The Best Halloween Celebrations in Chicago
by Kirsten Ballard
We’re thriving during spooky season here at Witches Who Brunch. Here is a list of the best parties, pop-ups, and terrifying experiences Chicago has to offer this Halloween.
Jack’s Pumpkin Nights
From the team behind our favorite Game of Thrones pop-up and Neon Summer comes Jack’s Pumpkin Nights. This immersive, Instagrammable bar, located near Goose Island, has themed drinks, a deceivingly-difficult corn maze, fair games, and ax throwing. It’s the ideal spot for a crisp fall evening.
Our favorite drink was the “Hocus Pocus,” a vodka-based, brightly-colored cocktail with orange, peach, and cranberry flavors. Jack’s also sells pumpkins, so you can save yourself the trip to the pumpkin patch. It’s the perfect mix of spooky and fall decor, making it perfect for a visit if you’re not a Halloween die-hard fan. Bundle up and get your fall on! Jack’s Pumpkin Nights runs through November 3. Get tickets here.
wndr After Dark
Face your fears, but make it Instagrammable. wndr After Dark – at the immersive wndr museum in West Loop – transforms into your nightmare on October 25. This one-night experience promises to be jam-packed full of ghoulish surprises and frights like spiders and clowns. First entry is 6:30 p.m. and last entry is 10 p.m. Get tickets here.
Three Floyds
If you’re looking for thrills, you’ll find them at Three Floyds on October 30. They’re organizing a 6 p.m. shuttle from Lone Wolf in West Loop to Reaper’s Realm, a three-story haunted house with carnival rides on the grounds. From Reaper’s Realm, you will be bussed to the Three Floyds distillery in Munster, Indiana. At 11 p.m., board the bus back to Chicago. The $45 ticket covers transportation, entry to the haunted house, and one carnival ride. Food and drink are extra. Get tickets here.
Photo credit: Barcocina
Barco-circus
On October 26th, Barconcina celebrates the fifth annual Barcocircus. This Lakeview event has a three hour open bar with Mexican beer, house cocktails, skinny punch, and the house margaritas. Enjoy acrobats and performers that breathe fire, walk on nails, and more! Get tickets here.
Nightmare on Wacker Drive
Do you have an award-winning costume idea? Put it to the test at downtown LondonHouse’s Nightmare on Wacker Drive on October 26. This haunted party has an open bar, DJ, and contest for best costume. And the prize? An overnight stay at LondonHouse Chicago and tickets to the New Year’s Eve bash. Get tickets here.
Old Town Pour House
Our brunch at Old Town Pour House was what dreams are made of. But on October 26th, this Old Town restaurant is made of nightmares. The party took inspiration from Stephen King’s It with red balloons and “clown blood sangria.” Wear your brunch-themed costume and compete for the top prize of a $250 gift card. The costume party is free, learn more here.
House of Beetle
If you’re not interested in braving the cold for an outdoor bar, head to South Loop’s Bassline for an immersive movie experience. The Beetlejuice pop-up includes two stories of scavenger hunt, DJ, and fun cocktails. For an ultra Halloween-y experience, get the rum punch served out of a blood bag.
Pregame your adventure with a movie marathon with your friends (perhaps with this amazing DIY mimosa bar), and then… “it’s showtime!” House of Beetle is open through the end of October. Get tickets here.
Godfrey Haunted Hotel
You can check in any time you like, but you can never leave. For the fifth year straight, the Godfrey Hotel is celebrating Halloween with a frightening experience “the scariest show on earth.” Enjoy themed food and drinks and tour 20 haunted guest rooms… if you dare. Tour the River North haunted hotel October 27 from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. or take part of the costume brunch Sunday, October 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get tickets here.
