CHICAGO — It’s not quite Halloween, but Chicago is already filled with spooky celebrations, including a Ravenswood costume crawl, Hocus Pocus drag brunch and more.
Here are 15 events in the city this weekend:
10:30 a.m. Sunday
Meetup location shared once registered
Photographer Tonika Johnson and beloved TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas are hosting a free tour-by-bus of Englewood. They’ll talk about the places that have made an impact on Black culture in Chicago and how people can learn more about preservation work in the city. Attendees must register online and will then be given meetup details.
3-6 p.m. Saturday
Check-in for Route A at Bitter Pop, 3357 N. Lincoln Ave. Check-in for Route B at Beermiscuous, 2812 N. Lincoln Ave. Check-in for Route C at Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 W. Roscoe St.
Taste beer from local breweries along Lincoln Avenue and Roscoe Street this Saturday at this ticketed, Halloween-themed beer stroll. There are 30 participating local businesses and restaurants, 30 types of craft bear and three routes. You can buy tickets starting at $30 online.
1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Lincoln Avenue from Wrightwood to Webster on Saturday. Clark Street from Diversey to Armitage, and Diversey from Orchard to Lakeview on Sunday.
Collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood at this year’s expanded Spooktacular as businesses along Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street transform into trick-or-treat stops this weekend.
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
Russel Drive in Washington Park
Wear a costume and attend this parade, which serves as the opening for the city’s Halloweek program. There will be dance performances, circus acrobats, music groups, sports mascots, goodie bags courtesy of local candy companies and more. The parade is family-friendly and free to attend.
10 a.m. Saturday
Monument Park, 6679 N. Avondale Ave.
The event will feature local vendors, a pet parade and more. The Edison Park Community Council is also partnering with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative to give out trees on a first-come, first-served basis. The trees are expected to go fast.
7-10 p.m. Saturday
Babe’s Bar, 4416 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Jefferson Park Forward is hosting a Halloween party at Babe’s. You can wear a costume for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses.
4-8:30 p.m. Sunday
4257 N. Tripp Ave.
Boyneski, D Wedgies, Eleven Hours and other bands will take the stage at this music fest. Proof of vaccination is required, and admission is $5.
Noon-3 p.m. Sunday
There will be a costume contest, fall photos, family activities, goodies and treats at West Loop Vets annual Howl-O-Ween. You can bring pets in costume, too.
Shows starting at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday
The Walnut Room, 111 N. State St.
This gathering of witches stars Lucy Stoole, Darienne Lake and more. You can purchase tickets for $20 online.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.
You can join neighbors for a 100-foot-long obstacle course, rock climb, games and shopping at the Jefferson Park Sunday Market.
Noon Saturday
Davis Square Park, 4430 S. Marshfield Ave.
This family-friendly celebration includes a procession of motorcycles and other vehicles, live painters and food and drinks.
Varying dates and times Oct. 21-31
Redline VR, 4702 N. Ravenswood Ave.
This pop-up bar features 10 days of cocktails, costumed characters and photo opportunities. Admission is free, but VIP entry is available to buy online. The $40 VIP tickets include virtual reality zombie shooting and a cocktail served by Beetlejuice.
4-7 p.m. Saturday
Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St.
You can enjoy henna art, a musical Diwali storytime and music and dance performances at this Diwali celebration.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
You can shop home decor, fashion, art, design and food at this market from more than 85 independent artists, makers and local businesses. There will also be photo opportunities, a DIY station and free tote bags. General admission tickets start at $8 and VIP tickets start at $18. Tickets can be bought online.
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Emporium Logan Square, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave.
This family-friendly spooky Halloween market features a lineup of vegan vendors, including Foxship, Libby’s Corner, Cinnaholic and more. You can register online.
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