Ah, there’s just something about a crisp fall day in Chicago and the sound of crushed leaves beneath your feet that makes you want to… drink beer and dress up like a total psycho. Not only have we got a heavy pour of beer fests from Pilsen to Highland Park on tap for this weekend, we’ve also got a jack-o’-lantern overflowing with Halloween-themed madness from a 24-hour horror movie-athon to a 4am body-painted rager. Be careful out there, friends, it's going to be a wild Halloween all month in our fair city with plenty of haunted houses and plenty of parties. Here’s everything you need to do in Chicago this weekend.
Broaden your horizon at the Chicago International Film Festival
Now through October 27
AMC River East
North America’s long-running competitive film festival is back for 12 days of international films designed to make you think a little more about the wider world around you. Events include screenings in various genres, artist appearances, competitions, tributes, industry roundtables, and parties.
Cost: Single event tickets $10-$28; passes $115-$270
Get painted up and crazy at Blacklight Blackout’s Halloween Freakout
Friday, October 18
Exit
The monthly body painted late-night dancing cage party that is Blacklight Blackout is already one of the craziest parties in Chicago. Throw Halloween into the mix and things could get seriously weird.
Cost: Free before 11pm with RSVP; $5 after
Spoil Your Pup at The Dodo's Best Dog Day Ever Event
Gorge on the good stuff at the Chocolate Wine & Spirits Expo
Friday, October 18-Saturday, October 19
Plumbers Hall
Gourmet chocolates, wine, and spirits all under one roof? If only they included pizza, we might move in.
Cost: $25-$45
Hit a boozy block party in the burbs at Steep Ravine Infusion Fest
Saturday, October 19
Roger Williams Avenue between Burton & Pleasant, Highland Park
Instead of taking the Metra to rock a show at Ravinia (which is sadly closed for the outdoor season), ride the rails instead to Highland Park’s Ravinia District for this inaugural brew fest celebrating Ravinia Brewing’s first year. Brews from Marz, Temperance, and Old Irving will join with Ravinia alongside a “Make Your Own Infusion Bar,” live music, and food/drink vendors.
Cost: Free
See costumed craziness at Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 19
State Street between Lake and Van Buren
Giant puppets, bizarre floats, live music, and crazy costumes are the order of the day at this artist-curated Halloween parade that needs to be seen to be believed, with afterparties in Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park.
Cost: Free
Binge horror movies for 24 hours straight at Music Box of Horrors
Saturday, October 19-Sunday, October 20
Music Box
In addition to 24 straight hours of horror movie screenings, this annual Halloween fright fest includes food trucks and an array of vendors including record stores, artists, crafters, and more.
Cost: $25-$35
Drink beer for mural art at the Pilsen Arts & Craft Beer Tasting
Saturday, October 19-Sunday, October 20
Mural Park
Fifteen prominent Pilsen artists will display their visual works for the duration of this two-day festival, which culminates in a local brewers fest on Sunday that seeks to raise funds for Pilsen-based mural projects.
Cost: Art showcase free; beer fest $20-$100
Enjoy a Sunday Bloody Sunday at Bloody Mary Fest
Sunday, October 20
Theater on the Lake
Chicago is known for absurd Bloody Marys. Hoist a few at this lakeside celebration of brunch and Bloody Marys with a Bloody Mary competition, artisan market, yoga, lawn games, fun runs, craft beer, brunch bites, and specialty brunch-themed cocktails.
Cost: $35-$80
Get a taste of New York at Moneygun’s Employees Only Cocktail Pop-Up
Sunday, October 20
Moneygun
Fabled NYC cocktail bar Employees Only takes over the bar at Moneygun to sling drinks alongside tarot card readers, burlesque performers, a playlist, and possibly some late-night chicken soup.
Cost: No cover
Drink beer in a real estate office at the Lincoln Avenue Beer Stroll
Sunday, October 20
Lincoln Avenue between Diversey & Addison
Hit local restaurants, shops, and businesses along Lincoln Avenue including recording studios, real estate offices, and bike shops for one reason and one reason only: to drink beer from 22 local brewers who will be showcasing their wares at stops along the way.
Cost: $35-$45
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