Chicago in October feels like a city-wide costume party, and the Halloween parades are the star attraction.
From the artistic flair of Arts in the Dark to the high-energy, costume-packed Haunted Halsted Parade, the city knows how to celebrate.
In 2025, Chicago is set to host not one but two iconic Halloween parades, each offering its own unique vibe.
Whether you love creative floats, dazzling performances, or just want a night out in costume, you’ll find your spot here.
Both events are free to attend, family-friendly in their own way, and packed with photo-worthy moments. Let’s break down everything you need to know so you can plan ahead.
Parade Overview
| Detail | Arts in the Dark | Haunted Halsted Parade |
|---|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sat, Oct 18, 2025 – 6 PM–8 PM | Fri, Oct 31, 2025 – 7:30 PM–10 PM |
| Location & Route | State Street (Lake St to Van Buren St) | Halsted St (Belmont Ave to Cornelia Ave) |
| Duration | 2 hrs | 2.5 hrs |
| Entry Fee | Free | Free |
| Expected Crowd | 60k–100k+ | Thousands |
| Main Attractions | Artistic floats, cultural performances, giant puppets | Costume contest, fire dancers, marching bands |
| Official Website | artsinthedark.com | northalsted.com |
History & Origins
Arts in the Dark started in 2015 as a way to spotlight Chicago’s cultural and creative communities. It was created to combine Halloween’s playful spirit with the city’s diverse artistic talent.
Over the years, it has grown into a massive downtown spectacle that brings together professional artists, youth programs, and cultural organizations.
Haunted Halsted, on the other hand, began in the late 1990s in the Northalsted neighborhood, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
It started as a local costume contest but quickly grew into one of the most anticipated Halloween events in the Midwest.
Its combination of live entertainment, elaborate costumes, and community pride has made it a Halloween night tradition.
Both parades are rooted in community connection, creativity, and the idea that Halloween should be celebrated together in the streets.
Date, Time & Location Details
Arts in the Dark Parade – Saturday, October 18, 2025
The parade begins at 6 PM and runs until 8 PM. It follows Chicago’s historic State Street, starting from Lake Street and ending at Van Buren Street.
The route is packed with lights, art, and performances, making it ideal for early-evening photography.
For the best view, stand near State & Madison for a central location and easy access to CTA stops. Since it ends before dark, it’s a perfect choice for families with kids.
Map
Haunted Halsted Parade – Friday, October 31, 2025
This parade kicks off at 7:30 PM on Halloween night. The route starts at Halsted & Belmont and moves north to Cornelia Avenue, ending with an awards show at Halsted & Brompton.
Crowds gather early, so if you want a front-row spot, aim to arrive by 6:30 PM. The entire route is lined with local bars, restaurants, and after-party spots, giving the night an energetic and festive feel.
How to Participate
Arts in the Dark
Anyone can join Arts in the Dark as a performer or parade participant, but you’ll need to register through the official website in advance.
Local cultural groups, artists, and schools often march together, so if you’re part of a community program, it’s worth asking if they’re taking part. There’s no entry fee, but groups are expected to commit to the parade’s artistic and family-friendly spirit.
Costumes should be creative, colorful, and suitable for all ages. Large-scale props, floats, and puppets are encouraged. If you’re walking, be prepared for the full two-hour route — comfortable shoes are a must.
Haunted Halsted Parade
The Haunted Halsted Parade is all about costumes and showmanship. To join the contest, you can register on-site starting at 6:30 PM at Halsted & Belmont. It’s completely free to enter, and prizes total $4,000 split across categories like Best Group, Best Character, Scariest Costume, Most Creative, and Youth.
You don’t need to be in the contest to march — many attendees just join the parade in costume for the fun of it. Pets are welcome too, as long as they’re comfortable with loud music and crowds.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
For Arts in the Dark, the best viewing spots are around State & Madison or near the Harold Washington Library for a less crowded experience.
These spots give you a good balance of parade energy and space to move around. Families with strollers will appreciate the wide sidewalks along State Street.
For Haunted Halsted, the section between Belmont and Addison is the most vibrant, with cheering crowds and prime photo opportunities.
If you want a quieter view, head north toward Cornelia where it’s less packed but still lively. Keep in mind October nights in Chicago can be chilly, so layers are your best friend.
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to secure a good spot, especially if you plan to take photos. Bring a portable phone charger between pictures, videos, and social media uploads, your battery won’t last long.
Costumes & Themes
Arts in the Dark doesn’t have a strict theme, but the general vibe is artistic expression meets Halloween fantasy.
Think theatrical makeup, illuminated outfits, and masks with cultural flair. In past years, you’d see everything from Dia de los Muertos sugar skulls to enormous glowing jellyfish puppets.
