There’s something in the air today, and it’s not just fake fog and half-dressed vampires. Halloween weekend is creeping up, and it’s looking stacked. From rooftop ragers to horror-pop orchestras, we rounded up all the freaky fun so you don’t have to wander the night like a lost spirit with no plans.

Calling all ghouls and goblins! Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween Presented by Grey Goose Vodka and Patrón Tequila is back at Lincoln Park Zoo! This 21+ Halloween party will be a real scream with a haunted trail, free rides on seasonal attractions, and more. Wanna win a pair of tickets?*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• What’s this? Chicago Philharmonic is bringing Tim Burton’s classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas to life at Auditorium Theatre with a live concert accompanying visuals from the film. If you haven’t joined their Philms series, you’re missing out. Win tix here.*

• Win tickets to see a spooky twist on an old favorite with the reimagining of a beloved exhibition at the Field Museum! Underground MISadventure offers a creepy, crawly experience for visitors to navigate.*

• Step into a world of eerie elegance at The Spooky Speakeasy. Sip on haunted cocktails, dance to killer DJ sets, and explore this mysterious underground bash that’s bringing Halloween back from the dead. Enter to win a free punch bowl for your group of up to 6.*

• Ghoul bars, spooky snacks, cursed cocktails...Chicago’s Halloween pop-up scene is fully possessed this year. Scope haunted bars, horror-themed speakeasies and more in our running list of the city’s creepiest spaces.

• Wrigleyville’s Halloween Crawl is back and it’s unhinged in all the right ways. Think: drink deals, DJs, dance floors, and enough fake blood to flood the Red Line. Costumes mandatory, dignity optional, and we're giving away free tickets!*

HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN CHICAGO

You already know Halloween’s not a one-night thing. It’s a whole month-long celebration. We packed this guide with everything from late-night ragers to pop-up bars, rooftop seances, haunted drag shows, horror movie screenings, and more. If you want to own spooky season, this is your chance.

• PUMPKIN LIGHTS & FRIGHTS: Now through November 2nd at WNDR Museum

• ARTS IN THE DARK HALLOWEEN PARADE: Tomorrow on State Street

• BASIC WITCH MIXOLOGY: Monday at JoJo’s Shake Bar

• 4TH ANNUAL SOUTH LOOP HALLOWEEN CRAWL: October 25th at Jerk Villa

• HOUSE OF BOOS: October 31st at House of Blues

• SPELLBOUND: October 31st at Recess

MORE SPOOKY HAPPENINGS

LOCALS ONLY

• Chicago’s queer Halloween scene is next-level. On top of Loren’s guide, check out her LGBTQ+ calendar for more gay Halloween events. Explore the calendar.

• The 3rd Annual Halloween Vintage & Artisan Fest is taking over Ravenswood again with spooky booths, witchy vendors, and enough vintage finds to summon 100 haunted flannels. Get tickets for the two-day market.

• Party on the rooftop with Lincoln Park Young Professionals at their Halloween Party on October 30th. The event will feature plenty of seasonal sips to compliment skyline views. Learn more.

• Labubu Palooza is back for a spooky edition on October 26th at The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club. RSVP for the free event (which will feature music and a market).

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Still not enough for you? Maybe these will do the trick.