Haunted Places
Chicago Hauntings Author Ursula Bielski leads bus tours of the city’s “haunted locales.” All tours leave from 600 N. Clark. 
Chronicles of the Cursed: The Sinkhole A haunted house based on a “mysterious sinkhole” at 500 W. Grand.
Dream Reapers Haunted House A high-tech haunted house with 22 rooms and more than 40 actors.
The Fear This haunted house is adults-only on Thursdays and Sundays; a kid-friendly version (the lights are kept on) is Saturdays and Sundays.
Halloween Ghost Tours Four-hour bus rides focusing on Chicago’s haunted history, hosted by “ghost hunter” Richard T. Crowe. Tours leave from Goose Island Brewing (1800 N. Clybourn).
Haunted Hollow The theme of this year’s haunted house is “asylum.” Bringing kids under seven is discouraged.
Haunted Houses Neighborhood parks across the city host haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and Halloween parties. See chicagoparkdistrict.com for a full list.
Nightmare at 63rd Street Beach House Jackson Park’s beach pavilion becomes a haunted house. Recommended for ages ten and up.
Seadog Haunted Cruises Costumed tour guides tell stories about Chicago massacres, hauntings, and the like, all with an eye toward local architecture.
Trails of Terror Half a mile of haunted woods. Recommended for ages eight and up.
Performance
After Dusk but Before Daylight: A Parody of a Very Famous Vampire Series An improvised parody of the Twilight movie series, directed by Scott Woldman and based on audience suggestions.
Beast Women A cabaret show celebrating freedom, sexuality, and other subjects.
Bloodsuckers Ball The cast of the weekly sketch show Bye Bye Liver hosts a Halloween party with “bobbing for beers” a vampire kissing booth, and other activities, and a costume contest with categories such as “least original” and “most unsexy nurse.”
Carpenters Halloween There’s camp gold to be mined from the notion of turning John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 horror film, Halloween, into a cross-dressing musical scored with hit tunes by Richard and Karen Carpenter. And the more inspired moments in this fourth annual Scooty & JoJo Show production hit pay dirt, as when a trio of recently butchered teenage corpses belt out “Hurting Each Other” during the finale’s seemingly endless death match. Scott Bradley squeezes comedy from every flip of his feather-cut wig as Laurie Strode, the film’s terminally boring protagonist. But for each ingeniously kitschy scene, two fall flat. Too often in this hour-long show—which Bradley also directed and co-wrote with Jonny Stax—the cast trudge unimaginatively through the film’s plot points as though they didn’t notice the glittering rocks on the ground just waiting to be picked up. —Justin Hayford
Clean Halloween Family-friendly improv comedy provided by the ComedySportz house teams.
Crazy Sexy Ghoul The Lincoln Lodge, a weekly comedy series, presents a showcase with Timmy Mayse, Jet Eveleth, the Puterbaugh Sisters, Brady Novak, and others.
Everyday Nightmares Six dramatic, horrrific vignettes presented by Honest Productions.
Festival of Flesh! Arkham Noise Productions presents a Halloween-themed burlesque, fetish, and variety show.
Halloween Burlesque Presented by Vaudezilla.
Halloween: Enigmas and Perplexities With Psychic Ross Johnson A performance by magician and psychic Ross Johnson, with guest magician Tomas Medina.
Halloween Thriller Festival The New York Black Arts Festival, a youth-oriented dance and theater group, performs a musical tribute to pop singer Michael Jackson.
Hot N Heavy Burlesque Halloween burlesque presented by Vaudezilla.
Late Night Freak Show A comedy show hosted by a “mad scientist” and his sidekick, a talking plant monster. Features different special guests each week.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow A haunted horse adventure based on the Washington Irving folk legend.
The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story Adapted by David Rice, and directed by Michael Goldberg, this play features Poe and his wife Virginia as narrators who guide the audience on a tour through Mayslake Hall. Presented by First Folio Theatre.
Mind Shivers Mentalist Sidney Friedman presents a show of telepathy and premonition. Advance RSVP is recommended.
