Festivals, pumpkin patches, and parties to celebrate Chicago's hurrah before winter
The Chicago Park District is thrilled to offer Halloween in the Parks, presented by Mars Wrigley. Affordable, accessible, and exciting fall events will be held citywide. Patrons of all ages are invited to take part in fall events through November.
Though we have a frightening amount of Halloween events across the city, some highlights include a series of horror films screened outdoors by campfire, countless pumpkin patches, Día de los Muertos decoration tutorials, and even an opportunity to enjoy cider with the Sanderson Sisters!
“Sure, Halloween is supposed to be scary, but this time of year is also full of vibrant and joyful fun, family friendly activities,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “Our passionate staff will be turning our parks into wonderlands equipped with crafts, music, costumes, décor and more. Get out and enjoy!”
For a full listing of Fall and Halloween events, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/halloween.
October 2, 2023
Dia de los Muertos Cempasúchil Flowers Workshop, Marquette Park, 6734 W. Kedzie
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us for a family art workshop with Artist William Estrada! Participants will explore themes of Día de los Muertos and create beautiful Cempasúchil Flowers crafts from tissue paper and other materials. Cempasúchil flowers are traditionally used as part of Day of the Dead Celebrations and are used to decorate community and familial Ofrendas honoring our ancestors. Participants will have an opportunity to make paper marigolds for your home ofrenda and for the Marquette Park Community ofrenda. This workshop will have a 5pm session and a 6pm session. This event is part of a workshop series exploring themes of Dia de los Muertos on Mondays throughout October, honoring and celebrating the lives of loved ones that have passed away. All are welcome and invited to return for the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 3rd.
October 6, 2023
The Nightmare Before Christmas, Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Dr.
7:00 P.M. – 8:16 P.M.
Al Ages, Free Admission
A warm fire on a cool night is the perfect setting for a scary movie. Roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and enjoy horror classics under the October sky.
October 7, 2023
Mini Pumpkin Patch, Bell Park, 3020 N. Oak Park Ave.
11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
All Ages, $5.00 Admission
Join us for our annual Mini-Pumpkin Patch. Enjoy pumpkin carving & decorating, games, and face painting activities.
October 8, 2023
Fall Fest, Jefferson Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.
12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
All ages, Free Admission
We invite community members to our annual fall fest! The family-friendly event will feature arts & crafts for the kiddos, Halloween costume swap and of course PUMPKINS. Plus, tons of fun in the park!
October 13, 2023
Campfire Horrors: Friday the Thirteenth, Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Dr.
7:00 P.M. – 8:35 P.M.
All ages, Free Admission
A warm fire on a cool night is the perfect setting for a scary movie. Roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and enjoy horror classics under the October sky. A group of camp counselors trying to reopen a summer camp called Crystal Lake, which has a grim past, are stalked by a mysterious killer. Event is outside, weather permitting. Please dress warmly and bring blankets to keep warm.
R | 1980 | 95 minutes
October 14, 2023
Pumpkin Patch, Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
All Ages, $5.00 Admission
Everyone just loves pumpkins!
Join us for an afternoon in the park at this family-friendly event!
At the Chicago Park District's pumpkin patches, you get to pick your personal favorite from a field filled with pumpkins and personalize it at the pumpkin decorating station. Enjoy Halloween-themed carnival games, inflatables, music by Horner Park Jazz Band and don't forget to bring a camera to capture a family memory at our harvest photo station. Plus, the kiddos will experience a visit from JG Reptile.
Cider with the Sanderson Sisters, Normandy Park, 6660 W. 52nd St.
11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
All Ages, $10.00 Admission
This event includes arts and crafts, face painting, music, cotton candy, and a meet and greet with the Sanderson sisters.
Campfire Horrors: The Blair Witch Project, Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
7:00 PM – 8:35 PM
All ages, Free Admission
A warm fire on a cool night is the perfect setting for a scary movie. Roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and enjoy horror classics under the October sky. The Blair Witch Project: Three film students vanish after traveling into a Maryland forest to film a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend, leaving only their footage behind. Event is outside, weather permitting. Please dress warmly and bring blankets to keep warm.
R | 1999 | 81 minutes
October 15, 2023
Harvest Fest, Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave.
10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
All Ages, $5.00 Admission
Everyone just loves pumpkins!
Join us for an afternoon in the park at this family-friendly event!
At the Chicago Park District's pumpkin patches and harvest fests, you get to pick your personal favorite from a field filled with pumpkins and personalize it at the pumpkin decorating station. Enjoy carnival-themed carnival games, inflatables, children's music and don't forget to bring a camera to capture a family memory at our harvest photo station. Plus, we have JG Reptile Show!
October 16, 2023
Senior Harvest Fest, Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave.
