Introduction to the Weekend
The final weekend before Halloween is full of plenty of fall activities and fun, but there’s plenty of other events to keep you busy in coming days.
Halloween Parade & Festival
Event Details
The 45th annual Galena Halloween Parade & Festival, hosted by the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce, features floats, marching bands, costumed participants and food vendors.
Where and When
- WHERE: Main Street in downtown Galena
- WHEN: 6:30p.m. – 8p.m. on Oct. 25th
Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns
Event Details
Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns features glowing tributes to Chicago sports teams, plant monsters, famous vampires, pets in Halloween costumes, and much more.
Where and When
- WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
- WHEN: 6:30 – 10p.m. thru Oct. 26th
Tunnel of Terror
Event Details
Several Tommy’s Express locations in Illinois transform into a Tunnel of Terror, featuring a spine-chilling haunted experience with creepy masked employees, jump scares and haunting sounds all from the comfort of your car.
Where and When
- WHERE: 6803 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL ; 12440 IL-47, Huntley, IL; 15819 Wolf Rd., Orland Park, IL
- WHEN: Loves Park & Huntley: 6:30-9p.m. on Oct. 24th & 25th ; Orland Park; 7-10p.m. on Oct. 24th & 25th
Lumenaura Festival
Event Details
The Lumenaura Festival transforms downtown Aurora into a glowing wonderland of immersive light and sound, with mesmerizing art displays, artistic soundscapes, and plenty of interactive activities.
Where and When
- WHERE: Downtown Aurora, with the recommended starting point at Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downtown Pl., Aurora IL
- WHEN: Runs thru Oct. 26th
Día de los Muertos Xicágo
Event Details
Celebrate the beloved tradition of Día de los Muertos at this special event, featuring ofrendas created by community members, live music, performances, and art activities.
Where and When
- WHERE: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, and Harrison Park, 1824 S Wood St, Chicago
- WHEN: 3 – 8p.m. on Oct. 25th
Streeterville Dog Halloween Party
Event Details
The 37th annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party features more than 300 doggies and their people participating in a costume party and parade.
Where and When
- WHERE: Behind the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave
- WHEN: 9 – 11a.m. on Oct. 26th
Halloween Celebrations in Wicker Park
Event Details
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce celebrates Halloween during it’s ‘Meet Me On Milwaukee’ event, with trick or treating, a scavenger hunt, a ‘reverse haunted house installation called “The Haunt-ING House," where kids become “ghosts-in-training," face painting and hands-on crafts.
Where and When
- WHERE: Milwaukee Ave., between the North/Damen intersection and Ashland
- WHEN: 1p.m. to 4p.m. on Oct. 26th
Lyric Opera of Chicago: ‘Medea’
Event Details
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of ‘Medea’ is a tale of infidelity and revenge, sung in Italian, with projected English titles.
Where and When
- WHERE: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago
- WHEN: runs thru Oct. 26th
Comedy: Nate Bargatze
Event Details
Comedian & actor Nate Bargatze – known for his clean, deadpan delivery and storytelling- brings his Big Dumb Eyes World Tour to Chicago.
Where and When
- WHERE: United Center, 1901 W Madison St, Chicago
- WHEN: 7p.m. on Oct 23rd & 24th
Comedy: Ben Schwartz & Friends
Event Details
Ben Schwartz & Friends is a touring improvised comedy show featuring actor and comedian Ben Schwartz and a rotating cast of talented improvisers from Los Angeles. The entire show is created spontaneously based on a suggestion from an audience member.
Where and When
- WHERE: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St., Chicago
- WHEN: 8p.m. on Oct. 25th
Magic: Penn & Teller
Event Details
Penn & Teller are a magic duo know for their unique blend of magic and comedy, and they are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Where and When
- WHERE: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago
- WHEN: 8p.m. on Oct. 24th
Concert: Kindred the Family Soul
Event Details
Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon are a married couple who call themselves Kindred the Family Soul. Their mission is to make music that is thoughtful, conscious and driven by a desire to motivate, inspire, comfort and spread love and joy.
Where and When
- WHERE: North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL
- WHEN: 8p.m. on Oct. 25th
Concert: Take 6
Event Details
The a cappella group Take 6 sings a variety of musical styles, including jazz, doo-wop, blues and R & B.
Where and When
- WHERE: Martin Theatre (Indoors) at Ravinia. Park in the South Parking Lot: 201 St. Johns Avenue, Highland park, IL
- WHEN: 7:30p.m. on Oct. 24th
Concert: Sam Bush
Event Details
Mandolinist Sam Bush is considered an originator of progressive bluegrass music, who mixes in jazz, rock and even Indian music.
Where and When
- WHERE: Martin Theatre (Indoors) at Ravinia. Park in the South Parking Lot: 201 St. Johns Avenue, Highland park, IL
- WHEN: 7:30p.m. on Oct. 25th
Conclusion
The weekend of October 24-26 offers a wide range of activities and events for all interests, from Halloween-themed festivities to concerts, comedy shows, and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re looking for spooky fun, great music, or thought-provoking performances, there’s something for everyone in the Chicago area this weekend.
FAQs
- Q: What time does the Galena Halloween Parade & Festival start?
- A: The parade starts at 6:30p.m. on Oct. 25th.
- Q: Where can I find more information about the Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns?
- A: More information can be found on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s website or by visiting their location at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL.
- Q: Are tickets required for the Tunnel of Terror?
- A: Please check with the specific Tommy’s Express location for ticket information and availability.
- Q: Can I bring my dog to the Streeterville Dog Halloween Party?
- A: Yes, the event is specifically for dogs and their owners, featuring a costume party and parade.
- Q: How can I purchase tickets for the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of ‘Medea’?
- A: Tickets can be purchased through the Lyric Opera House’s box office or website.
