Brave the shadows that engulf Chicago this Halloween, armed with our comprehensive guide to the most spine-tingling events and supernatural hotspots. Find Chicago's festive frights, whether native or new.
Popular events include the 13th Floor Haunted House, a chilling experience that challenges your courage with its elaborate scares and disturbing atmospheres. For a more vibrant twist, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns showcases stunning illuminated pumpkins, each one crafted by local artists. And the Arts in the Dark parade is something you definitely don’t want to miss, featuring creative floats and costumes that light up the night. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Chicago
- 13th Floor Haunted House
- Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns (Glencoe)
- Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Arts in the Dark
- HellsGate Haunted House (Lockport)
- Pumpkin Patches
- Basement of the Dead Haunted House (Aurora)
- Midnight Terror Haunted House (Oak Lawn)
- 2024 Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl
- Fall Harvest Fests
See these and even more events listed below!
Chicago Area Haunted Experiences
13th Floor Haunted House
What to Expect:
Immersive and interactive haunted house experience with various themed attractions and activities.
Description:
Experience the world-famous 13th Floor Haunted House, Chicago's ultimate Halloween event. This year, face furious aliens, forgotten folklore creatures, and ravenous zombies in immersive and terrifying attractions. Enjoy interactive experiences like mini escape rooms and themed cocktails at the secret bar. A premier haunted house experience designed to thrill and scare.
Where: Chicago | More Info: 13th Floor Haunted House
Basement of the Dead Haunted House
What to Expect:
Expertly designed to provide an unforgettable, heart-pumping experience with stunning visuals and spine-tingling scares.
Description:
Welcome to Basement of the Dead Haunted House, a thrilling attraction located in Aurora, just outside of Chicago. This 121-year-old, 15,000 sq. ft. haunted house features two distinct attractions: the twisted corridors of an abandoned underground laboratory in the Basement of the Dead, and the surreal world of Shattered 3D. Both experiences promise to leave you trembling with fear and provide an unforgettable, bone-chilling experience.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Basement of the Dead Haunted House
Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween
What to Expect:
A spooky Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with a haunted trail and live music.
Description:
Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween is a spooky Halloween party at Lincoln Park Zoo. Guests aged 21+ can enjoy a haunted trail, Halloween-themed animal chats, live music, and multiple bars throughout the seasonally-outfitted zoo. Costumes are encouraged, and the event includes free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and Giant Fun Slide (weather permitting). Complimentary face painting is also available.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween
Garden of Decay
What to Expect:
An immersive, narrative-led haunt-style walk-through that explores the five stages of grief through multi-sensory experiences.
Description:
Delve into the mysteries of a once-renowned genetic plant laboratory transformed by grief into the Garden of Decay. This immersive experience, guided by actors and handcrafted art installations, explores the depths of emotion and celebrates the magic of art and storytelling. After visiting the Garden of Decay, step into the Garden of reCreation for interactive art, themed vendors, botanical cocktails, and late-night entertainment.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Garden of Decay
Lost Souls Haunted Bus Tours
What to Expect:
Enjoy VIP access to Chicagoland's top-rated haunted houses with live entertainment and free merchandise.
Description:
Experience Chicagoland's premier haunted house bus tour with Lost Souls Chicago. Each tour features a VIP-access bus ride to the biggest and best haunted houses, including live entertainment, contests, and free merchandise. Enjoy drinks and get a glimpse into the haunted house industry with over 30 years of experience from hosts Terry and Brewster Bonesaw.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Lost Souls Haunted Bus Tours
Windy City Ghosts
What to Expect:
A thrilling supernatural insight into Chicago's dark past, featuring haunted sites and stories not found in history books.
Description:
Explore the dark and fascinating history of Chicago with Windy City Ghosts, a nightly ghost tour that takes you through haunted locations like old asylums, cult sites, and infamous bars. Discover the city's twisted past, including tales of human suffering, bad luck, and tragedy, all while learning about the city's rich and often gruesome history.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Windy City Ghosts
Indiana Fear Farm
What to Expect:
Experience Hollywood-style Haunted Hayride and the infamous Slaughter Barn.
