In celebration of their three-year anniversary this October, Central Park Bar in Avondale will host a Halloween Emo Costume Party on Thursday, October 31 on the patio. Starting at 9 p.m., Emo Night will kick off with a DJ spinning emo music classics, and themed drink specials will be available. Guests are encouraged to dress up in Halloween attire, and there will also be prizes for best Halloween costume.
Spooky drink specials will include a Dead Rose Shot with Jagermeister and Four Roses Bourbon ($8), a Friendly Ghost Shot with Tito’s, Ghost Blanco tequila and amaretto ($8), and 16-ounce cans of Pumpkin Beer ($8). Guests can also start the festivities early with a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Gold Coast
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago will be hosting its month-long Spooky Tea series during October. The full menu offers a variety of sweet and savory selections created by Pastry Chef Toni Roberts adorned with touches of spooky.
Options include finger tea sandwiches like Crabby, peppers and lemon aioli on charcoal bread; Skulls Skulls Skulls, capers with dill spread; Crunchy Mummy, olives and Borsin spread on Pullman bread; and “Open Face” Sandwich, cornichons with grainy mustard cream cheese on brioche.
The menu also features Carbonara Quiche, made with bucatini, smokey mushroom and parmesan; freshly baked seasonal scones; and an assortment of pastries such as the Poison Apple, green apple cremeux and graham cracker; It’s a Full Moon, lemon cake with blood orange jam and silver dust; Monster Under the Bed, blackberry mousse and pistachio ganache; Jack-O-Cannoli, pumpkin spice ricotta with a chocolate dipped shell; and RIP, a crispy hazelnut chocolate bar.
Guests can choose from an array of Ritz Carlton teas, or a flute of rose champagne. Reservations are available for $85 per person and can be made on Tock. Tea service is available at 2 p.m. on select weekends in October, including: Saturday, October 19 & Sunday, October 20 and Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27 (11 a.m. seating also available).
Dearly Beloved
Dearly Beloved's Halloween Masquerade with tickets starting at $25 (early bird pricing). Tickets gain entry to the soiree and include two cocktails. Bring your own mask to shroud your identity, or allow Dearly Beloved to provide one. The evening begins at 9pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.universe.com/events/halloween-masquerade-party-tickets-LT2V5F.
LAUREL
LAUREL, located at The Talbott Hotel will have three Halloween themed cocktails available from October 26th to the 31st including: Moonlit Margarita: Aztec Azul Tequila, blood orange, lime, cherry cordial, angostura, charcoal; Ghoulish Gimlet: Lighthouse Gin, lime, honeydew slime, simple; and Mary's Bloody Martini: bloody mary infused Downtown Vodka, lemon, "blood" rim.
Lakeview
Mordecai
Mordecai is celebrating classic horror characters and locations like the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Blackula, Dracula's Daughter, and Bride of Frankenstein.
Cocktail Specials are $14 and include the Sweet Alice with 12-year Barbados rum, navy strength Jamaican rum, agricole, passionfruit, lime, and strawberry; The Audrey with charred lime and cranberry vodka, orange liqueur, salted citrus oleo, and lime; The Witches Mirror with reposado, mezcal, amaro, and sorrel bitters; and more. Vintage Shots are $9 and include the Monster Mash with 1980s Midori, vodka, and acidified pineapple and Coffin Joe with 1990s Italian coffee liqueur and 1970s 100-proof Smirnoff.
Cesar's Killer Margaritas
Throughout October three spooky concoctions will be offered at Cesar’s Killer Margaritas.
The Lakeview family-owned restaurant is celebrating Halloween with their Spooky Margaritas, available in flavors that include La Catrina (Mango & Raspberry), El Corazón (Strawberry), and Black Widow (Blackberry).
Also during the month of October, Cesar’s will be collecting photos of loved ones to be added to the restaurant’s Día De Los Muertos Ofrenda, an alter built to honor lost loved ones. Guests can bring photos when they come in to dine, or email them to pics@KillerMargaritas.com, where the Cesar’s team will print them and add them to the alter. Submit photos by Friday, October 25th.
Cody's Public House
Cody’s Public House in West Lakeview will host several Halloween events including a Dog-Friendly Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest, Quentin Tarantino themed Halloween Party and a Pumpkin Painting contest.
“Once Upon a Time in Cody’s” Halloween Party Saturday October 26
Cody’s will host “Once Upon a Time in Cody’s” Quentin Tarantino-themed Halloween bash on Saturday, October 26. Guests can dress as their favorite Tarantino character for a chance to win $250. The party will kick off with happy hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with drink specials including $30 High Noon buckets, $7 Camarena tequila, and $7 Rumchata Pumpkin Spice Latte shots. There will also be a Rumchata Pumpkin Spice Latte sampling.
Dog-Friendly Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest Benefitting ALIVE Rescue Sunday, October 27; Contest at 3 p.m.
Cody’s will host a Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest for dogs and their owners. The contest will kick off at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Doggy Costume ($100) and Best Dog + Human Combo Costume ($200). There will be raffles benefiting ALIVE Rescue, free pup cups and free dog swag. Drink specials will include $5 Lagunitas Pints, $7 Tito's Cocktails, and Cody’s Pup-Tail Menu in which 50-percent of the proceeds will benefit ALIVE Rescue. Guests are invited to come early for the Bears vs Commanders game at 12 p.m.
Pumpkin Painting Contest Tuesday October 29
Cody’s has partnered with Surfside to host a Pumpkin Painting Contest on Tuesday, October 29. Pumpkins, paint and all supplies will be provided by Surfside and the best pumpkin will receive a $100 Cody’s gift card. Specials will include $25 Surfside buckets and $6 Stateside Vodka cocktails. Limited space is available, RSVP to events@codyschicago.com.
Lincoln Park
aliveOne
To kick off Halloween week, aliveOne in Lincoln Park will host their 5th Annual Halloween live music showcase in the Back Room on Saturday, October 26 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.). There is no cover charge and featured local bands will include Nice Motor covering Elvis and Dwells covering music from Jimmy Eat World. The event is 21 and over and costumes are encouraged.
Guests can choose from aliveOne’s festive drink specials available all of October like the Frankenstein’s Monster daiquiri with Bacardi Mango Chile and a sour patch kid garnish ($12), Paulaner Oktoberfest ($8) and Paulaner Marzen ($8).
Lincoln Square
The Getaway
The Getaway in Lincoln Square will get in the spooky spirit with a Tarot Night and a Costume Dance Party along with themed drink specials. Available all month, guests can select the Murder, She Float with Old Forester 86 Proof bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters, and a cabernet float ($13), Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale ($7), and a Witch’s Brew Shot with rum, Jagermeister and lime syrup ($6). Halloween-themed events are as follows:
Tarot Night Thursday, October 24
From 7 p.m. to midnight, The Getaway will host a Tarot Night with Christine Morin (@clumsylush) featuring $10 tarot readings. Guests who arrive early can select from The Getaway’s happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring $8 house cocktails, $5 select drafts and $4 domestics.
Costume Dance Party Saturday, October 26
The Getaway will celebrate its first Halloween with a Costume Dance Party on Saturday, October 26 at 10 p.m. DJ Dom Hanks will keep the party going spinning jams until close. Guests may dress in costume, and The Getaway will serve its Halloween-themed specials all night long.
Logan Square
Common Decency
The cocktail bar is reimagining itself as New York rock club, CBGB. Experience a twist on the venue where bands like Talking Heads and Blondie launched their careers. This time, the spotlight will be on a burlesque drag show celebrating the legacies of rock legends.
Table, Donkey & Stick
TD&S is hosting their 11th Annual Offal Dinner in honor of Halloween. Chef Matt Saccaro and the talented team are offering a pre-fixed, five-course meal on Tuesday, October 31st. Offal is the name for cuts of meat such as beef heart, oxtail and more. Items such as sweetbread and veal sausage with roasted apples, cabbage and potato puree and pumpkin cornmeal cake with a foie gras mousse will be served. Tickets on Resy.
The Owl
The Owl in Logan Square will feature a Halloween-themed “Tassels and Tombs” Burlesque Night on Thursday, October 24 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The show features Chicago-based Rascal Productions and stars dancer and performer Lilly Rascal and musician Dr. Rocktagon. The evening will feature a live band performance and three rounds of burlesque acts from guests including Sinful Delight, Willy LaQueue and Ammunition.
