If you just can’t wait for Halloween, you’re in luck — this weekend will be filled with spooky fun at Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden and North Suburban YMCA. Plus, don’t miss the latest production from Joffrey Ballet.
Arts in the Dark
Oct. 21
Chicago
LUMA8, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Park District have collaborated to create this evening Halloween parade to “showcase the creativity of Chicago’s diverse cultural community and inspire the next generation of artists.” The fun begins with a pre-parade party at Buckingham Fountain with the Chicago Blackhawks street team. After the parade, which will travel Columbus Drive from Balbo Avenue to Monroe Street, there will be a “House Party at the Bean” and a family-friendly party at Maggie Daley Park complete with a Halloween movie, trick-or-treating, mini golf and more.
Boo! at the Zoo
Oct. 21-22
Brookfield
Don your best costume and head out to Brookfield Zoo for Halloween-themed crafts, haunted hayrides, a disco carousel, corn maze, giant pumpkin carving with a professional pumpkin carver, and more. Can’t make it? Boo! at the Zoo will also take place next weekend.
Trains, Tricks & Treats
Oct. 21-22
Glencoe
Chicago Botanic Garden’s Model Railroad Garden closes for the season next weekend, so don’t miss this chance to explore it one more time while trick-or-treating in costume. Plus, bring your pup to the Garden on Oct. 21 for the Spooky Pooch Parade.
Spooktacular Halloween Party
Oct. 22
Northbrook
The North Suburban YMCA will host its 10th annual Halloween party with a spooky pool boat ride, bounce houses, a costume contest, a haunted maze, crafts, treats and more. The party will open early for children with special needs from 1:30-2 p.m.
“Giselle”
Runs through Oct. 29
Chicago
Joffrey Ballet’s new season opens with the Chicago premiere of Lola de Ávila’s adaptation of “Giselle,” considered to be one of the greatest ballets of the Romantic era.
Bonus
- Piven Theatre will host their first family-friendly Octoberfest at Temperance Beer Co. on Oct. 22. Guests will enjoy performances by Young People’s Company and Performance Project, DJ Dan Chiss, face painting, donut races, butterbeer, raffle prizes (including “Hamilton” tickets) and more. La Cocinita Food Truck will also donate $2 to Piven for every Adult Taco Meal and $1 for every Kids Taco or Quesadilla Meal purchased at the event.
Give Back Opportunities
- The Malt Row Cold Crawl on Oct. 21 will support Coat Angels, a local organization that gives kids in need winter coats. The crawl will feature specials from Empirical Brewery, O’Shaughnessy’s Public House, Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing. Learn more.
- On Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, avec will host a six-course Greek Island Wine Dinner to support RefugeeOne, a Philanthropy Awards winner that “creates opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror, and persecution to build new lives of safety, dignity, and self-reliance.” Tickets can be purchased online.
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Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
