Chicago’s bars and restaurants go all out for Halloween, so no matter what your favorite part of the holiday is, there’s a treat in store for you. You can compete in costume contests by yourself or with your pup, get crafty with pumpkin carving and find some spooky themed food and drinks. There are family-friendly bashes, haunted dance parties, boozy drag brunches and tarot readings. You can also keep the fun going through Nov. 2 by enjoying Mexican music, food and spirits at a Día de los Muertos celebration. Embrace spooky season by checking out one of these 40 events.
All events take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, unless otherwise stated
The Loop and Near North Side
The Alston
Dress as artists who inspire you for a Dead Famous bash ($200) that includes Corpse Reviver and Death in the Afternoon cocktails, plus themed bites like red caramel apples and beef tartare with beet “blood.” Part of the ticket sales benefit The Chicago Academy for the Arts. 8 p.m. 750 N. State St., opentable.com/r/the-alston-chicago
Clandestino
The bar gets decked out for Día de los Muertos Thursday through Saturday and serves a special Dead & Ashes cocktail made with mezcal, cempasúchil, burnt orange, cacao and mole. 535 N. Wells St., clandestinosocialclub.com
The Gwen
Catch a screening of “Practical Magic” on the hotel’s terrace from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday featuring free tarot readings and themed cocktails like the $20 Midnight Margarita (mezcal, ouzo, rosemary syrup, lime, blackberries, chili tincture, smoked with peach wood) and the $21 Green Witch (gin, Midori, lime, pineapple, basil syrup, cucumber-mint soda). The same drinks are available to add on to the sweet and savory bites and loose-leaf tea served at a Halloween-themed tea party from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday ($50). 521 N. Rush St., 312-645-1500, thegwenchicago.com/activities/tipsy-tea-party
Harry Caray’s Navy Pier
Bring the whole family for a Slightly Spooky celebration featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka samples, a pet costume contest and a dog treat bar. Order a Harvest Mule made with Tito’s, ginger beer, cinnamon and lime juice ($14) and the proceeds will benefit PAWS Chicago. 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-527-9700, harrycarays.com/oktoberfest.html
I/O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
The rooftop becomes an abandoned summer camp with a haunted maze and lurking slashers for a bash ($66-$77) featuring a DJ, performers, and themed food and cocktails like a skull-shaped frozen fruit granita and Campfire Cake Pops. 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. 127 W. Huron St., 312-374-1830, iogodfrey.com/happenings
LondonHouse Chicago
A Nightmare on Wacker Drive: Día de los Muertos bash ($150) spread across two floors features a premium open bar, DJs and a midnight costume contest awarding tickets to the hotel’s New Year’s Eve party. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 85 E. Wacker Drive, 312-357-1200, londonhousechicago.com
Petterino’s
Have a cocktail and carve a pumpkin at 7:30 p.m. Friday ($30). The restaurant will be decked out Saturday for a “The Nightmare Before Christmas”-themed bash featuring specialty cocktails and bites like pumpkin arancini and squid ink mushroom ravioli. 150 N. Dearborn St., 312-422-0150, petterinos.com/happenings
Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar
The bar’s mixology team unveils a new themed punch bowl every 30 minutes during a Witching Hour bash ($85) that includes a buffet, a candy bar, a DJ and a costume contest. 7-10 p.m. 1 W. Upper Wacker Drive, raisedbarchicago.com/our-events
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co.
The sixth annual Howl-o-Ween celebration features a dog costume contest and parade. There are treats for the dogs and themed drinks for humans. 2-4 p.m. 465 N. McClurg Court, 312-265-1328, robertspizzacompany.com/events
Salon 61
Six Mexican bars, including Licorería Limantour and Chow Chow House, serve signature cocktails and sell merchandise at a Terror in the Tropics costume party ($99). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 61 W. Hubbard St., 312-610-4220, threedotschicago.com/events/halloween-party
More Top Picks Best Photo Booth Kits
STK Steakhouse
The restaurant partners with Espolòn Tequila for a Día de los Muertos cocktail menu offered Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 a $23 Marigold Margarita (Espolòn reposado, pumpkin purée, orange liqueur, pumpkin spice, fresh lime), $23 Old Skull Fashioned (Bulleit Bourbon, Espolòn Añejo, agave nectar, peach bitters) and $14 Sugar Skull Shooter (Espolòn blanco, watermelon liqueur, mango purée and tabasco). 9 W. Kinzie St., 312-340-5636, stksteakhouse.com
Sugar Bliss
Add some themed baked goods to your party with a dozen mini cupcakes ($33), brownies ($55) or cake pops ($44) available through Oct. 31. Get a mix of snacks packed up in a gift package for $30-$150. 122 S. Wabash Ave., 312-845-9669, sugarblisscakes.com
Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval’s restaurant within the Fairmont Chicago celebrates Día de los Muertos through Nov. 3 with a special menu including an $18 Saffron Sour (mezcal, saffron syrup, cinnamon liqueur, tangerine, lime), $16 zero-proof Punch Calavera (hibiscus, cinnamon tea, guava, orange, marigold petals), $48 achiote-braised short rib, and $14 piloncillo pumpkin crème brûlée. 200 N. Columbus Drive, 312-565-6644, torochicago.com/ddlm
Tzuco
Chefs Carlos Gaytán and Hugo Sandoval team up for a four-course Día de Muertos dinner ($90) featuring tamal colado, teres major beef and pumpkin mousse. Add on wine pairings from Mexico’s Casa Madero for $35. 5-9 p.m. Monday. 720 N. State St., 312-374-8995, tzuco.com
North Side & Northwest Side
Andros Taverna
Dress up with your pup for the restaurant’s annual Howloween Party, which features festive treats and a raffle benefiting PAWS Chicago. 1-3 p.m., 2542 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-365-1900, androstaverna.com/happenings
Avenue Tap & Kitchen
Specials offered all weekend long include $7 candy corn-infused vodka shots, $13 pumpkin Old-Fashioned, and $10 autumn-spiced red sangria. 3407 N. Paulina St., 773-871-1200, avenuetapchicago.com
Bar Roma
Come before 7:30 p.m. to enter the 10th annual costume contest, which awards a $100 gift card. Dinner specials include pumpkin soup ($12), chianti-braised short rib with truffle mashed potatoes ($38) and warm caramel apple cake with cinnamon ice cream ($12). 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, barromachicago.com
Barcocina Lakeview
A Nightmare on Sheffield bash ($64) features aerialists and fire dancers plus a drink package including beer, seltzer and house cocktails. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. 2901 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-687-9949, barcocinachicago.com
Broken Barrel Bar
Enjoy well drinks, Miller and Michelob Ultra drafts, and Sun Cruisers as part of a bash ($30) featuring DJs and a costume contest awarding a $100 gift card. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. 2548 N. Southport Ave., 773-327-4900, brokenbarrelbar.com
Cody’s Public House
Paint pumpkins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday while enjoying themed drinks, including $5 Angry Orchard and $10 Dirty Brew pumpkin spice espresso martinis. On Friday, the bar offers Don Fulano tequila sampling from 7-9 p.m. with a costume contest at 9 p.m. awarding $300. Compete for cash prizes in a costume contest for dogs and their owners at 4 p.m. Sunday that features $5 Lagunitas pints, $7 Tito’s cocktails and a pup-tail menu benefiting Alive Rescue. 1658 W. Barry Ave., 773-799-8217, codyschicago.com/events
Kit Kat Club
Kylee Hunter and Abigail Beverly Hillz host a Villains Halloween Ball drag dinner at 6 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday including corn chowder, wild mushroom risotto, and two martinis for $71. A Villains brunch running Saturday and Sunday includes bottomless mimosas and sangria for $74. 3524 N. Halsted St., 773-525-1111, kitkatchicago.com
Lark
Celebrate with a “Hocus Pocus” drag brunch at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. or a Day of the Dead-themed show at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sunday ($61-$72). Both include a choice of entree such as chilaquiles or fried chicken with pancakes, plus bottomless mimosas and bellinis. Dress up on Saturday, and you could win $100 in a costume contest. 3441 N. Halsted St., 773-799-8968, larkchicago.com
Levain
The Lincoln Park bakery celebrates its first anniversary with a neighborhood Halloween party featuring face painting, photo opportunities, and free kids’ Cookie Milk. A portion of the proceeds benefit Compass to Care. 8-11 a.m. 849 W. Armitage Ave., 312-931-8232, levainbakery.com
Manchamanteles
Chef Geno Bahena prepares a four-course Día de los Muertos tasting menu including tamales with red mole, duck with mole negro, and corn husk concha ($75; add tequila pairings for $55). 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. 2009 N. Western Ave., 773-799-8148, manchamantelesrestaurant.com
The Parlour at The Albion Manor
The Black Lagoon pop-up running through Halloween features themed drinks served in custom glassware such as the Bone Temple (tequila, pomegranate, sherry, vanilla honey) and Moon Shadow (nutmeg-infused vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew, sherry). Catch a burlesque show from Brooklyn’s Reverie from 8-10 p.m. Friday. 1480 W Webster Ave., 773-697-4686, thealbionmanor.com/event/black-lagoon
Ravenswood Costume Crawl
Grown-ups can still go trick-or-treating. Dress up and enjoy bites and tasting pours at 20 neighborhood businesses at this crawl ($32), including Cultivate by Forbidden Root and Margie’s Candies. An afterparty at KOVAL Distillery features a costume contest and tarot readings. Buy a spooky cocktail and $2 from the sale will benefit Chicago Books to Women in Prison. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Check in at Teddy’s Ice Cream, 2000 W. Montrose Ave., ravenswoodchicago.org/signature-events/costume-crawl
