Halsted Halloween Parade 2025 | Date, Time, Route, Costume Contest & Full Details

Every Halloween night, Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood transforms into a vibrant, costumed street party thanks to the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade.

On October 31, 2025, this beloved parade returns, offering free entry and a host of performers, floats and costume-contest excitement. I’m excited to walk you through what makes it special and how you can be part of the fun.

Halsted Halloween Parade 2025

Detail	Information
Date & Time	Friday, October 31, 2025 • Registration from 6:30 PM • Parade kickoff ~7:30 PM
Location / Route	Start: Halsted St & Belmont Ave (Chicago) • Ends: Halsted & Cornelia / Awards at Halsted & Brompton
Duration	Approximately 2.5 hours (6:30 PM–~10:00 PM)
Entry Fee	Free for spectators • Free to enter costume contest / parade participation (registration required)
Expected Crowd Size	Thousands of spectators & hundreds (or more) of costume-contest participants
Main Attractions	Costume contest with cash prizes, drag-queen marshals, fire performers, marchingbands, roller-skaters
Official Website	Hosted by Northalsted Business Alliance (information page)

History & Origins

The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade began in the late 1990s in Chicago’s Northalsted district (also known as Boystown). According to sources, it was created as a community-driven Halloween celebration in the city’s LGBTQ-friendly neighbourhood.

Over the years, the parade evolved: what started as a local block-party costume walk now features a full-blown procession, live entertainment, and a major costume contest with thousands of entrants.

Today, it is ranked among the top Halloween celebrations in the U.S., thanks to its inclusive vibe, high-energy performances and creative costumes.

Date, Time & Location Details

For 2025, the parade is set for Friday, October 31 Halloween night. Spectators should plan to arrive early: registration for those entering the costume contest begins at 6:30 PM at the corner of Halsted & Belmont.

The parade itself kicks off around 7:30 PM at the same intersection (Halsted & Belmont). The procession moves north along Halsted Street, passing through the Northalsted (Boystown) district, and it concludes around Halsted & Cornelia (or nearby) before the awards show at Halsted & Brompton.

Because it’s Halloween night, the atmosphere runs late the awards and after-party typically wrap up around 10:00 PM or later. Street closures will be in effect in the area for the duration of the event, so spectators and participants should plan transit accordingly.

How to Participate

Want to walk in the parade or enter the costume contest? Here’s how:

1. Registration: Contest registration is free and open to all ages. For 2025, you can register on-site starting at 6:30 PM at Halsted & Belmont.
   
2. Contest Categories: There are five key categories: Character, Creative, Scary, Youth (under 13) and Group. First-place winners in each category typically receive around $500 in cash.
   
3. Participation: You don’t have to enter the contest to march or walk the parade route in costume many just join for the fun.
   
4. Costume Rules: Costumes should be appropriate for public outdoor viewing. Costumes with props should still be manageable in a crowd (since it’s late evening and in a busy area).
   
5. Entry Fee: None for spectators; none for contest entrants (just registration).
   
6. Age-friendly: The event welcomes all ages; families often attend.

Viewing Tips & Best Spots

If you’re planning to watch the Halsted Halloween Parade this year, I recommend arriving early. The best viewing areas fill fast, especially near Halsted & Roscoe and Halsted & Cornelia, where performances slow down for photographers and judges.

For families, the stretch near Halsted & Aldine offers good visibility without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. It’s well-lit and easy to access from nearby parking lots. I’ve watched from there before it’s calmer, and you still get all the excitement.

Accessibility is well-managed. The parade route stays level, with smooth pavements ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. Volunteers usually guide visitors to accessible seating or curb space.

Pro tip: Bring a folding chair or blanket if you plan to camp out early. Chicago’s October nights get cold, so pack layers, gloves, and something warm to drink.

Costumes & Themes

Every year, the Halsted Parade’s costumes seem to outdo the last. The 2025 theme celebrates “Creatures of the Night” which opens the door for everything from elegant vampires to neon aliens. I can’t wait to see what creative spin people bring this time.

Contestants compete in several categories: Character, Creative, Scary, Youth, and Group. The variety keeps things entertaining. I’ve seen everything from full-scale monster ensembles to kids dressed as their favorite superheroes.

If you’re joining, think practical yet bold. Comfortable shoes matter because the parade route stretches several blocks. Add reflective materials or lights to your outfit; it’s both stylish and safe for a nighttime event.