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Ages 60 and up, $5.00 Admission
Everyone just loves pumpkins and we have the perfect event that our seniors will love! Fall is a great time to gets outdoors, enjoy the festive season, and get your pumpkin.
At our Harvest Fest seniors will pick their pumpkin, listen to some live music, play a few games, have conversations with friends, and enjoy a tasty treat.
October 20, 2023
S’Mores & Stories, Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave.
5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Ages 1 year, 6 months to 11, $5.00 Admission
Join us for our Annual S'mores & Stories with Ms. Renee. We will have a bonfire with Nature Oasis providing the fire. Spooky and Fall themed stories will be read by Ms. Renee and there will be games for the kiddos. Come dressed in a costume as KPAC will be hosting the costume parade. Advanced registration is encouraged.
Halloween Movie Night, Trebes Park, 2260 N. Clifton Ave.
6:40 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
All Ages, Free admission
Just in time for Halloween! Join us for a haunted movie night. Flick TBA.
This event is held outside so dress warm!
Campfire Horrors: The Shining, Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Dr.
7:00 P.M. – 9:26 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
A warm fire on a cool night is the perfect setting for a scary movie. Roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and enjoy horror classics under the October sky. The Shining: A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future. Event is outside, weather permitting. Please dress warmly and bring blankets to keep warm.
R | 1980 |146 minutes
October 21, 2023
Pumkin Patch, Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave.
10:00 A.M.—2:00 P.M.
All ages, $5.00 Admission
Everyone just loves pumpkins!
Join us for an afternoon in the park at this family-friendly event!
At the Chicago Park District's pumpkin patches, you get to pick your personal favorite from a field filled with pumpkins and personalize it at the pumpkin decorating station. Enjoy Halloween-themed carnival games, inflatables, and don't forget to bring a camera to capture a family memory at our harvest photo station. Plus, the kiddos will experience a visit from JG Reptile.
Pumpkin Party, Pasteur Park, 5825 S. Kostner Ave.
11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
All ages, $5.00 Admission
This event includes fall crafts, pumpkin decorating and caramel apple making.
Campfire Horrors: Hotel Transylvania, North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.
7:00 P.M. – 8:31 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenaged daughter. Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenaged daughter. Event is outside, weather permitting. Please dress warmly and bring blankets to keep warm.
PG | 2012 | 91 minutes
October 24, 2023
Halloween Arts & Crafts, Rosedale Park, 6312 W. Rosedale Ave.
10:00 A.M. – 1:45 A.M. & 5:00 P.M.
Ages at least 1 year, 6 months to 3, $8.00 admission
Children are going to have fun getting crafty creating spooky Halloween crafts
October 26, 2023
Halloween Fun Walk Thru, Scottsdale Park, 4637 W. 83rd St.
4:30—6:00 P.M.
Ages 6 to 12, Free Admission
Walk thru and participate in Halloween themed music, dancing, crafts, face paint & an inflatable.
Halloween Spooktacular, Avondale Park, 3516 W. School St.
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Ages 6 to 9, Free Admission
We have a spooktacular plan to make some super easy kid friendly Halloween themed arts and crafts. All supplies included.
Day of the Dead – Sugar Skulls, Mayfair Park, 4550 W. Sunnyside Ave.
12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Ages 55 and up, $20.00 Admission
Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on the first and second of November each year. It serves to honor the memory of deceased loved ones as families and communities come together and remember their ancestors. Join us for this memorable, interactive experience while engaging in the process of making your very own sugar skull! Choose your props and strike a pose in our Dia de los Muertos photo booth!
This project is partially supported by a grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and presented as part of the Culture In My Neighborhood initiative.
Day of the Dead – Sugar Skulls, Mayfair Park, 4550 W. Sunnyside Ave.
5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Ages 6 to 12, $25.00 admission
October 27, 2023
Halloween Extravaganza, Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St.
4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Ages 3 to 12, $2.00 Admission
Join us for our annual Halloween Extravaganza in the Park! We are looking forward to seeing everyone dressed in their funniest, scariest, craziest, and most original costume.
Halloween Party, Calumet Park, 9801 S. Avenue G.
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
You are invited to join us for tricks or treats at this great Halloween party! Enjoy games, costume contests, and arts & crafts.
Spooky Crafts, Rutherford Sayre Park, 6871 W. Belden Ave.
4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Ages 5 to 9, $10.00 Admission
Join us for a spook-tacular time and create various Halloween-themed crafts to get you in the spooky spirit!
Halloween Happenings, Olympia Park, 6566 N. Avondale Ave.
5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
Let's have a fab-boo-lous time! Join us for crafts, games, treats, and entertainment. Costumes are highly encouraged. Activities are geared for ages 10 & under.
