Things to Do for Halloween 2019 in Chicago

By Katie Sagal

Planning on being in the area this October and looking for some fun, festive things to do for Halloween in Chicago? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve put together a full line-up of fun Chicago attractions to help you celebrate an always fun fall holiday. Many of these events are longstanding Chicago traditions, so whatever you choose you’ll be sure to have a spooky good time! Check out our list of the best things to do for Halloween 2019 in Chicago below...

  • Adler After Dark
  • Boo! At the Zoo
  • The Halloween Gathering
  • Trick or treating at Navy Pier
  • Haunted Halloween Ball
  • and more!

Adler After Dark

Adler Planetarium This special adults-only event encourages exploration of all that Adler has to offer alongside drinks, snacks, and great local entertainment. It's available for much of the winter on the third Thursday of every month, but this upcoming one for Halloween looks especially fun. This October, the theme is "Nightmare," which promises to be a spooky good time for all involved. Explore the darkest side of space at this fun event! Getting In: Admission to Adler After Dark is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Chicago pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website. General admission to the Alder Planetarium is included with the Go Chicago pass.

Image of Festival, Halloween, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Jack-o-lantern, Boo! At the Zoo

Brookfield Zoo This is another great event for the whole family. Kid-friendly décor and festive activities transform the Brookfield Zoo into a Halloween wonderland for the little ones. Explore the many marvels of Boo! at the Zoo like a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a haunted hayride, and even a creepy carousel. You’ll also get to watch some of the zoo’s beloved animals eat a few pumpkins! Regular zoo admission provides access to this event. Getting In: Admission to Boo! At the Zoo events (and general admission to the Brookfield Zoo) is included with the Go Chicago® pass.

The Halloween Gathering

Millennium Park

Hosted by some of the city's most prestigious cultural institutions – like the Art Institute of Chicago and The Field Museum – the Halloween Gathering is the perfect cultural celebration of this most creative of holidays. This all-day festival features tons of great festive activities like a kids’ costume parade, mask-making classes, a zombie dance, and a parade after dark. Getting In: Admission to the Halloween Gathering is free. Image of Carnival, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Face, Head,

Trick or Treating at Navy Pier

Chicago is a tough city to trick-or-treat in, so take advantage of the Navy Pier event to get your kids an authentic Halloween experience. Load up on candy doled out by costumed performers, and stamp your Halloween Passport for future surprises. This event is most suitable for young children. Getting In: Trick or treating at Navy Pier is free. General admission to Navy Pier rides is included with the Go Chicago® pass.

The Haunted Halloween Ball at Navy Pier

This is one for the adults looking to celebrate Halloween in style. At the Aon Grand Ballroom, hundreds of guests will sweep around in costumes ranging from terrifying to elegant. They're calling it "the ultimate night of luxury and fright," which sounds just about perfect for a classy Halloween event like this. Getting In: Admission to the Haunted Halloween Ball is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Chicago® pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website.

Chicago Riverwalk Pumpkin Patch

Who says you can't pick out your pumpkin in the middle of a city? While you won't be wading through mud, you will be able to select your very own pumpkin from a wide selection of candidates. Then, enjoy tons of other fall-themed activities like carnival games, a bouncy house, slides, fall-inspired goodies, and much more. Getting In: Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is free, but additional activities require admission. You can buy tickets in person.

Northalsted Halloween Parade

Boystown

A one-of-a-kind event in Chicago, this parade features one of the most iconic costumed populations of all – drag queens! (All in Halloween attire, of course). Joining them along the parade route at kids and pets, also in costume, and tons of spectators. If you want to join the parade itself, be sure to register. Otherwise, spectating is free! Getting In: Admission to the Northalsted Halloween Parade is free.

Let's Recap

So there you have it. Our list of some festive and spooky things to do for Halloween in Chicago this year. Remember, a few of these options are available on the Go Chicago pass where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Halloween events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Chicago pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your mid-fall getaway itinerary.