Musical of the Living Dead A musical parody of zombie movies and musical theater directed by Marc Lewallen and Brad Younts and produced by the Cowardly Scarecrow Theatre Company.
A Nightmare on Wells Street A comedy sketch show celebrating classic horror cinema.
pH Halloween Comedy Weekend pH hosts “spooky” versions of their usual comedy shows: pHrenz-O-Ween (Fri 10/29, 8 PM), in which improv comedians, dressed in inconvenient costumes, vie for audience applause; pHear! The Musical! (Sat 10/30, 8 PM), an improvised, dark musical comedy based off audience suggestions; and pHucked up pHrenz-O-Ween (Fri-Sat 10/29-10/30, 11:59 PM).
Rachel Corn and the Mystery of Cabin 13 The Corn Family presents a mystery about a gold-hungry ghost.
Retribution: A Magic Chicago Halloween Party Magician Eugene Burger performs a show that includes appearances by Robert Charles, Benjamin Barnes, and Jeanette Andrews.
RIOT Comedy A Halloween show with Michael Sanchez, Joe McAdam, Joe Fernandez, Liza Treyger, and Junior Stopka, with host Jeff Steinbrunner.
2nd Story Halloween The ongoing storytelling series 2nd Story presents writers/performers Kim Morris, JC Aevaliotis, and Julie Ganey. Includes swing music by the Pin-Ups.
Splatter Theater A parody of horror flicks with archetypal characters such as a nun, a bumbling old man, and a school jock.
War of the Worlds Tribune columnist and WGN host Rick Kogan joins actor Rob Dorn for a performance of Orson Welles’s classic radio broadcast.
Zombedy “Zombies” perform comedy.
Zombies Attack Chicago Interactive horror movie-themed performances.
Previously Reviewed
See our listings at chicagoreader.com for complete information.
Axe Lizzie & the Possession of Alice Von Truskin
The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Theatre-Hike
Dracula: A Tragedy
Ghostbox
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Monster Mash
Nightmares on Lincoln Ave. Too—Totally Tubular Tales of Terror
The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular
Salem! The Musical
True Twilight: A Glee Club Musical
Parties
Angels & Demons Halloween Bash The best costume wins a keg party. 
Beauty and the Beast DJ Bamn and DJ Rhated R spin hip-hop and R&B at this party that caters to “mature women” who “enjoy the company of other mature women; no matter what their sexual preference is.” Hosted by iQ2 Entertainment.
Crawl With the Creeps A DePaul area bar crawl with trolley transport, with stops at McGee’s (950 W. Webster), Duffy’s (420 1/2 W. Diversey), Durkin’s (810 W. Diversey), Redmond’s (3358 N. Sheffield), Wrightwood Tap (1059 W. Wrightwood), and Maeve (1325 W. Wrightwood). Admission covers a buffet and unlimited domestic drafts at each stop. Participants can begin the crawl at any participating bar.
Dance With the Dead Dance music is by DJ Crash on Friday and DJ Homicide on Saturday, with optional drink packages available till midnight each night.
Dead on Division Six neighborhood bars hold simultaneous parties that include costume contests. The Original Mother’s (26 W. Division) will host a live broadcast of Q101’s “Sherman and Tingle” radio show on Saturday from 8 PM to midnight ($5 cover) and a costume contest on Sunday from 8 PM to 1 AM. Other participating bars: Mother’s Too (14 W. Division), Bootleggers (13 W. Division), the Lodge (21 W. Division), She-Nannigans (16 W. Division), and the Hangge-Uppe (14 W. Elm).
The Devil Made Me Drink It A buffet, special cocktails, and domestic beers, plus a costume contest.
Doggie “Pupkin” Party Owners and dogs alike are encouraged to dress up for a dog parade, dog and owner look-alike contest, and prize drawings.
Enclave Two nights of dance parties: Friday’s theme is “Dance With the Devil,” and Saturday’s is the annual House of Horrors costume and dance party. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
English Prizes for best costumes, and guest DJs spin pop and dance music each night.
Eyes Wide Shut Body-painted dancers, an erotic performance at midnight, an open bar till 1:30 AM, end-of-night snacks, and a “sexual chocolate candy buffet.” The “most sensual” costume wins $500.
