Chicago doesn’t just celebrate Halloween—it throws a month-long party that transforms the city into a playground for thrill-seekers, party-goers, and anyone craving good-time autumn vibes. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new haunts or a visitor planning your October trip, the Windy City delivers spine-tingling experiences that go way beyond your neighborhood trick-or-treating. This year, Halloween falls on a Friday, which means the spooky festivities extend into a full weekend of frights and fun.
Haunted Houses
Chicago’s haunted house scene is legendary, and 2025 brings some seriously terrifying options that’ll have you questioning why you thought this was a good idea.
13th Floor Haunted House
If apocalyptic nightmares are your thing, the 13th Floor sets its 2025 experience in a dystopian Chicago where the city fell in the early 1990s and the dead rose. You’ll navigate through shattered skyscrapers and encounter survivors who’ve lost their humanity. This world-famous attraction lives up to its reputation as Chicago’s ultimate haunted experience.
Midnight Terror Haunted House
Chicagoland’s top-rated haunted attraction returns with all-new nightmares for 2025. Midnight Terror features brand-new scarezones, an expanded midway with entertainment, newly remodeled rooms, and an enhanced queue line experience. The centerpiece is Black Oak Grove, a town perpetually trapped in Halloween night where fog blankets the streets and trick-or-treaters move with unsettling purpose.
More Spine-Tingling Options
Don’t overlook Disturbia Haunted House in Downers Grove, Basement of the Dead, and Evil Intentions Haunted House—each offering its own unique brand of terror. Evil Intentions goes beyond scares with food, games, and so-called “freakish fun’ that keeps the horror going all night. Meanwhile, The Duchess Manor at The Arboretum of South Barrington promises an encounter with a frightening duchess you won’t soon forget.
Nightlife & Costume Parties
When the sun sets, Chicago’s nightlife scene transforms into a Halloween wonderland perfect for adults looking to dance, drink, and show off their costumes.
Haunted Halloween Ball (October 31)
Chicago’s biggest Halloween costume party takes over the Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan Avenue—a venue that’s been deemed one of the most haunted hotels in the world. This 21+ event sells out annually, so grab your tickets early. Expect multiple rooms, premium bars, and a crowd ready to celebrate the spookiest night of the year in style.
Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl (October 31)
The historic Wrigleyville neighborhood becomes Halloween central on October 31st, with party-seekers crawling from bar to bar. It’s the only night where you can “act like a kid and drink like an adult,” and the energy in this baseball-loving neighborhood is unmatched.
Singles Only: Late 30s/40s Happy Hour (October 31)
This Shaka Club event at Arlo Chicago’s About Last Knife brings together singles aged 35–47 for mixing and mingling—this time with Halloween costumes. Shaka Club’s signature “Speed Intros” is a fun twist on speed dating but decidedly more chill. This Halloween edition of the mixer will see guests enjoying extended happy hour pricing, and smooth grooves from 7:30pm–9:30pm.
Halloween Bar Crawls
Multiple bar crawls are happening throughout the Halloween season, including the official Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl that takes you through the West Loop and River North—two of Chicago’s hottest nightlife districts. These crawls typically run on both Friday and Saturday nights during the Halloween weekend.
Parades & Street Festivals
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade (October 31)
Ranked among the top ten Halloween parades in the US by Fodor’s Travel, this free-to-watch spectacle in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood features hundreds of costume contest entrants across five categories: Character, Creative, Scary, Youth, and Group. The 28th annual parade includes Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers, Windy City Jeep Club, Chicago Thriller dancers, Lakeside Pride Marching Band, Windy City Rollers, and Chicago Spirit Brigade. It’s a vibrant celebration of creativity and community spirit.
Arts in the Dark (October 18)
This beloved family-friendly event celebrates the artistic side of Halloween with an enchanted nighttime parade through downtown Chicago. Expect large-scale puppets, costumed performers, elaborate floats, and luminous lanterns creating a magical atmosphere that’s more whimsical than terrifying.
More Unique Experiences
Zoo After Dark
Brookfield Zoo hosts an adults-only Halloween party (21+) on October 25 featuring a costume contest with prizes, dancing with DJ Nurotic, and pumpkin decorating. Enjoy specialty drinks and meet animal ambassadors after regular zoo hours for a unique nighttime experience. Lincoln Park Zoo also offers Halloween festivities with costume contests and special activities (though full-face masks aren’t allowed for safety).
The Brewed Halloween Block Party (October 12)
Chicago’s premier horror-themed café goes all-in on spooky season with a Halloween block party featuring horror vendors, treats, photo booths, DJs, and more. It’s the perfect spot for horror fans who want to celebrate without the extreme scares.
Pro Tips for Halloween in Chicago
Timing is Everything: With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, expect venues and attractions to be packed throughout the entire weekend. Book haunted house tickets and party passes in advance.
Dress Code Matters: For nightlife venues, costumes are encouraged but most still enforce their standard dress codes. Premium venues often note that purchasing a ticket doesn’t guarantee admission if you don’t meet presentation standards.
Layer Up: October in Chicago can be unpredictable. If you’re hitting outdoor parades or street festivals, bring layers—you’ll want to be comfortable while showing off your costume.
Explore the Neighborhoods: Different neighborhoods offer distinct Halloween vibes. Wrigleyville brings sports bar energy, Northalsted delivers LGBTQ+ community celebration, West Loop and River North offer upscale nightlife, and downtown provides large-scale events.
Start Early, End Late: Many Halloween events and bar crawls start at 7 or 8 PM and run until the early morning hours. Plan your evening accordingly and arrange safe transportation.
Whether you’re seeking pulse-pounding terror at world-class haunted houses, sophisticated rooftop cocktail parties, community parades showcasing creative costumes, or epic bar crawls through Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods, the Windy City delivers. The combination of historic venues (including genuinely haunted hotels), innovative experiences, and Chicago’s signature energy creates a Halloween atmosphere that rivals anywhere in the country.
So grab your costume, rally your crew, and prepare for a month of mayhem in Chicago. Just remember: in the Windy City, Halloween isn’t just a night—it’s a lifestyle, at least for all of October.
