NEAR WEST SIDE — Halloween comes early to the city's Near West Side neighborhoods this weekend.
Here are our top picks of spooky things to do and see.
FRIDAY
Family Fun Fest and Haunted House at Sheridan Park — Sheridan Park will host a family fun fest with crafts and treats from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, then a haunted house at the park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family fun fest costs $2 and is geared toward children ages 3 and 13; the haunted house costs $2 and is geared toward children ages 7 and 13. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at 910 S. Aberdeen St., Little Italy
Haunted Cupcake Demonstration — The French Pastry School will stage it's 8th annual Haunted Cupcake Competition at Esperanza Community Services from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. The event is free and includes a tasting. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at 520 N. Marshfield Ave., West Town
Gardner School Fall Festival — The West Loop preschool's 2nd annual fall festival includes kids face painting, a family photo opportunity, games, a raffle, silent auction, food and more. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children. 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Friday at 1301 W. Madison St., West Loop
SATURDAY
Last West Loop Farmers Market — Still in need of a pumpkin? Check out the last West Loop Farmers Market of the year. Free. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, corner Fulton & Halsted streets, West Loop
French Market Great Pumpkin Party — The Chicago French Market hosts their annual salute to Halloween with the Great Pumpkin Party Saturday. The day begins with pumpkin decorating for kids followed by a market-wide costume parade and costume contest judged by age group. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. To end the morning, the market features trick or treating for kids. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, 131 N. Clinton St., Near West Side
Mary Bartelme Park Pet Parade — West Loop Veterinary Care will celebrate their fifth anniversary with a pet parade, costume contest, pet photos and treats at Mary Bartelme Park. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 115 S. Sangamon St., Near West Side
Brechtoberfest — Check out the Drinking & Writing Theater at Haymarket Pub & Brewery's latest show. With "Brechtoberfest," Steve Mosqueda and Sean Benjamin enlist the help of comedian and satirist Jamie Budzick to help answer such questions as what is a festival? What makes up a good festival? Oktoberfest fun ensues. Tickets are $15. 4 p.m. Saturday at 737 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Skelebration at Redmoon Theater — Kids and parents are welcomed into Redmoon's warehouse headquarters for a playground full of artistic devices, imaginative games and interactive installations, including a UFO carousel, a mausoleum mini movie theater, devilish comedian and haunted attic maze. Tickets are $20 for adults; $12 for children 18 and under; ages 3 and under are free. 4 p.m. Saturday, 2120 S. Jefferson St., Pilsen
SUNDAY
Skelebration at Redmoon Theater — Redmoon's family-fun event featuring interactive installations continues Sunday. Exhibits include a UFO carousel, a mausoleum mini movie theater, devilish comedian and haunted attic maze. Tickets are $20 for adults; $12 for children 18 and under; ages 3 and under are free. 4 p.m. Sunday, 2120 S. Jefferson St., Pilsen
Rito y Recuerdo: Day of the Dead — The Mexican Museum of Art celebrates those who have left this year, using altars, installations, popular art and works by more than 60 artists from both sides of the border in this momentous exhibit. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Mondays, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