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Best US Cities for Sports Fans

The United States is among the best places in the world to visit for sports fans. You’ll find that the major sports are well represented in most of the big cities, with everything from basketball to hockey to soccer-playing a huge role in the cultural life of these destinations. Americans take their sports seriously, too, with big game day events, plenty of opportunities to watch games live or in a sports bar, and an abundance of apparel, souvenirs, and accessories to cheer on their favorite teams. If you’re a sports fan interested in exploring the culture of professional sports in the United States, you’re probably wondering where to start. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best U.S. cities for sports fans to visit. While college athletics is a big part of sporting life in the U.S., we haven’t included places like Ann Arbor or South Bend on our list, preferring to keep it to professional sports for now. Here are our top picks for the best sports-loving cities in the U.S. Boston When it comes to winning, Boston does it right. With more championships in the twenty-first century than any other American city, Boston is showing off its athletic chops in a big way right now. From the all-time great Celtics NBA team to the recently resurgent New England Revolution MLS squad, there’s a history of winning in this town. That’s not to mention that iconic Boston Red Sox, either, with their historic stadium, Fenway Park. Take a tour of the park, or take in a Red Sox game. You can also explore the T.D. Garden, home of the Celtics and Boston Bruins NHL team. Plus, Boston is bursting with sports pride—you’re likely to see a jersey or t-shirt proudly proclaiming their Boston sports allegiance on just about every other person on the street. Learn more about Boston for sports fans. New York City NYC is among the biggest sports cities in the country for their historic franchises and legacy of success. People from all around the world are die-hard fans of the New York Yankees MLB team. Fortunately for visitors, it’s easy to tour Yankee Stadium to see where all the magic happens. Fans also relish the opportunity to explore Madison Square Garden, home to the New York Knicks NBA team and the New York Rangers NHL team. Citi Field, home of the Mets, is also easy to tour. Met Life Stadium, home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, is ironically located in New Jersey, so it’s not that easy to get to from the city but you can certainly pop out for a game. Chicago Home of Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls, Chicago rightfully earns a spot in the top sports cities in the U.S. It’s also where the legendary Chicago Cubs play, at historic Wrigley Field. You can tour the field and the grounds, and enjoy the developing neighborhood of Wrigleyville as you dine, drink, and shop before your evening ball game. Visit the Chicago Sports Museum on the Mag Mile to learn more. Chicago also hosts the Chicago Bears NFL team, which will soon share their massive stadium, Soldier Field, with the Chicago Fire Soccer team, who currently play south of the city until the end of the 2019 season. And of course, I don’t want to leave out the White Sox or the Blackhawks, both of which franchises have enthusiastic fans throughout the Midwest. Learn more about Chicago for sports fans with our helpful guide. Los Angeles L.A. has a plethora of everything, it seems. From the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, who share the Staples Center, to the long-running LA Galaxy and hot new LAFC, you can find every sport making a splash—sometimes twice!—in Los Angeles. The Greater Los Angeles area is home to 11 major professional sports teams, including two NFL teams, two NHL teams, an MLB team, and a WNBA team. There are many opportunities to tour and explore stadiums and arenas, and of course, plenty of chances to take in a game or match. Just remember to get tickets in advance—Angelenos can be big fans and games often sell out! Philadelphia Philly has got all the major sports covered: Philadelphia Phillies (baseball), Philadelphia Eagles (American football), Philadelphia Flyers (hockey), Philadelphia Union (soccer), and Philadelphia 76ers (basketball). While they haven’t always won the most titles or championships, they sure do have loads of endlessly loyal fans. Luckily for visitors, except for the Union, all of these teams play in a stadium or arena located in the same area. It’s easy to visit more than one on the same day, so plan your tours and tickets accordingly. There’s even a plan for a brand-new Museum of Sports for Philadelphia, although it’s currently still in conceptual stages as of 2019. Save on Attractions for Sports Fans in the US Interested in exploring one of these sports hotspots? Consider getting a pass from Go City to save up to 65% on admission to the best things to do for sports lovers, including stadium tours, game tickets, and more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity or use the hashtag #GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Rainbow crosswalk in Boystown, Chicago
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Things to do in Chicago for Pride Day

