Halloween in Chicago is never complete with the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, one of the city’s most vibrant Halloween events. Each year, thousands of costumed revelers pack the streets of Northalsted for an unforgettable night of music, performance and community-centered fun. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly Halloween outing or looking to join one of the best Halloween parties in town, Halsted Street is the place to be on Halloween proper.
Here’s your complete guide to this year’s Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade—from start times and street closures to where to park, what to wear and other spooky happenings nearby.
Parade start time, route and street closures
The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade typically steps off from the corner of Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue at 7:30pm on October 31. The parade route runs up Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Brompton Avenue.
Halsted Street will be closed from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street from approximately 5pm on October 31 until 2am on November 1. Side streets including Aldine, Buckingham, Cornelia, Melrose and Roscoe will also be closed during the same timeframe. Spectators can line the route early to register for a post-parade costume contest or catch the best views of floats, performers and dazzling Halloween costumes.
How to get there
No parking will be allowed on the aforementioned closed streets from 5pm on October 31 until 2am on November 1. For transportation to and from the parade, public transit or ride shares are recommended.
The parade starting point can be reached via the CTA Belmont Station, a stop for Red, Brown and Purple lines. Alternatively, you can catch the #8 Halsted bus or use nearby routes like the #22 Clark or #36 Broadway bus.
What to expect at the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Known for its creative spirit and welcoming energy, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade draws everyone from drag performers and dance troupes to neighborhood families. Expect impressive group costumes, plenty of photo ops and dancers performing all the moves to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Be sure to catch live drag performances from parade hosts Raven and Batty Davis as well as sets from Chicago queens Khloe Park, Pagina and Lilith Towers.
Costume contests and Halloween parties
Stick around after the parade wraps up: At 8:30pm, a costume contest and awards show commences at the corner of Halsted Street and Brompton Avenue. Then, the night really comes alive with Halloween parties throughout Northalsted’s bars, clubs and venues. Many spots will be hosting costume contests with prizes for the most original—or downright spooky—looks.
Don’t have a costume yet? You can still throw something together—our guide to the best Halloween stores in Chicago and the best Halloween costume ideas are here to help.
More Halloween events around Chicago
If you can’t make it to Northalsted, you’ll still find no shortage of Halloween events across the city—from haunted houses to spooky pop-up bars. Whether you’re in search of thrills and chills or the coziest family-friendly Halloween celebrations, Chicago reigns supreme as one of the best places to celebrate spooky season.