THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Ready for a Spooktacular Chicago Halloween?
One would be hard-pressed NOT to have a Spooktacular time this Halloween weekend in Chicago! Whether or not you’re decked out in costume, there’s a wide variety of events to choose from to suit everyone’s tastes!
If parades are what you enjoy most, you’re in luck this weekend with the following parades:
The finale of the city’s “Halloweek” program ends with the 7th annual Arts in the Dark Parade as it returns to historic State Street at Lake this Saturday (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.). It’s a dazzling event that delights the crowd with unique floats, spectacle puppets and creative performances for a magical evening parade that celebrates Halloween as the “artist’s holiday!” Plus, it’s the only parade that features performers from every one of Chicago’s 50 wards!
Want to see some of the best Halloween costumes in the city? Then head on over to the Lakeview neighborhood for the 24th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade this Sunday (6 p.m. – 10 p.m.). The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. on Halsted (3300 N) and Aldine, ending at Halsted (3700 N) and Waveland. This year’s Grand Marshals are Batty Davis (the Dancing Diva, LIPS Chicago) and Matthew Rodrigues (Host & Producer, Chicago Today). There’s even a Costume Contest with awards and an after party located at Waveland and Broadway with live performances by iPop! This parade never disappoints!
Families are in for a special treat this year as Halloween in Andersonville once again hosts two popular events this Saturday (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Halloween on Catalpa is a socially distanced trick-or-treat grab & go experience at Catalpa Ave. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. All attendees will receive free Halloween treats including a bag of candy and a pumpkin! Then the longtime tradition of Trick-or-Treating through the Business District returns with more than 40 businesses handing out candy and other treats! Trick-or-Treaters can pick up a map of businesses at Catalpa Ave. or access a virtual map online.
Another safe and fun trick-or-treating experience for families takes place Sunday (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) with the Wicker Park & Bucktown Trick or Treat. Just head on over to The Bucktown Green (1714 N. Hoyne Ave.) for a socially distanced, outdoor event!
For those who go all out and take advantage of the full Halloween experience, here are two events right up your alley:
The infamous Chicago Vampire Ball is being resurrected this Saturday (8 p.m. – 2 a.m.) at the Twisted Hippo Brewery (2925 W. Montrose Ave.) in the Albany Park neighborhood. It’s a raucous evening of classic vampire films playing on the big screen, live burlesque performances, dinner service, a cash bar, access to their pinball arcade and other surprises! Vampire attire is required, and fangs will be checked at the door. Your General Admission ticket includes one complimentary drink and one vote for Queen as the evening culminates with the coronation of Chicago’s newest Queen Vampire! Long may she reign!
Last but not least, the most haunted hotel in Chicago will be hosting its annual Haunted Halloween Ball this Saturday (9 p.m. – 3 a.m.) at the 122-year-old Congress Plaza Hotel (520 S. Michigan Ave.) in the Loop. This year their massive ballrooms will be transformed into an abandoned hotel run by zombies and sporting spooky decorations. Beware of encounters with vampire bellmen, zombie cocktail servers dressed as French maids, and theatrical performances by costumed go-go dancers! Plus, attendees will have access to multiple cash bars, great views of the city’s skyline and a chance to enter a costume contest and compete for $2,000 in cash and prizes!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago – BOO!