Description:
Indiana Fear Farm in Jamestown, just a short drive from Indianapolis, offers heart-pounding thrills and spine-chilling scares with its Hollywood-style Haunted Hayride and the infamous Slaughter Barn. Join us every weekend in October for unforgettable live entertainment that will leave you screaming for more. Enjoy pre-season discounts on tickets, which can only be purchased on the farm during regular operating hours.
Where: Jamestown | More Info: Indiana Fear Farm
Midnight Terror Haunted House
What to Expect:
An immersive, actor-driven haunted house experience blending traditional scares with modern technology.
Description:
Midnight Terror Haunted House is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a mix of "Old School" scares and cutting-edge technology. The event features multiple attractions and scare zones, including Black Oak Grove and the Factory of Malum, where visitors can face their ultimate fears. The haunted house also includes special events like Lights On Trick or Treat, Blackout, and Clown Takeover, offering a variety of experiences for thrill-seekers.
Where: Oak Lawn | More Info: Midnight Terror Haunted House
Disturbia Haunted House
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house experience with state-of-the-art special effects and expertly trained actors.
Description:
Disturbia Haunted House is a premier destination for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping scare near Chicago, IL. Located in Downers Grove, IL, this haunted house attraction features expertly designed rooms and scenarios, state-of-the-art special effects, and stunning set designs. Each fear-inducing moment is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind experience.
Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Disturbia Haunted House
HellsGate Haunted House
What to Expect:
An immersive Halloween experience featuring a multi-level mansion with secret passages and giant slides, combined with the award-winning casts and crews of Statesville Prison.
Description:
HellsGate Haunted House is an immersive and terrifying experience hidden deep in the woods. This multi-level mansion features secret passages, giant slides, and ghastly secrets. The event combines the award-winning casts and crews of Statesville Prison and HellsGate, creating an unforgettable Halloween season. Visitors must navigate through zombie-infested woods and across the Lost Souls Cemetery to find the haunted house.
Where: Lockport | More Info: HellsGate Haunted House
Aura Haunted House
What to Expect:
Experience complete darkness in the BLACKOUT event, a unique and intense haunted house experience.
Description:
Aura Haunted House is a premier haunted attraction located in the Old Peoria State Hospital District. Open select nights from September 27th to November 2nd, it offers a terrifying experience with its BLACKOUT event on October 31st through November 2nd, featuring complete darkness. The haunted house is part of the historic complex and is known for its real hauntings and intense audio and lighting effects.
Where: Bartonville | More Info: Aura Haunted House
Clinton's Terror On Washington Street Haunted House
What to Expect:
A physically demanding environment with intense audio and lighting effects.
Description:
Clinton's Terror on Washington Street Haunted House has been delivering spine-chilling thrills and heart-pounding scares for over 31 years. This haunted house features intense audio and lighting, including strobe lights, extreme low visibility, damp and wet conditions, and fog. It is not suitable for those under 10, pregnant, with claustrophobia, heart or respiratory problems, or wearing casts, medical braces, or crutches. The event includes a Friendly Ghost Tour for younger audiences but requires careful consideration from parents.
Where: Clinton | More Info: Clinton's Terror On Washington Street Haunted House
Abandoned Haunted House Complex
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house experiences with interactive elements and special effects.
Description:
Abandoned Haunted House Complex is the Midwest's Fear Capital, offering three unique haunted house attractions: Ambush, Hysteria, and Stalker. Each house provides an immersive experience with intense scares, interactive elements, and special effects. Additionally, visitors can enjoy axe throwing and take advantage of quickpass upgrades to reduce wait times. The complex also features a variety of food and beverages, roaming line entertainment, and a photo booth. It's a must-visit destination for Halloween enthusiasts.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Abandoned Haunted House Complex
Burial Chamber Haunted Complex
What to Expect:
Four unique haunted house attractions and an immersive scavenger hunt experience.
Description:
Burial Chamber Haunted Complex offers a thrilling experience with four unique haunted house attractions: Adrenaline, Insanity, Phobia Haunted Woods, and Trapped Buried Alive Experience. The complex also features The Hunt I-Spy Experience, an adrenaline-pumping scavenger hunt. Located off Hwy 41 in the Fox Valley, it provides a full night of entertainment with a blend of scares and fun.