Guests who arrive early can select from The Owl’s signature half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along with $10 house cocktails all evening.
Pilot Project
Pilot Project will offer buy one, get one for $1if you wear a costume to the brewery. This will run the week leading up to Halloween: October 25-October 31.
Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Old Town
LG's Bar & Kitchen
LG's Bar & Kitchen is offering a lineup of events with guests throughout the entire month of October, in anticipation of Halloween Night. Starting Wednesday October 2, LG’s is hosting a Beetlejuice Movie Night, followed by a Halloween-themed Sip N’ Paint on October 9 and October 23, Pumpkin Carving on October 16 and October 27, all leading up to a Murder Mystery Dinner on Wednesday, October 30. Before celebrating on Halloween night, holiday-themed trivia night from 7pm-9pm.
Ravenswood
Ravenswood Costume Crawl
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) on October 30th hosts the annual Ravenswood Costume Crawl where local haunts team up for an evening of treats, drinks, and Halloween fun. A selection of local desserts, snacks, and drinks will be available. A selection of participating businesses includes Bad Coffee, Bayan Ko Diner, Gnome Brew, KOVAL Distillery, Margie's Candies, Slim's Chicago, Teddy's Ice Cream, and more. Tickets are $26 in advance or $30 the day of and include 11 tasting-sized portions of desserts and beverages, a Ravenswood canvas tote bag, and goodies. Tickets available at their website.
River North
Three Dots and a Dash
Three Dots and a Dash is hosting a special ticketed Terror in the Tropics party on Thursday, October 31, featuring eight tropical bars around the country, each serving up a signature cocktail. The party will run from 8pm to 12am and guest bars include Mai Kai (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Hidden Harbor (Pittsburgh, PA), Strong Water (Anaheim, CA), Sunken Harbor Club (Brooklyn, NY), Inferno Room (Indianapolis, IN), Shameful Tiki (Toronto), Halakaheki (River Grove, IL) and Pufferfish (Milwaukee, WI). A marketplace tent will also offer exclusive merchandise from all visiting bars. This is a 21+ event with general admission tickets priced at $85, including 5 drink vouchers. Get tickets on OpenTable.
I|O Godfrey
This Halloween, the Silver Scream at I|O Godfrey on Saturday, October 26, from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The I|O Godfrey rooftop will transform into a haunted theater where horror films come to life. Guests will check in at a spooky ticket window, pass through an eerie concession stand, and wander a maze-like theater filled with tributes to classic horror movies. A full menu will be available until 11 p.m., featuring horror-themed dishes like the Butcher’s Skull Board and Scream Supreme Pizza. Featured cocktails include the Midnight Freeze and Sangre Sangria. Tickets (via Eventbrite) range from $45 for general admission to $2,400 for a premium large booth.
In addition to the Midnight Freeze and Sangre Sangria, I|O Godfrey will be serving two other specialty cocktails for Halloween which will be available October 25th through the 31st. The two additional cocktails are Alien Blood ($18): Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, alien blood, fresh lemon juice and The Substance ($18): Bulleit Bourbon, Giffard Passion Fruit Liqueur, fresh lemon.
Hard Rock Cafe Chicago
Hard Rock Cafe Chicago is offering a Spooktacular Halloween Menu featuring the BOOberry Burger, a steak burger topped with Applewood bacon, creamy brie, crispy shoestring onions, dijonnaise, and arugula, finished with a blueberry chipotle sauce and served with seasoned fries. The menu also includes the BOOberry Zombie, a cocktail crafted with Bacardi Superior rum, triple sec, pineapple, and fresh lime, topped with a pomegranate garnish for a ghoulish treat. Both items are available for a limited time during the Halloween season, Oct. 21-31.
The restaurant will also be hosting a Spooktacular Howl-A-Ween Dog Fashion Show on Thursday, October 31, 5-8 p.m. to showcase your dog's style and personality, all while supporting The Anti-Cruelty Society. Guests can partake in: a DJ spinning hits, festive passed small bites, sweet treats and an opportunity to shop local pet vendors such as Doggy Glam Boutique, Comicos Pet Bakery, Boujee Pups Accessories, Munchbird, Sam Park Pet Portraits, Sploot Veterinary Care, and Kimberly Kingen Pet Photography.
The event will feature costume contests with categories including Most Creative, Most Fashionable, Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, Crowd Favorite, and Best Duo. Winners will receive prizes from local pet vendors and Hard Rock Cafe. The outdoor event is priced at $20 per ticket, with the red carpet runway sponsored by US Poker & Casino. Tickets can be purchasedon Hard Rock Cafe Chicago's website.
Pistores
For the holiday, Pistores will feature their menu of house made desserts dressed up for Halloween. They will also offer Halloween cakes to order, plus two limited time offerings: Carrot cream cheese mousse cake decorated with creepy critters as well as a Pumpkin-shaped butternut squash cheesecake, chef Joel’s version of a mini pumpkin cheesecake.
Tanta
Spooky season officially kicks off at Tanta with their Quechua-inspired spin on the classic Corpse Reviver. The name Mana Wañusqa (pronounced "măna wanooshka") is a quechua phrase meaning "undead." In place of gin, they use a Peruvian agave spirit called Aqara -- similar to tequila, but made in the mountains of Peru from Peruvian agave. Orgeat is a classic almond syrup; here they are adding a dose of roasted Peruvian cancha, for added richness and the fall flavor of toasted corn. The cocktail is garnished with a cheeky pumpkin marshmallow. The Mana Wañusqa will be available beginning October 5th.
The Langham, Chicago
This Halloween season, Travelle Bar & Lounge at The Langham, Chicago offers their new limited-edition cocktail offerings and a celebration on Saturday, October 26.
Travelle Bar’s specialty Halloween menu (available Oct. 20-31) features four drinks inspired by the superhero universe. Menu options include “The Dark Night Cap” (Illinois Mezcal, Cyna 70, Campari, Charcoal Cherry Juice), “The Joker” (Empress Gin, Cremer de Violette, Cointreau, Lemon Juice, St. Germaine, Butterfly Pea Lavender Syrup) and “Cat Woman’s Milk Punch” (Plantation Pineapple Rum, Clement Coconut Rum, Falernum, Pineapple Juice, Lime, Demerara Syrup).
On Saturday, October 26, guests are invited to Travelle Bar & Lounge for a Halloween celebration featuring gothic cocktails, music and ambiance. Tickets and reservations not required.
Photo courtesy of Three Dots and a Dash
Streeterville
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is hosting a Spooky Night Out with a witchy twist. Open to the public, attendees can choose from specialty themed menu items, a screening of the holiday classic "Hocus Pocus," and more. The best witchy costume will receive a future overnight stay at the hotel. Tickets on OpenTable.
Robert's Pizza & Dough Company
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company is hosting its fourth annual Howl-o-Ween event. Dog owners can stop by Robert’s on Saturday, October 26th from 2pm-4pm for a special dog costume pet parade and contest. There will be three different costume categories: scariest, cutest, and most creative. Humans will have a chance to compete too. Prizes include fun gift baskets with pup goodies and treats, Robert’s gift cards, & more. Plus, a photographer will be on site to capture photos. Dog treats will be available for the pups and there will be Halloween cocktails for the humans. For reservations, visit OpenTable.
Halloween Cocktails will be available Saturday, October 26th - Thursday, October 31st and include: La Grittona ($17): spicy tequila Bloody Mary, comes with La Grittona tequila shooter; and Mad Hatter ($17): Rittenhouse rye, Amaro Montenegro, angostura bitters
Seasonal Fall Cocktails are also now available as well and will be on the menu throughout the season. Fall specialty drinks include: Cider Spritz ($15) - cachaça 51, rosemary syrup, lime, apple cider, spiced cranberry bitters, topped with prosecco; Southern Spice ($15) - Evan Williams bourbon, lime, peach, angostura bitters, ginger beer; Autumn Sour ($15) - Bombay gin, lime, Pama, blueberry, egg whites; Cherrywood ($15) - Rittenhouse rye, cherry heering, angostura and eucalyptus bitters; Pumpkin Espresso Martini ($18) - sparrow espresso, deep eddy vodka, coffee tequila, Irish cream, pumpkin; Smoky Pumpkin ($15) - Illegal mezcal, lime, pumpkin, Licor 43; Apple Cider Mule ($9) - apple cider, lime, ginger beer, splash of pumpkin puree; and Orange Palmer ($9) - iced tea, lemonade, demerara syrup, blood orange Pellegrino.
