5-Oct-21 – Get ready, ghosts and goblins. Chicago is prepping for spooktacular Halloween celebrations all month long. Here are some events to make this your most chilling Halloween yet!

OCTOBER 8, 15, 22, 29 Creep it real – Free campfire horror movies Horror classics under the stars by a warm fire on a cool night, the perfect setting for a scary movie.

Bring your own blankets and chairs. Event is outside, weather permitting, but will be moved inside in the event of rain.

The Birds (PG-13) – Friday, October 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Scream (R) – Friday, October 15, 7:00-8:15 p.m.

Little Shop of Horrors (PG-13) – Friday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Beetlejuice (PG) – Friday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Northerly Island, 1521 South Linn White Drive

 More info: 312-745-2910

OCTOBER 9 Be a wizard at Harry Potter’s Halloween Party Imagine Harry Caray’s transformed into Hogwarts, complete with butterbeer, witchcraft, and sorcery.

Enjoy a wizard-themed menu with a live magician who will perform astonishing tricks right before your very eyes. $15 minimum purchase per person required ($8 per child 10 and under). Prepare to be amazed at this spellbinding celebration. Discounted Navy Pier Valet Parking available.

6:00-8:00 p.m., Harry Caray’s Tavern, Navy Pier, 700 East Grand Avenue

 More info: Harry Potter Halloween Party

OCTOBER 24 Fa-BOO-lous Edgewater Scavenger Hunt Join the fun as you head out into the neighborhood and dive deep into the history and mystery of Edgewater.

Created by Chicago for Chicagoans, this self-paced or competitive scavenger hunt will help you learn more about the community as you race around, looking for clues. Hunt with your household or a small group of friends or family. Compete against your fellow players and win prizes. Registration starts October 10.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Epworth United Methodist Church, 5253 North Kenmore Avenue

 More info: Chicago for Chicagoans

OCTOBER 30 Do You Dare? It’s Arts in the Dark! Celebrate the artistic side of Halloween at Chicago’s beloved family-friendly annual event.

This enchanted nighttime parade features large-scale puppets, costumed performers, elaborate floats, and luminous lanterns. The city’s creative community, including renowned institutions such as The Art Institute of Chicago and Lookingglass Theatre Company, combine forces to create this surreal evening in downtown Chicago.

6:00-8:00 p.m., State Street between Lake Street and Van Buren Street

Come earlier for Upside Down Arts in the Dark. This “reverse” parade features more than 20 performance groups, and costumed families can walk through the route. October 23, 12:00-3:00 p.m., Washington Park, 5531 South King Drive.

 More info: Chicago for Chicagoans

OCTOBER 30 Eat, drink, and be scary at the Haunted Halloween Ball The Congress Hotel is already known as one of the most haunted hotels in the world.

Experience all the fun and revelry for yourself with a night of thrills at Chicago’s biggest Halloween costume party. Wear your most frightening costume and be your most terrifying self. Come midnight, will you turn into a pumpkin?

9:00 p.m., The Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 South Michigan Avenue

 More info: Haunted Halloween Ball

OCTOBER 31 Over-the-top outrageous Northalsted Halloween Parade The Northalsted Halloween Parade is ranked as one of the 10 Best Halloween Celebrations in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel Guide.

You’ll see why when this raucous procession kicks off with the Chicago Thriller flash mob. Stare as a troupe of ghoulish zombies perform their famous dance routine. Join in the dancing or follow the parade route north, where a panel of drag queens will award prizes for the best costumes.

7:30 p.m., 3300-3700 North Halsted Street

 More info: Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

OCTOBER AND BEYOND Chill out with Windy City Ghost Tours Discover the haunted heart of Chicago.

Our own Lincoln Park contains old asylums, satanic cults, and haunted bars next to dark alleys that harbor the spirits of gangsters and bootleggers. Walk in the footsteps of the ghosts of the Windy City. Tours are held nightly, rain or shine.

Julia Porter Park, North Halsted Street & West Fullerton Parkway

 More info: Windy City Ghost Tours