Where: Neenah | More Info: Burial Chamber Haunted Complex
The Hill Has Eyes
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor haunted trails with four distinct and terrifying attractions.
Description:
The Hill Has Eyes is a terrifying outdoor haunted house experience in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Spanning 45 acres, it features four gruesome attractions: Failed Escape, Hunger Hollow, CARNIvore, and Dead End. Visitors can enjoy nightly music, bonfires, and food and beverages while navigating through the haunted trails. The event is ideal for those seeking a thrilling Halloween experience.
Where: Franklin | More Info: The Hill Has Eyes
Necrosis Haunted House
What to Expect:
A haunted attraction located in East Central Illinois, featuring a mix of static, digital, and motorized displays that create an immersive and terrifying experience.
Description:
Welcome to Necrosis Haunted House, a nightmare realm infested with evil and consumed by darkness. Here, the line between the living and the dead is rotting away. Step into a world where horror and terror await, with over 14 different rooms featuring special effects, strobe lights, and immersive experiences.
Where: Fox Lake | More Info: Necrosis Haunted House
Dominion of Terror
What to Expect:
A haunted house with an escape room and special events for all ages.
Description:
Dominion of Terror is a non-profit haunted house in Sheboygan, WI, celebrating 50 years of terror. It features a haunted house with twisted corridors, eerie surprises, and horrifying creatures. The event also includes an escape room where participants must solve puzzles to escape within 45 minutes. There are special events like the Trick-or-Treat Matinée for children and Throwback Weekend with discounted tickets.
Where: Sheboygan | More Info: Dominion of Terror
Torment at Twelve Hundred
What to Expect:
Immersive and interactive scenes with highly detailed decorations and engaging actors.
Description:
Torment at Twelve Hundred is a highly acclaimed haunted attraction located in Orion, Illinois. This theatrical haunt has been rated one of the top ten haunts in Illinois by USA Today and Illinois Haunted Houses. It features elaborate scenes, interactive actors, and a variety of scares, making it a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts.
Where: Orion | More Info: Torment at Twelve Hundred
Schuster's Haunted Forest
What to Expect:
The unique feature of Schuster's Haunted Forest is its immersive and moderately scary experience through the deep, dark woods.
Description:
Schuster's Haunted Forest offers a nerve-racking ride through the deep, dark woods, with live music and fall treats available. The event includes public bonfires where you can roast s'mores and enjoy hot drinks. This attraction is perfect for those seeking a moderately scary experience suitable for high school students and above.
Where: Deerfield | More Info: Schuster's Haunted Forest
Niles Scream Park
What to Expect:
Immersive horror experiences with themed attractions and interactive activities.
Description:
Niles Scream Park is a 44-acre haunted attraction in Niles, Michigan, featuring seven terrifying attractions, including the Niles Haunted House, Pirates of Siren Seas, and Hooded. The park also offers mini escape rooms, a haunted hayride, and various entertainment on the Midway. Visitors can enjoy themed rooms, scare zones, and interactive experiences designed to frighten and thrill.
Where: Niles | More Info: Niles Scream Park
Realm of Terror Haunted House
What to Expect:
Offers a variety of ticket options, including a family-friendly tour and less-intense nights, to cater to different levels of fear tolerance.
Description:
Realm of Terror Haunted House is Illinois' Number One Haunted House Tradition, scaring Lake County and Chicago since 2003. This highly immersive attraction features fully designed sets and soundscapes to create a horrifying experience. Visitors can choose from regular, express, or VIP tickets to enjoy a variety of themed games and experiences, including a family-friendly tour and less-intense nights for those who prefer less terror.
Where: Round Lake Beach | More Info: Realm of Terror Haunted House
Camp Tuckabatchee Haunted Camp
What to Expect:
Comprehensive directory of Illinois haunted attractions with detailed reviews and event listings.
Description:
HauntedIllinois.com offers a vast directory of Illinois haunted houses, hayrides, haunted trails, home haunts, yard displays, and fall festivals. The site provides detailed reviews of haunted houses, local trick-or-treat hours, and Haunt Industry news. It also features a "Real Haunted Places" section with ghost stories and paranormal investigation reviews. Visitors can find various Halloween attractions and events across the state, making it a one-stop resource for all things spooky in Illinois.
