Chicago offers a diverse array of events this Halloween weekend, catering to a variety of interests from family-friendly activities to live music and theatrical performances.
Northalsted’s long-standing Halloween parade, now celebrating its 30th anniversary as Haunted Halsted, expands this year into a full-day festival. Starting at noon and running until 10 p.m. on Oct. 31, the event features early trick-or-treating at local businesses, live entertainment including performances by the Lakeside Pride Marching Band, Chicago Thriller, and Windy City Rollers, alongside a costume parade at 7 p.m. and a costume contest with cash prizes. The festival is centered on Halsted Street between 3300 and 3526 N. Halsted St. and remains free to attend.
Animal lovers can bring their pets to the Streeterville Doggy and Kitty Halloween Party on the morning of Oct. 31. Hosted in the Museum of Contemporary Art Sculpture Garden, the event welcomes more than 350 pets and their owners dressed in creative costumes. Registration carries a suggested $10 donation, and participants range from dogs dressed as hot dogs to other imaginative ensembles.
Families seeking a daytime parade option might consider the annual Upside Down Parade at Washington Park, also on Oct. 31 from noon to 2 p.m. The event on Russell Drive features children, families, dance teams, musicians, acrobats, and mascots all taking part in a festive procession.
In the performing arts, Manual Cinema revives its acclaimed production of “Frankenstein” at Studebaker Theater, with shows on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, as well as Nov. 1. The production combines shadow puppetry and cinematic storytelling, blending artistry and emotion. Tickets start at $31.
Music enthusiasts have several notable concerts to choose from. The post-punk indie rock band Geese is performing at Salt Shed from Oct. 31 through Nov. 1. Additionally, Rod Wave, known for his blend of poetic lyrics and trap beats, will headline two shows at United Center on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 in support of his latest album “Don’t Look Down.” The venue prohibits costume masks for Halloween night. Ticket prices for both concerts vary.
The Sanctum Dark Music Festival takes place over Oct. 30 and 31 at Thalia Hall, featuring bands like A Split-Second, Zanias, and Sacred Skin. Attendees can expect accompanying drag shows, a blasphemy-themed costume contest, and interactive photo installations.
On the theatrical front, Rough House continues its “House of the Exquisite Corpse: Lullabies” haunted house at The Merle at Steppenwolf through Nov. 1. This immersive experience uses puppetry and live performance to explore dark themes.
Several of Chicago’s major museums are also participating in Halloween programming. The Field Museum transforms its “Underground Adventure” exhibit into a spooky “Underground Mis-Adventure: Zombie Fungus” explaining parasitic fungi that control insect behavior. The Shedd Aquarium introduces a large bird-eating tarantula as part of its “Amazon Rising” exhibit, while the Adler Planetarium offers educational events focused on dark matter.
These events provide a broad spectrum of Halloween experiences throughout Chicago, from cultural and scientific exploration to festive parades and concerts. Many are free or have modest ticket costs, making them accessible to a wide audience.