The Loop
Raised, an Urban Rooftop Bar
Raised, an Urban Rooftop Bar located in the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is brewing $17 spooky potions available from October 30 to November 2, with a DJ spinning tunes each night from 9-11pm. Speciality cocktails include Jason Drinks Manhattan made with Copper & Kings American Brandy, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, Night of the Living Daiquiri and Nightmare on Elm Spritz made with Mount Fishtail Sur Lie Sauvignon Blanc, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, lemon juice, apple bitters and club soda.
LondonHouse Chicago
LondonHouse Chicago will host a Haunted Carnival on Wacker Drive on Saturday, October 26, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. This immersive event spans three venues: LH on 21 Lounge, Etoile Ballroom, and LH on 22 Rooftop, each offering a festive carnival atmosphere with eerie surprises. Guests will be offered a premium hosted bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and live DJ entertainment all night. The evening will also feature a costume contest at midnight, with prizes: the grand prize winner will receive an overnight stay at LondonHouse and two tickets to the exclusive New Year’s Eve event, while the runner-up will win two tickets to the New Year’s Eve party. Priced at $125 for early bird and $150 regular, tickets include a 4-hour premium open bar, costume contest, passed bites, party favors, and live DJ entertainment. For more info and tickets, visit their website.
Teatro ZinZanni
Celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos with Teatro ZinZanni. Teatro's Belgian Spiegeltent will be transformed into a Haunted Circus! Attendees can select from Halloween-themed cocktails and a special menu as they watch the current production of Teatro ZinZanni. This season’s America’s Got Talent LiV Warfield, headlines with her vocals. The show runs Thursday through Sunday from October 31 to November 3rd. To purchase tickets, go to Teatro ZinZanni's website.
City Cruises
Patrons can set sail with City Cruises Chicago this Halloween season with their Seadog Haunted River Tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October. The tour delves into Chicago's haunted history while navigating through the city's architecture. Patrons will be offered hidden secrets, spirits, scandals, and sins of the Windy City through stories of unexplained supernatural events and personalities. Tickets start at $50. To purchase tickets, visit the City Cruises website.
City Cruises will offer Divas After Dark Halloween Drag Cruise on Lake Michigan on Friday, October 18, aboard the Spirit of Chicago. This midnight cruise provides an evening of performances and dancing, featuring drag queen, Denali, from RuPaul’s Drag Race as the host, along with performances by three local drag queens. Tickets start at $70. To purchase tickets, visit the City Cruises website.
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Virgin Hotels Chicago has announced a line-up of events and experiences with a hotel room package, a Nightmare on Wabash party, and a rooftop affair with GOTTMIK.
In anticipation of All Hallows Eve, the hotel is hosting a soiree inspired by the 40th anniversary of the 1984 classic, Nightmare on Elm Street, on Friday, October 25. The event, Nightmare on Wabash, will feature local DJs, Elm-Street-inspired cocktails, photo experiences, and much more. You can reserve your complimentary RSVP online which grants access to this 21+ affair. Recover the morning after with a hangover brunch at Miss Ricky’s featuring breakfast options and Bloody Mary’s.
Capping off the Halloween weekend is Deryck Todd’s STRUT, a closing party on Sunday, October 27, from 2 PM to 9 PM. This event will feature performances by drag queen GOTTMIK. Guests will be offered drag performances, DJ entertainment, pop-up shops, burlesque acts, and costume contests. Tickets for STRUT are priced at $30 per person and are required for entry to this 21+ event.
Sweetwater Tavern & Grille
Sweetwater will offer their Blue Zombie ($15.49): Bacardi Superior, Appleton Estate rum, blue curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, bitters.
Petterino's
Petterino’s is gearing up for Halloween with two events. On Wednesday, October 30, the downtown Italian spot will host a Boozy Pumpkin Bash followed by Prosecco and Pumpkins.
The Boozy Pumpkin Bash will take place from 3-7 PM. This free event is open to the public and will feature live entertainment with a DJ, small bites, cocktails and a costume contest.
Then, from 7-8:30 PM, guests can join Prosecco and Pumpkins, an interactive pumpkin-carving experience. For $30, participants will be provided fall-inspired crostinis and their choice of a bottle of red wine, white wine, or Prosecco. The top three pumpkin carvers will walk away with Petterino’s gift cards.
Ukrainian Village
Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar
From Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 3, their annual Halloween celebration as all their undead servers transform Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar into Dread Lobster. The casual menu, caviar bar, and oyster bar will also be available. Reservations can be made on Tock.
West Loop
Selva
Selva, the rooftop atop The Emily Hotel, hosts a celebration of Día de los Muertos on Friday, Nov. 1 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Costumes are encouraged, and the best dressed will win a one-night stay at The Emily Hotel. A portion of proceeds from the night’s cocktail features will be donated to the National Museum of Mexican Art. The event will also feature specialty cocktails, a magic mirror photobooth, a tarot card reader and live music by Kombi DJs. To reserve, go to Eventbrite.
Fora
From Oct. 18 to 31, cocktail specials at Fora including: Witching Hour with Ketel, Lemon, Limoncello, soda, black luster dust and the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned featuring Buffalo Trace, Pumpkin Spice, cardamom bitters, nutmeg.
Time Out Market Chicago
PUMPKIN PAINTING PARTY 10/10 at 6:30 p.m. Artists from Sip & Paint will guide you in an evening of painting pumpkins at Time Out Market Chicago. From stencils, stickers, and add-ons, Sip & Paint will bring the works to ensure your pumpkin is to your liking. Tickets include all of the art and painting supplies to decorate your pumpkin, a pumpkin to take home, and a $20 Time Out gift card to be used on food and drinks at the market during the event.
WITCHING HOUR 10/17 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Time Out Market stations set up with tarot card readings, aura photography (available for purchase), a magician, cocktail potions and garnishing set up and a live DJ.
LITTLE CHEF’S DONUT DECORATING CLASS 10/19 at 12 p.m. At Time Out Market’s Halloween Donut Decorating Class with 2d restaurant, little chefs will have the opportunity to create their own Chocolate Monster, Strawberry Monster, and Spooky Oreo donuts, with a variety of spooky toppings and sprinkles. Ages: 3-12 Ticket includes: all necessary materials and donuts to take home.
DEATH BY DISCO - A HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE 10/26 starting at 8 p.m. Time Out Market Chicago is transforming all three floors of the market to make it a full on, immersive Halloween experience including three stages and 15+ DJs.
HOWL-O-WEEN 10/27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get your furry friends dressed up and ready to strut their stuff on the patio at Time Out Market Chicago. All costumes are welcome. Be prepared for the photo ops with photobooth, local pet shop pop-ups and win prizes in the pet costume contest.
Bambola/Coquette/Expat
On Saturday, October 26, Bonhomme Group's three concepts sharing the corner of Randolph St and Ogden Ave, Bambola, Coquette and Expat, will combine for a building-wide Halloween event offering multiple experiences across the variety of spaces offered at the hospitality group's Fulton Market hub. The ticketed event on Saturday, October 26th will begin at 10pm where guests will be treated to multiple rooms and multiple sounds inspired by the films of Baz Lurhman and Stanley Kubrick. Tickets will go on sale October 7th.
Then on Halloween, Thursday, October 31, Expat and Bambola will host a day of Halloween celebration alongside promotional partners We Hate Clubs featuring Hip Hop and R&B Sounds alongside a costume party. This event will be free, 9pm.
Kashmir
On Saturday, October 26, Kashmir will host their annual Halloween party in their West Loop cocktail club and music lounge. The event will be free with RSVP. Doors at 9pm.
Then on Thursday, October 31, Thursday Night Dance Party titled See All Your Friends, will celebrate the holiday with a special Halloween edition. The event will be free with RSVP. Doors at 9pm.
