THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Let the Halloween Adventures Begin!
We’re getting serious here in Chicago this weekend. It’s time to enjoy all the events this city has to offer before the big day itself arrives. Come out and play as our Halloween adventures begin!
It’s that time again for fall’s most spirited event! Taking place on the historic grounds of Chicago’s largest cemetery is the 13th annual Rosehill Cemetary ‘Crypt’ 5K Run/Walk this Saturday (7 p.m.) located at 5800 North Ravenswood Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Runners and walkers decked out in their finest Halloween costumes will make their way through a candlelight-lit path casting eerie glows as they wind past Victorian-era monuments, statues, mausoleums, and intricate headstones. And, if you’re lucky enough to make your way out, there’s a post-race celebration being held at the Fireside Restaurant & Tavern which is right across the street from the cemetery. Enjoy your thrilling nighttime adventure!
Are you ready to take an ominous adventure? If so, Watson Adventures invites you to their Fright at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt this Saturday (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.) in the Loop. This unique scavenger hunt for adults only takes teams on a spooky tour to solve tricky and humorous questions as they discover the dark side of artists from their morbid masterpieces, at their own peril, while searching for horrifying devices, cold-blooded killers, severed heads, hideous monsters, skulls and skeletons, and other assorted ghouls throughout the galleries. It’s a great way to celebrate the season, that is, if you have the nerve to do so!
Bringing it down a notch, families can celebrate Slightly Spooky October on the remaining Saturdays of October at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. Make it a fun day at this free event with spooky activities, games, crafts, and more. Plus, the following free movies will be shown in Crystal Gardens (bring a blanket or chair for comfort): Hotel Transylvania (5:30 p.m.) and Beetlejuice (8 p.m.) on October 17, and WALL-E and Scream on October 24. In addition, food and snacks are available from the Pier’s shops and restaurants.
Calling all pet parents who anxiously await to dress their furry, four-pawed family members every Halloween. The wait is over! Setting sail on the third and fourth weekends of October is the return of the Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise on Chicago’s First Lady Cruises (112 E. Wacker Dr.) in the Loop. Gather up your costumed pup (as well as your costumed self) for a 90-minute lake and river cruise to enjoy a narrated journey complete with pumpkin-flavored dog treats and a canine costume contest. Costume contest winners will be entered to win the Grand Prize of a $1,000 check made out to a canine organization in the winner’s name!
Bringing spooky, festive vibes to the heart of Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood this Sunday (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) is the Roscoe Village Halloween Block Party on Roscoe Street between Damen and Hoyne Avenues. This all-ages event turns the block into a Halloween haven featuring family-oriented and Halloween-themed activities such as trick-or-treating with local businesses, photo ops, kids’ crafts, a costume parade, and other seasonal surprises; an on-site drink tent and local neighborhood food options; live music; expanded vendor booths; a NEW Kids Zone with inflatables & games, and more. In addition, attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume. There’s plenty of Halloween spirit for all to enjoy!
The spooky season also brings us Fright at the Field this Sunday through November 1 at The Field Museum (1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop. Get ready to experience the return of Underground MISAdventure with Zombie Fungus and a new spooky takeover of Plants of the World decked out as a spooky Halloween Harvest Maze. In addition, explore the Museum to find seven-creepy specimens in the Chompy’s Secret Lair challenge to win a special prize. With plenty of scientific thrills and spooky chills – Enter if you Dare!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
