Chicago Halloween Guide: 17+ Spooky Events to Attend

It’s never too early to begin planning for Halloween events! Whether you’re looking for all-age fun involving cookies and pumpkins, or adult Halloween parties in Chicago with real screams and thrills, we’ve got you covered with this extensive list of Halloween festivities now through the end of the month.

Cookie Decorating at Beatrix – Oak Brook 

272 Oakbrook Ctr., Oak Brook, IL

WHEN: Thursday, October 28: 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM
WHAT: Celebrate Halloween with the Halloween Cookie Decorating Event at Beatrix in Oakbrook Center on Thursday, October 28! The event will be led by Chef Partner Yasmin Gutierrez. If you are looking for things to do near Chicago for Halloween, guests will decorate Halloween-themed sugar cookies with festive frosting, candy, sprinkles and more while learning decorating tips and enjoying sips from Beatrix. The Kids Session is from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM and is $24.95, plus tax (gratuity not included), and the Adults Session is from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM and is $39.95 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included).
CONTACT: 630-491-1415 | Reserve your spot at the Kids Halloween Cookie Decorating Event at Beatrix | Reserve your spot at the Adults Halloween Cookie Decorating Event at Beatrix

Paint and Sip at Offshore

1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.

First-time painters and experienced artists are invited to create a Halloween-inspired skyline painting with a local artist from Pinot’s Palette. Tickets for the Halloween event, each $68, include two glasses of house red, white, or rose wine, along with paint supplies, a blank canvas, and aprons. Additional drinks will also be available for purchase during the event. The evening will take place indoors on the rooftop in Offshore’s airy glass atrium, which includes collapsible floor-to-ceiling windows that give a great indoor/outdoor atmosphere.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased by clicking here. Tickets are nonrefundable.

Creepy Cocktails and Special Tickets at 360 CHICAGO

875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: now through October 31st.

Thrills turn to chills now through October 31 as 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck at the former Hancock Building introduces TILT Terror Nights with special tickets that include admission from 6 PM until close with views to die for, a more terrifying ride on TILT, and a creepy cocktail (or mocktail) from BAR 94.

• Creepy Halloween cocktails at BAR 94 include:

Buffy’s White Russian — House vodka, Kahlua, half & half, infused with pumpkin spice flavor. Garnished with a stake through a marshmallow heart with cherry “blood.”
Cranberry Zombie — Three types of rum – white, dark, and spiced – with pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, dried cranberry “brains,” sugar eyeballs, and passion fruit “blood.

Get your tickets now.

Trick or Treating at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

2024 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

WHEN: Trick or Treating: Saturday, October 30 – Sunday, October 31; Free Dessert Tapa: Sunday, October 31: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
WHAT: Throughout Halloween weekend, stop by the Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! take-out window on Saturday, October 30 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM and Sunday, October 31 from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM for free trick-or-treating. Don’t forget something savory for the adults! On Sunday, October 31, wear your costume to the Halloween event in Chicago and your table will get your choice of one free dessert tapa to share. This spooky deal is valid for dine-in customers only. One dessert per table.
CONTACT: 773-935-5000 | Make a reservation at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! | Order carryout and delivery from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Read More: 6 Popular Pumpkin Patches to Visit Near Chicago

Image Credit: Joe’s Live

Halloween Party at Joe’s Live

5441 Park Place, Rosemont, IL

WHEN: Saturday, October 30: Doors at 8:00 PM and music at 9:30 PM
WHAT: Don’t miss the Halloween Party with Sixteen Candles at Joe’s Live on Saturday, October 30. Doors open at 8:00 PM and music starts at 9:30 PM. General admission tickets are $10 (plus taxes and fees). This is a 21+ show.
CONTACT: 847- 261-0392 | Buy tickets for the Halloween Party at Joe’s Live

Dread Lobster Halloween at Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar

2700 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

WHEN: October 25th through October 31, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Join the undead staff of Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar as we transform into Dread Lobster. Join us any time from 4p-9p from October 25th through October 31 to feast on some of our favorite dishes of the past … brought back from the dead. Plus: there will be cheddar biscuits — and costumes!

Boxcar Betty’s – Bucktown

1856 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 30, between 11 am to 2 pm or between 5 to 7 pm

This Halloween weekend, Boxcar Betty’s, known for its award-winning fried chicken sandwiches, will award one adult with BOGO For Life and one child (age 12 or under) with Free Nuggets until age 18 with their spooktacular “BooGo” promotion. On Friday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Oct. 30, any guest who visits the Bucktown restaurant and purchases one of Boxcar’s Betty’s popular fried chicken sandwiches will automatically receive an additional free sandwich of their choice.