Lottie's Pub
On Friday, October 25th, join Lottie’s at Theater on the Lake from 7 pm to 11 pm for a Halloween Hoedown. Line dancing, food trucks, the Morgan Wallen Tribute Band Whiskey Friends and exclusive Lottie’s merchandise. A best-dressed country western contest where you can show off your favorite western fit. General admission tickets are $85 and V.I.P tickets are $150. Head to lottiespub.com to purchase your tickets.
Bandit
Bandit in the West Loop - Fulton Market neighborhood of Chicago is hosting a Beetlejuice-themed Halloween event on Saturday, October 26. Doors open at 9 PM, and the venue will be fully transformed into a Beetlejuice-inspired setting and the staff will be dressed in full Beetlejuice costumes.
West Town
Beatnik West Town
On Saturday October 26th a special Halloween edition of the venue's new weekly Afrobeats, Reggaeton and Top 40s party. The event is ticketed and will run from 10pm to 2:30am.
Lemon
On Thursday, October 24, the team at Lemon will offer an Italian disco themed party sponsored by Fernet Branca and Misguided Spirits. The theme will be "Sinners and Saints" -- a haunted vatican themed dance party where resident DJ Pen Pals spins vintage euro-centric dance and pop vinyl with a special guest. Lemon will host a tarot card reader, as well as a menu made up of tarot cards. (One side will have a description of the card and what it might mean, and the guests can choose what they want from that info and turn it around to reveal the corresponding cocktail.) Plus a spaghetti eating contest for a prize as well as a "best-dressed" award.
Then on Wednesday, October 30, a film event as local musicians compose scores for scary movies, in real time. Each artist is given a short film or a clip from a movie where they will compose on the fly. Lemon will set up a big screen and projector and musicians will use various instruments to create a spooky vibe. The team will continue the party with live music and libations after the event.
Lastly, on Thursday, October 31, there will be live music with a two band bill and a goth DJ to follow. Costumes are encouraged and cover is $10 at the door. The event begins at 8pm.
Photo courtesy of LondonHouse Chicago
Wicker Park/Bucktown
The Robey
The hotel joins the Halloween fun with a party hosted by Clever Coyote, as Milagros Tequila hosts a night of music, tequila tastings, and specialty cocktails served in a witch's cauldron. Clever Coyote will also host a costume contest where the winner receives a $100 Spearhead Hospitality gift card that can be used at any Spearhead food and beverage location including Clever Coyote, The Up Room, and Cafe Robey.
Manchamenteles
The neighborhood Mexican spot is hosting two days of events to celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd. The festivities kick off Friday night at 9 PM with a late-night dining celebration filled with margaritas and tacos. On Saturday, a day featuring a costume contest, sugar skull creations, face painting, a DJ and more. No tickets are required for Friday’s event, but they will be available for purchase on Saturday.
Easy Bar
Easy Bar hosts a pumpkin carving contest on Wednesday, October 30 at 7 p.m. New Belgium will supply free pumpkins that are already scooped out and carving tools. New Belgium swag bags will be given out for the “best pumpkin”, “most creative” and “the ugliest”. Pumpkins are first-come, first-served and only available while supplies last. Guests will be offered a New Belgium beer sampling and Easy Bar’s Wednesday specials like $4 Malort shots and $6 Hard seltzers.
Seasonal drink selections will include a Pumpkin Spice Margarita with Espolon Blanco Tequila, pumpkin syrup, and lime ($12), Purple Drank with Empress Indigo Gin, Veev Acai, lemon, simple syrup and soda ($12), and the Pain Ke'iller with Plantation Pineapple Rum, Keke Key Lime Liqueur, Orange juice, nutmeg and a gummy worm ($11).
Patrons can also take advantage of free pool all evening. Those who arrive early can kick off the evening with half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Estelle's
Estelle’s has two Halloween-themed drink specials available throughout October. Drink specials include Toxic Waste Shots with rum, coconut tequila, gin, melon liqueur, simple syrup and lime juice ($6), a Dark and Slimy cocktail with rum and ginger beer, an Ekto Kooler seltzer with a gummy worm garnish ($13), and Pumpkin Beer ($8).
Remedy
Remedy in Bucktown will celebrate spooky season with several themed events and seasonal drinks available all month including the Pumpkaboo with Redemption Rye, Bitter Truth orange bitters and pumpkin syrup ($14), a Phannie May shot with Maplewood Chocolate liqueur and Fernet Menta ($7), and Burnt City Brewing’s Oktoberfest beer ($8). Halloween events are as follows:
Halloween Lip Sync Happy Hour Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ginger Forest and Ranger Cheeks along with Candi Forest, Venus Carangi and Holden Ryder, guests can witness a Halloween-themed drag show starting at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress up as there will be a runway contest for best Halloween costume. Guests who arrive early can choose from Remedy’s half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
TMNT Halloween Pizza Party Sunday, October 27 at 10 p.m.
Remedy will host a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Halloween Pizza Party on Sunday, October 27 at 10 p.m. Guests will provided free pizza and video games and are encouraged to dress-to-impress for a chance to win prizes.
Pumpkin Carving Contest Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30
Leading up to Halloween, pumpkin carving contests on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30 at 7p.m. For $10 per person, guests will receive a pumpkin and carving kit. Pumpkins are first-come, first-served and only available while supplies last. Guests who arrive early can choose from Remedy’s half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Multiple Locations
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, West Loop will be hosting a Halloween event, Al Capone's Hideout. On Oct. 25 and 26 starting at 9 p.m., guests can step into a 1920s-themed speakeasy, with live DJ sets, drink specials, and entertainment. On Saturday, Oct. 26, VAVO will perform from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Table reservations can be made via Sevenrooms.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, River North will be hosting The Queen of Heart’s Wonderland for Halloween weekend on Oct. 25 and 26 starting at 9 p.m. Attendees will enter a 1920s-themed speakeasy where the Queen of Hearts presides. The event will feature DJ sets, drink specials, and live entertainment. Guests can expect to encounter dark, shadowy creatures as they explore Wonderland’s chaotic world. The event is free and guests can RSVP via EventBrite.
Both locations will also feature a Halloween cocktail: Fuego Verde: Jose Cuervo Devil’s Reserve Tequila, Midori, and cucumber. And a Halloween shot: Chupa Picante: chilled Jose Cuervo Devil’s Reserve Tequila shot with a tajin rim. Both offerings will be available October 25th through 31st.
Tatas Tacos
All three locations – Six Corners, Lakeview, and Tatas Kitchen + Social – have giant skeletons on display for photo opportunities throughout October, and a specialty menu the week of Halloween, and a costume contest on October 31st.
Available Tuesday, October 29th through Saturday, November 2nd, tacos such as - brain (cauliflower), chicken feet, guts, and Scorpion Llorona, Diablito Chocolate Cake, and drinks like the Smashed Zombie and the Black Widow.
On Thursday, October 31st, each location will be hosting a Costume Contest, which runs all day. Participants can come in throughout the day, snap a picture, and post to social media, tagging Tatas Tacos, to be entered. Or visit during each location’s Halloween Party, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm and enter the contest. The winner will receive $100 cash, while 2nd and 3rd place will get Tatas Tacos gift cards.
Sweet Mandy B's
To celebrate Halloween, Sweet Mandy B’s in Lincoln Park and Streeterville will offer festive treats from Thursday, October 17 through Tuesday, October 31 (limited quantities of all items available). Themed items will include Ghost Cut-out Cookies, Iced Rice Krispies, Furry Monster Brownies, Bloody Red Velvet Cupcakes, Mummy Cupcakes, and a six pack of decorated cupcakes (decoration will vary). Halloween-themed decorated cakes will also be available via custom order and limited in-store quantity.
Guests can also choose from seasonal items throughout the month of October like Sweet Mandy B’s Pumpkin Cupcakes, individual Pumpkin Cheesecakes, Pumpkin Apple Muffins, Pumpkin Whoopie Pie, Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Pie, and more.
Old Town Pour House
OTPH's Blue Zombie ($13.45): Bacardi Superior, Appleton Estate rum, blue curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, bitters can be enjoyed at their locations in Oak Brook (8 Oak Brook Center) and Naperville (1703 Freedom Drive).
