Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Evening Halloween parade moving along Columbus Drive against the Chicago skyline.
14 unique & unusual Halloween events near Highland.
As October approaches, Highland and surrounding areas host a number of Halloween events. From ghost tours through Chicago districts to local craft markets, there are many ways to celebrate the season.
If you seek a vibrant downtown experience, consider events in Chicago's neighborhoods. For those preferring a drive, you might find happenings in places like Berwyn or Northwest Indiana.
Chicago's Halloween night parade featuring a costume contest with cash prizes.
Chicago's longest-running Halloween costume party in a historic haunted hotel.
Indiana's #1 Halloween event with movie-quality haunted attractions.
Hosted at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center.
See all the unique and unusual Halloween events in one place.
Ghost tours are night walking tours, so dress for 60-90 minutes outdoors in October: real walking shoes for cobblestones and uneven sidewalks, a warm layer you'd want an hour after sunset, and rain gear when the sky is ambiguous, since most tours run in drizzle. Skip the flip-flops and the costume; hands-free is best for the dark stretches between stops.
Stack by energy curve: daytime farm or market while everyone's fresh, a late-afternoon rest and food stop, then the evening event, tour, show, or haunt, as the finale. Keep drive legs under 30 minutes between stops, book only the evening portion as a timed ticket so the day can flex, and end the night close to home, not across town.
An ofrenda is an altar honoring deceased loved ones, layered with photos, marigolds, candles, food, and personal objects that welcome spirits home. Community events often display many, some public and celebratory, some deeply personal. Look closely and read the dedications, but never touch, move, or take items, and ask before photographing. Some events invite visitors to add a name or flower; join if moved.