Guests who wear a Halloween costume in the restaurant when placing their order will automatically be entered into the raffle to win one of the two prizes. Adults in costume will have a chance to win ‘BOGO For Life’, allowing the guest to have access to the BOGO promotion 365 days a year for the rest of their life. Children, in costume and age 12 or under, whose parents purchase a sandwich, will be entered into a separate raffle to win ‘Free Nuggets until age 18.’ One adult winner and one child winner will be selected at random during the course of the promotion.

Buck Russell’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop’s Halloween Treats

Sophia Steak, 1146 Wilmette Ave Wilmette, Il 60091

WHEN: Saturday, October 30

Buck Russell’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop, is offering all treats and no tricks this season with assorted sweet offerings perfect for any age this Halloween! Jenny McCoy of Buck Russel’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop is giving a sneak peek of her new treats for diners who are excited for this spooky season while craving delicious treats.

This Halloween pop-up is offering all of your favorites sure to make you feel like a kid again, with an assortment of rice krispie treats and chocolate and vanilla cupcakes designed with classic Halloween ghosts and ghouls. These offerings are available for pickup at Sophia Steak on October 30, and are available to pre-order online here.

Dog Costume Contest at Andros Taverna

2542 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 31 from 2:30 – 3:30pm

Halloween Party at Offshore

1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: Saturday, October 30: Doors at 8:00 PM

Tickets are $95 each, and include access to a premium four-hour bar, along with decadent passed bites. If you are looking for things to do in Chicago for Halloween, the event will feature a costume contest with over $2,000 of prizes and a complimentary hotel stay at Sable at Navy Pier for the first-place winner who killed the competition, along with plenty of music, dancing, and more. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Please note, tickets are non-refundable, and masks are required upon entry, exit, and movement around the space.

Read More: 15 Top Restaurants to Get Food & Drinks During the Fall Season in Chicago

Celebrate Halloween at Venteux with Free Bottomless Mimosas

224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

WHEN: Sunday, October 31st, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Venteux, the glitzy Magnificent Mile French brasserie helmed by Chicago’s youngest chef to be awarded a MICHELIN Star Donald Young, will be offering a Halloween Brunch special from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday, October 31 — guests who come to dine in their costumes will be treated to complimentary bottomless mimosas and rosé with the purchase of any entree.

Haunted Dining in the Dark at Hubbard Inn

110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

The fear for darkness is in our nature. But it’s also in our nature to scare ourselves during the Halloween season while simultaneously indulging in emotional support cocktails. The haunted dining in the dark experience at Hubbard Inn will take you through on a trip through the deranged history of its ghostly venue, while pampering you with a gourmet 3-course meal.

Get your tickets here.

Apocalypse Halloween Party at Recess

838 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60642

WHEN: Friday, October 29, 2021 at 8 p.m.

WHAT: Recess will be transformed into an apocalyptic Las Vegas—inspired by Netflix’s smash hit “Army of the Dead”—for a one-night-only zombie party this Halloween, Friday Oct. 29, with themed cocktails, food and a costume contest. The guests at this Halloween event in Chicago are are encouraged to come in costume and participate in the epic costume contest for a chance to win a $500 prize.

Recess employees will be themed as both DEAD and UNDEAD in addition to the costume contest. Early bird tickets are $10 per person on Eventbrite.

TICKETS: $10 per person, available on Eventbrite here: https://bit.ly/2Yvqp0R

Fright Night at Momotaro

820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

WHEN: Oct. 29 & 30, 8PM – 12AM

How many Japanese horror stories you’ve heard are related to train and subway stations? And what’s a better city for a subway-based horror night than Chicago when we have the famous L trains? Momotaro will transport you to the world of the spine-chilling Japanese kaitan world of Izakaya Station, all the while pampering you with delicious food.

Get your tickets here.

Vikings-Themed Halloween Bash at The Graystone Tavern

3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

WHEN: Sunday, October 31 starting at 6 p.m.

The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will host a Vikings-themed Halloween party on Sunday, October 31 at 6 p.m. A Minnesota Vikings-affiliated bar, Graystone will broadcast the game vs. the Dallas Cowboys at 7:20 p.m., and guests who dress to impress in their best Viking costume will receive a FREE Skol Bomb (Three Olives Grape with Red Bull Blue edition).

