CHICAGO — The season of pumpkin spice lattes and crazy costumes is just around the corner. Celebrate the spooky fall festivities this year with these five Halloween-themed parties, parades and festivals in Chicago.
1. The Halloween Gathering Festival & Parade
Dubbed the "artist's holiday," the second annual festival and parade presents daytime events and spectacles from diverse Chicago cultural institutions such as the The Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The free event ends with the Spectacle Parade along Columbus Drive filled with costumed participants and special displays.
When: October 22, 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Millennium Park and Sir George Solti Garden
Price: Free
2. Northalsted Halloween Parade
Got a great costume idea for this year's Halloween? The 20th anniversary of the annual Boystown parade brings back an amazing display of costumes, creative programming and outlandish parade. More than 2,000 entries were reportedly submitted to the annual costume contest — check out which crazy costume takes the prize this year.
When: October 31, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Where: 3200 N. Halsted St.
Price: Free
Party it up with world renowned DJs at one of the most haunted hotels in the world. Congress Plaza Hotel turns into a 20,000-square-feet ballroom crawling with vampire bellmen, zombie cocktail servers and go-go dancers. The night will also feature a costume contest with cash prizes.
When: October 29, 9:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Where: Congress Plaza Hotel
Price: $30+
4. The 2nd Annual Halloween Ball
Thousands of party-goers will dance with the walking dead and costumed spirits at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom against the panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Tickets also include access to the Saints & Sinners Halloween Party at Lakeview Terrace.
When: October 29, 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Aon Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier
Price: $15
5. Lyric Opera Halloween Masquerade
Celebrate Halloween in style with Chicago's young professionals at the the Civic Opera House. Lyric Opera's second annual Halloween Masquerade presents an operatic and sophisticated Halloween experience filled with masks and costumes, music, featured drinks at an open bar and various appetizers.
When: October 28, 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Where: Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer, Civic Opera House
Price: $75+
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