9 Must-Experience 2025 Halloween Events in Chicago That Will Haunt Your Memories
If you’re searching for the best Halloween events in Chicago 2025, you’re in the right place.
Every October, Chicago transforms into a ghostly wonderland with experiences ranging from family-friendly pumpkin trails to wild nightlife haunts. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, dressing up for a parade, or seeking spine-tingling thrills…
This guide to 2025 Halloween events in Chicago delivers everything haunting, happening, and downright unforgettable this year.
Chicago Streets This Halloween Season
Here are the top Halloween events this October in Chicago—the ones people are buzzing about, with location, contact details, and how to get in on the frightful fun.
Haunted Halloween Ball
Summary: Step into Chicago’s grandest costume gala at the Haunted Halloween Ball, promising a night of dances, DJs, spine-chilling décor, and the fiercest costumes.
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Location: Venue details revealed upon ticket purchase.
Website & Contact: hauntedhalloweenball.com for tickets and event details. Haunted Halloween Ball
Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
Summary: A daytime treat—trick-or-treating throughout the pier, live performances, free workshops, and axe-throwing. Perfect for families embracing spooky spirit.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, from noon to 6:00 pm
Location: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Price: Free entry
Website & Contact: More info at navypier.org; call 1-800-595-PIER (7437). Navy Pier
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Summary: The beloved Halsted Parade returns for its 28th year with floats, performers, and a costume contest in Northalsted’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood. It’s a community spectacle you’ll want to see.
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Location: Northalsted/Halsted Street (exact route via website)
Website & Contact: northalsted.com/main-events/haunted-halsted-halloween-parade Northalsted Business Alliance
Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl
Summary: Chicago’s biggest bar-crawl-style party in Wrigleyville. Expect bar specials, costume shenanigans, and a lively crowd crawling from one iconic venue to the next.
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 (and possibly extending into weekend)
Location: Wrigleyville neighborhood, Chicago
Tickets & Info: eventbrite.com/e/wrigleyville-halloween-crawl-chicagos-biggest-halloween-party-tickets-1060425403929 Eventbrite
2025 Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl
Summary: Another boozy adventure! The Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl spans top venues, special drink deals, and vibe-heavy nights—ideal for party lovers 21+.
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Location: Rotating “Best Venues In The City” (check website for specifics)
Tickets & Info: Tickets available via PubCrawls.com Eventbrite
Nightmare on Chicago Street (Elgin)
Summary: Elgin’s flagship horror fest returns with immersive frights: aliens, VHS nightmares, music, a costume contest, and an adult-only zone complete with themed pop-up bars.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Location: Downtown Elgin (Chicago Street)
Tickets:
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General Admission: $35 online; $40 at gate
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ZDI All Access Pass: $80 – includes early entry and exclusive treats
Contact: nightmareonchicagostreet@gmail.com
Website: nightmareonchicagostreet.com NOCS
Chicago Park District Halloween Offerings
Summary: From haunted houses to pumpkin festivals and fall harvest fests, the Park District brings family-friendly spooky fun across neighborhoods. Local parks throw parties, host costume contests, and feature seasonal arts & crafts.
Website & Contact: Visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/halloween for event listings by location and date. Chicago Park District
Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns (Chicago Botanic Garden)
Summary: Enchanting pumpkin displays, glowing installations honoring Chicago sports legends, vampires, and plant-monster sculptures. A magical, Instagram-worthy walk through hundreds of carved lanterns.
When: October 8–26, Wednesday through Sunday
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022
Pricing: Member tickets start at $22; general admission $25; kids under 2 free
More Info: Listed in ABC7’s fall roundup of Halloween events ABC7 Chicago
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Summary: A spellbinding twilight outdoor trail inspired by the Forbidden Forest, with themed lighting and theatrical elements to delight fans and families alike.
When: October 3–November 2, 2025
Location: YMCA Camp Duncan, 32405 N. US Hwy. 12, Ingleside, IL
Tickets: Adults start at $44; children start at $31
More Info: Covered in ABC7 fall events list ABC7 Chicago
Six Flags Fright Fest 2025 (Great America, Gurnee)
Summary: A classic: haunted mazes, scare zones, thrill rides dressed for Halloween—Fright Fest returns with both family-friendly and bone-chilling offerings. This year’s feature: new “The Conjuring” haunted maze.
When: September 13–November 2, 2025
Location: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Pricing: Haunted maze passes (ride admission not included) start at $40; other pricing based on regular day admission ABC7 Chicago
Make October 2025 Chicago’s Spookiest Month Yet
If this list doesn’t have you marking your calendar—or crafting your costume—what will? Explore haunted forest trails, wander through seas of carved pumpkins, or hit the dance floor in your best ghoulish garb. No matter your style, these 2025 Halloween events in Chicago deliver experiences that are both unforgettable and utterly spirited.
Act now: Tickets are going fast. Visit the event websites above, snag your passes, and banish any regrets—this is your season to scare, shine, and celebrate Chicago-style.
