Chicago is a city with a big personality. A top destination attracting visitors from around the world, the Windy City is known for its architecture, historic sights, fun and educational museums, grand waterfront, spectacular dining, and exciting nightlife. Chicago is truly a city like no other. Fun and exciting things happen daily, especially on holidays. With Halloween 2024 just around the corner, Chicago is the place for all things spooky and entertaining.
Hit the Streets of Chicago this October for Halloween 2024
There are many things to do in Chicago during Halloween, including family-friendly options and more adult-focused scary stuff.
Something fun for all ages is the Arts in the Dark parade on October 19, 2024. The parade celebrates Halloween as the “artist’s holiday.” For 10 years, it has been “drawing together world-renowned institutions, celebrated Chicago cultural organizations, important youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field,” according to the website. You’ll find it on State Street, along with floats, puppets, and creative performances.
Another popular Halloween event is the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden, taking place from 6:30 to 10:30 pm on October 16–20 and 23–27, 2024. Bring the family for a night that includes professionally carved pumpkins with this year’s theme of album covers, eerie cartoons, haunted Chicago tales, and more. You will see entertainers in costume, and you can watch live pumpkin carving along the outdoor path.
Don’t miss the 27th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade on Halloween, October 31, 2024. The parade is free to view and takes place in Chicago’s LGBTQ Northalsted neighborhood. There is a costume contest, fire performers, marching band, and so much more, including various cash prizes for the contest.
Dare to Check Out Some of Chicago’s Spooky Haunts
With so many walking tours wherever you go, you don’t want to miss Chicago Ghost Tours. The tours are for adults only and feature the haunted history of this amazing city as you walk through Chicago’s downtown. You’ll hear some creepy stories filled with lots of history and some humor mixed in.
The Medieval Torture Museum is just the right place (if you are brave enough) to visit during the Halloween season. According to the website, it’s also the largest interactive museum of its kind in the U.S. The museum is more than 6,000 square feet and features “over 100 unique implements and devices on display.”
Scary movies are thrilling and even more exciting during this time of year. You can expect chilling films at theaters and drive-ins all around Chicago. Music Box of Horrors will feature a film series of horror movies at the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview. Who doesn’t like the drive-in? Hop in the car and head over to Chi-Town Movies drive-in, which is featuring some all-time favorite scary movies.
Enjoy City Cruises Halloween Adventures on the Water in Chicago
Something out of the ordinary is waiting for you this Halloween. Take the Divas After Dark: Halloween Drag Show Cruise on Lake Michigan. This hauntingly spectacular cruise on October 18, 2024, will feature a thrilling drag performance by some of Chicago’s top drag queens. From 11:00 pm to 1:00 am, you will be mesmerized by the entertainment, eerie excitement, and scenic views of the Chicago skyline. The cruise includes a buffet of late-night bites and a fully stocked bar. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume, and get ready to dance the night away. Plus, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Center on Halsted, supporting Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ community.
The Chicago Seadog Haunted River Tour is a 75-minute evening cruise hosted by a tour guide duo in creepy costumes. Your journey will take you through Chicago’s history of spirits, scandals, sins, and ghosts. You will learn all about the Windy City’s darker side with a touch of humor. While you relish in the supernatural tales, you will bask in the spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline.
If a haunted cruise is more your style, get tickets to the Sherman & Tingle Halloween Cruise with 97.1 The Drive on October 25, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Your favorite radio duo hosts this spooky cruise and serves a thrilling night of costumes and chills. Enjoy a costume contest, a delicious buffet dinner prepared by our top-notch chefs, creative cocktails, and spooktacular views of Chicago’s skyline, including Willis Tower and Navy Pier, as you cruise Lake Michigan. A live DJ will play your favorite tunes so you can dance all night. This Halloween celebration is one you won’t want to miss. Come aboard for a hauntingly good time.
Whether it’s to Host or Ghosts, Chicago is the Place to Be this Halloween!
Chicago is the city you want to be in during the Halloween season. It has everything from parades, movies, costume contests, and Halloween fun on the water with City Cruises. Make sure to participate in as many offerings as possible on land and our cruises. Step aboard and take your Halloween plans to the next level. Don’t forget your costume!