Sat. October 4, 2025
Chicago -
Every Halloween night, Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood turns into a lively and colorful street party filled with costumes, laughter, and music. The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade brings thousands of people together to celebrate both the spooky and the spectacular. The event has become one of Chicago’s biggest and most joyful Halloween traditions, welcoming everyone from drag queens and families to dancers, pets, and performers of every kind.
Now in its 28th year, the parade has grown from a small neighborhood celebration into one of the top ten Halloween parades in the United States, according to Fodor’s Travel. Each year on October 31, Halsted Street becomes a glowing stage of light and creativity, filled with the sound of drums, cheers, and laughter. The evening begins at Halsted and Belmont, where participants line up in costume starting at 6:30 p.m. Spectators start filling the sidewalks, eager to see what wild, funny, or dazzling looks will appear next.
When the parade begins around 7:30 p.m., Halsted Street comes alive. The Lakeside Pride Marching Band leads the way with powerful music that sets the rhythm for the night. The Chicago Full Moon Jam performers spin fire and dance in the air. The Windy City Rollers skate by in costume, and the Chicago Spirit Brigade pumps up the crowd with cheers and stunts. Members of the Windy City Jeep Club drive down the street in decorated vehicles, glowing with lights and Halloween colors. You might see zombies performing “Thriller,” or drag performers dressed as movie monsters, witches, or famous icons.
By the time the parade reaches its end near Cornelia, the celebration is still going strong. The night continues with the annual costume contest and after-party at 3514 N. Halsted. The contest offers $4,000 in cash prizes for the most creative, scary, and impressive costumes. There are five categories: Character, Creative, Scary, Youth, and Group. First, second, and third place winners are chosen in each category. Many of the best costumes include glowing lights, handmade props, or coordinated group themes that make the audience cheer.
Haunted Halsted is more than a Halloween event. It is a show of community spirit and pride. It gives people of all ages and backgrounds a space to celebrate who they are. Families bring their kids to watch, friends gather to laugh and dance, and visitors come from across the city to be part of the fun. Everyone is welcome, whether they are marching in the parade or simply watching from the sidelines.
As the night ends and the music fades, people stay a little longer, taking pictures and sharing stories. Haunted Halsted is a reminder of what makes Chicago’s LGBTQ community so special. It celebrates creativity, courage, and joy in a city that knows how to put on a show.
If you plan to join, wear something bold, be ready to dance, and bring your best Halloween spirit. Rain or shine, the parade will go on, and Halsted Street will once again be filled with magic.
For details on registration, costume rules, and accessibility, visit northalsted.com.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com