Five Halloween Things To See And Do In Chicagoland 2021

Spooky season is upon us once again, and unlike the pandemic-limited options of last year, 2021 offers the return of some safe, masked Halloween fun. From kid-friendly events to spooky Chicagoland tours, the Chicago area offers something for every Halloween taste. As the weather gets cooler and the days grow shorter, enjoy these five Chicagoland Halloween activities.

1. Enjoy A Halloween-Themed Parade

The Northalsted Haunted Halsted Halloween parade, taking place on October 31, 2021, has been rated one of the 10 best Halloween celebrations in the United States by Fodor's Travel, and with good reason. This festive celebration includes costume contests, dancing, and a spirited atmosphere. 

On October 30, 2021, arts and culture lovers should check out the Arts in the Dark parade on State Street traveling south between Lake and Van Buren. This dazzling, family-friendly spectacle brings together performers from the Joffrey Ballet, the Lookingglass Theatre Company, and a number of other artists and performers to create unforgettable floats, puppets, and creative performances. 

The socially-distanced "UPSIDE DOWN" version of the Arts in the Dark parade, in which parade-goers can walk through a route thronged by over 20 performance groups in the heart of Washington Park, will take place on October 23, 2021, on Russell Drive in Washington Park.

2. Take A Haunted Chicago Tour

Combining Halloween-themed ghost hunting with an education about Chicago's storied history, haunted tours of Chicago landmarks are a fantastic way to spend an eerie evening. The Lincoln Park Zoo's Haunted History tours, taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October, take visitors on a journey through the zoo's origins as a cemetery, pointing out key landmarks from the zoo's haunted history.

For an authentic paranormal tour experience digging deep into Chicago's history, check out the Chicago Hauntings Bus Tour, a creepy three-hour tour of the city's most haunted sites. Other Chicago Hauntings tours include the Prairie Avenue Ghost Hunt, the H.H. Holmes themed Devil in the White City tour, and the Lincoln Park Ghost Hunt tour. Outside the city, check out the Naperville Hauntings Ghost Walk or the Aurora Hauntings Ghost Walk for some spooky thrills a bit closer to home.

3. See A Halloween-Themed Scary Movie

Nothing says Halloween quite so perfectly as a classic scary movie. The 24-hour Music Box of Horrors festival at the Music Box Theater features thrillers, creepy creatures, and cult classics alike, and will appeal to any horror-lover's heart. The event will feature specialty vendors, special guests, and giveaways. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test will be required for entry, and the event's organizers are committed to ensuring all pandemic precautions will be taken.

If a virtual film fest is more your speed, check out the Chicago Horror Film Festival, which allows you to enjoy scary independent films from the comfort of home. This Chicagoland institution supports independent filmmakers and allows horror aficionados to get a sneak peek at up and coming independent movies.

4. Enjoy Some Family Halloween Fun

Brookfield Zoo's all-ages Boo at the Zoo event provides fun for adults and kids alike. This socially-distanced event features fun costumes, treat bags for kids, a corn maze, and lots of photo ops. Boo at the Zoo takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in October.

Lincoln Park Zoo's Fall Fest runs Fridays-Sundays in October, and offers guests the chance to take a pumpkin walk, enjoy face painting and animal exhibits, and check out musical entertainment. This event is free and open to all ages.

For older kids aged 8 and up, Naperville's All Hallows Eve celebration brings scary literature to life. Magicians, a zombie maze, live music, and laser tag are some of the highlights of this weekend event at Naper Settlement. Tickets for this event, which takes place on October 15 and 16, must be purchased in advance.

The Pier Pumpkin Lights event at Navy Pier transforms the pier into a fun and festive light show, with nearly 1,000 pumpkins giving the Pier an eerie glow. Pop-up arts installations and special events mean that this event is never the same experience twice. 

5. Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Chicagoland's National Museum of Mexican Art will continue its rich tradition of celebrating Día de los Muertos in Chicago with a full slate of events and programming. From now through December 12, 2021, visitors can visit the museum's 35th annual Day of the Dead exhibition, which this year will pay tribute to those from Mexico and the U.S. who have died from COVID-19 over the past two years.

On November 6, the museum will host the Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball, an exclusive evening event featuring live music, dancing, DJs, and food and drinks from Chicago's best restaurants. Proceeds from this event benefit the museum, and are available now.

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