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Halloween Parade Overview (Chicago 2025) Date, Time & Location Details
I’ve got two standout Halloween parades on my radar for Chicago 2025: Arts in the Dark and Haunted Halsted. These are among the most creative, large, and culturally rich Halloween experiences in the city.
- Arts in the Dark 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm along State Street.
- Haunted Halsted 2025 is slated for Friday, October 31, starting around 6:30 pm in the Northalsted neighborhood (aka Boystown).
These parades combine visual spectacle, community roots, and artistic flair. In this article, I’ll walk you through both: their schedules, routes, how to take part, best spots, safety tips, and more.
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Halloween Events & Parade Overview (Chicago 2025)
Here’s a side-by-side look at the confirmed Halloween parades in Chicago for 2025:
| Event / Parade | Date & Time | Location / Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Expected Crowd * | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts in the Dark | Oct 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm | State Street, from Lake to Van Buren | 2 hours | Free | 50,000–100,000+ | Floats, giant puppets, music, dance, spectacle arts |
| Haunted Halsted | Oct 31, 6:30pm onward | Halsted Street & Belmont to Halsted & Brompton (Northalsted) | 3–4 hours | Free (registration for participants) | Tens of thousands | Costume contest, live performance, after-party |
* Crowd estimates based on past years and media reports.
If other smaller, neighborhood Halloween processions emerge closer to the date, I’ll flag them here, but these two are the core confirmed ones.
History & Origins
Arts in the Dark
I love what this parade stands for. Arts in the Dark began in 2014 as a way to treat Halloween itself as an artistic celebration, not just spooky kitsch.
It is produced by LUMA8 in coordination with the City’s cultural department.
Over time, it’s drawn over 100 cultural groups, performers, and artists from across Chicago.
Some of its most memorable displays: a 50-foot cosmic serpent, a 40-foot glow worm, towering skeleton installations, and large puppets.
It taps into Chicago’s strong arts culture and community identity. Instead of commercial floats, every entry reflects creativity, community, or a cultural story.
Haunted Halsted
This parade lives in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Boystown / Northalsted district. It has been a staple for decades. Past editions (as of 2024) numbered 27 annual parades.
The parade emphasizes inclusion, self-expression, and bold costuming, combined with a lively neighborhood social vibe.
A hallmark: a $4,000 prize pool in several costume categories like “Creative,” “Scary,” “Group,” “Youth.”
The last segment includes an awards show and afterparty.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
These two events show how Halloween in Chicago is more than candy and scares. They’re vibrant community festivals.
Halloween Parade (Chicago 2025) Date, Time & Location Details
Arts in the Dark 2025
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
- Route Description: The parade marches south on State Street, stepping off near Lake Street, and concluding near Van Buren Street.
- Best Viewing Zones: Anywhere along State Street between Lake and Van Buren is ideal. The stretch near Randolph tends to be busy and offers good elevation for photos.
- After-events: There’s often post-parade programming, sometimes in nearby theaters or plazas tied to Fall Fest, though full details usually emerge closer to the date.
Haunted Halsted 2025
- Date & Time: Friday, October 31, with costume registration starting around 6:30 pm. Parade likely kicks off ~7:30 pm.
- Route: Begins at Halsted & Belmont, travels southwards, and ends around Halsted & Cornelia / Brompton.
- After-party: Awards show and party occur at 3514 N. Halsted (Brompton block).
Because details for some segments (e.g. end timing) may shift, I’ll update you if any changes surface closer to October.
How to Participate In Halloween Parade (Chicago 2025)
Arts in the Dark
- Registration: Open via the parade’s official site. Applicants must submit a parade proposal.
- Deadline: Usually by August 29 for full review; funding decisions also align with that date.
- Cost & Grants: Participation is free, though some groups may apply for small grants.
- Age / Type: All ages can participate, but children should be supervised.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Yes — volunteer roles for logistics, march assists, safety marshals are typical.
Haunted Halsted
- Registration for Participants: Free, typically offered in the hour before the parade at the start zone (around 6:30–7:30 pm).
- Costume Contest: Participation free, but costume must comply with contest rules.
- Age / Limits: Open to all ages, with youth and adult categories.