Fatality A dance party with house, soul, pop, and hip-hop sets by DJ Zebo, Popstatic, Marcus Shadden, and Konsept, and a costume contest with a cash prize. RSVP at do312.com is required for contest entry.
Family Halloween Party A party for LGBTQ families and their allies, with “haunting” movies, games, and snacks. Costumes are encouraged.
Franken Plaza The city hosts three days of Halloween events, including magic shows, mask-making, circus performances with acrobats and clowns, and group instruction on dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video. Visit chicagoween.us for the full schedule.
The Friendly Tap Halloween Bash Live music, raffles, dancing, treats, and a costume contest.
Fright Night Fun House Admission includes an open bar and the chance to win $500 for best costume.
Galaween A dance party for young professionals, with a costume contest, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and DJ White Shadow mixing all genres of music.
Grami The Streeterville lounge Grami (formerly the Reagle Beagle) hosts a Roaring 20s-themed bash, with a swing band from 8 to 10 PM and DJs from 10 PM to 3 AM, an all-you-can-eat buffet for $45, and a costume contest with a $250 cash prize (20s-themed costumes are not required).
Grave-atar Video production company Golan Studios and the graphics/animation firm Atomic Imaging open their shared warehouse for a night of dancing, costume contests, and performances by Maggie Speaks, Chubby Nothin’ and the Bone, DJ Rockstar, and a mystery guest. Includes an open bar; costumes are encouraged.
The Greatest Show on Earth Four nights of circus-themed dance parties, with popcorn machines and cotton candy on Thursday, and performances by Cirque du Soleil-style acrobats on Saturday. RSVP to vip@rockitranch.com.
The Guido and Guidette Ball A costume party with a haunted house, hip-hop, and monster mash-up music by DJs Gus “Scare-us” and Binetti (B-Day Bash).
The Gypsy Curse Halloween Ball Alhambra Palace provides a preview of the Palace Nightclub (opening November 4) at this party featuring DJ sets by Psycho Bitch, Billy the Kid, and Gus Karas. Prizes totaling $5,000 will be awarded to costume contest winners.
Halloween Bash Drink specials, a hip-hop, pop, and rock mash-up set by DJ Avi Sic, and a costume contest with cash prizes.
Halloween Bash A dance party and costume contest to benefit Urban Initiatives, a not-for-profit that runs health and education soccer programs in Chicago Public Schools. Admission covers domestic beer, wine, call drinks, and soda.
Halloween at the Drake Hotel Friday is a masquerade ball (black tie optional, masks required) with music from cabaret singer Nan Mason and jazz multiinstrumentalist Terry Higgins. Saturday’s costume party includes Latin, swing, and ballroom dance music by the jazz and blues ensemble the Flat Cats. And Sunday’s Mad Hatter-themed tea party includes a contest for the most creative hat, and a hat showcase presented by hatmaker Joy Scott at 2 and 3 PM. E-mail shaun.rajah@hilton.com or call 312-932-4619 to RSVP to the ball or the tea party; Saturday’s dance party is first come, first served.
Halloween Karaoke Costume Party Karaoke, DJ sets, and a costume contest with cash prizes. Halloween-themed cocktails include the Vampire Bite and the Mad Eye Martini.
Halloween Party A costume party with treat bags (while they last) and a DJ set of spooky music and videos.
Haunted Block Admission includes access to parties at Y Bar (224 W. Ontario) and Crescendo (222 W. Ontario), passed hors d’oeuvres, and live hip-hop and dance music spun by DJ Jernell Geronimo and others.
Haunted Hotel Ball A costume contest with cash prizes, a performance by pop and R&B singer Mia Martina, and DJ sets by Mixin Marc, Nathan Scott, Rock City, Jerzy, and others.
Heroes vs. Villains Two nights of costume contests, giveaways, music by hip-hop/electro rock band North Shore Pharmacy and DJ Trentino on Friday, and hip-hop, electronic, and dance spun by Napalm, MGK & DJ Xplosive, DJ Ryan Pullano, and DJ EV on Saturday.
