(Courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo)
1. Play
Usher in Halloween with a trio of kid-friendly events. Visit more than 70 candy stations at Navy Pier’s Slightly Spooky Saturday, where you’ll find arts and crafts, interactive science experiments and costume contests. In Lincoln Park, Spooktacular delivers two days of trick-or-treating at area businesses; on Saturday you’ll also find face painting, caricature artists, music and a prize wheel. And Fall Fest wraps up this weekend at the Lincoln Park Zoo; expect a pumpkin patch, stilt walker and chalk art.
Details for Slightly Spooky Saturday: noon-8 p.m. Saturday at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free / MAP
Details for Spooktacular: 1-4 p.m. Saturday along Lincoln Avenue from Wrightwood Avenue to Webster Avenue (MAP); 1-4 p.m. Sunday along Clark Street from Diversey Parkway to Armitage Avenue (MAP). Free
Details for Fall Fest: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday to Sunday at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Free / MAP
Looking for more events? Check more of the season’s upcoming festivities in our 2023 Chicago Festival Guide.
2. Applaud
The University Symphony Orchestra conjures up chilling music at Symphonic Scare, featuring selections from Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Mahler and John Williams, among others. The Hyde Park School of Dance accompanies with costumed performances and storytelling. Audience costumes are encouraged. Can’t make it? A livestream will be available on YouTube.
Details: 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., $5-10 suggested donation / MAP
2022 University Symphony Orchestra Halloween concert (Anthony Nguyen)
3. Laugh
The inaugural 312 Comedy Festival brings together 29 diverse acts at venues across the city and suburbs, including Zanies and the Chicago Theatre.
Details: Times, prices and locations vary through Nov. 5
4. Howl
Support a good cause with your furry friend this weekend. At the Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest, pups compete for most creative, funniest and best ensemble costumes; all proceeds benefit PAWS Chicago. The Wag-O-Ween dog-friendly market features a photo booth, costume contest, puppuccinos and custom pet portraits; proceeds go to Wild Hearts. At the Dovetail Brewery Tail-Gate, dogs can compete in three costume categories: most creative, spookiest and silliest; $1 from each brew of the day goes to Chicago Canine Rescue.
Details for the Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest: 4 p.m. Saturday at Harry Caray’s Tavern, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave. $10 per pet / MAP
Details for Wag-O-Ween: noon-5 p.m. Saturday at Bosly’s Backyard, 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave. $15-20 per person / MAP
Details for Tail-Gate: 1-5 p.m. Saturday at Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W. Belle Plaine Ave. $10 per costume contest entry / MAP
5. Visit
Dive into the history of Jewish delis at “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli. The new exhibit explores how Jewish immigrants imported and adapted traditions to create a uniquely American restaurant. Admission is free this Friday; food from Once Upon a Bagel will be available for purchase (Friday only).
Details: Open through April 14 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive in Skokie. Exhibit included in museum admission. $18 adults; $12 seniors; $8 students; $5 kids 5-11; children under 5 are free. Museum admission is free the last Friday of each month / MAP
A butcher prepares an order as beef salamis dangle above him at Romanian Kosher Sausage Co. in Chicago, 2022. (Max Abrams)
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.