City Works Eatery & Pour House
Spooky season is in full swing at City Works Eatery & Pour House in Vernon Hills & Schaumburg with its Blue Zombie cocktail. Made with Bacardi Superior, Appleton Estate rum, blue curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, and bitters. This cocktail is only available until the ghosts come home on Nov. 1.
Suburbs
Tievoli Pizza Bar
Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine will be hosting a Masquerade Murder Mystery Dinner on October 30th from 7-10pm.Guests can don their best masks and work together to solve a murder during dinner.
Dinner includes a family feast and one wine or beer per person, with additional beverages available for purchase. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Avondale
In celebration of their three-year anniversary this October, Central Park Bar in Avondale will host a Halloween Emo Costume Party on Thursday, October 31 on the patio. Starting at 9 p.m., Emo Night will kick off with a DJ spinning emo music classics, and themed drink specials will be available. Guests are encouraged to dress up in Halloween attire, and there will also be prizes for best Halloween costume.
Spooky drink specials will include a Dead Rose Shot with Jagermeister and Four Roses Bourbon ($8), a Friendly Ghost Shot with Tito’s, Ghost Blanco tequila and amaretto ($8), and 16-ounce cans of Pumpkin Beer ($8). Guests can also start the festivities early with a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Gold Coast
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago will be hosting its month-long Spooky Tea series during October. The full menu offers a variety of sweet and savory selections created by Pastry Chef Toni Roberts adorned with touches of spooky.
Options include finger tea sandwiches like Crabby, peppers and lemon aioli on charcoal bread; Skulls Skulls Skulls, capers with dill spread; Crunchy Mummy, olives and Borsin spread on Pullman bread; and “Open Face” Sandwich, cornichons with grainy mustard cream cheese on brioche.
The menu also features Carbonara Quiche, made with bucatini, smokey mushroom and parmesan; freshly baked seasonal scones; and an assortment of pastries such as the Poison Apple, green apple cremeux and graham cracker; It’s a Full Moon, lemon cake with blood orange jam and silver dust; Monster Under the Bed, blackberry mousse and pistachio ganache; Jack-O-Cannoli, pumpkin spice ricotta with a chocolate dipped shell; and RIP, a crispy hazelnut chocolate bar.
Guests can choose from an array of Ritz Carlton teas, or a flute of rose champagne. Reservations are available for $85 per person and can be made on Tock. Tea service is available at 2 p.m. on select weekends in October, including: Saturday, October 19 & Sunday, October 20 and Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27 (11 a.m. seating also available).
Dearly Beloved's Halloween Masquerade with tickets starting at $25 (early bird pricing). Tickets gain entry to the soiree and include two cocktails. Bring your own mask to shroud your identity, or allow Dearly Beloved to provide one. The evening begins at 9pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.universe.com/events/halloween-masquerade-party-tickets-LT2V5F.
LAUREL, located at The Talbott Hotel will have three Halloween themed cocktails available from October 26th to the 31st including: Moonlit Margarita: Aztec Azul Tequila, blood orange, lime, cherry cordial, angostura, charcoal; Ghoulish Gimlet: Lighthouse Gin, lime, honeydew slime, simple; and Mary's Bloody Martini: bloody mary infused Downtown Vodka, lemon, "blood" rim.
Lakeview
Mordecai is celebrating classic horror characters and locations like the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Blackula, Dracula's Daughter, and Bride of Frankenstein.
Cocktail Specials are $14 and include the Sweet Alice with 12-year Barbados rum, navy strength Jamaican rum, agricole, passionfruit, lime, and strawberry; The Audrey with charred lime and cranberry vodka, orange liqueur, salted citrus oleo, and lime; The Witches Mirror with reposado, mezcal, amaro, and sorrel bitters; and more. Vintage Shots are $9 and include the Monster Mash with 1980s Midori, vodka, and acidified pineapple and Coffin Joe with 1990s Italian coffee liqueur and 1970s 100-proof Smirnoff.
Throughout October three spooky concoctions will be offered at Cesar’s Killer Margaritas.
The Lakeview family-owned restaurant is celebrating Halloween with their Spooky Margaritas, available in flavors that include La Catrina (Mango & Raspberry), El Corazón (Strawberry), and Black Widow (Blackberry).
Also during the month of October, Cesar’s will be collecting photos of loved ones to be added to the restaurant’s Día De Los Muertos Ofrenda, an alter built to honor lost loved ones. Guests can bring photos when they come in to dine, or email them to pics@KillerMargaritas.com, where the Cesar’s team will print them and add them to the alter. Submit photos by Friday, October 25th.
Cody’s Public House in West Lakeview will host several Halloween events including a Dog-Friendly Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest, Quentin Tarantino themed Halloween Party and a Pumpkin Painting contest.
“Once Upon a Time in Cody’s” Halloween Party Saturday October 26
Cody’s will host “Once Upon a Time in Cody’s” Quentin Tarantino-themed Halloween bash on Saturday, October 26. Guests can dress as their favorite Tarantino character for a chance to win $250. The party will kick off with happy hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with drink specials including $30 High Noon buckets, $7 Camarena tequila, and $7 Rumchata Pumpkin Spice Latte shots. There will also be a Rumchata Pumpkin Spice Latte sampling.
Dog-Friendly Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest Benefitting ALIVE Rescue Sunday, October 27; Contest at 3 p.m.
Cody’s will host a Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest for dogs and their owners. The contest will kick off at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Doggy Costume ($100) and Best Dog + Human Combo Costume ($200). There will be raffles benefiting ALIVE Rescue, free pup cups and free dog swag. Drink specials will include $5 Lagunitas Pints, $7 Tito's Cocktails, and Cody’s Pup-Tail Menu in which 50-percent of the proceeds will benefit ALIVE Rescue. Guests are invited to come early for the Bears vs Commanders game at 12 p.m.
Pumpkin Painting Contest Tuesday October 29
Cody’s has partnered with Surfside to host a Pumpkin Painting Contest on Tuesday, October 29. Pumpkins, paint and all supplies will be provided by Surfside and the best pumpkin will receive a $100 Cody’s gift card. Specials will include $25 Surfside buckets and $6 Stateside Vodka cocktails. Limited space is available, RSVP to events@codyschicago.com.
Lincoln Park
To kick off Halloween week, aliveOne in Lincoln Park will host their 5th Annual Halloween live music showcase in the Back Room on Saturday, October 26 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.). There is no cover charge and featured local bands will include Nice Motor covering Elvis and Dwells covering music from Jimmy Eat World. The event is 21 and over and costumes are encouraged.
Guests can choose from aliveOne’s festive drink specials available all of October like the Frankenstein’s Monster daiquiri with Bacardi Mango Chile and a sour patch kid garnish ($12), Paulaner Oktoberfest ($8) and Paulaner Marzen ($8).
Lincoln Square
The Getaway in Lincoln Square will get in the spooky spirit with a Tarot Night and a Costume Dance Party along with themed drink specials. Available all month, guests can select the Murder, She Float with Old Forester 86 Proof bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters, and a cabernet float ($13), Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale ($7), and a Witch’s Brew Shot with rum, Jagermeister and lime syrup ($6). Halloween-themed events are as follows:
Tarot Night Thursday, October 24
From 7 p.m. to midnight, The Getaway will host a Tarot Night with Christine Morin (@clumsylush) featuring $10 tarot readings. Guests who arrive early can select from The Getaway’s happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring $8 house cocktails, $5 select drafts and $4 domestics.
Costume Dance Party Saturday, October 26
The Getaway will celebrate its first Halloween with a Costume Dance Party on Saturday, October 26 at 10 p.m. DJ Dom Hanks will keep the party going spinning jams until close. Guests may dress in costume, and The Getaway will serve its Halloween-themed specials all night long.
Logan Square
The cocktail bar is reimagining itself as New York rock club, CBGB. Experience a twist on the venue where bands like Talking Heads and Blondie launched their careers. This time, the spotlight will be on a burlesque drag show celebrating the legacies of rock legends.
TD&S is hosting their 11th Annual Offal Dinner in honor of Halloween. Chef Matt Saccaro and the talented team are offering a pre-fixed, five-course meal on Tuesday, October 31st. Offal is the name for cuts of meat such as beef heart, oxtail and more. Items such as sweetbread and veal sausage with roasted apples, cabbage and potato puree and pumpkin cornmeal cake with a foie gras mousse will be served. Tickets on Resy.