Hollywood’s Dead Staffers dress as classic Hollywood stars, but guests can dress up as anything for the costume contest at 1 AM. Includes pop and hip-hop music and and the Helter Skelter martini (black cherry vodka, blue curacao, and creme de cassis).
Kings of Neon DJ Evil One spins hip-hop and Top 40 mash-ups at a party that also features live models and glow-in-the-dark body painting by Mario Ink.
Mac’s American Pub The bar screens classic horror movies as well as football, a costume contest (with prizes in the form of cash and gift certificates) is at 12:30 AM, and drink specials include $3.50 Rogue Dead Guy Ale drafts and $3 Jameson drinks. DJ Substance D spins.
Masquerade Ball/Latinise’ Album Release A costume party with prizes, a salsa lesson by Sway Dance, tango, samba, modern, and belly dance performances, face-painting, and a cash bar. Proceeds benefit the Merit School of Music, a not-for-profit music school for kids.
Mr. Brown’s Lounge The winner of the costume contest gets a night at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Nacional 27 A DJ spins salsa, and the featured cocktail is the Bloody Maria: tequila, Tecate, house-made hot sauce, sriracha, lemon, and lime. The winner of the midnight costume contest gets a free cocktail party for 27 people.
Terror on the Roof A two-night dance party at Roof, the lounge atop the Wit Hotel. On Friday, DJ Clinton Sparks plays pop, hip-hop, and alternative, and on Saturday, DJ Steve 1der spins hip-hop. On Sunday, KISS FM radio personalities lead an interactive murder-mystery game, with cash prizes of up to $1,000.
Naked Leather and Lace Halloween Party A two-night dance party emphasizing leather, lace, and chains. On Saturday night, $1,000 goes to the guest with the “sexiest” leather or lace costume. Entrance is free before midnight with an RSVP.
Nocturna All Hallow’s Eve Ball An 18+ goth show with DJs Scary Lady Sarah and William Faith, a performance by Read My Hips, and music giveaways.
People Lounge DJ Ryan Aubin spins starting at 9 PM, drink specials are $4 Rogue Dead Guy Ale drafts and $5 Jager bombs, and costumes are judged in a midnight contest.
The Polkaholics Spooky Halloween Polka Party! Polka rockers the Polkaholics add Halloween elements to their songs. Includes a costume contest.
Project Exploration Masquerade A costume-friendly fund-raiser for Project Exploration, a not-for-profit that promotes opportunities for women and minorities to receive education in the sciences. Beer and wine will be available; raffle prizes include a tandem skydive package and a month of free yoga at Corepower Yoga.
The Rail Costume party with a cash prize for first place and gift certificates for second and third, plus drink specials: $5 Jager bombs, $3 import drafts, and $2 domestic drafts.
Rockstars and Groupies A costume party with live music by hip-hop artist PDA and sets by DJs Criz R and Ko.
Spooky Soiree A fund-raiser to benefit the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, a not-for-profit that serves abused children. The costume theme is “Old Hollywood,” and all attendees receive a $25 gift certificate to Rockit Bar and Grill (3700 N. Clark).
Team Karaoke Dance Party Free Halloween makeovers, a photo booth, a costume contest, and music from DJ Bstarr, Codebreaker, and Kid Color.
True Blood Halloween Parties A weeklong vampire-themed party with costume contests; winners receive cash prizes. Entertainment is by celebrity impersonators Aurora Sexton on Saturday and Kayla Crawford on Sunday.
Tuman’s DJs spin from 10 PM till 3 AM, and at 12:30 AM there’s a costume contest with $100 cash prize for first place and gift certificates for second and third. Drink specials include $3.50 microbrew drafts and $3 shots of Jameson and Jagermeister.
Vampire Ball DJs Karl and Smitty spin “vampire vibes,” and a costume contest yields cash prizes. A drink package is $30.
Vampire Halloween DJ Kevin Taek spins a set at a party that includes themed cocktails, including the Velvet Vampire (vodka, Chambord, lemon, and sour) and the Fangtini (vodka, Cointreau, St. Germain, and cream).
Villains Halloween Party DJ Madrid judges a midnight costume contest; prizes include a $250 cocktail party, gift cards, and a Bacardi and Grey Goose gift basket.