The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most highly attended festivals of its kind on the planet, pulling in something like a million revelers every year. No surprise really, given Chicago is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the States, its Northalsted neighborhood (aka Boystown) a vibrant community hub that was the first in the country to be officially recognized as a gay village. The city’s colorful month-long June Pride party is, as you might expect, a fairly flamboyant affair, taking in karaoke nights, drag brunches, art shows, skate parties, marching bands, club nights and much more. Raise your rainbow flag and read on for our guide to some of the best things to do in Chicago during Pride month. Spend the Day in Boystown There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with Chicago’s LGBTQ+ history and culture than with a visit to the Legacy Walk in Boystown. Take a stroll along the North Halsted Street Corridor between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street, where this unique open-air museum takes the form of 35-or-so steel ‘rainbow pylons’. Each standing 25 feet tall, the pylons act as monuments to those legends who helped shape the LGBTQ+ movement in Chicago and beyond, with bronze plaques commemorating individuals including James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, Harvey Milk, Oscar Wilde, Jose Sarria and Freddie Mercury, plus pivotal events like the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Afterwards, make time to check out some of the neighborhood’s other beloved LGBTQ+ hotspots, including the Center on Halsted, a community hub that’s home to the Hoover-Leppen Theater and Billie Jean King Recreation Hall among other facilities. Head up to the roof for tip-top neighborhood views that become yet more colorful during Pride month, thanks to the increased proliferation of rainbow flags and bunting that decorate the streets below. Hungry? You’re in luck. Boystown also happens to be home to some of the best brunch spots in town. Hit up local institution Drew’s on Halsted for eggs every which way accompanied by breakfast martinis and live DJs. Or mosey on over to the smart, literary Wilde Bar & Restaurant, named after guess who? Of course, the LGBTQ+ nightlife in this lively enclave is just about as good as it gets, running the gamut from karaoke parties to dive bars, drag nights and hedonistic all-night dance parties. Try Sidetrack, The Closet, Roscoe's, Hydrate and the Kit Kat Lounge for some of the very best. LGBTQ+ Art & Culture There’s plenty more going across Chicago through the month of June. Check press listings for comedy, cabaret and drag performances hosted by the likes of Boystown stalwarts the Newport Theater, Dorothy and the Whiskey Girl Tavern.  Many of the city’s largest cultural institutions also run LGBTQ-themed programs and exhibitions during Pride month. For example, the Field Museum, one of the biggest and best natural history museums in the world, hosts an annual drag pageant as well as events around the role of sex and gender in the natural world.  Meanwhile, the American Writers Museum runs readings, workshops and tours spotlighting the work of LGBTQ+ authors whose writings are exhibited here, including the likes of James Baldwin, Maurice Sendak and Susan Sontag. There are events for kids at Chicago Public Library branches including Logan Square and South Shore, with drag and rainbow story times to keep the little ‘uns entertained, and an annual party down at Navy Pier, which is usually held the day before the Pride march. It’s an all-day event that features live music, marching bands, DJs and more, and is conveniently close to all those seaside fairground rides for a spot of old-school fun and relaxation between bouts of dancing! General admission to a number of these attractions (plus many more tours and activities around Chicago) are included with a Go Chicago pass. You could save up to 50% on entry to the likes of Navy Pier, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, 360 Chicago and more. Note that additional tickets may be required for entry to some Pride-themed events. Find out more about the Go Chicago pass and get yours here. The Pride Parade and Festival As the climax of Chicago’s Pride month approaches, all attention turns towards Chicago Pride Fest and the annual parade. The Parade takes place on the last Sunday of June with Pride Fest traditionally falling on the Friday and Saturday of the same weekend (or sometimes the weekend before). Pride Fest gets the party started in earnest with two days of live performances across three stages, everything from international pop stars to the very best of Chicago’s DJ and drag scenes. Add to that 150+ food and beverage vendors and you have all the ingredients you require for a top shindig. The festival takes place on Halsted Street, from Addison to Grace St, and is free to enter, though there’s a suggested $15 donation to help pay performers and festival workers, as well as supporting local community programs. Big-name stars to grace the stages here include M People’s Heather Small, Natasha Bedingfeld, Chaka Khan, and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. Find out more about this year’s Pride Fest, including the entertainment line-up, here. The main event takes place on the last Sunday of the month, and draws the biggest crowds of the month. The Chicago Pride Parade sets off from around Sheridan and Broadway at 11AM, painting a rainbow across Northalsted as it weaves its way along and around Halsted to Lincoln Park – a distance of over six kilometers. Nab your spot to watch as dozens of flamboyant floats, revelers in outlandish costumes and live performers cruise past, complete with marching bands, stilt walkers, drag kings and queens, and more. The area surrounding Belmont and Addison stations tends to get the most busy, so arrive early if you want a decent view, or bodyswerve it altogether if claustrophobic crowds ain’t your thang. Rest assured there are plenty less densely packed locations: you’ll find for example that you have a little more breathing space towards the start of the route, and on its east side. Find about more about this year’s Chicago Pride Parade here. Save on Chicago’s Most Popular Attractions Don’t miss the opportunity to check out some of Chicago’s top tours, activities and attractions while you’re in town. You could save up to 50% with a Go Chicago pass. Find out more and choose yours here.
Stuart Bak
La skyline de Chicago
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Guide to Celebrating Illinois Day in Chicago

