By: Alexis Berry and Caroline Nihill By: Alexis Berry and Caroline Nihill | September 16, 2022 | Lifestyle
Spooky season is upon us, and the Windy City offers ample opportunities to get in the spirit. From family friendly trick-or-treating to gory good times, here are seven ways to celebrate Halloween in Chicago.
A monster’s ball takes place on the rooftop of I|O at The Godfrey Hotel in River North. The event offers an exclusive and seasonal experience complete with haunted private igloos, terrifyingly thrilling performers and spooky surprises. Oct. 29., 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Renowed for its entertaining slate of themed popups, from "Game of Thrones" to "Harry Potter, arcade bar Replay Lincoln Park sets its sights on "The Simpsons" with its Treehouse of Gore experience featuring Halloween-themed cocktails and festive photo opportunities. Expect The Simpson’s-inspired sites, such as Attack of the 50 Eyesores, Fly Bart, Blob Homer and more. Sept. 16 to Nov. 1, 7 p.m., 2833 N Sheffield Ave.
Arts in the Dark UPSIDE DOWN Parade
This free, family-friendly parade officially opens Chicago’s Halloweek Program in Washington Park. Featuring dance performances, circus acrobats, musical groups, sports mascots and more, it's a can't-miss. Costumes are encouraged. Oct. 22, 12 to 3 p.m, Washington Park
The Old Haunted Joilet Prison and Thirteenth Floor
The only haunted house in Chicago, located inside of the abandoned Joilet prison, is presented by Halloween-themed entertainment company Thirteenth Floor. Featuring multiple attractions such as The Abominations, Tormented, Mini Escape Games and The Commissary, guests can experience unique thrills. Sept. 24 - Nov.5, 7 p.m., 401 Woodruff Rd.
Show off your costumes and collect candy from 25 booths at Wicker Park's Trick-or-Treat. Be sure to grab your tickets online, one ticket covers up to five family members and a 15-minute time slot to ensure that families have the time and space to trick-or-treat safely. Oct. 30, 1 to 5 p.m., 1714 N. Hoyne Ave.
Yvie Oddly and the Seven Sinful Queens
From fierce and fiery depths, Yvie Oddly stars in RuPaul’s Drag Race Night of the Living Drag as The Boogieman for a night of spine-chilling performances. Famous for her contortionist moves and unfortgettable laugh, Oddly---the self proclaimed Queen of the Queerdos--- will appear alongside Vanessa Vanjie the Wrathful, Asia O’Hara the Envious, Bosco the Lustful and others for a must-see experience. Oct. 25, 8 p.m., Rosemont Theatre
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up features larger-than-life installations the whole family will love. Along with axe throwing, a corn maze and pumpkin picking are three full bars where guests can indulge in seasonal drinks and bites. Sept. 22-Oct. 31, 1261 W. Le Moyne St.
The recently opened Museum of Ice Cream will transform into the Museum of I-Scream this season for a spooky sweet experience. Expect magical surprises, such as trick-or-treat cauldrons and riddle games for the whole family. Sept. 30 - Oct. 31, 435 Michigan Ave., Ste. G.
Chicago’s only boat cruise where participants and their pooches can cruise the city’s waterways together, and in a thrilling style at the 2022 Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise Series. Guests and their canine companions can enjoy live narration of local history and architectural marvels with dog-friendly highlights. Oct. 1 -Oct. 16, 112 E. Wacker Dr.
Nightmare on Navy Pier Halloween Party
Offshore, one of the largest rooftop bars in the world is hosting a Halloween bash, and tickets are on sale now. Dress up and join the festive evening of dancing, music, giveaways and a costume contest. Oct. 29, 8 - 12 p.m., 1000 E. Grand Ave.
Photography by: Photo by Kenny Eliason/Unsplash
