Halloween Chicago 2026 | Ghost Tours & Scary Events

Ways to celebrate Halloween

Haunted Houses & Horror

Fog machines, jump scares, and pitch-dark corridors. Book your haunt before they sell out.

Parties & Nightlife

Costume contests, neon-lit dance floors, and late-night bars dressed for October 31.

Family & Kids

Pumpkin patches, trick-or-treat trails, and shows built for little monsters aged 3 and up.

Candlelight & Dinners

Halloween dinners by flickering candlelight, carved pumpkins on the table, seasonal menus included.

Why Chicago for Halloween

Ghost tours everywhere

Lincoln Park, Prairie Avenue, the Windy City streets. Chicago's haunted history runs deep and the tours prove it.

Medieval meets macabre

The Medieval Torture Museum brings real instruments of dread, with audio guides and ghost hunting after dark.

Comedy cuts the chill

Drunk Dracula and a burlesque horror parody keep Halloween fun, loud, and a little ridiculous.

Frequently asked questions

When is Halloween 2026?

Halloween falls on Friday, October 31, 2026. Many events in Chicago run the full last week of October, so check dates and book early. Weekend events often sell out first.

What are the best Halloween events in Chicago?

Halloween Chicago brings haunted tours through historic neighborhoods, rooftop costume parties, and candlelit concerts. Browse the full lineup above and filter by date or category to find what fits.

Are there Halloween events for kids and families?

Yes. Halloween Chicago has plenty of family-friendly options: daytime pumpkin festivals, not-too-scary haunted trails, and costume parades designed for younger kids. Filter by Family to see them all.

How far in advance should I book Halloween tickets?

Popular Halloween events in Chicago sell out 2 to 3 weeks before October 31. Haunted experiences and themed dinners go fastest. Book as soon as you know your dates.

What should I wear to a Halloween event?

Most parties encourage costumes and some require them to enter. Check the event description before you go. Comfortable shoes matter if the venue involves walking or standing for long periods.

Are Halloween events only on October 31?

No. Halloween events in Chicago typically run from mid-October through November 1. Haunted houses often open weekends starting October 4. You have several weekends to choose from.

What types of Halloween experiences are available?

You can choose from haunted houses, ghost tours, Halloween-themed candlelight concerts, costume parties, escape rooms, rooftop bars, and family pumpkin festivals. Chicago has options across every category.

How do I get my tickets after booking?

Tickets are delivered digitally after purchase. You receive a confirmation with your QR code or entry details. Bring it on your phone to the venue door on the night of the event.

Halloween in Chicago

Halloween Chicago hits different when the fog rolls off Lake Michigan and the city's Victorian neighborhoods come alive after dark. From candlelit ghost hunts along Prairie Avenue to pub crawls through genuinely haunted bars, Chicago has built a Halloween calendar dense enough to fill the whole month of October.

Whether you want full-on scares at the Medieval Torture Museum or a night of laughs with Drunk Dracula, halloween chicago has an option for every comfort level. Day-trippers can also tap nearby events in Aurora, Rockford, South Bend, and Milwaukee for a full regional Halloween weekend.

Halloween Chicago: Ghost Tours, Scares & More

Halloween plans in Chicago

Medieval Torture Museum Chicago Tickets

Drunk Dracula in Chicago - Tickets

A Nightmare on Strip Street: A Burlesque Parody - Chicago - Waitlist

Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting (Chicago) Tickets

Aurora Murder Mystery: Solve the Case tickets - Aurora

Chicago Ghost Hunt Game: Stories of a Haunted City! - Chicago

Prairie Avenue Haunted History Tour and Ghost Hunt (Chicago) Tickets

Lincoln Park Hauntings Ghost Investigation Tour (Chicago) Tickets

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Haunted Chicago Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Tickets

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics - Rockford

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