Our minds are on a one set track for pretty leaves falling, all things pumpkin, and of course… HALLOWEEN! If you are looking to spend your spook-filled holiday visiting a haunted house for the umpteenth time or sitting on your couch watching re-runs of Hocus Pocus and Mike Myer’s Halloween eating candy corn, it is time to switch it up! From dressing up in your Halloween best to a haunted mansion theatre performance, we have rounded out the best Halloween events for you to attend this year.
Dress up in your pop-culture best
Chicago’s ultimate pop-up bar destination, Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N Sheffield Ave, is dressing up in not one, but two, “costumes” this year! Just in time for Halloween, Replay will unveil a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” pop-up bar experience, which will join the South Park pop-up, currently up in a separate area of the bar. Replay’s new Buffy pop-up bar will transform the space into Sunnydale, allowing guests to ‘live a day in the life of a true vampire slayer,’ complete with doing (dreaded) research at the Sunnydale High Library, enjoying a night out at The Bronze nightclub, and even getting the chance to patrol the cemetery, all while sipping on appropriately-themed cocktails.
Experience the horror of IT up on the ROOF
Known for executing some of the city’s hottest events, theWit Hotel (201 N State St) kicks off its Halloween festivities with two premier events including an extravagant Thriller-Themed Halloween Party on Friday, October 26th and exclusive movie screening of IT on Wednesday, October 31 at ROOF on theWit. In addition, their sleek gastropub, State and Lake Chicago Tavern, will offer a Halloween Beer and Candy Flight, available beginning October 26 through October 31.
Sit back and enjoy the classics… in the flesh
ArcLight Cinemas, a premiere movie-going destination in Lincoln Park (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.), will offer two curated nights of horror and thriller movies that range from the uncanny to the outright ghastly with ArcLight Presents… In The Flesh, continuing through Tuesday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. The schedule of fan favorites includes special screenings of Society (October 23), and Videodrome (October 30). Tickets for the ArcLight Presents… In The Flesh series are $12.50 (adults). For more information and to reserve your seats now, please visit www.arclightcinemas.com/en/news/arclight-presents-in-the-flesh.
Visit a haunted mansion for an eerie performance
One of Chicagoland’s favorite and most unique fall theatre events that consistently sells out, First Folio Theatre’s THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY, is returning to share thrills and chills with the audience this October. Set throughout the historic, sprawling Mayslake Peabody Mansion, 1717 31st St., off Rt. 83, in Oak Brook, Executive Director David Rice’s captivating piece, in which Edgar Allen Poe is haunted not just by the specter of his beloved wife, but also by his many macabre stories, will return for its only engagement for the next five years with previews October 3, opening October 6, and running through November 4. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: www.firstfolio.org.
Enjoy all things spooky with Chicago’s coolest ciders
Kicking off the Halloween celebration early, Chicago’s most-comprehensive beer destination, stocked with 130 beers on tap, 100+ bottles from around the world, and more than 30 local Illinois-made craft beers, HopCat – Chicago, 2577 N. Clark St., is hosting a Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, October 26 from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. in collaboration with Blake’s Hard Cider Co. During the celebration, HopCat Chicago and Blake’s Hard Cider Co. will offer guests spooky ciders along with Blake’s Hard Cider core offerings! Starting at 8 p.m., the costume contest will begin and HopCat will award the best-dressed guests prizes throughout the evening.
Party with your BOO
One of Chicago’s hottest rooftop bars, Raised, an Urban Rooftop Bar, hosts a special Halloween costume party featuring specialty Halloween-themed cocktails on Saturday, October 27. Doors will open at 2 p.m., with live entertainment from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Specialty cocktails include Something for Your BOO!, with Ford’s Gin, Rinomatto, Giffard Pampelmousse, East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic, orange sherbet, and garnished with a ghost marshmallow, and the Creepy Cauldron made with Spiced Bounty, Brown Butter Pistachio Batter, hot water, and charcoal whipped cream. Additionally, Halloween-themed sweet treats of Witch’s Pot De Crème, Spiced Mulled Red Wine Apple, and a Dirt Crumble will be available during the festivities.
Continue the Halloween horror well after Halloween…
Bringing thrills and chills to the stage, the original London production of THE WOMAN IN BLACK will begin previews November 15, with a Press Opening on November 18 at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St. For the Chicago production, director Robin Herford will recreate his original staging for the first time in the U.S., with a Chicago-based cast. This American premiere of the Original London West End production is presented by PW Productions and Pemberley Productions. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com.