There will be a Viking costume contest with the winner receiving a $200 Graystone gift card as well as game-day raffles with proceeds benefiting the October charity of the month, The Lynn Sage Foundation. Drink specials will include $5 Skol Bombs, $5 Surly Furious Drafts, $20 Coors Light & Miller Lite Buckets, $25 Truly Hard Seltzer Buckets, and $12 Juicy Lucy. Table reservations are strongly recommended.

Halloween Monster Bash & More at The Rambler Kitchen & Tap

4128 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

WHEN: Saturday, October 30 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

The Rambler Kitchen + Tap in North Center will host a full day of Halloween festivities beginning with a Big 10 Football Spooktacular for the Iowa vs Wisconsin game at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 30. Specials will include $5 stadium food specials, $5 shots of Paddy’s and Skrewball Whisky and $20 Domestic Buckets. The game will be shown with sound on 24 TVs throughout the bar. Reservations are encouraged by emailing events@theramblerchicago.com.

From 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., The Rambler will host a Halloween “Monster Bash: Til Death Do Us Party” featuring a $40 drink package including all drafts, import, domestic beer and call liquor. There will be a costume contest with the best costume winning $100. The best group costume (2 to 6 people) will receive $200 or a full refund on their party package fee. Packages can be purchased at www.theramblerchicago.com. Reservations are encouraged by emailing events@theramblerchicago.com.

Rewired Dresses as “Dominoes” for Halloween

1100 W Thorndale, Chicago, IL 60660

WHEN: Thursday, October 21 through Sunday, October 31

Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar in Edgewater is getting in on the Halloween fun this year by paying homage to classic restaurant chains and “dressing up” as owner Daniel Barat’s favorite pizza chain. From Thursday, October 21 through Sunday, October 31, Rewired will become “Dominoes” complete with fun decor in the signature red and blue color palette along with a themed menu available from 11 a.m. to close daily.

The pop-up will feature specialty pizzas available in small ($16), medium ($20), and large ($24) like Hawaii Honolulu, Phil’s Cheesesteak, S’pacific Veg, and Tennessee BBQ Chicky, alongside various $11.60 pasta. You’ll also see cocktails inspired by old-school chains.

Halloween Murder Mystery Wine Dinner at Uvae

5553 N Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

WHEN: Sunday, October 31 at 6 p.m.

On Halloween, Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar in Andersonville will partner with The Dinner Detective team to host a five-course Murder Mystery Wine Dinner on Sunday, October 31 at 6 p.m. with seating starting 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. For $138 per person, guests will enjoy dinner and show will they dine on a five-course menu with wine pairings.

Highlights include Arugula & Fennel Salad with warm brie croutons, honey crisp apples, candied walnuts and fennel frond vinaigrette, Pumpkin Soup with crème fraiche, spiced pepitas and cilantro, and a choice of entree like Pan Seared Scallops, Roasted Duck Breast, Braised Short Rib, or Roasted Maitake Mushrooms served with truffle risotto and black currant reduction. A Salted Caramel Apple Tart will be served for dessert.

Make your reservation now!

Family Fun Halloween Costume Party at WhirlyBall

WhirlyBall Chicago, Naperville, and Vernon Hills

WHEN: Sunday, October 24 or Saturday, October 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids. Activities included in the ticket price are WhirlyBall, LaserTag, Bowling, and other pop-up games. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. guests will enjoy a food buffet featuring assorted pizza, sliders, chicken fingers, and mac and cheese. For dessert, brownies and cookies will be available from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Soda and fountain drinks are included, while alcoholic beverages are cash bar.

Tickets are available at www.whirlyball.eventbrite.com.

Devil’s Night Adults-Only Costume Party at WhirlyBall

WhirlyBall Chicago, Naperville, and Vernon Hills

WHEN: Saturday, October 30 from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

On Devil’s Night, Saturday, October 30, WhirlyBall in Chicago, Naperville, and Vernon Hills will host an adults-only costume party featuring a $75 per person package which includes food, activities, beer, and wine from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Activities will include WhirlyBall, LaserTag, Bowling and other pop-up games. Dinner will be served buffet-style from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and will include The Pivot Chopped Salad, assorted Pizza (cheese, sicilian, caprese, Italian sausage & peppers), Classic and Buffalo Chicken Sliders, and Pretzel Bites. A dessert station will be available from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with fresh-baked brownies and cookies.

Tickets are available at www.whirlyball.eventbrite.com.

Costume Party at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!

