1. Chill
Before Charlie Brown bumbled through a pumpkin patch, before Tim Burton’s spindly Skellington took the spotlight, before even the “Halloween” franchise spilled its first drop of fake blood, there was F. W. Murnau, whose 1922 film “Nosferatu” has become a well-deserved cult classic for Halloween movie lineups.
On Friday, the vampire movie starring Max Schreck is paired with crackling flames at the last installment of the Park District’s Campfire Horrors screening series. Bonus: The Park District commissioned a new live score for the film from composer Maxx McGathey, to be performed by Gramps the Vamp. Stick around for a 9 p.m. screening of George A. Romero’s 1968 film “Night of the Living Dead.” BYO blankets and chairs. Marshmallows provided. In the event of rain, the screenings will be moved indoors.
Details: Campfires lit at 6 p.m. Screenings at 7 p.m. (“Nosferatu”) and 9 p.m. (“Night of the Living Dead”) on Friday at Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Drive. Free / MAP
2. Indulge
Need a little incentive to go for a morning jaunt? The 10th annual Hot Chocolate 15K/5K and 2-mile walk sweetens the deal with treat stations along the course stocked with marshmallows and chocolate, and a finisher’s “mug” loaded with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and dippable snacks. Post-race party includes a DJ and games for kids.
Details: Run courses start at 7:30 and 8:15 a.m.; walk begins 9 a.m. Sunday in Grant Park, Monroe Street and Columbus Drive. $49-$79 depending on distance / MAP / COURSE MAPS
3. Mingle
Meet a dozen animals at a Halloween party with a pulse. The family friendly Creatures of the Night event includes the chance to meet and learn about owls, snakes, a sloth and others, watch a miniature flea circus, dance to the 3rd Sunday String Band, show off costumes at a “monster mash” bash and more.
Details: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. $5 suggested donation / MAP
4. Pick
Market season isn’t over – it’s just moved indoors. Browse three floors of vintage goods and antiques, art, vinyl, indie designs and more at the season’s first indoor installment of the Randolph Street Market Festival. (Expect some outdoor vendors if weather permits.) Food, beer and wine also available for purchase.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. $8-$10 includes all-weekend access / MAP
5. Rally
Though it is decidedly not the weekend, we can’t fault the calendar for Halloween’s arrival this year on a Tuesday—perhaps the most weekday-est of days, period. So consider the popular Northalsted Halloween Parade an advance on (or an extension of) your weekend fun. Now in its 21st year, the parade is led by the Chicago Thriller flash mob of dancing zombies. Show off your costume (if it survived the weekend) for a chance at prizes for best theme, group, drag and scariest (advance registration recommended). Prefer to watch? Expect a “carnival of sights and colorful spectator,” organizers say. Costume contest takes place after the parade at Halsted and Roscoe streets.
Details: 5 p.m. parade registration; 7:30 p.m. step-off at Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue. Parade proceeds along Halsted to Cornelia Avenue. Free / MAP
6. Remember
An annual Day of the Dead exhibition comes to life in Pilsen, where the community festival Day of the Dead Xicago spills outside into Harrison Park with face-painting, art activities, ofrenda (altar) demonstrations, live music and pan de muerto (traditional Day of the Dead bread). Sign up to create your own ofrenda ($15) or take in the elaborate displays as well as the photos and animations projected onto the museum’s exterior. Get details here about the 31st annual Day of the Dead exhibition, on display through Dec. 10.
Details: 3-8 p.m. Sunday at the National Mexican Museum of Art and Harrison Park, 1852 W. 19th St. Free / MAP
7. Delight
A lineup of more than 40 films marks opening weekend of the 34th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. Titles for tots (ages 1-6), big kids (6-10), tweens (10-13) and teens (13-17) include shorts and features ranging in topic from coming-of-age tales to adventure stories and cutting-edge animation that “offer a unique look into the lives and cultures of people around the world,” organizers say.
Details: Screening times vary. Festival runs Friday through Nov. 5 at multiple locations in the city and suburbs, including Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. $10; $6 for kids. Group tickets and passes available / MAP
Video: “The Oddsockeaters” screens at 3 p.m. Saturday at Facets.
8. Play
Dress up like your favorite zoo animal for a Halloween-themed party at Lincoln Park Zoo—and you might just run into the real thing. The family friendly, 31st annual Spooky Zoo Spectacular lets little ones learn about the zoo’s animal residents, make crafts, collect treats and more.
Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Free / MAP
9. Explore
A food tour of Albany Park highlights a day of activities celebrating the history and culture of the neighborhood. Get bite-sized samples of signature dishes at multiple restaurants during a tour led by chef Jairo Lopez of Tortuga’s Latin Kitchen (please note: no vegetarian options; limited tickets). It’s all part of Taste and Tours of Albany Park, which also includes a walking tour exploring the history of the Chicago River (11 a.m.-1 p.m.; $10-$20 suggested donation) and a free bookbinding workshop (1-3 p.m.) at Nighthawk Coffee Bar & Tavern.
Food tour: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday starting at El Siglo XX, 3622 W. Lawrence Ave. $20 / MAP
10. Discover
A North Shore museum uses cutting-edge technology to let visitors have “conversations” with 13 Holocaust survivors—including seven from Chicago. At this weekend’s opening celebration of the multimillion-dollar, permanent Take a Stand Center at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, check out the new trio of interactive galleries—including the “Abe & Ida Cooper Survivor Stories Experience,” featuring interactive, 3D technology—meet Holocaust survivors in person, and take in musical and spoken-word poetry performances.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. Included with general admission: $15; $8-$10 for seniors and students; $6 for kids ages 5-11. RSVP recommended / MAP
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.