Need inspiration? Past winners included a ten-foot dragon puppet, a synchronized zombie dance troupe, and a costume built entirely from LED wireframes. Trust me Chicago creativity knows no limits.

Entertainment & Highlights

The Halsted Halloween Parade isn’t just a walk it’s a full-scale show. Expect drag queens, marching bands, stilt performers, and even roller-skating skeletons. It’s as over-the-top as Chicago nightlife itself.

Every block bursts with something different. Fire performers heat up the crowd, DJs pump club beats, and confetti cannons mark key stops. I always tell first-timers: don’t blink you might miss a giant puppet rolling by.

The after-party keeps the energy alive long after the floats finish. It takes place near Halsted & Brompton, where awards for the costume contest are handed out. The atmosphere feels like a block party mixed with a concert crowds dance, cheer, and celebrate Halloween Chicago-style.

For photographers, this part is gold. Stage lighting, fog machines, and colorful costumes make every frame social-media-worthy. Just remember to ask before snapping close-ups of participants it’s all about respect and good vibes.

Travel & Accommodation

Traveling from outside Chicago? You’re in luck Northalsted sits in the city’s Lakeview neighborhood, only 20 minutes from downtown. You can reach it easily via the CTA Red Line; just hop off at the Belmont station, which drops you a block from the action.

If you’re driving, parking gets tricky after 5 PM. I usually use nearby garages at Broadway & Wellington or Clark & Roscoe. Just check local restrictions many streets close early for setup.

For overnight stays, choose hotels in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, or Wrigleyville. These areas offer quick transit to the route, plus great nightlife after the event.

Visitors flying in can land at O’Hare International Airport or Midway Airport both roughly a 30-minute drive from Northalsted depending on traffic. Rideshares and the Blue Line make transfers simple.

Food & Local Experiences

Halloween in Northalsted isn’t complete without good food. The neighborhood’s bars and eateries go all in with spooky specials pumpkin cocktails, black burger buns, and themed desserts.

If you’re hungry before the parade, I suggest grabbing dinner around Roscoe Street. Many restaurants open early with patio seating, perfect for people-watching as participants prep.

After the parade, the crowd usually heads toward Halsted & Brompton for late-night bites. Street vendors pop up selling popcorn, tacos, and warm cider. It’s like the city’s own Halloween carnival.

Beyond food, you can explore small shops that stay open late for Halloween merchandise and souvenirs. Between the lights, music, and costumes, the vibe feels like a real-life movie scene.

Safety & Rules

Safety matters just as much as costumes at the Halsted Halloween Parade. Chicago officials and volunteers ensure the route remains secure, but it helps to follow a few basics.

Leave large props or anything sharp at home parade staff will check bulky items near the entry zone. Backpacks are allowed but subject to quick inspection, so travel light.

Alcohol isn’t officially permitted along the parade route, but nearby bars serve themed drinks before and after. Families with kids will find the early portions of the parade around Halsted & Aldine the most relaxed and crowd-friendly.

Police and medical tents are positioned every few blocks for emergencies. If you’re marching, stay within the barricaded route and follow staff directions. I’ve seen how smoothly things run when everyone cooperates it keeps the night fun for all.

Photography & Social Media Tips

This parade is pure gold for photographers. The best lighting hits just after sunset, around 6:45–7:15 PM, when the sky glows and costume lights pop. I always keep my camera ready before the parade starts; the first floats look magical against that twilight backdrop.

If you’re posting online, use tags like #HalstedHalloweenParade and #ChicagoHalloween2025 they help your posts reach local feeds fast. Respect personal space: ask before snapping close portraits, especially of kids or performers prepping backstage.

Phone photographers should switch to night mode and adjust exposure manually to capture those vibrant LED costumes. Trust me, a steady hand beats any filter when it comes to low-light parades.

Conclusion

For me, the Halsted Halloween Parade 2025 captures everything that makes Chicago special creativity, inclusivity, and that fearless sense of fun. It’s not just a parade; it’s a night where every sidewalk turns into a stage and every costume tells a story.

Whether you’re competing for a prize, cheering with family, or just snapping photos for Instagram, the experience never disappoints. It’s loud, colorful, a bit chaotic and honestly, that’s the charm.

So grab your costume, bring your friends, and join thousands celebrating Halloween Chicago-style on October 31, 2025. Trust me, once you’ve seen Halsted glow under those Halloween lights, you’ll want to come back every year.

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