441 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL

WHEN: Sunday, October 31: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
WHAT: Rock your costume at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! on Sunday, October 31, and you’ll get your choice of one free dessert tapa. This spooky deal is valid for dine-in customers only.
CONTACT: 312-985-6909 | Make a reservation at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Costume Party at Mon Ami Gabi – Oak Brook

260 Oakbrook Ctr., Oak Brook, IL

WHEN: Sunday, October 31: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
WHAT: Make your way to Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook for a fun-filled Halloweekend Costume Party. Dress up and indulge in French favorites like Onion Soup Au Gratin or Baked Goat Cheese. Brunch will also be available. Guests in costume will be able to enter into a special holiday raffle for a chance to win one of three Lettuce Entertain You gift cards: a third place $50 gift card, a second place $100 gift card, and a grand prize $200 gift card.
CONTACT: 630-472-1900 | Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi – Oak Brook  

Climb in Costume at First Ascent Block 37

108 N State St suite 420, Chicago, IL 60602

Have you ever bouldered in Halloween costumes? We haven’t! This year, the newly expanded First Ascent is redefining Halloween costume parties with their climb in costume challenge. Stay tuned to their social media and website announcements as more details plus additional Halloween activities are revealed!

Halloween Weekend at Quality Crab & Oyster Bah

1962 N. Halsted St., Chicago IL

WHEN: Friday October 29 – Sunday October 31
WHAT: Join Quality Crab & Oyster Bah Halloween Weekend for Brews & Boos! Enjoy all draft beers for $5, plus tax (gratuity not included). Pair your brew with an order of Fish & Chips, Oysters on the Half Shell, or King Crab Legs. For the kiddos, we will have an overflowing pot of Halloween Candy for all trick or treaters dressed up in costume.
CONTACT: 773-248-3000 | Make a reservation at Quality Crab & Oyster Bah

Prisoner Wine Dinner at Thorn Restaurant & Lounge

5200 Pearl St, Rosemont, IL 60018

Thorn Restaurant & Lounge presents The Prisoner Wine Dinner in collaboration with The Prisoner Wine Company for this Halloween on Friday, October 29 at 7 p.m. This exclusive four-course dinner is paired to perfection with a selection of world-class Prisoner Wines. For more information, visit www.the-rose-hotel.com.

Image Credit: Summer House Santa Monica

Cookie Decorating at Summer House Santa Monica – Chicago

1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

WHEN: Thursday, October 21 – Sunday, October 31 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
WHAT: Enjoy the fun of decorating cookies without any of the prep work with our Halloween Cookie Kits ($24.95 plus tax). Online pre-orders must be placed by 10:00 AM two days in advance starting October 4. Pickup is available daily from Thursday, October 21 – Sunday, October 31 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
CONTACT: 773-634-4100 | Order your Halloween Cookie Kit from Summer House Santa Monica

Paint Your Mini Pumpkin at Summer House Santa Monica – Chicago

1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

WHEN: Sunday, October 17 – Sunday, October 31
WHAT: Paint your own mini pumpkin at home and bring it to Summer House Santa Monica from Sunday, October 17 – Sunday, October 31 in exchange for a free cookie. Pumpkins will be put on display throughout the restaurant and you’ll leave with a sweet treat.
CONTACT:773-634-4100 | Make a reservation at Summer House Santa Monica – Chicago

Horror Movie Trivia at Replay Lincoln Park’s Slasher Museum Pop-Up

2833 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Replay Lincoln Park has announced their latest pop-up installment, Slasher Museum. Running now through Sunday, October 31, this Lincoln Park bar has transformed its gaming areas into a manor of the macabre filled with frightening replicas of iconic slashers. Come test your horror movie knowledge every Thursday, 7 pm and enjoy other spooky fun like costume contests and replica horror movie sets!

Marvin’s Food & Fuel Haunt & Flaunt with Drag Queen Star Denali Foxx

954 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

WHEN: Thursday, October 28, 8 PM to 1 AM

Witches and warlocks are invited to costume up and boogie down with the star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 Denali Foxx at the first annual Marvin’s Haunt & Flaunt Halloween Rooftop Party. Admission to the special event will include a complimentary blood-red welcome punch upon entry, Halloween-themed movies projected on a big screen, and the costume contest with prizes. “Come for the tricks, treats, brews, and beats!”

Tickets on sale now!

Costume Party at Federales

180 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607

WHEN: Saturday, October 30 starting at 11:00 am

No better way to celebrate Halloween than a costume party all-day long! Not a night owl? No problem. Don’t want to get up during the day? Federales’ got you covered too. The best part? Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. So, this Halloween, come out and just be you.