Stolen Saddle
The Nightmare on Clark Street rooftop pop-up (tickets start at $20) running through Nov. 1 features over-the-top decor and themed drinks like Freddy’s Tequila (tequila, lime juice, agave, pineapple and fresh jalapeños) and the Monster Mash (rum, Midori, pineapple, Sprite, purple sugar rim topped with an eyeball gummy). 3505 N. Clark St., bucketlisters.com/experience/nightmare-on-clark-street
Way Out
The Logan Square bar celebrates its sixth anniversary at 7 p.m. Friday with a Steampunks & Vampires party featuring a costume contest, food and drink specials, and music from DJ Johnny Walker. 3213 W. Armitage Ave., 773-799-8750, thewayoutbar.com
West Side & Near West Side
After
More Top Picks Signs Of Dyslexia In Adults Who Were Never Diagnosed
A Nightmare on Fulton Street ‘80s-themed bash ($125) includes food, drinks and access to three spooky spaces, including a sprawling maze. 8 p.m. 1338 W. Fulton St. 312-766-9576, opentable.com/r/after-chicago
Cabra
Stephanie Izard’s rooftop spot becomes the Tower of Terror for a bash ($75) including snacks and treats, three drink tickets, music from Kareem and a costume contest. 7-11 p.m. 200 N. Green St., 312-761-1717, cabrachicago.com
Carnivale
Bring the family for a Día de los Muertos brunch buffet featuring a seafood bar, made-to-order omelets, a churrasco carving station and Spanish-style seafood paella ($50; $20 for kids ages 6-12; free for kids 5 and under). 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005, exploretock.com/carnivalechicago
Costera
The restaurant’s staff will be sporting Día de los Muertos skull face paint Saturday and Sunday and serving a pair of $16 themed cocktails: Remember Me (mezcal, hibiscus, pomegranate, agave, rosemary and lemon) and Smoke & Spirits (mezcal, blood orange, guajillo, lime, agave and black lava salt). A DJ spins from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday and 5-10 p.m. Sunday. 850 W. Fulton Market, 312-300-0774, costeracocina.com/events/day-of-the-dead-weekend-at-costera
The Dandy Crown
The Never Trust the Living pop-up bar running through Nov. 1 features creepy decor and themed cocktails, including the Kettle Corn Old-Fashioned (popcorn-infused bourbon, salted demerara, vanilla bitters, orange) and Poison Apple (green apple gin, dry vermouth, pickled Granny Smith brine, lime). 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-846-6420, thedandycrown.com/event/never-trust-the-living
The Dawson
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a mariachi band, DJ, artisan pop-ups, spirit tastings and a special menu. The $10 admission fee benefits Latinos Progresando. 4 p.m. Friday. 730 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-8955, the-dawson.com/day-of-the-dead
Ina Mae
Visit the annual Voodoo Lounge pop-up for free tarot readings and $10 martinis Thursday and a costume brunch Saturday featuring music from the Four Star Brass Band and $10 themed cocktails. 1415 N. Wood St., 773-360-8320, inamaetavern.com/events
Suburban and multiple locations
The Graceful Ordinary
Dress up for a four-course circus-themed dinner ($121) benefiting Lazarus House from 6-9 p.m. The party continues with an open bar and themed snacks and sweets ($61) from 9 p.m. to midnight. 3 E. Main St., St. Charles, 331-235-5803, thegracefulordinary.com
Hala Kahiki Lounge
The Haunting pop-up running through Sunday features over-the-top decor and themed cocktails like the Tangled Web (vodka, ube, passion fruit, vanilla, lemon, prosecco foam) and the Widow’s Whisper (vodka, chocolate, melon, lychee, matcha, yuzu, cardamom, rose, absinthe). The drinks are served in special glassware that’s also available for purchase. 2834 River Road, River Grove, 708-456-3222, thehauntingpopup.com
Lucca Osteria & Bar
Celebrate with a special menu, themed cocktails, pumpkin carving, a costume contest and a DJ set. 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 30. 1415 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, luccaosteria.com
Passero
A Día de los Muertos dinner ($100) features a live mariachi band and giveaways. 6:30 p.m. Friday. 3 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, 224-857-8900, opentable.com/r/passero-arlington-heights
Stan’s Donuts
Pick up spooky treats through Saturday including Long Johns decorated to look like Frankenstein’s monster, and a Bismark topped with chocolate glaze, Oreo crumbs and gummy worms. Multiple locations, stansdonuts.com
Sweet Mandy B’s
The bakery offers themed treats through Saturday, including ghost cookies, iced Rice Krispies treats, furry monster brownies and decorated cupcakes. 1208 W. Webster Ave., 773-244-1174 and 254 E. Ontario St. 312-255-1632, sweetmandybs.com
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.