Where: McHenry | More Info: Camp Tuckabatchee Haunted Camp
Soul Takers Acres
What to Expect:
Features more twists, turns, and darkness than ever before.
Description:
Soul Takers Acres is a haunted attraction that returns every fall with a terrifying tale of the Soul Taker, a legendary figure known as Wanetaqua, the taker of life. This year, it features more twists, turns, and darkness than ever before. The haunted house is not recommended for younger or impressionable children or individuals with heart conditions. Enjoy ten nights of terror as the Soul Taker wreaks his revenge on the Lake City.
Where: Warsaw | More Info: Soul Takers Acres
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Chicago
Arts in the Dark
What to Expect:
A dazzling parade featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances celebrating Halloween as the "artist's holiday."
Description:
Arts in the Dark is a magical Halloween parade celebrating the "artist's holiday." This dazzling event brings together world-renowned institutions, celebrated Chicago cultural organizations, important youth programs, and aspiring artists. It features unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances along historic State Street. The parade is a family-friendly event that delights an audience of 50,000 with its diverse cultural landscape and creative spirit.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Arts in the Dark
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns
What to Expect:
A display of intricately carved pumpkins with themes including haunted house monster faces, aliens, and DÃa de los Muertos.
Description:
Enjoy a frightfully fun evening at Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, where over 1,000 artist-carved pumpkins light up the Chicago Botanic Garden. This year's display features recreations of popular album covers, haunted tales from Chicago, and vibrant Dia De Los Muertos tributes. The event includes costumed entertainers, live carving demos, seasonal light fare, and drinks for purchase.
Where: Glencoe | More Info: Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns
Fall Harvest Fests
What to Expect:
A free, family-friendly festival with ticketed attractions like the Fun Slide and Ferris wheel, set amidst the beautiful fall colors of Lincoln Park Zoo.
Description:
Fall Fest Presented by Jewel-Osco at Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, family-friendly celebration that brings harvest-time fun to the heart of Chicago. Enjoy free musical entertainment, professional pumpkin carvers, a pumpkin patch, and fall-themed animal enrichment. The festival features ticketed attractions like the Fun Slide, Ferris wheel, and inflatable activities. Each weekend offers something new, making it a perfect autumnal experience for all.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Fall Harvest Fests
Pumpkin Patches
What to Expect:
A 2-acre fall festival with a wide range of activities, including a large corn maze and axe throwing, set in downtown Chicago.
Description:
Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up is a vibrant fall festival in downtown Chicago, featuring over 10,000 pumpkins, a large corn maze, axe throwing, carnival games, food trucks, and unique photo ops. The event offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for family gatherings and special events.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Pumpkin Patches
Chicago Park District Fall Festivals
What to Expect:
Unique feature is the variety of activities that cater to different age groups and interests, making it a comprehensive Halloween celebration.
Description:
The Chicago Park District offers a variety of family-friendly Fall Harvest Fests and Halloween events, including pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and parties. These events provide a range of activities such as pumpkin decorating, Halloween-themed games, and trick-or-treating. The festivities cater to all ages, ensuring a spooktacular time for everyone.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago Park District Fall Festivals
Cider with the Sanderson Sisters
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring the Sanderson sisters from "Hocus Pocus."
Description:
Join the Sanderson sisters from "Hocus Pocus" for a family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular event at Normandy Park. Enjoy music, crafts, cotton candy, popcorn, face painting, and arts and crafts. This festive celebration is perfect for all ages.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Cider with the Sanderson Sisters
Halloween Candy Dash
What to Expect:
A fun run event designed for children aged 3-13, featuring festive activities like face painting and cotton candy.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular Halloween Candy Dash Fun Run at Senka Edward Duke Park This family-friendly event features a fun run for ages 3-13, along with face painting, cotton candy, and music. Halloween costumes are encouraged, making it a festive and fun experience for all participants.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Halloween Candy Dash
BOO-seum Bash at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring animal encounters and interactive activities.
Description:
Join the BOO-seum Bash at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for an afternoon of animal encounters, crafts, and Halloween fun. Meet an owl, discover the animals that go bump in the night, and explore the museum's spectacular snakes and creepy crawly bugs. Costumes are encouraged, and all ages are welcome to this family-friendly event.
