Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2025: A Spooky Night to Remember
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I can’t wait to tell you about the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2025 it’s going to be epic. This is one of Chicago’s most creative, inclusive, and high-energy Halloween parades. And yes the 2025 date is confirmed.
On October 31, 2025, in the Northalsted (Boystown) neighborhood of Chicago, the streets of Halsted will transform into a stage of ghoulish spectacle. The parade begins at 7:30 PM, offering thrills, costumes, live performances, and community spirit.
Halloween Events & Parade Overview
Here’s the key info in a quick view:
| Date & Time | Location / Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Expected Crowd Size | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 31, 2025, 7:30 PM | Halsted St, from Belmont Ave to Cornelia Ave (award show at Brompton) | 2.5 hrs | Free | Thousands (spectators and participants) | Costume contest, fire performers, drag, bands, floats, themed groups |
This parade is free for spectators. To compete in the costume contest, participants register (also free).
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2025 Date, Time & Location Details
The parade isn’t just a show t’s a celebration of queer visibility, artistic expression, and community togetherness.
- Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
- Start time: 7:30 PM at Halsted & Belmont
- End point: Halsted & Cornelia (parade)
- Awards Show: Halsted & Brompton at about 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
History & Origins
The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade started in the late 1990s (around 1997) in Chicago’s Boystown area. It began as a grassroots costume contest in a local neighborhood and gradually grew into a full-fledged parade. Over the years, organizers added drag performers, marching bands, fire acts, and themed floats.
The Northalsted Business Alliance leads the event, coordinating street closures, registration, and the awards program.
A few milestone moments:
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- The parade has ranked among the 10 Best Halloween Celebrations in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel.
- The cash prize total for costumes has reached $4,000, distributed across multiple categories.
- The event has expanded to include more community events around October, like a Pup Crawl, drag contests, and trick-or-treating.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2025 Parade Route Description & Viewing
The procession moves north on Halsted Street, starting at Belmont Ave and ending near Cornelia Ave. After the march, attendees and participants gather at Brompton for the awards and performances.
El, bus, and train access is good in the Lake View / Northalsted area. The Belmont station (Red/Brown/Purple lines) is a walking distance away.
How to Participate In Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2025
Anyone can be part of the fun whether as a contestant or simply marching in costume.
- Registration: Contest participants register at 6:30 PM at Halsted & Belmont on the night of the parade.
- Cost: Free to enter the contest or parade.
- Contest categories: Character, Creative, Scary, Youth (<13), and Group
- Prizes: Each category has cash prizes (e.g. $500 / $200 / $100 for first, second, third in many categories)
- Age & restrictions: All ages welcome. Youth (<13) have their contest category. Pets are welcome if manageable in crowds and noise.
- Volunteers: The event sometimes seeks volunteers for registration tables, street marshals, contest judging, and cleanup. You may contact the Northalsted Business Alliance ahead of time. (Note: volunteer details not confirmed publicly yet.)
You don’t need to be a contest entrant to walk in the parade many just join the procession in costume and enjoy the energy.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
- Prime viewing zone: Between Belmont and Addison great for photos and close-up action.
- Quieter zone: Near Cornelia and further north less crowded, but still lively.
- Accessibility: Sidewalks in Lake View are fairly wide. Wheelchair access is possible, though maneuvering through crowds can be tough.
- Arrive early: By 6:30 PM is ideal, especially if you want front-row views.
- Weather prep: October evenings in Chicago can be chilly (40s–50s °F). Dress in layers, bring gloves, and wear good shoes for standing.
- Phone backup: Charge your phone or bring a power bank your battery will deplete fast with photos, video, and posting to social media.
Costumes & Themes
- Official theme: There’s no strict theme announced yet for 2025. Previous years have embraced broad creative and spooky interpretations.
- Past trends: Expect drag inspired looks, horror icons, pop culture mashups, theatrical makeup, glowing props, group themes, and punny costumes.
- Contest advice: Avoid store bought generic costumes. Instead, go for originality mixed media, props, lighting elements, or interactive features tend to stand out.
- Youth and group: If you’re in a youth or group category, coordinate early. Synchronized movement, cohesive visuals, and storytelling help.
Entertainment & Highlights
- Fire performers & special acts: Chicago Full Moon Jam often brings fire-breathing acts to the parade.
- Marching bands & dance crews: Lakeside Pride Marching Band, Chicago Spirit Brigade pep squad, and various performance troupes feature in the lineup.
- Drag performances: Drag queens often host, emcee, and perform between parade segments.
- Zombie “Thriller” flash mob: The parade traditionally begins (or includes) a choreographed Thriller dance flash mob crowd join-in near Belmont & Halsted.
- Awards show & performances: After the march, the winners are announced at Halsted & Brompton, followed by performances, music, and dancing into the night.
- After-party scenes: Local bars, clubs in Boystown often host themed events, drag shows, dance parties, and costume contests that continue after the parade.
Travel & Accommodation
- Nearest public transit: Belmont station (Red/Brown/Purple lines) is walkable. Multiple bus routes serve Halsted and nearby streets.
- Parking: Street parking is scarce. Many attendees use public transit or ride-share. Be ready for closures and roadblocks.
- Hotel options: Stay in Lake View / Northalsted area. Suggested nearby spots include Majestic Hotel (W. Brompton) or Hotel Zachary (N. Clark Street) among Lake View hotels.
- Walking distance: Many bars/restaurants near the route make walking practical and fun.
Food & Local Experiences
- Street vendors: Expect food carts, snack stalls, and hot drink stations near the parade route.
- Bars & restaurants: Many local spots in Boystown offer Halloween-themed specials, cocktails, and menu items.
- Neighborhood vibe: Boystown is lively on Halloween night—shops, drag bars, and themed venues stay open late, giving you plenty to explore before/after the parade.
Safety & Rules
- Bag checks & security: Expect security screening at major intersections and near staging zones.
- Prohibited items: Large weapons or sharp props, glass containers, fireworks, and fog machines may be restricted.
- Family safety: Keep kids close, carry a map or meeting point, and avoid pushing in dense crowds.
- Pet caution: If bringing pets, ensure they are comfortable in large crowds, loud music, and flashing lights.
Photography & Social Media Tips
- Best lighting: Take photos just as darkness falls, during transitions, and under streetlight spots.
- Hashtags & tags: Use official tags like
#HauntedHalsted2025,#HauntedHalsted,#NorthalstedHalloweenand tag event pages. - Gear rules: Professional equipment may need media credentials—double-check with organizers if bringing large cameras or tripods.
- Quick shots: Use burst mode for action shots, and bring extra memory cards and batteries.
FAQs
Yes, watching is free. Contest registration is also free.
Yes, pets are welcome if they tolerate the noise and crowd.
No ticket is needed for spectators. Contestants must register on site.
Ideally by 6:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot.
Limited street parking. Transit or ride-share is recommended.
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Conclusion
The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2025 promises to be among Chicago’s most spectacular Halloween nights. With free admission, bold costumes, fire acts, drag performances, and a massive costume contest, it combines community, creativity, and celebration in one unforgettable evening. Arrive early, dress for the cool night air, and prepare for a parade experience that’s lively, inclusive, and full of Chicago spirit.
October 31 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