Walk of Shame Halloween Party Brunch catered by Sarks in the Park, a Bloody Mary bar, a mimosa station, a costume contest with cash prizes, and more.
“World’s Largest” Halloween Singles Party A DJed sound-and-light show, a midnight costume contest, and a raffle. Costumes are required.
Music
56 Hope Road as the Gorillaz a Fri 10/29, 9 PM, Darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago, 773-276-1411, darkroombar.com, $10, $8 with costume.
Tomorrow the Moon as Pink Floyd, Penthouse Sweets as the Kinks, Ellis Clark & Epicycle as the Beatles, Who’s This Mary as the Cure, Canasta as Elton John, Sentinels as MC5 a Fri 10/29, 8:30 PM, Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, 773-463-5808 or 866-468-3401, abbeypub.com, $12, $10 in advance.
Cealed Kasket, Human Aftertaste, Ruiners a Sat 10/30, 11 PM, Reggie’s Rock Club, 2109 S. State, 312-949-0121 or 866-468-3401, reggieslive.com/rockclub, $5, 18+.
Chromeo, A-Trak, Kid Sister, Theophilus London, Midnight Conspiracy, Zebo, Alex Zelenka “Freaky Deaky 2.” a Sat 10/30, 7:30 PM, Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee, 773-598-0852, congresschicago.com, $35, 17+.
Pin-Ups “Haunted House of Winehouse.” a Sat 10/30, 10 PM, House of Blues Back Porch Stage, 329 N. Dearborn, 312-923-2000 or 866-448-7849, houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago, $12, $10 in advance.
Last Vegas as Aerosmith, Midnight Shows as Duran Duran, Blackbox as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Husker Dudes as Husker Du, Sweeps as the Cars a Sat 10/30, 9 PM, Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, 773-489-3160 or 877-435-9849, doubledoor.com, $12.
Okee Dokee Brothers “Halloween Hootenanny Hoedown.” a Sat 10/30, 11 AM, Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, 773-525-2508, schubas.com, $6, kids two and under free. A
Purple Hank, David & the Happenings “Circus Sideshow Freaks & Rock & Roll Gleeks.” a Sat 10/30, 8 PM, FitzGerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn. 708-788-2118, fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. F
Voice of Addiction as the Descendents, She Likes Todd as NOFX, the Fakery as Nirvana a Sat 10/30, 9 PM, Mutiny, 2428 N. Western, 773-486-7774, themutinychicago.com.
White Mystery, Loose Dudes, Pink Torpedo “Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Button Party.” a Sat 10/30, 7 PM, Panchos, 2200 N. California. 773-772-7811, mpshows.com. A
University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra “Witches of Yore” (Dvorak, Liadov, Humperdinck). a Sat 10/30, 7 and 9 PM, Mandel Hall, University of Chicago, 1131 E. 57th, 773-702-8068, $8, $4 students and children.
ZZ Listening as ZZ Top, Phil Angotti as Buddy Holly, Webstirs as the Beach Boys, Delafields as New Order, Curtis Evans as Nirvana a Sat 10/30, 8:30 PM, Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, 773-463-5808 or 866-468-3401, abbeypub.com, $12, $10 in advance.
LMFAO, Dirt Nasty, Hyper Crush, Jump Smokers, Napalm, Ryan B “Party Rock Halloween.” a Sun 10/31, 7 PM, Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee, 773-598-0852, congresschicago.com, $25. A
Misfits, Juicehead, Turbo Vamps a Sun 10/31, 7:30 PM, the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, 773-472-0449 or 866-448-7849, victheatre.com, 18+, $22.50.
Monk 9, Female Motorists as the White Stripes, Rad and Subtract as Weezer a Sun 10/31, 8 PM, Reggie’s Music Joint, 2105 S. State, 312-949-0120, reggieslive.com/musicjoint, $5.
Rodeo as Nirvana, the Earth Program as Joy Division, Fuck You Kiss My Asses as Bob Dylan, Terrible Spaceship a Sun 10/31, 8 PM, Darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago, 773-276-1411, darkroombar.com, $5.