Where: Chicago | More Info: BOO-seum Bash at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
BatFest
What to Expect:
A festive Halloween celebration with daytime trick-or-treating and various family-friendly activities in downtown Batavia.
Description:
BatFest is Batavia's annual Halloween-themed family event, attracting over 2,500 participants. The event takes place on October 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Peg Bond Center. It includes daytime fun activities like trick-or-treating, a Batavia Farmers' Market, and businesses hosting games and fun at Peg Bond. This festive event is perfect for families looking to enjoy a fun-filled Halloween celebration in a lively downtown setting.
Where: Batavia | More Info: BatFest
Spooktacular Fun Night at Westmont Community Center
What to Expect:
A safe and fun-filled Halloween evening with a variety of spooktacular activities for the whole family.
Description:
Spooktacular Fun Night at Westmont Community Center is a free, family-friendly event designed for children aged 2-10 and their families. The evening includes trick-or-treating, spooky crafts, silly games, and a photo opportunity with Wacky Drac. Participants can also show off their costumes and try their luck at various activities, making for a fun and memorable Halloween experience.
Where: Westmont | More Info: Spooktacular Fun Night at Westmont Community Center
Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
What to Expect:
A cauldron of Halloween fun with over 70 candy stations and interactive Halloween science experiments.
Description:
Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier is a family-friendly Halloween event offering a variety of activities, including trick-or-treating, axe throwing, live performances, and arts and crafts. The event provides a fun and spooky atmosphere for all ages, with over 70 candy stations and interactive Halloween science experiments.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Description:
Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo is a family-friendly event that offers trick-or-treating on zoo grounds, starting at 10 a.m. and continuing while supplies last. The event includes family-friendly entertainment on the main stage, a craft zone sponsored by Comer Children’s Hospital, and free carousel rides. This event provides a safe and fun Halloween experience for all ages.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Halloween Free Museum Day
What to Expect:
A Halloween-themed event featuring a Pumpkin Hunt and special tours, including the Nevermore Poe Tour.
Description:
Enjoy a spooky yet family-friendly Halloween celebration at the American Writers Museum on October 20, 2024. Explore the museum's exhibits, participate in a Pumpkin Hunt, and engage in special Halloween-themed activities like the Nevermore Poe Tour and Little Squirrels Storytime. The event offers a variety of fun crafts for the whole family to enjoy.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Halloween Free Museum Day
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Chicago
Haunted Halloween Monsters Ball 2024
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring a $1000 cash and prize virtual costume contest.
Description:
The Haunted Halloween Monsters Ball 2024 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago promises an unforgettable Halloween celebration. With over 650 attendees, this event features multiple live DJs spinning top hits, a $1000 cash and prize virtual costume contest, and fully stocked cash bars. The party spans two levels, including the main floor and mezzanine, ensuring an immersive experience with spooky chic decor and state-of-the-art intelligent lighting and sound systems.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Haunted Halloween Monsters Ball 2024
2024 Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
A 6-hour bar crawl with exclusive drink deals and live entertainment at multiple top bars in River North.
Description:
The 2024 Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl is a premier event that transforms River North into a vibrant Halloween celebration. Participants will enjoy a 6-hour bar crawl with access to multiple venues, including Fame Nightclub and other top bars. The event features live DJs, costume contests, and exclusive drink deals. With a digital bar list providing essential event insights, this crawl promises an unforgettable night of spooky fun and electric vibes.
Where: Chicago | More Info: 2024 Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl
Pier Pressure Black Pearl Halloween Party Cruise
What to Expect:
The event features two DJs performing live on two decks of the luxurious Spirit of Chicago yacht.
Description:
Join us for the ultimate Halloween yacht party aboard the Spirit of Chicago. This pirate-themed event features two of Chicago’s hottest DJs performing live on two decks, creating an unforgettable experience with world-class house music and open format DJs. Enjoy stunning views of the Chicago skyline while dancing with over 500 party people in costumes. This is the biggest and best Halloween party cruise Chicago has to offer, packed with multiple fully staffed bars, an exclusive VIP area, and a fun-filled cruise without leaving Lake Michigan.