Halloween has arrived: Top 12 activities for spooky season

There’s no better way to gear up for the spooky season than haunted houses, fall festivals and Halloween parties. Check out these top 10 places to celebrate the start of the haunting season. 

St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend

St. Charles’ 38th annual Scarecrow Weekend is back for another Halloween season. Over 85 handmade scarecrows will be showcased around downtown for visitors to view and vote for their favorites. The celebratory weekend will include a Family Zone with live entertainment, festive photo ops, Scarecrow-to-Go and fun activities for the whole family. 

• Location: Downtown St. Charles 
• When: Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8

Holy Ghost Bingo: God, Goblins & Game 

Bring your love for bingo and Halloween together. The Holy Ghost Bingo will host bingo games while talking about Halloween traditions, haunted churches, scary movies and condemned board games. This fun night of spooks will offer candy, Halloween trivia, audience interaction and a costume contest you don’t want to miss. 

• Location: 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue
• When: Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 29 

I|O Godfrey Haunted Manor

The I|O Godfrey will transform its rooftop into a grand manor to celebrate Halloweekend. With scary encounters, you can experience a gothic ambiance and interact with haunted igloos and enigmatic performers. 

• Location: 127 West Huron Street 
• When: Saturday, October 28 

Bandit's "Enter the TwiLIT Zone"

Head to this West Loop bar for a live DJ and performances and come dressed in your best costume. Doors will open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 a.m.

• Location: 841 W. Randolph Street
• When: Saturday, October 28

Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest

This annual Halloween festivity truly brings the haunt. Experience scare zones, chilling rides in the dark and haunted houses until October 31. Watch your back; zombies, witches and ghouls could sneak up on you, and the scare factor turns up when the sun goes down.

• Location: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
• When: Until Tuesday, October 31

The Haunted Marz Motel

Hosted by Marz Community Brewing Co. in the Kimpton Gray Hotel lobby and bar Vol. 39, guests will enjoy tarot readings, festive cocktails, aura photography, and a live electronic musical performance by Mr. 666. Partygoers can also browse the eerie Arts Market featuring fine art ceramics, silk-screened prints, and fashion-forward collections. Starting at 6 p.m., the first 50 guests to check in to the party at the lobby desk will receive a special motel room swag bag from the long-shuttered original Marz Motel.

• Location: 122 West Monroe Street
• When: Thursday, October 19

Dungeon of Doom 

A fan-favorite and a leading haunted attraction in the Midwest is kicking off the spooky season. Dungeon of Doom will open its doors on Friday, September 29. This year, the house will feature new-and-improved chills alongside immersive special effects and light shows. Their brand new Dead Clown Alley and 5,000 square-foot Sanctuary will scare the socks off of any guest. Enter if you dare. 

• Location: 600 29th Street, Zion
• When: Friday, September 29 to Tuesday, October 31 

18th District Halloween Candy and Costume Collection

Make a difference this Halloween season. The 18th District is collecting candy and new or gently used costumes for children and families in Domestic Violence Shelters. You can drop off donations at the 18th District police station. 

• Location: 1160 N. Larrabee 
• When: Until October 24 

Nightmare on Clark Street

One of Chicago’s spookiest haunted houses is now open for the season. Experience the haunts and scares their actors have to offer and enjoy their specialty Halloween-themed drinks and food afterward at their Bamboo Club restaurant. 

• Location: 3505 N Clark Street
• When: Until Tuesday, October 31 

Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns 

The Chicago Botanic Gardens are combining fall evenings with spooky vibes. The Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns will display artist-carved pumpkins and light visitors' ways through the gardens after dark. You can interact with costumed entertainers and live carving demos along the path, alongside light fare and drinks. 

• Location: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe
• When: Wednesday, October 11 to Sunday, October 15, Wednesday, October 18 to Sunday, October 22 

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 

The 26th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade is making a return. Celebrate Halloween with a costume contest, frights and spooky mayhem. The parade will conclude with an award ceremony, including live performances and dance parties. Participants in the contest can win up to $4,000 in cash prizes and all ages are welcome to join.

• Location: Parade route starts at Halsted & Belmont, parade ends at Halsted & Brompton, award show and after party is located at 3514 N. Halsted 
• When: Tuesday, October 31 

LondonHouse’s Nightmare on Wacker Drive 23 

This year, LondonHouse will host a haunted carnival-themed party. Located in LondonHouse on 21 Lounge, Etoile Ballroom, and the LH Rooftop, guests will be able to enjoy a premium hosted bar, live DJs and a costume contest. 

• Location: 85 East Wacker Drive
• When: Saturday, October 28