Get in the Spooky Spirit and Check Out Halloween-Themed Events in Chicago
From Nightmare on Chicago Street, a creepy, interactive, zombie-themed street party to the Haunted Halloween Ball, a theatrical, over-the-top gala, Chicago has lots of cool events in celebration of Halloween time to check out! There are also cool culinary events throughout the month to help you explore this food focused-city; check out the Cantigny Food Truck Festival or the Chicago’s Taste of a Nation event! Whatever you decide, the October calendar if filled with fun options!
October Event Calendar
Cantigny Food Truck Festival
Attention foodies: check out the inaugural Cantigny Food Truck Festival! Expanding this year from 15 food trucks to over 25, you'll get to try some of the best eats in the area! In addition to food trucks, the event will feature a local vendor village and live music. Kids will have access to enjoy the Red Oak Farms playground, and everyone can explore the Cantigny Park grounds (gardens, nature trails, and the tank park will all be open). Admission is free; parking is $5. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Open House Chicago
Every year when October comes around, the Chicago Architecture Center hosts a free 2-day festival open to the public. Open House Chicago focuses on highlighting and exploring over 250 of Chicago's most significant places with behind-the-scenes access. Attendees will get to see historic mansions, private clubs, sacred spaces, hotels, offices, theaters, and more!
Chicago's Taste of the Nation
Join over 30 of the best chefs and mixologists in the region, like co-chair Joe Flamm – Top Chef Season 15 Winner, at Chicago's Taste of the Nation! The event will feature socializing with top culinary crafters, bite-size fare, craft cocktails, and tasty desserts. All proceeds support the No Kid Hungry campaign’s work to end childhood hunger in Illinois. This event is for ages 21 and up. Tickets will be available in late Summer 2020.
Nightmare on Chicago Street
Get in the spooky season spirit at this zombie-themed event! Nightmare on Chicago Street will feature bands, booze, food vendors, a zombie homecoming parade and pageant, cage matches, live graffiti artists, a hookah lounge, costume contest, and more! Make it to the safe zone and help the Zombie Defense Initiative keep citizens alive at this interactive, theatrical experience. Only for ages 17 and up, attendees under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket information will be available online soon.
Halloween Day Crawl
No need to wait for trick-or-treating hours to celebrate Halloween! Start things off early in River North at the Halloween Day Crawl! Starting at 11am, join others dressed in costumes hop from one bar to the next! Tickets include a free brunch buffet, gift cards to use on the crawl, a costume contest, giveaways and more! Tickets will be available online soon.
Haunted Halloween Ball
Lavish VIP nightclub meets eerie haunted house at the annual Halloween Ball! Twenty thousand square feet of a 120+-year-old hotel (The Congress a Hotel), known as one of the most haunted hotels in the world, will transform into an abandoned hotel operated by zombies. Put on your best costume and dance the night away! The ball will feature a great DJ, theatric performances, and a costume contest with a $2,000 prize. Early bird general admission is $20. VIP tables and group discounts will also be available.