The Owl in Logan Square will feature a Halloween-themed “Tassels and Tombs” Burlesque Night on Thursday, October 24 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The show features Chicago-based Rascal Productions and stars dancer and performer Lilly Rascal and musician Dr. Rocktagon. The evening will feature a live band performance and three rounds of burlesque acts from guests including Sinful Delight, Willy LaQueue and Ammunition.
Guests who arrive early can select from The Owl’s signature half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along with $10 house cocktails all evening.
Pilot Project will offer buy one, get one for $1 if you wear a costume to the brewery. This will run the week leading up to Halloween: October 25-October 31.
Old Town
LG's Bar & Kitchen is offering a lineup of events with guests throughout the entire month of October, in anticipation of Halloween Night. Starting Wednesday October 2, LG’s is hosting a Beetlejuice Movie Night, followed by a Halloween-themed Sip N’ Paint on October 9 and October 23, Pumpkin Carving on October 16 and October 27, all leading up to a Murder Mystery Dinner on Wednesday, October 30. Before celebrating on Halloween night, holiday-themed trivia night from 7pm-9pm.
Ravenswood
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) on October 30th hosts the annual Ravenswood Costume Crawl where local haunts team up for an evening of treats, drinks, and Halloween fun. A selection of local desserts, snacks, and drinks will be available. A selection of participating businesses includes Bad Coffee, Bayan Ko Diner, Gnome Brew, KOVAL Distillery, Margie's Candies, Slim's Chicago, Teddy's Ice Cream, and more. Tickets are $26 in advance or $30 the day of and include 11 tasting-sized portions of desserts and beverages, a Ravenswood canvas tote bag, and goodies. Tickets available at their website.
River North
Three Dots and a Dash is hosting a special ticketed Terror in the Tropics party on Thursday, October 31, featuring eight tropical bars around the country, each serving up a signature cocktail. The party will run from 8pm to 12am and guest bars include Mai Kai (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Hidden Harbor (Pittsburgh, PA), Strong Water (Anaheim, CA), Sunken Harbor Club (Brooklyn, NY), Inferno Room (Indianapolis, IN), Shameful Tiki (Toronto), Halakaheki (River Grove, IL) and Pufferfish (Milwaukee, WI). A marketplace tent will also offer exclusive merchandise from all visiting bars. This is a 21+ event with general admission tickets priced at $85, including 5 drink vouchers. Get tickets on OpenTable.
This Halloween, the Silver Scream at I|O Godfrey on Saturday, October 26, from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The I|O Godfrey rooftop will transform into a haunted theater where horror films come to life. Guests will check in at a spooky ticket window, pass through an eerie concession stand, and wander a maze-like theater filled with tributes to classic horror movies. A full menu will be available until 11 p.m., featuring horror-themed dishes like the Butcher’s Skull Board and Scream Supreme Pizza. Featured cocktails include the Midnight Freeze and Sangre Sangria. Tickets (via Eventbrite) range from $45 for general admission to $2,400 for a premium large booth.
In addition to the Midnight Freeze and Sangre Sangria, I|O Godfrey will be serving two other specialty cocktails for Halloween which will be available October 25th through the 31st. The two additional cocktails are Alien Blood ($18): Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, alien blood, fresh lemon juice and The Substance ($18): Bulleit Bourbon, Giffard Passion Fruit Liqueur, fresh lemon.
Hard Rock Cafe Chicago is offering a Spooktacular Halloween Menu featuring the BOOberry Burger, a steak burger topped with Applewood bacon, creamy brie, crispy shoestring onions, dijonnaise, and arugula, finished with a blueberry chipotle sauce and served with seasoned fries. The menu also includes the BOOberry Zombie, a cocktail crafted with Bacardi Superior rum, triple sec, pineapple, and fresh lime, topped with a pomegranate garnish for a ghoulish treat. Both items are available for a limited time during the Halloween season, Oct. 21-31.
The restaurant will also be hosting a Spooktacular Howl-A-Ween Dog Fashion Show on Thursday, October 31, 5-8 p.m. to showcase your dog's style and personality, all while supporting The Anti-Cruelty Society. Guests can partake in: a DJ spinning hits, festive passed small bites, sweet treats and an opportunity to shop local pet vendors such as Doggy Glam Boutique, Comicos Pet Bakery, Boujee Pups Accessories, Munchbird, Sam Park Pet Portraits, Sploot Veterinary Care, and Kimberly Kingen Pet Photography.
The event will feature costume contests with categories including Most Creative, Most Fashionable, Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, Crowd Favorite, and Best Duo. Winners will receive prizes from local pet vendors and Hard Rock Cafe. The outdoor event is priced at $20 per ticket, with the red carpet runway sponsored by US Poker & Casino. Tickets can be purchased on Hard Rock Cafe Chicago's website.
For the holiday, Pistores will feature their menu of house made desserts dressed up for Halloween. They will also offer Halloween cakes to order, plus two limited time offerings: Carrot cream cheese mousse cake decorated with creepy critters as well as a Pumpkin-shaped butternut squash cheesecake, chef Joel’s version of a mini pumpkin cheesecake.
Spooky season officially kicks off at Tanta with their Quechua-inspired spin on the classic Corpse Reviver. The name Mana Wañusqa (pronounced "măna wanooshka") is a quechua phrase meaning "undead." In place of gin, they use a Peruvian agave spirit called Aqara -- similar to tequila, but made in the mountains of Peru from Peruvian agave. Orgeat is a classic almond syrup; here they are adding a dose of roasted Peruvian cancha, for added richness and the fall flavor of toasted corn. The cocktail is garnished with a cheeky pumpkin marshmallow. The Mana Wañusqa will be available beginning October 5th.
This Halloween season, Travelle Bar & Lounge at The Langham, Chicago offers their new limited-edition cocktail offerings and a celebration on Saturday, October 26.
Travelle Bar’s specialty Halloween menu (available Oct. 20-31) features four drinks inspired by the superhero universe. Menu options include “The Dark Night Cap” (Illinois Mezcal, Cyna 70, Campari, Charcoal Cherry Juice), “The Joker” (Empress Gin, Cremer de Violette, Cointreau, Lemon Juice, St. Germaine, Butterfly Pea Lavender Syrup) and “Cat Woman’s Milk Punch” (Plantation Pineapple Rum, Clement Coconut Rum, Falernum, Pineapple Juice, Lime, Demerara Syrup).
On Saturday, October 26, guests are invited to Travelle Bar & Lounge for a Halloween celebration featuring gothic cocktails, music and ambiance. Tickets and reservations not required.
Streeterville
The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is hosting a Spooky Night Out with a witchy twist. Open to the public, attendees can choose from specialty themed menu items, a screening of the holiday classic "Hocus Pocus," and more. The best witchy costume will receive a future overnight stay at the hotel. Tickets on OpenTable.
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company is hosting its fourth annual Howl-o-Ween event. Dog owners can stop by Robert’s on Saturday, October 26th from 2pm-4pm for a special dog costume pet parade and contest. There will be three different costume categories: scariest, cutest, and most creative. Humans will have a chance to compete too. Prizes include fun gift baskets with pup goodies and treats, Robert’s gift cards, & more. Plus, a photographer will be on site to capture photos. Dog treats will be available for the pups and there will be Halloween cocktails for the humans. For reservations, visit OpenTable.
Halloween Cocktails will be available Saturday, October 26th - Thursday, October 31st and include: La Grittona ($17): spicy tequila Bloody Mary, comes with La Grittona tequila shooter; and Mad Hatter ($17): Rittenhouse rye, Amaro Montenegro, angostura bitters
Seasonal Fall Cocktails are also now available as well and will be on the menu throughout the season. Fall specialty drinks include: Cider Spritz ($15) - cachaça 51, rosemary syrup, lime, apple cider, spiced cranberry bitters, topped with prosecco; Southern Spice ($15) - Evan Williams bourbon, lime, peach, angostura bitters, ginger beer; Autumn Sour ($15) - Bombay gin, lime, Pama, blueberry, egg whites; Cherrywood ($15) - Rittenhouse rye, cherry heering, angostura and eucalyptus bitters; Pumpkin Espresso Martini ($18) - sparrow espresso, deep eddy vodka, coffee tequila, Irish cream, pumpkin; Smoky Pumpkin ($15) - Illegal mezcal, lime, pumpkin, Licor 43; Apple Cider Mule ($9) - apple cider, lime, ginger beer, splash of pumpkin puree; and Orange Palmer ($9) - iced tea, lemonade, demerara syrup, blood orange Pellegrino.
