NEAR WEST SIDE — Halloween is right around the corner, but there's plenty of fun to be had on the Near West Side this weekend even if you haven't dreamt up a killer costume yet.
From a slew of kids parties to a pet parade and a spooky fundraiser, here are our top picks.
Kid-Friendly Fun
West Loop Families Halloween Parade — The sixth annual costume parade and trick-or-treating, kicking off at Mary Bartelme Park, welcomes kids of all ages. 6:15-7:30 p.m. Friday, 115 S. Sangamon St., West Loop. Free.
Family Fright Night at the Y — With a haunted house, hayrack ride and pumpkin patch, the Rauner Family YMCA invites neighbors to join in on the Halloween fun. 6-8 p.m. Friday, 2700 S. Western Ave., Little Village. Free.
French Market's Great Pumpkin Party — After a costume contest and pumpkin decorating, children can trick-or-treat through the Chicago French Market. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, 131 N. Clinton St., West Loop. Free.
City Winery Halloween Harvest Concert — Amy Lowe & KingKatz weave rhythms with songs and stories or the changing seasons, and kids are called to sing, clap and move along. Costumes welcome. Noon Saturday, 1200 W. Randolph St., West Loop. $12.
Pet Parade
West Loop Howl-O-Ween Parade — West Loop Vet Care once again hosts its pet-friendly Halloween party at Mary Bartelme Park, complete with a pet costume contest, family photos, surprises and treats. 3-5 p.m. Saturday, 115 S. Sangamon St., West Loop. Free.
Markets and More
Grim Reader's Revelry — Benefiting the Chicago Literacy Alliance, the evening of spooky fun includes fortune tellers, bobbing for apples, a dance party and much more. Tickets are for sale online. 7-10 p.m. Saturday, 641 W. Lake St., West Loop. $150.
Pilsen Mural Tours — As part of Pilsen Open Studios, an annual art walk produced by local artists, volunteers will be offering a guided walking tour of the colorful murals that make the neighborhood. Tours meet at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen. Free.
Randolph Street Market — The monthly market features more than 100 vendors selling antiques in a lively atmosphere. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1340 W Washington St., West Loop. $8 in advance, $10 at the gate.
Last Outdoor Pilsen Market of the Season —If you haven't made it over to the outdoor Pilsen Community Market, Sunday's your last chance before they move indoors for the winter. 9 a.m-2 p.m. Sunday, 1800 S. Halsted St., Pilsen. Free.
Mexican Folk Art Festival — Catch the Mondragon Family making sugar skulls at the Museum of Mexican Art's 10th annual Folk Art Festival Friday. While you're there, be sure to check out the "La Muerte Niña: Day of the Dead" exhibit. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen. Free.
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