Les Trois Stooges, Midnight Conspiracy, Dark Wave Disco, Heaven Malone a Sun 10/31, 9 PM, Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago, 312-226-8828, thebeautybar.com/chicago, $5, free before 11 PM.
Tubes, Ain’t No Er Like a Stripper, Moist Guitars, Springa Sonic Droogs a Sun 10/31, 7 PM, Reggie’s Rock Club, 2109 S. State, 312-949-0121 or 866-468-3401, reggieslive.com/rockclub, $20, 17+.
Ronnie Vegas as Elvis, Jon Langford as Tom Jones, Alby Martinez as Wayne Newton, Reggio McLaughlin as Sammy Davis Jr., Jimmy Tomasello as Dean Martin, and others a Sun 10/31, 7 PM, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, 773-728-6000, oldtownschool.org, $15, $13 members. A
Wiggleworms “Spooky Sing-Along.” a Sun 10/31, 11 AM, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, 773-728-6000, oldtownschool.org, $12, $11 members. A
Movies
See our movie listings on page 56 for complete information.
The Cat and the Canary
Christine
Demon Lover Diary
Devil
Drainiac
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The Fall of the House of Usher
Frankenstein
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man
The Ghost of Frankenstein
Ghost Story
Haunted Castle 3D
Horror of Dracula
House
The House of the Devil
The Human Centipede
The Land of the Pharoahs
Martin
My Soul to Take
Nekromantic
Night of the Living Dead
Nosferatu
Nosferatu the Vampyre
Paranormal Activity 2
Phantom of the Opera
Piranha
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saw: The Final Chapter
Saw: The Final Chapter 3D
Kids
Carnival of Curiosities Family-friendly Halloween entertainment features costumed characters, stunt people, fortune-tellers, and other fun on the Navy Pier grounds.
Fallapalooza Candy, games, and concessions for kids age ten and under. Soul Church is accepting donations of toiletry items—soap, toothpaste, etc—to give to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, a residential home for kids.
Halloween Party Activities include bobbing for apples, a relay race, a costume contest, and a trick-or-treat “tasting” with snacks from local bakeries.
Halloween Fun Times A kid-friendly Halloween comedy show with Kelsie Huff and the Kates.
Make It Up! Makeup artist Vicki Vacca, whose film and television work has included Transformers 3, The Dark Knight, and Glee, teaches a makeup workshop to kids ages nine to 14. Part of the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. Reserve tickets online.
Patch’s Halloween Costume Party Hosted by Patch, Navy Pier’s mascot. Includes dancing and prizes from the Navy Pier store and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Spooky Story Hour The Book Cellar sponsors a reading of scary stories by professional storyteller Nili Yelin, the “Storybook Mom.”
Art
Dark Night in Bridgeport A “Halloween art party freak out,” with DJs, costumes, and a group art show.
It’s Your Funeral A group exhibition of “art inspired by death.”
Mischief Weekend On Friday, the Hyde Park Art Center’s “Back Alley Party” includes food and drinks, live graffiti painting, art auctions, and music by Wild Jesus and the Devil’s Lettuce Family Band. Saturday’s free, all-ages “Mischief Night” festival includes art, workshops, and performances by Lookingglass Theatre, the Moving Architects, and Neighborhood Writing Alliance.
Sweet Abominations Halloween-themed group show “celebrating the dark arts.”
Vida Breve The National Museum of Mexican Art’s annual Day of the Dead exhibit, curated by Dolores Mercado.
Food & Drink
Beggars’ Day Halloween Celebration Pumpkins, candy apples, candy corn, and other treats, plus a pumpkin-carving tutorial by chef John Coletta.
Freaktoberfest 2 Brewer Jeremy Cowan, owner of New York’s Schmaltz Brewing, samples out six of his sideshow-themed beers, including the bloodred Freaktober lager. Hot wings are also on the menu; garage band the Hamburglars and lounge singer Gigolo Johnny Mercedes perform live music. Costumes are encouraged.
Halloween Pastry Market This two-day showcase features treats from Bake, Fritz Pastry, Ipsento Coffee House, Nice Cream, and other establishments.
