THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – WELCOME TO HALLOWEEK 2022!
Come join us for the grand opening of Chicago’s Halloweek 2022 at the 3rd annual Upside Down Halloween Parade this Saturday (12 p.m.-3 p.m.) in Washington Park (5531 S. King Dr.) in the Washington Park/Woodlawn neighborhood. This event is a “reverse” parade where kids and their families when donned in their costumes become the parade and join the procession down Russell Drive. They will be dazzled by performance groups that include dance teams, circus acrobats, sports mascots, musicians, and other spectacles as they make their way down the route. At the end of the route, kids will receive a complimentary goody bag (while supplies last) courtesy of Blommer Chocolate Company who will also be giving away thousands of complimentary costumes at the start of the route for those who don’t have one! Plus, behind the closing arches you’ll find a free hot chocolate station and other treats, as well as a live DJ!!
Are you a lover of both animals and Halloween? Then it’s time to head on over to the Spooky Zoo Spectacular this Saturday (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at the Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This event offers a free, safe alternative to trick-or-treating as well as a variety of family-friendly entertainment that includes Treat Stations for trick-or-treating on zoo grounds, an Arts & Crafts Zone at the Regenstein Center for African Apes, Spooky Entertainment, and a Scary Go ‘Round featuring a curated spooky playlist! So come dressed up in costume and have yourself a day full of Halloween fun!!
It’s that time again for the 5th annual Pumpkin Party presented by Jewel Osco at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.). This family-friendly Halloween celebration features trick-or-treating at a wide variety of candy stations for those that dress up, music from the Old Town School of Folk Music, balloon animal artists, a caricature artist, stilt walkers, a strolling magic show, hay-stack bowling, lawn games, a Wintrust Bank giveaway, and more! As for the adults, specialty beverages such as seasonal craft beer, harvest cider, and spiked hot chocolate will be available for purchase. And, don’t forget to stop by the pumpkin patch for a free miniature pumpkin to take home with you!!
If your pup enjoys dressing up for Halloween, then it’s a must to bring them to Pup-O-Ween this Saturday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) for trick-or-treating around the Ainslie Arts Plaza (3644 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Various vendors will be on hand offering treats and promotions to your dog as well. Also, be sure to register your pup for the Costume Contest beginning at 12 p.m. where they could win some awesome prizes! By the way, there will be something for the humans as well!!
Returning for its 10th year to the historic Rosehill Cemetery (5800 N. Ravenswood Ave.) is the Crypt 5K Run/Walk this Saturday (7 p.m.). Beware of the eternal spirits who reside there as you run or walk through this 350-acre Victorian-era cemetery that opened in 1864. Afterwards, head on over to the Fireside Restaurant located right across from the start/finish area for your post-race celebration! Enjoy a complimentary sponsored beverage and delicious food (additional charge) as the overall and age group winners will be announced. Then it’s band time for some spooktastic tunes!!
Lastly, it’s the return of the Music Box of Horrors at the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. This is a 24-hour movie marathon event with some niche screenings that include Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist and Final Destination along with other world-famous art films. In addition to the movie madness, there will be special guests, vendors, and more!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
