Halloween Chicago 2026 | Ghost Tours, Crawls & Shows

Ways to celebrate Halloween

Ghost Tours & Haunted Walks

Lincoln Park, Prairie Avenue and the Loop after dark, with guides who know which buildings have the records.

Haunted Pub Crawls

Ghost stories between rounds, through the bars of Lincoln Park and the North Side. Costume optional, encouraged.

Torture Museum & Dark History

The Medieval Torture Museum's collection of real devices, plus self-guided hunts through Chicago's grimmest corners.

Burlesque & Late Shows

Drunk Dracula and A Nightmare on Strip Street: horror parody with a drink in hand, adults only.

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.

Halloween FAQ

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 candlelight concerts. Browse the full lineup above and filter by date or category to find what fits.

Are there Halloween events for kids in Chicago?

Most of what we list in Chicago is for adults: ghost tours, haunted pub crawls and late shows. A few walking tours suit older children, so check the age guidance on each event page. Daytime pumpkin events are run by local venues and are not sold here.

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 candlelight 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, there's 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

Aurora Murder Mystery: Solve the Case tickets - Aurora

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

Windy City Ghosts: Hauntings of Chicago Walking Tour (Chicago) Tickets

Candlelight: Halloween Classics - Chicago

Trick or Drink Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl (3 Days)

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

The Jazz Room: This is Halloween Edition - Chicago - Tickets

The Boos & Booze Chicago Halloween Friday & Saturday Bar Crawl | West Loop - Chicago

The Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl, Chicago

Chicago 3 Day All Access Halloween Bar Crawl

The Boos & Booze Chicago Friday & Saturday Halloween Bar Crawl | River North - Chicago

The Boos & Booze Chicago Friday Halloween Bar Crawl | River North & West Loop - Chicago

Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Walk through Old Chicago - Chicago

Halloween Fever Gift Card - Chicago

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

Haunted Chicago Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Tickets

Drunk Dracula in Chicago - Tickets

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Classical Compositions - Chicago

AirOtic BITE! - Chicago - Tickets

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

Lincoln Park Hauntings Ghost Investigation Tour (Chicago) Tickets