- Volunteer / Staff Roles: Local organizers typically recruit volunteers for crowd control, registration, stage setup, etc.
If additional smaller events or parades emerge later, we’ll slot them into this section.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
- Best vantage points: Near intersections (Lake, Randolph) offer views of float setups. Near corners also allow multiple angle shots.
- Less crowded zones: Try sections just outside the densest clusters (one block north or south of the main route) early.
- Accessibility: Both parades are family-friendly and public. Many sections are wheelchair accessible, but arrive early to secure space.
- Weather prep: October evenings can be chilly. Dress in layers. Bring a light blanket or hand warmers.
- Arrive early: To get a good spot, show up at least 60–90 minutes before the parade starts.
Costumes & Themes
- Arts in the Dark theme: The parade focuses on artistic expression; no fixed theme, but creativity prevails.
- Haunted Halsted theme: There is no rigid theme, but past years celebrated drag, horror, fantasy, cosplay.
- Costume contest rules: Expect rules around safety (no open flames), mobility, wearability, and respect community standards.
- Trend ideas: Think glowing puppets, illuminated masks, kinetic art elements, performance wearable costume pieces.
Entertainment & Highlights
- Arts in the Dark: Expect dance troupes, live bands, giant puppets, glow installations, theatrical vignettes, and interludes of surprise performance.
- Haunted Halsted: Costume showcases, drag performances, local DJs, and community bands, ending with an awards ceremony.
- Afterparties: Haunted Halsted typically hosts a party near Brompton/Halsted. Arts in the Dark often links to arts spaces nearby for post-show events.
Travel & Accommodation
- Nearest airport / stations: O’Hare and Midway airports. For parades, use CTA trains to downtown or to Lakeview/Northalsted.
- Hotels: For Arts in the Dark, stay near downtown Loop or State Street. For Haunted Halsted, Lakeview / Boystown area hotels are ideal.
- Parking & transit tips: Street closures will be heavy. Use public transit. Park further out and ride trains/buses in. Use Millennium Garages (north/south) for downtown event.
Food & Local Experiences
- Street food & vendors: Around the parade zones, pop-up stalls often sell seasonal treats, chili, pumpkin desserts.
- Restaurants & specials: Many restaurants in Boystown offer Halloween-themed menus for Haunted Halsted.
- Nearby markets / events: During Arts in the Dark, pop-ups and gallery shows often run along State Street and nearby arts districts.
Safety & Rules
- Security screening: Expect bag checks, metal detectors, and security personnel along the route.
- What’s prohibited: No weapons, pyrotechnics, large obstructive props, or open flames.
- Family safety: Keep children close, set meeting points, and bring ID for minors.
- Emergency protocol: Follow instructions from parade marshals or police; locate nearest exits.
Photography & Social Media Tips
- Best light: Just as dusk sets (for Arts in the Dark) and early evening lighting is ideal.
- Hashtags & tagging: Use official tags like #ArtsInTheDark, #HauntedHalsted, #ChicagoHalloween2025 (verify official tags near the event).
- Camera rules: Small DSLRs or mirrorless are typically fine, but commercial tripods might be restricted. Always ask permission for close photos.
FAQs
Yes. Both Arts in the Dark and Haunted Halsted have free spectator entry. Participants must register.
Yes. Both Arts in the Dark and Haunted Halsted have free spectator entry. Participants must register.
Pets are generally discouraged for safety—check the event’s official rules closer to the date.
60–90 minutes before start ensures a good spot.
Parking is limited. Use public transit or park distant and ride in.
Conclusion
Chicago in October isn’t just crisp air and pumpkin spice—it’s a canvas for artistic expression and community spirit. Arts in the Dark and Haunted Halsted represent the best of Halloween parades in 2025: one deeply rooted in creative spectacle, the other steeped in neighborhood energy and flamboyant performances.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
If you’re planning to attend, register early, show up early, and dress to impress (and stay warm). Whether you’re watching from the crowd or marching in costume, you’ll get to experience two very different but equally magical sides of Chicago’s Halloween culture.
I hope this article helps you plan your 2025 Halloween night in Chicago—and gets people excited to join in.
October 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
312-286-0297
Krista@LUMA8.org