The Loop
Raised, an Urban Rooftop Bar located in the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is brewing $17 spooky potions available from October 30 to November 2, with a DJ spinning tunes each night from 9-11pm. Speciality cocktails include Jason Drinks Manhattan made with Copper & Kings American Brandy, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, Night of the Living Daiquiri and Nightmare on Elm Spritz made with Mount Fishtail Sur Lie Sauvignon Blanc, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, lemon juice, apple bitters and club soda.
LondonHouse Chicago will host a Haunted Carnival on Wacker Drive on Saturday, October 26, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. This immersive event spans three venues: LH on 21 Lounge, Etoile Ballroom, and LH on 22 Rooftop, each offering a festive carnival atmosphere with eerie surprises. Guests will be offered a premium hosted bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and live DJ entertainment all night. The evening will also feature a costume contest at midnight, with prizes: the grand prize winner will receive an overnight stay at LondonHouse and two tickets to the exclusive New Year’s Eve event, while the runner-up will win two tickets to the New Year’s Eve party. Priced at $125 for early bird and $150 regular, tickets include a 4-hour premium open bar, costume contest, passed bites, party favors, and live DJ entertainment. For more info and tickets, visit their website.
Celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos with Teatro ZinZanni. Teatro's Belgian Spiegeltent will be transformed into a Haunted Circus! Attendees can select from Halloween-themed cocktails and a special menu as they watch the current production of Teatro ZinZanni. This season’s America’s Got Talent LiV Warfield, headlines with her vocals. The show runs Thursday through Sunday from October 31 to November 3rd. To purchase tickets, go to Teatro ZinZanni's website.
Patrons can set sail with City Cruises Chicago this Halloween season with their Seadog Haunted River Tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October. The tour delves into Chicago's haunted history while navigating through the city's architecture. Patrons will be offered hidden secrets, spirits, scandals, and sins of the Windy City through stories of unexplained supernatural events and personalities. Tickets start at $50. To purchase tickets, visit the City Cruises website.
City Cruises will offer Divas After Dark Halloween Drag Cruise on Lake Michigan on Friday, October 18, aboard the Spirit of Chicago. This midnight cruise provides an evening of performances and dancing, featuring drag queen, Denali, from RuPaul’s Drag Race as the host, along with performances by three local drag queens. Tickets start at $70. To purchase tickets, visit the City Cruises website.
Virgin Hotels Chicago has announced a line-up of events and experiences with a hotel room package, a Nightmare on Wabash party, and a rooftop affair with GOTTMIK.
In anticipation of All Hallows Eve, the hotel is hosting a soiree inspired by the 40th anniversary of the 1984 classic, Nightmare on Elm Street, on Friday, October 25. The event, Nightmare on Wabash, will feature local DJs, Elm-Street-inspired cocktails, photo experiences, and much more. You can reserve your complimentary RSVP online which grants access to this 21+ affair. Recover the morning after with a hangover brunch at Miss Ricky’s featuring breakfast options and Bloody Mary’s.
Capping off the Halloween weekend is Deryck Todd’s STRUT, a closing party on Sunday, October 27, from 2 PM to 9 PM. This event will feature performances by drag queen GOTTMIK. Guests will be offered drag performances, DJ entertainment, pop-up shops, burlesque acts, and costume contests. Tickets for STRUT are priced at $30 per person and are required for entry to this 21+ event.
Sweetwater will offer their Blue Zombie ($15.49): Bacardi Superior, Appleton Estate rum, blue curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, bitters.
Petterino’s is gearing up for Halloween with two events. On Wednesday, October 30, the downtown Italian spot will host a Boozy Pumpkin Bash followed by Prosecco and Pumpkins.
The Boozy Pumpkin Bash will take place from 3-7 PM. This free event is open to the public and will feature live entertainment with a DJ, small bites, cocktails and a costume contest.
Then, from 7-8:30 PM, guests can join Prosecco and Pumpkins, an interactive pumpkin-carving experience. For $30, participants will be provided fall-inspired crostinis and their choice of a bottle of red wine, white wine, or Prosecco. The top three pumpkin carvers will walk away with Petterino’s gift cards.
Ukrainian Village
From Wednesday, October 23–Sunday, November 3, their annual Halloween celebration as all their undead servers transform Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar into Dread Lobster. The casual menu, caviar bar, and oyster bar will also be available. Reservations can be made on Tock.
West Loop
Selva, the rooftop atop The Emily Hotel, hosts a celebration of Día de los Muertos on Friday, Nov. 1 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Costumes are encouraged, and the best dressed will win a one-night stay at The Emily Hotel. A portion of proceeds from the night’s cocktail features will be donated to the National Museum of Mexican Art. The event will also feature specialty cocktails, a magic mirror photobooth, a tarot card reader and live music by Kombi DJs. To reserve, go to Eventbrite.
From Oct. 18 to 31, cocktail specials at Fora including: Witching Hour with Ketel, Lemon, Limoncello, soda, black luster dust and the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned featuring Buffalo Trace, Pumpkin Spice, cardamom bitters, nutmeg.
PUMPKIN PAINTING PARTY 10/10 at 6:30 p.m. Artists from Sip & Paint will guide you in an evening of painting pumpkins at Time Out Market Chicago. From stencils, stickers, and add-ons, Sip & Paint will bring the works to ensure your pumpkin is to your liking. Tickets include all of the art and painting supplies to decorate your pumpkin, a pumpkin to take home, and a $20 Time Out gift card to be used on food and drinks at the market during the event.
WITCHING HOUR 10/17 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Time Out Market stations set up with tarot card readings, aura photography (available for purchase), a magician, cocktail potions and garnishing set up and a live DJ.
LITTLE CHEF’S DONUT DECORATING CLASS 10/19 at 12 p.m. At Time Out Market’s Halloween Donut Decorating Class with 2d restaurant, little chefs will have the opportunity to create their own Chocolate Monster, Strawberry Monster, and Spooky Oreo donuts, with a variety of spooky toppings and sprinkles. Ages: 3-12 Ticket includes: all necessary materials and donuts to take home.
DEATH BY DISCO - A HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE 10/26 starting at 8 p.m. Time Out Market Chicago is transforming all three floors of the market to make it a full on, immersive Halloween experience including three stages and 15+ DJs.
HOWL-O-WEEN 10/27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get your furry friends dressed up and ready to strut their stuff on the patio at Time Out Market Chicago. All costumes are welcome. Be prepared for the photo ops with photobooth, local pet shop pop-ups and win prizes in the pet costume contest.
On Saturday, October 26, Bonhomme Group's three concepts sharing the corner of Randolph St and Ogden Ave, Bambola, Coquette and Expat, will combine for a building-wide Halloween event offering multiple experiences across the variety of spaces offered at the hospitality group's Fulton Market hub. The ticketed event on Saturday, October 26th will begin at 10pm where guests will be treated to multiple rooms and multiple sounds inspired by the films of Baz Lurhman and Stanley Kubrick. Tickets will go on sale October 7th.
Then on Halloween, Thursday, October 31, Expat and Bambola will host a day of Halloween celebration alongside promotional partners We Hate Clubs featuring Hip Hop and R&B Sounds alongside a costume party. This event will be free, 9pm.
On Saturday, October 26, Kashmir will host their annual Halloween party in their West Loop cocktail club and music lounge. The event will be free with RSVP. Doors at 9pm.
Then on Thursday, October 31, Thursday Night Dance Party titled See All Your Friends, will celebrate the holiday with a special Halloween edition. The event will be free with RSVP. Doors at 9pm.
On Friday, October 25th, join Lottie’s at Theater on the Lake from 7 pm to 11 pm for a Halloween Hoedown. Line dancing, food trucks, the Morgan Wallen Tribute Band Whiskey Friends and exclusive Lottie’s merchandise. A best-dressed country western contest where you can show off your favorite western fit. General admission tickets are $85 and V.I.P tickets are $150. Head to lottiespub.com to purchase your tickets.
