Ghosts, goblins, and good times: Halloween fun in Chicago

Chicago is full of spooky fun this month to celebrate the Halloween season. From a haunted carnival and terror-filled tropical bar to a spooky theatre and 1920s-themed speakeasy, there’s plenty of terrifying activities across the city to take part in.

The Owl

• Thursday, October 24

The Owl in Logan Square will host a Tassels and Tombs Burlesque Show from 8-10 p.m. Guests can enjoy live performances and burlesque acts by Sinful Delight, Willy LaQueue and Ammunition. House cocktails will be $10 all evening, but guests can come early to enjoy half-price happy hour starting at 5 p.m.

The Getaway

• Thursday, October 24

Lincoln Square’s The Getaway will put on Tarot Night featuring $10 tarot readings by Christine Morin. Sip on Halloween themed cocktails like the $13 Murder, She Float and $6 Witch’s Brew Shot.

• Saturday, October 26

The Getaway will also host a Halloween Costume Dance Party starting at 10 p.m. with entertainment by DJ Dom Hanks. Costumes encouraged.

Remedy

• Thursday, October 24

Remedy in Bucktown will host a Halloween Lip Sync Happy Hour and drag show starting at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by diva Ginger Forest and Ranger Cheeks. Guests can compete in the runway contest for best Halloween costume. Enjoy half price happy hour specials before the event from 4-7 p.m.

• Sunday, October 27

At 10 p.m., Remedy will host a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Halloween Pizza Party where guests can enjoy free pizza and video games. Costumes encouraged and best costumes will receive prizes. 

• Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30

At 7 p.m., Remedy will also host a Pumpkin Carving Contest. Supplies will be provided while they last. Enjoy half price happy hour specials before the event from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are $10.

I|O Godfrey

• Saturday, October 26

Starting at 8 p.m., I|O Godfrey in The Godfrey Hotel is putting on its Silver Scream Halloween event, with decorations inspired by popular horror films. Guests can enjoy horror-themed cocktails and dishes from the menu, including the Butcher’s Skull Board and Scream Supreme Pizza. Tickets start at $45.

LondonHouse Chicago

• Saturday, October 26

Head to LondonHouse Chicago for the Nightmare on Wacker Drive, which will take place in three of its venues: LH on 21 Lounge, Etoile Ballroom, and LH on 22 Rooftop. Starting at 9 p.m., guests will be transported to an eerie carnival and can participate in the costume contest with fun prizes. Tickets are $150. 

aliveOne

• Saturday, October 26

Lincoln Park’s aliveOne will host its 5th Annual Halloween Live Music Showcase. Doors open at 8 p.m. and live music performances will start at 9 p.m. Two local bands will provide entertainment: Nice Motor will cover Elvis and Dwells will cover music from Jimmy Eat World. Costumes are encouraged and drink special include Halloween and fall-themed drinks, such as the $12 Frankenstein’s Monster daiquiri and the $8 Paulaner Oktoberfest.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila 

• Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26

Head to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s West Loop location for its Al Capone Hideout event starting at 9 p.m., complete with a 1920s-themed speakeasy, live DJ sets, drink specials, and more. DJ Jerzy will perform Friday night and VAVO will perform Saturday. RSVP for free; table reservations are recommended. 

Bodega’s River North location will host its The Queen of Heart’s Wonderland Halloween event both nights starting at 9 p.m. This 1920s-themed speakeasy will showcase the dark chaotic world of the Queen of Hearts, filled with terrifying creatures. RSVP for free to attend. 

Hard Rock Cafe Chicago

• Saturday, October 26

Starting at 9:30 p.m., the Hard Rock Cafe Chicago will host a Haunted Halloween Monsters Ball, featuring multiple DJs and over 600 guests. Performances will include DJ Knockout, David B, and DJ Reign. Tickets are $20 with only 100 spots left.

• Thursday, October 31

From 5-8 p.m., the Hard Rock Cafe Chicago will put on its Spooktacular Howl-A-Ween Dog Fashion Show to support The Anti-Cruelty Society. Costume contests will also be held for the categories of Most Creative, Most Fashionable, Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, Crowd Favorite, and Best Duo. Tickets are $20.

Cody’s Public House

• Saturday, October 26

Cody’s Public House in Lakeview East is putting on a Quentin Tarantino themed Once Upon a Time in Cody Halloween Party, where guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Tarantino character costume for a chance to win $250. Happy hour will kick off the event from 6-9 p.m. Drink specials include $30 High Noon buckets, $7 Camarena tequila, and $7 Rumchata Pumpkin Spice Latte shots. 

•  Sunday, October 27

The following day, dog-friendly Cody’s Public House will host its Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest to benefit ALIVE Rescue. Starting at 3 p.m., the contest will feature cash prizes for Best Doggy Costume ($100) and Best Dog + Human Combo Costume ($200). Free pup cups and dog swag will be available for furry friends. Guests are welcome to come early to watch the Bears vs. Commanders game at 12 p.m. while enjoying drink specials.

• Tuesday, October 29

Cody’s will also host a Pumpkin Painting Contest in partnership with Surfside. Supplies will be provided and guests will compete for a $100 Cody’s gift card prize for Best Pumpkin. Specials will include $25 Surfside buckets and $6 Stateside Vodka cocktails. RSVP to events@codyschicago.com. 

Easy Bar

• Wednesday, October 30

Wicker Park’s Easy Bar will host its Annual New Belgian Pumpkin Carving Contest starting at 7 p.m. Supplies will be provided (until they run out) and New Belgian bags will go to winners for Best Pumpkin, Most Creative, and Ugliest Pumpkin. Guests can enjoy samples of New Belgian beer and drink specials on shots and seltzers. Seasonal drinks include the $12 Pumpkin Spice Margarita, $12 Purple Drank, and $11 Pain Ke’iller. Pool will be free all evening.

Three Dots and a Dash 

• Thursday, October 31

Head to River North’s award-winning Three Dots and a Dash for its Terror in the Tropics Halloween party. Starting at 8 p.m., this special ticketed event will feature eight other tropical bars from around the country; guest bars include Mai Kai (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Hidden Harbor (Pittsburgh, PA), Strong Water (Anaheim, CA), Sunken Harbor Club (Brooklyn, NY), Inferno Room (Indianapolis, IN), Shameful Tiki (Toronto), Halakaheki (River Grove, IL) and Pufferfish (Milwaukee, WI). Tickets are $85 and include 5 drink vouchers.

Central Park Bar

• Thursday, October 31

Head to Avondale’s Central Park Bar for its three-year anniversary Halloween Emo Costume Party. Starting at 9 p.m., Emo Night will feature class emo songs and themed drinks, including the Friend Ghost Shot, Dead Rose Shot, and Pumpkin Beer. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be given for best Halloween costumes.