20 Amazing Halloween Must-Do's in 2024 for Spooky Fun and Thrills

20 Amazing Halloween Must-Do's in 2024 for Spooky Fun and Thrills

🎃👻 Hey there, spooky enthusiasts! 👻🎃

October is here and Halloween is just around the corner! It’s time to gear up for some hauntingly amazing Halloween events in 2024! I’ve put together a list of the top 20 Halloween events you won’t want to miss this season. Whether you’re into classic pumpkin patches, thrilling haunted houses, or a festive parade, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get right into it!


1. Annual Trunk or Treat - Wilmington, IL

  • When: October 24, 2024
  • Where: 1135 S Water St, Wilmington, IL
  • What: A fun-filled evening for the entire family with decorated car trunks offering treats. It's a perfect local way to celebrate the Halloween spirit without the scares.

2. Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns - Chicago Botanic Garden

  • When: October 16-20 & 23-27, 2024
  • Where: Chicago Botanic Garden
  • What: Wander through a stunning display of intricately carved pumpkins, some weighing over 150 pounds. Plus, enjoy seasonal snacks and fall-themed drinks—spiked cider, anyone?

3. Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

  • When: October 31, 2024
  • Where: Northalsted, Chicago, IL
  • What: Ranked as one of the top Halloween parades in the U.S., this colorful and spooky parade features costumed performers and ghoulish zombies performing the iconic Thriller dance. Don’t miss the costume contests judged by fabulous drag queens!

4. Rooftop Cinema Club’s Halloween Horror Nights

  • When: All October
  • Where: The Emily Hotel, Fulton Market, Chicago
  • What: Catch classic horror flicks under the stars at this rooftop cinema. State-of-the-art headphones and comfy deck chairs make this an experience to remember.

5. HellsGate Haunted House - Lockport, IL

  • When: Select nights in October
  • Where: Lockport, IL
  • What: One of the scariest haunted houses in the Chicago area. Expect a classic haunted mansion experience featuring zombies and eerie surprises lurking in the dark corridors.

6. Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

  • When: October 28, 2024
  • Where: State Street, Chicago
  • What: A family-friendly nighttime parade that showcases talented artists, creative puppets, and musicians. The event brings out Chicago’s best creative talent in one unforgettable Halloween celebration.

7. Ghosts of Chicago: City Exploration Game

  • When: Throughout October
  • Where: Various haunted spots in Chicago
  • What: Explore haunted locations while solving spooky puzzles in this interactive ghost-themed scavenger hunt. Dive into Chicago’s ghostly history!

8. Chicago's Haunted River Tours

  • When: Throughout October
  • Where: Chicago River
  • What: Experience Chicago from the river on this haunted tour, where you’ll learn about the city’s creepy past and haunted landmarks—all while cruising along the dark waters of the river.

9. Spooky Science at the Museum of Science and Industry

  • When: October weekends
  • Where: Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
  • What: Engage in spooky, kid-friendly science activities including pumpkin dissections and slime-making. It’s perfect for a Halloween-themed day of learning.

10. Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

  • When: October 5 - 31, 2024
  • Where: Goose Island, Chicago, IL
  • What: Enjoy a massive pumpkin pop-up featuring Chicago’s largest corn maze, carnival games, and Instagram-worthy photo ops. Don't miss the food stalls with fall favorites!

11. Chicago Thriller Dance Mob

  • When: October 29, 2024
  • Where: Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
  • What: Join hundreds of fellow dancers—or just watch—as participants recreate Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller dance in the heart of the city.

12. Richardson Adventure Farm - Jurassic Park-Themed Corn Maze

  • When: Throughout October
  • Where: Spring Grove, IL
  • What: Navigate through the world’s largest corn maze, Jurassic Park-themed this year. There’s also a pumpkin patch, zip line, and giant observation tower for even more fun!

13. Spooktacular at Brookfield Zoo

  • When: October weekends
  • Where: Brookfield Zoo, IL
  • What: A family-friendly event where kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, and Halloween-themed animal presentations. Great for families looking for a less spooky vibe.

14. The Music Box of Horrors

  • When: All October
  • Where: Music Box Theatre, Chicago, IL
  • What: A month-long horror movie marathon featuring cult classics, new horror releases, and interactive screenings. Dress up in your scariest costumes for the full experience!

15. The Ghost Town Experience - Whitewater, WI (this one's a little father away but totally worth it!)

  • When: October 13-15, 2024
  • Where: Whitewater, WI
  • What: Step into the haunted town of Whitewater, nicknamed “Second Salem,” and experience creepy tales of witchcraft and ghostly sightings.

16. Day of the Dead Xicágo

  • When: October 28, 2024
  • Where: National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL
  • What: Celebrate Día de Muertos with music, art, and traditional festivities that honor those who have passed. A cultural twist to the Halloween season.

17. Kuiper's Pumpkin Patch

  • When: Throughout October
  • Where: Maple Park, IL
  • What: Pick out your perfect pumpkin and enjoy attractions like pig races, a giant slide, and a life-sized spider web! Fun for the whole family.

18. Medieval Torture Museum

  • When: Throughout October
  • Where: Chicago, IL
  • What: Explore this interactive museum that showcases macabre medieval torture devices—perfect for those looking for some historical chills during the spooky season.

19. Chicago Ghost Tour Pub Crawl

  • When: October weekends
  • Where: Various haunted pubs in Chicago
  • What: Visit haunted pubs, hear ghost stories, and enjoy some delicious drinks along the way. A perfect way to mix scares with social fun.

20. Haunted History Tours at Lincoln Park Zoo

  • When: October 14, 2024
  • Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
  • What: Learn about the haunted history of the zoo, which was once a cemetery, while exploring the grounds during this chilling after-hours tour.

That’s your ultimate Halloween guide for 2024 in the Chicagoland area! Whether you’re looking for family fun, a good scare, or cultural experiences, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your costumes, gather your friends or family, and head out to experience the spooky vibes this season!

Stay tuned on piercysells.com for more updates, events, and of course, your real estate needs! 🍁👻✨


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