Illinois was the 21st State to join the Union on December 3, 1818. National Illinois Day is observed a few days later, this year on December 7, 2019. Chicago is one of our favorite American cities. It’s cosmopolitan, diverse and ranks among the most populous metropolitan regions in the country. It’s also filled with some of the best cultural attractions, culinary opportunities, and athletic events around. As the largest city in Illinois, Chicago truly is central to the spirit and heart of this remarkable Midwest state. Are you an Illinois native looking for any excuse for a day to celebrate your state? Or a visitor hoping to learn a bit more about Illinois during your Chicago vacation? Check out this helpful guide. We’ve put together information on fun things to do in Chicago for Illinois Day. Check out our list of major Illinois museums, attractions, traditional food, entertainment, and other great local activities. Famous Illinois Attractions Abraham Lincoln Historical Sites. Clustered downstate in Central Illinois (with many of them found in Springfield), Abraham Lincoln historical sites include the Lincoln Home (the house he lived in as a practicing lawyer) and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which holds many documents, artifacts, and objects related to his entire history. Art Institute of Chicago. Frequently voted among the best museums in the entire world, the Art Institute of Chicago is unparalleled. Their collections are vast and well-curated, with famous holdings in practically every area of the arts. Two separate wings are housing their diverse pieces, with everything from Impressionist painting to Ancient Near East artwork. 360 CHICAGO. One of the two major observation decks in the city, 360 CHICAGO is a perfect vantage point from which to see the sprawling city below. You’re also right on the Magnificent Mile. Therefore, this a convenient stop in the midst of shopping your way through the Water Tower Place mall, or along the Mag Mile. Museum Campus Chicago. Comprising three different cultural institutions, the Museum Campus is a must-visit locale in Chicago. Shedd Aquarium is one of the best such institutions in the country, the Field Museum contains vast collections and a feisty T. Rex SUE (of twitter fame), and the Adler Planetarium is an excellent family-friendly spot. Famous Illinois Food Deep Dish Pizza. That’s an obvious one. Chicago and Illinois are well known for this unique culinary take on an American classic: the Chicago-style pizza. Some of the best places in Chicago for their signature pizza are Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s, and the chain that started in Chicago, Uno’s (which you can find throughout Illinois). If you eat anything on Illinois Day, it should be Chicago-style pizza. Chicago-Style Hotdogs. Everyone loves a good hotdog, and no one loves to smother their dogs in more toppings and condiments than folks in Illinois and Chicago. Start with a hot dog on a poppy-seed bun, then add yellow mustard, sweet relish, onions, tomatoes, peppers, pickles, and celery salt. Just be sure to hold the ketchup—it’s never part of a real Chicago hotdog. Horseshoe Sandwich. This open-faced sandwich was invented in Springfield, IL, the state capital. The original version consists of a thick slice of toasted bread, a hamburger patty, cheese sauce, and fries piled on top. There are several varieties on a horseshoe sandwich these days. You can find it in many restaurants and shops that serve comfort-style food. Pierogi. This Eastern European staple has become famous in Chicago and throughout Illinois due to the high concentration of Eastern European folks in the metro area. It's like a potato dumpling filled with potato, cheese, and onions in the most traditional version. It also comes in sweet and savory varieties of all kinds. Head to the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago if you’re looking for authentic pierogi. Famous Illinois Events St. Patrick’s Day. One of Illinois’ favorite holidays, St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a city-wide event each year. The Chicago River runs green, the city shows up all decked out for the event, and the food and beer are abundant. If you can time your visit to fall during March, it’s worth braving the chill to enjoy the city at its most festive. Christmas Holidays. There are so many things to do in Chicago to celebrate the December holidays, from the German Christkindlmarket to the city’s official Christmas Tree Lighting. You can also enjoy the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the decorated shop windows throughout the city, and the giant, gorgeous tree at the Walnut Room. Taste of Chicago. A celebration of the city’s famous food culture, Taste of Chicago is an annual event that attracts over a million visitors to Grant Park each year. Admission to the event is free. But you’ll need tickets to sample the wares of the dozens upon dozens of vendors representing the wealth of Illinois’ culinary diversity. Lollapalooza. This nationally-famous, multi-day music festival is one of Chicago’s most-visited events annually. Welcoming people from across the country, Lollapalooza showcases the biggest names and brightest talent. It’s an investment to attend, but it’s worth the money for most to enjoy this celebration of music and culture. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal

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