Bandit in the West Loop - Fulton Market neighborhood of Chicago is hosting a Beetlejuice-themed Halloween event on Saturday, October 26. Doors open at 9 PM, and the venue will be fully transformed into a Beetlejuice-inspired setting and the staff will be dressed in full Beetlejuice costumes.
West Town
On Saturday October 26th a special Halloween edition of the venue's new weekly Afrobeats, Reggaeton and Top 40s party. The event is ticketed and will run from 10pm to 2:30am.
On Thursday, October 24, the team at Lemon will offer an Italian disco themed party sponsored by Fernet Branca and Misguided Spirits. The theme will be "Sinners and Saints" -- a haunted vatican themed dance party where resident DJ Pen Pals spins vintage euro-centric dance and pop vinyl with a special guest. Lemon will host a tarot card reader, as well as a menu made up of tarot cards. (One side will have a description of the card and what it might mean, and the guests can choose what they want from that info and turn it around to reveal the corresponding cocktail.) Plus a spaghetti eating contest for a prize as well as a "best-dressed" award.
Then on Wednesday, October 30, a film event as local musicians compose scores for scary movies, in real time. Each artist is given a short film or a clip from a movie where they will compose on the fly. Lemon will set up a big screen and projector and musicians will use various instruments to create a spooky vibe. The team will continue the party with live music and libations after the event.
Lastly, on Thursday, October 31, there will be live music with a two band bill and a goth DJ to follow. Costumes are encouraged and cover is $10 at the door. The event begins at 8pm.
Wicker Park/Bucktown
The hotel joins the Halloween fun with a party hosted by Clever Coyote, as Milagros Tequila hosts a night of music, tequila tastings, and specialty cocktails served in a witch's cauldron. Clever Coyote will also host a costume contest where the winner receives a $100 Spearhead Hospitality gift card that can be used at any Spearhead food and beverage location including Clever Coyote, The Up Room, and Cafe Robey.
The neighborhood Mexican spot is hosting two days of events to celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd. The festivities kick off Friday night at 9 PM with a late-night dining celebration filled with margaritas and tacos. On Saturday, a day featuring a costume contest, sugar skull creations, face painting, a DJ and more. No tickets are required for Friday’s event, but they will be available for purchase on Saturday.
Easy Bar hosts a pumpkin carving contest on Wednesday, October 30 at 7 p.m. New Belgium will supply free pumpkins that are already scooped out and carving tools. New Belgium swag bags will be given out for the “best pumpkin”, “most creative” and “the ugliest”. Pumpkins are first-come, first-served and only available while supplies last. Guests will be offered a New Belgium beer sampling and Easy Bar’s Wednesday specials like $4 Malort shots and $6 Hard seltzers.
Seasonal drink selections will include a Pumpkin Spice Margarita with Espolon Blanco Tequila, pumpkin syrup, and lime ($12), Purple Drank with Empress Indigo Gin, Veev Acai, lemon, simple syrup and soda ($12), and the Pain Ke'iller with Plantation Pineapple Rum, Keke Key Lime Liqueur, Orange juice, nutmeg and a gummy worm ($11).
Patrons can also take advantage of free pool all evening. Those who arrive early can kick off the evening with half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Estelle’s has two Halloween-themed drink specials available throughout October. Drink specials include Toxic Waste Shots with rum, coconut tequila, gin, melon liqueur, simple syrup and lime juice ($6), a Dark and Slimy cocktail with rum and ginger beer, an Ekto Kooler seltzer with a gummy worm garnish ($13), and Pumpkin Beer ($8).
Remedy in Bucktown will celebrate spooky season with several themed events and seasonal drinks available all month including the Pumpkaboo with Redemption Rye, Bitter Truth orange bitters and pumpkin syrup ($14), a Phannie May shot with Maplewood Chocolate liqueur and Fernet Menta ($7), and Burnt City Brewing’s Oktoberfest beer ($8). Halloween events are as follows:
Halloween Lip Sync Happy Hour Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Ginger Forest and Ranger Cheeks along with Candi Forest, Venus Carangi and Holden Ryder, guests can witness a Halloween-themed drag show starting at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress up as there will be a runway contest for best Halloween costume. Guests who arrive early can choose from Remedy’s half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
TMNT Halloween Pizza Party Sunday, October 27 at 10 p.m.
Remedy will host a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Halloween Pizza Party on Sunday, October 27 at 10 p.m. Guests will provided free pizza and video games and are encouraged to dress-to-impress for a chance to win prizes.
Pumpkin Carving Contest Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30
Leading up to Halloween, pumpkin carving contests on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30 at 7p.m. For $10 per person, guests will receive a pumpkin and carving kit. Pumpkins are first-come, first-served and only available while supplies last. Guests who arrive early can choose from Remedy’s half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Multiple Locations
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, West Loop will be hosting a Halloween event, Al Capone's Hideout. On Oct. 25 and 26 starting at 9 p.m., guests can step into a 1920s-themed speakeasy, with live DJ sets, drink specials, and entertainment. On Saturday, Oct. 26, VAVO will perform from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Table reservations can be made via Sevenrooms.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, River North will be hosting The Queen of Heart’s Wonderland for Halloween weekend on Oct. 25 and 26 starting at 9 p.m. Attendees will enter a 1920s-themed speakeasy where the Queen of Hearts presides. The event will feature DJ sets, drink specials, and live entertainment. Guests can expect to encounter dark, shadowy creatures as they explore Wonderland’s chaotic world. The event is free and guests can RSVP via EventBrite.
Both locations will also feature a Halloween cocktail: Fuego Verde: Jose Cuervo Devil’s Reserve Tequila, Midori, and cucumber. And a Halloween shot: Chupa Picante: chilled Jose Cuervo Devil’s Reserve Tequila shot with a tajin rim. Both offerings will be available October 25th through 31st.
All three locations – Six Corners, Lakeview, and Tatas Kitchen + Social – have giant skeletons on display for photo opportunities throughout October, and a specialty menu the week of Halloween, and a costume contest on October 31st.
Available Tuesday, October 29th through Saturday, November 2nd, tacos such as - brain (cauliflower), chicken feet, guts, and Scorpion Llorona, Diablito Chocolate Cake, and drinks like the Smashed Zombie and the Black Widow.
On Thursday, October 31st, each location will be hosting a Costume Contest, which runs all day. Participants can come in throughout the day, snap a picture, and post to social media, tagging Tatas Tacos, to be entered. Or visit during each location’s Halloween Party, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm and enter the contest. The winner will receive $100 cash, while 2nd and 3rd place will get Tatas Tacos gift cards.
To celebrate Halloween, Sweet Mandy B’s in Lincoln Park and Streeterville will offer festive treats from Thursday, October 17 through Tuesday, October 31 (limited quantities of all items available). Themed items will include Ghost Cut-out Cookies, Iced Rice Krispies, Furry Monster Brownies, Bloody Red Velvet Cupcakes, Mummy Cupcakes, and a six pack of decorated cupcakes (decoration will vary). Halloween-themed decorated cakes will also be available via custom order and limited in-store quantity.
Guests can also choose from seasonal items throughout the month of October like Sweet Mandy B’s Pumpkin Cupcakes, individual Pumpkin Cheesecakes, Pumpkin Apple Muffins, Pumpkin Whoopie Pie, Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Pie, and more.
OTPH's Blue Zombie ($13.45): Bacardi Superior, Appleton Estate rum, blue curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, bitters can be enjoyed at their locations in Oak Brook (8 Oak Brook Center) and Naperville (1703 Freedom Drive).
Spooky season is in full swing at City Works Eatery & Pour House in Vernon Hills & Schaumburg with its Blue Zombie cocktail. Made with Bacardi Superior, Appleton Estate rum, blue curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, and bitters. This cocktail is only available until the ghosts come home on Nov. 1.
Suburbs
Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine will be hosting a Masquerade Murder Mystery Dinner on October 30th from 7-10pm. Guests can don their best masks and work together to solve a murder during dinner.
Dinner includes a family feast and one wine or beer per person, with additional beverages available for purchase. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
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