2026 Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade is a trunk-or-treat at N Columbus Dr in Chicago, IL, on Saturday, October 24 from 6 PM to 8 PM. That's one week before Halloween. Costumes are part of the fun. It is listed as family-friendly. Chicago has 15 other Halloween events within three days of this one.
Date & Time
Saturday, October 24 · 6 PM – 8 PM
UTC-05:00
Location
N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL, United States | Chicago, IL
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Know before you go
When
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 6 PM to 8 PM (one week before Halloween)
Where
N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL, United States
Length
About 2 hours
Ages
Family-friendly
Type
Trunk or Treat
Dress code
Costumes encouraged
Details
LUMA8 & the City of Chicago invite you to join us for the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade! Recently named one of the top 10 Halloween events in the country by USA TODAY, Arts in the Dark is a magical evening parade celebrating Halloween as the “artist’s holiday” and drawing together world-renowned institutions, distinguished Chicago cultural organizations, important youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. It is a dazzling production that delights an audience of over 100,000 with unique floats, spectacle puppets and creative performances. DUE TO OUR DRAMATIC GROWTH - WE ARE MOVING TO COLUMBUS DRIVE! The parade will move north from Balbo to Monroe. Arts in the Dark is a part of Mayor Brandon Johnson's Fall Fest, is family friendly and is free and open to the public. Back by popular demand!: COSTUME CONTEST! Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee and Chicago joins us as a Major Sponsor - and they are hosting Chicago’s most spectacular DIY costume contest, and we want to see your creativity shine. Enter The Haunted Runway for a chance to become one of five finalists who will participate in the parade —where thousands of parade-goers will cast their vote for the ultimate winner! See our pinned post to learn more! Parade attendees will vote for the winner when they walk the route from 5pm -6pm so be sure to arrive early! UPDATED ROUTE: We have outgrown State Street! Due to our ever-growing audience we have moved to Columbus Drive. This fabulous setting will provide us with more room for our enthusiastic audience as well as a gorgeous backdrop of the architectural wall of the Chicago Cultural Mile. We'll have foodtrucks on Ida B. Wells for those who need a snack before the festivities! NEW SECURITY MEASURES: Please note that no audience members will be allowed in the staging or disbanding areas of the parade - so please be sure to arrive early to secure your spots on the route - Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe (both sides of the street.) THANK YOU TO OUR FANTASTIC SPONSORS! The 2026 Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade is presented by LUMA8 and the City of Chicago, and is sponsored by the Chicago Free For All Fund. It is produced in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Park District and My Chi My Future. We are grateful for the support of our Major Sponsors: Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee and Chicago and the Chicago Loop Alliance. Special thanks to all of our 2026 sponsors including: Blue Plate Chicago CHOOSE Chicago Ferrara Candy Company Harris Theater of Music and Dance Illinois Arts Council Industry Ales Italian Village Restaurants Millennium Garages Oats Screen Printing William Blair & Company LUMA8 is the proud recipient of a 2026 Chicago Presents Grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