Halloween Skating Party, Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St.
5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Ages 1 to 12, Free Admission
Join us at this community Halloween skating party for some great fun and candy.
Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Haunted House, Avalon Park, 1215 E. 83rd St.
5:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Ages 7 and up, $5.00 Admission
You are going to get spooked visiting this ghoulish house! Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Haunted House, Archer Park, 4901 S. Kilbourn Ave.
Friday October 27, 2023, 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us at this Haunted House for those who are not faint of heart!
Campfire Horrors: Addams Family Values, Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Dr.
7:00 P.M. – 8:34 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
A warm fire on a cool night is the perfect setting for a scary movie. Roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and enjoy horror classics under the October sky. The Addams Family try to rescue their beloved Uncle Fester from his gold-digging new love, a black widow named Debbie. Event is outside, weather permitting. Please dress warmly and bring blankets to keep warm.
PG-13 | 1993 | 94 minutes
October 28, 2023
Halloween Extravaganza Partnership, Haas Park, 2402 N. Washtenaw Ave.
10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Ages 3 to 12, Free Admission
Join us for our annual Halloween Extravaganza in the Park! We are looking forward to seeing everyone dressed in their funniest, scariest, craziest, and most original costume.
Pumpkin Patch, Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St.
10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Ages 3 to 12, Free Admission
Let's get together and have some fun at our annual Pumpkin Patch. We'll have a petting zoo, arts & crafts and face painting!
Pumpkin Fest, Unity Park, 2636 N. Kimball Ave.
10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Ages 16 and under, Free Admission
Save the date for Pumpkin Fest! Come for the pumpkins and stay for the fun! Pumpkin Fest brings families to Unity Park for many free activities for the whole family like: Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin decoration, face painting, family photo station, spooky themed photo booth, Dia de Los Muertos activity.
Trunk or Treat, Shabbona Park, 6935 W. Addison St.
11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
All ages, Free Admission
Children can come dressed in their costumes to collect candy from cars decorated for Halloween at our 4th annual Trunk or Treat. Activities include arts & crafts, games and more! The event takes place in front of the building...you can't miss it! Co-sponsored by Alderman Sposato.
Haunted House, Columbus, 500 S. Central Ave.
11:00 A.M. -- 4:00 P.M.
All ages, $5:00 Admission
Thrill seekers will want to visit our creative and spook-tacular haunted house! Not recommended for those faint of heart.
For those not looking for the scare we will have Halloween themed activities for everyone to enjoy in the gym.
Halloween Party, Grand Crossing Park, 7655 S. Ingleside Ave.
1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Ages at least 5 to 12, Free Admission
Join us for this festive Halloween party in the park and come and meet some ghoulish characters!
Halloween Party, Commercial Club Park, 1845 W. Rice St.
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us for a Halloween party that will feature games, crafts and a trick or treat parade. Co-Sponsored by Commercial Park Advisory Council.
Boo Bash, Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.
3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Ages 3 to 11, $5.00 admission
Join us for a Halloween Party in the Park! We'll have Halloween themed games, treats, a DJ and lots of fun. Dress in your Halloween best. The event is ideal for those ages 3-13. No registration is required; pay at the door. This event is in partnership with the Loyola Park Advisory Council.
Haunted House, Archer Park, 4901 S. Kilbourn Ave.
7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us at this Haunted House for those who are not faint of heart!
October 29, 2023
Halloween Park Party, Welles Park 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Ages 1 to 10, Free Admission
Join us for our annual Community Halloween Party. There will be Games, crafts, treats and more! Wear your most creative and spookiest costume. We can't wait!
Trick or Treat on Southport, Sheil Park, 3505 N. Southport Ave.
4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
We love being part of the annual Trick or Treat on Southport! The neighborhood's favorite fall tradition features family-friendly activities, local food and so much more. Make sure to stop by Sheil Park for a spooktacular treat!
October 31, 2023
Trunk or Treat, Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St.
3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
All Ages, Free Admission
Children can come dressed in their costumes to collect candy from cars decorated for Halloween. Activities include arts & crafts, games and more!
Halloween Community Party, Oriole Park, 5430 N. Olcott Ave.
4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Ages 2 to 10, Free Admission
Join us for our annual Halloween Community Party in the Park! We'll have Halloween themed games, treats, and lots of fun. Dress in your Halloween best. The event is ideal for those ages 3-10.
Halloween Party, West Lawn Park, 433 W. 65th St.
4:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Ages 3 to 12, Free Admission
Looking for an awesome Halloween party? Join us for tricks and treats, games, costume contests and more!
Tots Halloween Party, Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd St.
5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Ages 1 to 5, Free Admission
Looking for an awesome Halloween party? Join us for tricks and treats, games, costume contests and more!