Kith & Kin Chef Andrew Brochu offers a five-course Halloween prix fixe menu: spiced pumpkin soup, Swan Creek apple salad, seared scallops, buttermilk fried chicken thighs with braised collard greens, and choice of dessert. Wine pairings are an additional $20.
Lawry’s A Halloween prix fixe menu that includes dishes such as goulash in puff pastry and “spinning bowl salad”; the entree is prime rib with Yorkshire pudding. Tours of McCormick Mansion are available every half-hour starting at 6:30 PM.
Luma’s Corner Lula Cafe “dresses up” as the restaurant Kuma’s Corner and offers “indie-rock” versions of that restaurant’s heavy metal-inspired burgers.
Market Four hours of open bar access, passed appetizers, and a complimentary brunch entree on Halloween, plus costume contests. RVSP to events@marketbarchicago.com.
Halloween at Mystic Celt All costumed guests receive a $15 gift certificate.
Opera Asylum A costume contest starts at 7:30 PM, with gift certificates to the winners. Two martinis and an appetizer are $18.
Piece Live-band costume karaoke begins at 9 PM; a costume contest with prizes starts at midnight. PBRs are $2, and Screamsicles (Bacardi vanilla and Fanta) are $3.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Brunch Diva Madame X sings songs from the cult classic movie while it plays on multiple television screens. A special martini list includes the Rocky Martini: vodka, pineapple, and an envelope of Pop Rocks poured tableside. Brunch is available a la carte, or as a two-course prix fixe with bottomless mimosas or bloody martinis for $25.
Steelerween Five televisions air the Steelers vs. Saints game, and a football-themed costume contest includes prizes. Includes specials on ribs, sandwiches, and beer.
Trick-or-Treat Vendors pass out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Wine, Chocolate, & Architecture: A Haunting Halloween Trio Marion Street Cheese Market curates the wine and chocolate selection at this fund-raiser for the restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unity Temple.
WineOween Tickets include food served buffet-style, wine, beer, and special Halloween cocktails. A DJ spins music, and guests are encouraged to come as their “favorite character.”
Zocalo In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, Zocalo will offer a special Day of the Dead menu featuring items like cream of lima bean, pan-seared halibut with green Oaxacan mole, zucchini blossom quesadillas, and pumpkin flan. A tasting of artisanal Ilegal mezcal takes place on Tuesday, November 2 at 6:30 PM; $20 gets you tastings, cocktail, passed appetizers, and a raffle.
Miscellaneous
Halloween Parade “Little Street of Horrors” is the theme for this year’s parade, hosted by drag performer Miss Foozie. The route begins at Belmont and Halsted and ends at 3514 N. Halsted. Includes a costume contest.
Halloween Pet Parade Costume contest winners receive gift certificates to University Village restaurants. Begins at 14th Place and Halsted and heads north to Maxwell.
HallowFest: A Garden of Good . . . and Evil Pumpkin-carving, “spooky” walks through the Model Railroad Garden, a 15-minute garden ride on the “Eerie Express,” fortune-tellers, live entertainment, and more. The Garden Cafe will serve a “Monster Menu” with Halloween-themed meals.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest Dogs and their owners compete for cash prizes. Proceeds benefit the Andersonville Neighborhood Association’s beautification fund; includes refreshments.
Pumpkins With a Purpose Diners who paint pumpkins can win a free one-year subscription to Netflix. Includes a toy drive for Children’s Memorial Hospital. A costume parade on Halloween ends with a toy drop-off at the hospital.
Saki Seance Live music by country cabaret act Bitter Tears and rockers Bob Dey’s Tank Engine Man, and stories about the Fox sisters, who helped popularize the practice of communicating with the dead. E-mail info@sakistore.net to RSVP.
Scarecrows on Parade Clark Street merchants display scarecrows inside or in front of their businesses. The general public can vote for their favorites at visitclarkstreet.com to become eligible for prizes. Participating businesses are located along N. Clark from Armitage to Diversey, and on Diversey from Orchard to the lake.
Spooktacular Refreshments, crafts, games, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and distribution of a “Spooky Savings” coupon book.