What’s the point in putting together an epic Halloween costume if you don’t get to show it off? Get out on the town this weekend to walk in a parade or enter a costume contest, and see if people recognize you!
And if you’ve spent more time putting together your dog’s Halloween costume than your own, I see you. Sincerely, the girl who spent an hour at her sewing machine making alterations to her dog’s Lamb Chop costume.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Festival (Lakeview)
This is my favorite FREE Halloween tradition! Anyone can sign up to walk in the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, which kicks off at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, followed by a costume contest and outdoor dance party. Hundreds of people sign up each year, vying for $4,000 in total cash prizes. As a loyal spectator, I can promise you the costumes are some of the coolest you’ll see in the city.
- 👯♀️ The festival starts at noon on Halsted Street between Aldine and Addison Avenues with family-friendly activities, refreshments, local vendors, and live performances. Register online to participate in the parade and costume contest, and speed up the check-in process!
Upside Down Halloween Parade (Washington Park)
This free, family-friendly Halloween parade is from 12-2 p.m. on Oct. 31. The Upside Down Halloween Parade invites children and their families to don their favorite costumes and join the procession down Russell Drive in Washington Park. The parade will also feature dance teams, musicians, acrobats, and other performers.
- 🍭Is it even Halloween without sweets? Free candy will be provided!
Doggy & Kitty Halloween Costume Party and Parade (Streeterville)
At the 39th annual Doggy & Kitty Halloween Costume Party and Parade, hundreds of pets will strut through Streeterville in their best costumes! Dress up your dog or cat, and bring them (on a leash or in a carrier) to the Museum of Contemporary Art Sculpture Garden at 220 E Chicago Ave. on Oct. 31 before 10 a.m. The winners will take home a new toy!
- 🦮 Register your pet online for the costume contest. The suggested $10 donation will support the animals at PAWS Chicago no-kill animal shelter.
Frights and Freestyles (Washington Heights)
The Chicago Public Library is hosting an open mic for teenagers at the Woodson Regional Branch at 9525 S. Halsted St. on Oct. 30 from 3-4 p.m. Teens can take the stage wearing their favorite Halloween attire and express themselves through music, spoken word, poetry, rap, and storytelling. They can present work they created themselves, or perform one of their favorite pieces.
- 🏆 Everyone who participates in the Frights and Freestyles Teen Open Mic will receive exclusive library swag, and the top performer will take home a grand prize.
