Halloween in Chicago 2009

I love Halloween in Chicago because gifts aren't necessary, and it's like the calm before the holiday logistics of the December season. During Halloween you get to focus on fun and decorations only.

Find some of Chicago's Halloween fun here and links below for decorating ideas. More events and details will be added as they become available.

1. Chicago Park District - Halloween Events - Throughout October
   The CPD never lets a holiday go by without launching a celebration in every corner of the city. Find pumpkin patches, dances, parties and other Halloween events near you.
   
   
2. Navy Fear at Navy Pier - TBD
   The pier takes on a decisively orange and black glow with a string of Halloween events and things to do. Carnival of Curiosities, The Fear Haunted House at Navy Pier, Adopt-a-Pet and Pooch Parade, and more.
   
   
3. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America -TBD
   The 18th annual Halloween celebration of spooky roller coasters and other bone-tingling rides.
   
   
4. Spirit Ships and Haunted Harbors - TBD
   Board the ship Windy and sail Lake Michigan while hearing ghost stories drawn from the depths of the Great Lakes.
   
   
5. Dracula Theater Hikes - TBD
   The Morton Arboretum shakes up theater. Here you hike through the trees from outdoor scene to outdoor scene.
   
   
6. Festival of Happy Haunts at Kiddieland - TBD
   Expect good fun that is low on the creepy at this family favorite. Runs from noon to 8 p.m. every weekend in October.
   
   
7. Haunted Sanitarium at Theater on the Lake -TBD
   This extra scary haunted sanitarium is recommended for ages 13 and older. The Theater by the Lake really once was a sanitarium. Do you think some twisted souls still walk its corridors just waiting for their Halloween chance?
   
   
8. Haunted Village at Daley Plaza - TBD
   Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn) turns into Pumpkin Plaza and featured pumpkin decorating, storytellers, costume contests, performances by Midnight Circus, and more.
   
   
9. Chix Mix Masquerade Ball at Circuit on TBD
   You must be dressed in the theme to get a discount.
   
   
10. Pumpkins in the Park 5K - TBD
    A 4 p.m. start for this annual race which leaves from the South Field House at Stockton Dr. and LaSalle St. (1800 N. Stockton Drive). Kids 12 and under category, too, with an earlier start time.
    
    
11. State Street Halloween Happening Parade - TBD
    A noon kick off at State and Randolph gets the boo(t)s marching.
    
    
12. Creatures of the Night - TBD
    The Garfield Park Conservatory hosts nocturnal animals and Halloweeny activities from noon to 3.
    
    
13. Spooky Zoo Spectacular at the Lincoln Park Zoo - TBD
    Trick or treat with lions, tigers, and bears from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Features crafts, entertainment, and more. (The zoo is located at 2200 N. Cannon Drive in Chicago.)
    
    
14. Hallowed Halls: Fairy Tales at the Chicago Cultural Center on TBD
    The Cultural Center (78 E. Washington) comes alive with the Halloween spirit with magical animals, witches, story-telling, costumer parades and other family friendly events. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    
    
15. Civic Orchestra of Chicago's Hallowed Haunts Concert - Saturday, October 24
    Annual spooky music concert at the Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan) at 3 p.m. Trick-or-treating and family activities in the "Haunted Ballroom" from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
    
    
16. Trains, Tricks, and Treats - TBD
    The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts a Halloween celebration in their model train railroad yard.
    
    
17. Trick or Treat Trot - TBD
    A 5K and 10K run event, a 5K family walk, a kids run, costume contest, and much more at the lakefront near Montrose.
    
    
18. Annual Roscoe Village Halloween Parade - TBD
    Parade kicks off at Leavitt and Roscoe at 2 p.m. and will march to Damen. Party/fundraiser to follow.
    
    
19. Bucktown Boo-Palooza - TBD
    Loads of p's: pumpkins, (face)paint, petting zoo, and a parade at noon. 1611 N. Damen in the Midwest Bank parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    
    
20. Spooky Seas Family Night and Overnight at the Shedd Aquarium - TBD
    Enjoy a Halloween celebration among the reefs of the Aquarium. Children and parents can spend the night or just stay for the party.
    
    
21. Chicago Scene's Dead Man's Ball Costume Party - TBD
    Chicago Scene's annual deluxe Halloween party takes place at Crobar this year. Tickets in advance are $15.
    
    
22. 13th Annual North Halsted Halloween Parade - TBD
    A boisterous Lakeview tradition for kids and adults alike. Thousands are expected to attend.
    
    
23. Chix Mix Halloween Party at Kinetic Playground - TBD
    21 and older costume party. Doors open at 9 p.m. $5 cover.
    
    
24. Cirque du Kit Kat - TBD
    Costumed fun, party and contest.