Photo Source: Enjoy Illinois
As the streets begin to turn the rich color of autumn leaves and the breeze grows cooler, there’s a suspense in the air signaling that spooky season is here. With Chicago’s dark and twisted history, it’s the perfect place to be this time of year with residents of The St. Regis Chicago positioned in the heart of it all. If you’re looking for Halloween events in Chicago, we offer a few unique and memorable ways to take advantage of the fall season and get into the “spirits” this October.
The city’s art scene has much in store to satisfy your peculiar curiosities and desire for thrill this time of year. A local favorite, Arts in the Dark, will be taking over State Street once again on October 19. This parade brings together Chicago’s institutions, youth programs and aspiring artists to dazzle spectators with unique floats, puppets and creative performances.
For music enthusiasts, attend one of the Halloween-themed candlelight concerts offered at venues around the city this month for a night of beautiful music with a gothic and eerie ambiance. Be sure to check out the full list of shows and locations. Another option for the musically inclined, you can see Dracula in Concert at the Auditorium Theatre on November 9. For one night only, musicians from Chicago Philharmonic will be accompanied by a full choir to bring Dracula’s haunting score to life in sync with the film.
For other offerings limited to the Halloween season, the Lincoln Park Zoo will host its annual Adults Night Out: Howl-O-Ween on October 24. This adults-only event invites attendees to enjoy the zoo after hours, complete with Halloween-themed animal chats with experts, music, and pop-up bars throughout the festively transformed zoo. Afterwards, consider visiting the Black Lagoon cocktail experience housed at The Parlour at The Albion for the month of October. Stop by the pop-up to immerse yourself in the macabre ambiance while sipping deliciously spooky cocktails.
For a lighter, open-air experience, Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up has become a beloved seasonal tradition as Chicago’s largest fall festival. Featuring pumpkin patches, corn mazes, carnival games, and themed food and beverages throughout, this experience is a one-stop-shop for classic autumnal fun. Those seeking a more intimate experience this spooky season, consider hosting your own murder mystery party at your venue of choice with Art Room Events. Gather your party in a swanky speakeasy like The Library at Gilt Bar or The Milk Room at Chicago Athletic Association and watch the night unravel into suspicion, secrecy and unforgettable fun.
The city also has much to offer its littlest inhabitants this Halloween season with several trick-or-treating events across the downtown area. Kids can show off their costumes at Navy Pier’s Slightly Spooky Saturday on October 26, featuring trick-or-treating, workshops, live performances and more. On October 19, Lincoln Park Zoo will host Spooky Zoo, a family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treating, interactive storytelling, music, crafts and costumes galore! And for a true urban kid experience, the 900 North Michigan Shops is hosting an event on October 26, kicking off with a Halloween-themed concert and costume parade before families are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the seven levels of retailers.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling haunts or cozy fall-themed décor this season, Chicago has a fun experience in store for everyone this October. Residents of The St. Regis Chicago are in a prime location to take advantage of these seasonal offerings, so embrace the rich colors and crisp weather of fall while it lasts! For more information on happenings in the Lakeshore East neighborhood, visit our Lakeshore East neighborhood page.
