Chicago, IL – October 20, 2023 – As Halloween draws near, the Windy City is gearing up for a weekend filled with spooky and fun events. Chicagoans can enjoy a wide range of activities, from film festivals to fitness crawls, vintage markets, and Halloween parades. Here’s a comprehensive list of 34 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
- International Film Festival: The 59th Chicago International Film Festival is running through October 22 at various locations across the city. Highlights include a Chicago-based documentary, “Bike Vessel,” Studio Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron,” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ acclaimed film “Poor Things.”
- American Dancing Bodies Symposium: Hosted at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, this event on Thursday and Friday offers workshops, demonstrations, screenings, and conversations exploring modern dance techniques.
- In Culinary Conversation: Join market vendors at Boelter Chicago on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. to sample food, meet chefs Ina Pinkey and Paul Young, and learn new recipes.
- Sober October: A Halloween Social: Experience a spooky yet alcohol-free Halloween event at Dorothy on Thursday from 6-8 p.m., complete with spirit-free cocktails and DJ Ca$hEra.
- Rocky Horror Wine Tasting: Head to Mordecai on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. for a wine tasting event featuring the iconic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” soundtrack.
Chicago Fair Trade Clothing Swap.
- Chicago Fair Trade Clothing Swap: From Friday to Sunday, the Chicago Fair Trade Pop-Up Shop & Museum invites you to trade your old clothes, shoes, and accessories in the city’s biggest community clothing swap.
- WNDR After Dark: Tattoo & Tarot: WNDR Chicago hosts an evening of tarot readings, aura portraits, and tattoos on Friday from 6:30-10:30 p.m., along with interactive art experiences and rum-based cocktails.
- Bridgeport Art Center Open Studio: Visit the Bridgeport Art Center on Friday from 7-10 p.m. to meet local artists, curators, and creators in various artistic fields.
- Masha’s Monster Mash Karaoke: Join the karaoke costume party at Game Room on Friday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. hosted by Masha Potato.
- Autism Speaks Walk: Help raise funds for Autism Speaks at Soldier Field on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Besides a 3.1-mile walk, the event offers activities like Lego-building and bubble-wand creations.
- West Town Wellness Crawl: Get your weekend off to a healthy start with a 20-minute strength session, meditation, and visits to local wellness shops on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
- Boo-Palooza: Celebrate Halloween early at Wicker Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a costume contest, dog parade, pumpkin decorating, and more.
- Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl: Dress up your furry friends and join the Halloween pup crawl through Lakeview on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Ukrainian Village Community Cleanup: Participate in a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday from 10:15-11 a.m., starting outside Prequel Cafe.
- Arzu K Designs Pop-Up Shop: Shop for emerging designs from Arzu K Designs at The Silver Room on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
- Zine Workshop: Dive into the world of zines at Oliva Gallery on Saturday from 1-4 p.m., allowing you to express your creativity through drawings, stories, and more.
- Beers For Fears Brewery Crawl: Take a shuttle bus to five Logan Square breweries on Saturday from 2-7 p.m., with costumes encouraged.
Printer’s Row Brewing features outdoor patio seating at the corners of Mason and Lawrence avenues in Portage Park on June 1, 2022. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
- Fall Fest: Enjoy a taco food truck, live music, and more at Printers Row Brewing on Saturday from 2-9 p.m.
- CHAOS Brew Club’s Halloween Party: Chicago’s premier homebrewer’s club is hosting its sixth annual Halloween party on Saturday from 5-11 p.m.
- South Asian Literary Showcase and Launch Party: Celebrate literature, music, and dance at the South Asia Institute on Saturday from 3-5 p.m.
- Lincoln Avenue & Roscoe Street Beer Stroll: Explore Lakeview while sampling craft beer from over 30 local businesses on Saturday from 3-6 p.m.
A dragon puppet by the Art Institute of Chicago Workers United at the 2022 Arts in the Dark Parade.
- Arts In The Dark Halloween Parade: Don’t miss the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. along State Street, featuring music, dance, creative floats, and more.
- Music Box of Horrors: Enjoy a 24-hour movie marathon at Music Box Theater from Saturday to Sunday, with special guests, giveaways, and vendors.
- Logan Square Volunteer Fair: Explore opportunities to get involved in the community at The Joinery on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Windy City Vintage Fest: Shop for vintage clothing and goods from over 40 local vendors at the Patio Theater on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Chicago Craft Club: Crochet 101: Learn the basics of crocheting at Second Shift Coworking and Offices on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Archtoberfest: Join an animal rescue fundraiser with “pups, beer, and good vibes” at Pilot Project Brewing on Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
- Liz Miele Comedy Show: Comedian Liz Miele is performing at The Den Theatre on Sunday at 7:15 p.m. Tickets start at $28.
Liz Miele is a comedian from New York City.
In addition to these events, there are also exciting musical performances happening throughout the weekend:
- Vagabon at Lincoln Hall on Friday at 9 p.m.
- Passafire at Beat Kitchen on Friday at 8 p.m.
- Pretty Lights at The Salt Shed on Saturday at 8 p.m.
- Borgore at Concord Music Hall on Saturday at 10 p.m.
- TV Girl at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on Sunday at 7 p.m.
- Bullet For My Valentine at The Riviera Theatre on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
As you make your weekend plans, be sure to check event websites for more details and to secure your tickets in advance. Whether you’re interested in film, fitness, vintage fashion, or Halloween fun, Chicago has something to offer for everyone this weekend.