Halloween events in Chicago turn the Windy City into a spooky playground, and the chilly weather only adds to the atmosphere. Giant puppets glide down avenues, costume contests fill the streets, and dance floors thump beside aquarium exhibits. This guide covers the best Chicago Halloween events, with walking and rideshare distances from Arlo Chicago at 168 N. Michigan Avenue.
Catch the Halloween Parade in Chicago at Arts in the Dark
Arts in the Dark lights up downtown on Saturday, October 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. This free Halloween parade in Chicago sends giant puppets, stilt walkers, fire performers, and marching bands along Columbus Drive. Local artists and cultural institutions craft the spectacle, celebrating Halloween as the artist’s holiday.
More than 100,000 spectators typically line the route, which runs from Balbo Drive north to Jackson Boulevard. Organizers moved the parade to Columbus Drive this year after it outgrew its State Street route. The northern end sits roughly 0.7 miles from Arlo Chicago, about a 15-minute walk. Arrive early to claim a good spot, and bring a hat and gloves.
Join the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
On Saturday, October 31, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade takes over Halsted Street in the Northalsted neighborhood. Organizers describe it as Chicago’s only Halloween night parade, and it features more than 300 costumed marchers. Fodor’s Travel has ranked the parade among the top ten in the U.S.
Festivities include food, drinks, music, local vendors, live performances, and a costume contest. The free parade sits about 5 miles north of Arlo Chicago, roughly a 12-to-15-minute rideshare. Plan your ride home in advance, since crowds grow quickly after dark.
Dance at the Best Halloween Parties in Chicago
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so Halloween parties in Chicago peak on October 31. Shedd Aquarium hosts its Haunted House Party that night, where DJs spin house music for guests in creepy costumes. Your ticket also includes the aquarium’s exhibits, so you can wander among the fish between songs. The aquarium sits about 1.7 miles from Arlo Chicago, roughly a 10-minute rideshare.
One week earlier, Lincoln Park Zoo hosts Zoo Brews: Howls and Growls on October 23 and 24. This adults-only party features craft beer and cider samples, a live DJ, and roaming entertainers. Ticket holders also ride the carousel, Ferris wheel, and giant slide as often as they like.
The zoo sits about 4 miles from Arlo Chicago, a 10-to-12-minute rideshare. For a closer option, River North bars run costume contests and drink specials about a mile from the hotel, a 5-minute rideshare away.
Sip Spooky Cocktails in Wrigleyville
Nightmare on Clark Street transforms the Stolen Saddle rooftop bar into a haunted haven through November 1. Bring your ghoul friends for Halloween drinks, photo ops, and plenty of screams. Wrigleyville sits about 5 miles from Arlo Chicago, roughly a 20-to-25-minute rideshare.
Take the Kids Trick-or-Treating at Navy Pier
Families can celebrate Halloween in Chicago at Navy Pier’s Slightly Spooky Saturday on October 31. Kids don costumes and trick-or-treat along the lakefront while live music and activities fill the Pier. It’s a low-key choice for younger trick-or-treaters and their parents. Navy Pier sits about 1.3 miles from Arlo Chicago, a 25-minute walk or 10-minute rideshare.
Hear Haunted History at Lincoln Park Zoo
If you prefer chills to costumes, book a Haunted History Tour, which runs Tuesdays and Wednesdays through October 28. Guides lead 75-minute walks through the zoo’s allegedly haunted past, and guests must be 16 or older. Tickets sell quickly, so reserve early. The zoo sits about 4 miles from the hotel, a 10- to 12-minute rideshare.
Pack for Halloween in Chicago Weather
Late October in Chicago can swing from mild to frigid, sometimes within a single day. Layer a warm jacket over your costume, pack a travel umbrella, and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking. Check event pages before you go, since organizers may adjust times, routes, and ticket details.
Stay Close to Chicago Halloween Events
Chicago Halloween events stretch from downtown parades to lakefront parties, and a central home base makes them easier to enjoy. Whether you love giant puppets or dance floors, the city has a Halloween event that fits. Arlo Chicago sits across from Millennium Park, so you can walk to the parade, hop in a rideshare for the parties, and return to a warm room afterward.
Book your stay at Arlo Chicago today and make this Halloween in Chicago the most memorable one yet.
