Downtown Halloween Fun!

Ah, Halloween – one of my favorite holidays! And yes even Downtown Chicagoans celebrate it as much (or more) as any other neighborhood. Here are my “Big Three”.

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave, 312-595-7437
YIKES! The Fear returns to Navy Pier! Actually they have two venues: the VERY SCARY one for adults and teens, and the “scare-free” one for youngsters. For details, visit their website. Cost: $10-$20.
http://www.navypier.com/halloween/fear.html Bonus: Fireworks Show on Saturday 10/23 and 10/30!

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., 312-744-3315
Celebrate Halloween “city style” at the 13th annual “Chicagoween on Franken Plaza”. (I heard that Halloween is one of Mayor Daley's favorite holidays!) For 3 days only – Friday 10/29 thru Sunday 10/31/2010, Daley Plaza will be transformed into Franken Plaza with fun and activities for the young and the young at heart. Several performances by the Midnight Circus troupe, a Monster Bash, and a costume contest! Cost: FREE. Visit their website for details and the full schedule of fun for all at http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/franken_plaza__daley.html

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., 312-744-6630
Perhaps because they have so much other regular free events going on here every day, the Cultural Center has the shortest Halloween event in the downtown area. Nevertheless, for one day only – Saturday 10/30/2010 from 10:00am to 1-30pm - this Loop jewel will be transformed into the “Hallowed Halls”. Recommended for ages 6-12, kids are invited to wear their favorite costume and join in the fun of mask and costume-making, games and drama workshops, and a live performance by the Child's Play Touring Theater company. Cost: FREE. For details, visit their website at http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/dca_tourism/HallowedHalls2010.html

Aside from these public events, many of the downtown high-rise condo and rental apartment complexes also sponsor on-site Halloween parties and activities for their residents with children. Cost is free or minimal. And of course, the local schools usually have some kind of celebration for their students.

Happy Haunting!