Haunted Halsted thrives on over-the-top creativity. This is the place to go big whether that means a meticulously recreated movie character, a towering prop-based costume, or a comedy outfit that makes the crowd laugh. Matching group costumes always get extra attention from the judges.
Both parades reward originality, so avoid generic store-bought costumes if you’re aiming for the spotlight. Use fabrics, face paint, and props that will stand out at night under streetlights.
Entertainment & Highlights
Arts in the Dark is packed with giant puppets, live bands, dance troupes, fire spinners, and illuminated floats.
The mix of music, costumes, and performance art makes it feel like an outdoor theater production. The parade is also family-friendly, so you’ll see plenty of kids in costumes waving from the sidewalks.
Haunted Halsted is high-energy from start to finish. The lineup includes the Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers, Lakeside Pride Marching Band, drag queens, stilt walkers, and themed dance crews.
After the parade, the neighborhood comes alive with after-parties in bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it the perfect Halloween night destination for adults.
Travel & Accommodation
If you’re flying in for the parades, Chicago has two major airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
Both connect to the city via CTA trains, making it easy to reach downtown or the Northalsted neighborhood.
For Arts in the Dark, staying downtown near State Street is the most convenient. Hotels like the Palmer House Hilton, Hyatt Centric The Loop, or Residence Inn Chicago Downtown put you within walking distance of the route.
For Haunted Halsted, look for hotels in Lakeview or Lincoln Park. Airbnb options in these neighborhoods are also popular, especially for groups. If you’re on a budget, staying downtown and taking the Red Line to Belmont is an easy option.
Parking in both areas can be expensive and limited during parade nights. Public transit is your best bet, and extra trains usually run for big events.
Food & Local Experiences
For Arts in the Dark, downtown Chicago offers endless dining options before and after the parade. You’ll find everything from classic deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s to upscale dining at The Dearborn.
On parade night, food trucks often line nearby streets, serving seasonal snacks like apple cider donuts and pumpkin spice treats.
In Northalsted, Haunted Halsted has a completely different vibe. Expect Halloween-themed cocktails, live DJ sets, and specials at bars like Sidetrack, Roscoe’s, and Replay.
Several neighborhood restaurants also run pre-parade dinner deals — perfect if you want a warm meal before the chilly night kicks in.
If you have extra time in the city, explore nearby attractions like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, or the Chicago Riverwalk. October in Chicago also means fall markets and pumpkin patches just outside the city.
Safety & Rules
Both parades are generally safe, but large crowds mean you should keep valuables secure. Use a small crossbody bag or fanny pack that stays close to your body.
Security teams are present at both events, and some areas may have bag checks. Avoid bringing anything that could be mistaken for a weapon, even as part of a costume.
Alcohol is not allowed along the parade route, but it’s easy to enjoy a drink before or after at local venues.
Families should stick to the earlier sections of the parade routes for less rowdy crowds. Haunted Halsted, while inclusive and welcoming, is more adult-oriented after the parade ends.
Photography & Social Media Tips
For Arts in the Dark, the early evening start means you’ll catch great lighting for photos during the first half of the parade. Bring a camera or phone with good low-light performance for later shots as it gets darker.
For Haunted Halsted, embrace the nighttime glow. Streetlights, neon signs, and lit-up costumes make for dramatic images. If you’re using a smartphone, switch to night mode and hold steady for clear shots.
Use the official hashtags like #ArtsInTheDark and #HauntedHalsted to join the conversation online.
Tagging the parade accounts can even get your photos featured on their pages. Just be respectful and ask before photographing individuals up close.
Conclusion
If you’ve never experienced a Chicago Halloween, 2025 is the year to do it. The city comes alive with lights, music, and creativity, offering two very different but equally unforgettable parade experiences.
Arts in the Dark gives you an artistic, family-friendly evening in the heart of downtown. Haunted Halsted offers a high-energy Halloween night filled with costumes, performances, and after-parties in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.
FAQs
Yes, both Arts in the Dark and Haunted Halsted are completely free for spectators.
Pets are welcome at Haunted Halsted as long as they are comfortable with crowds and loud music. Arts in the Dark is better suited for families without pets due to the dense sidewalks.
No ticket is needed to watch or march. However, if you want to participate in the Haunted Halsted costume contest, you must register on-site.
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the start for a good viewing spot. For Haunted Halsted, arrive by 6:30 PM if you plan to register for the contest.
Yes, but limited. Downtown garages work for Arts in the Dark, while neighborhood street parking or paid lots are options for Haunted Halsted. Public transit is highly recommended.
No open containers are permitted on the streets, but nearby bars and restaurants will be serving before and after the events.