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Celebrate Halloween in the Chicago Loop

Posted  6 months ago  in  Loop List, Arts and Culture, Trending

2 MIN READ – Rather than being upset that another Chicago summer is over, prepare your favorite costume for a month of spooktacular Halloween festivities in the Chicago Loop. See our top picks for events and more below.


Arts in the Dark Parade

The 9th Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade will return to State Street on Saturday, October 21 from 6-8 p.m. Attendees are urged to arrive early to find a good spectating spot and attend a pre-Parade candy giveaway starting at 5 p.m., featuring HARIBO’s Goldenbear and more. Spectators are also encouraged to come dressed in their own colorful and creative costumes to join in the festive fun. This magical evening procession celebrates Halloween as the “artists’ holiday” and draws together participants from major cultural organizations, inspiring youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. Named ‘One of the best Halloween celebrations in the world’ by UK-based Wanderlust magazine – this dazzling production annually delights an audience of 50,000+ gathered along historic State Street, from Lake to Van Buren Streets. Learn more about attending this free event here.

Sip on Spooky Cocktails at Flight club

Flight Club Chicago, the Social Darts® destination offering unbeatable fun, is the quintessential haunt to celebrate this October. This year, Flight Club is brewing up some unique fall and Halloween themed cocktails and a spine-tingling Halloween party, where guests can take aim at Flight Club's high-tech games to create unique memories. 

Kicking-off the fall season, guests can enjoy the autumnal Bushel and Barrel cocktail, available now through Thursday, November 30, featuring a delightful blend of apple cider, bourbon, amaro and cinnamon that will warm the spirit. Additionally, starting Tuesday, October 24 through Halloween, Flight Club will unleash its captivating Blood and Smoke cocktail just in time for the holiday. Made with an enchanting mix of beet, mezcal, chile vodka, and agave, this is the perfect potion to awaken the Halloween vibe. Adding to the excitement, Flight Club Chicago will turn into a haunted darts haven for a spooktacular Halloween party on Saturday, October 28! Guests will be welcomed to enjoy specialty themed desserts, decor, a ghoulish virtual costume contest and more. Tap into all the fall fun here.

Get Ready to Scream at the American Writers Museum

From October 26 to October 30, the museum will have some special themed activities just for Halloweekend. With their Pumpkin Hunt, visitors can explore the American Writers Museum in a whole new way. Search the museum to find the missing pumpkins hidden in their favorite works of American writing. Find all of the pumpkins and win a special prize!

But that's not all! On Saturday, October 28, the AWM is co-hosting a special program with the Consulate General of Ireland on Myths, Legends, and Folklore with author Clara Kumagai. This event is perfect for those who love to learn about magical realism, myths, and the unknown. Additionally, on Sunday, October 29, the museum will offer a Halloween Storytime in the Children's gallery for all young readers. After the stories, families can enjoy some coloring pages and a bookmark craft together. 

Experience the thrill of the Medieval Torture Museum

The emotions inspired by the ''Medieval Torture Collection'' will transport you back in time hundreds of years to some of the most miserable moments in human history. Their exhibit is a unique presentation that combines academic research with the contradictive emotionally repulsive draw of a time in history when torture and torment were commonplace. Based on historical documents and engravings, Medieval Torture Museum have amassed an unprecedented collection of cruelty, re-creating the atmosphere that prevailed throughout most of the Middle Ages. Spend an hour there and you will better know the nature of fear. Are you brave enough? Purchase tickets here

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