decorations!  Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will NOT be a costume contest. 

The Museum of Illusions, 25 E Washington St., is decking out its space with themed décor for Halloween, making it a go-to destination for the holiday! Playing into the illusions throughout the exhibits, such as Head on a Platter, Vortex Tunnel, Infinity and Anti-Gravity Room and more. The Museum is open Monday – Thursday, 10am – 9pm, Friday, 10am – 10pm, Saturday 9am – 10pm, and Sunday, 9am – 9pm. Tickets range from $15-$65.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago