Halloweek is here! Enjoy this bounty of performances, events, and parties that will have you ready to celebrate spooky season in the Second City!
Willy LaQueque Delirium Halloween Cabaret
$30+
10/26-11/3
Newport Theater
A 1930s inspired cabaret mines a bevy of influences — from Berlin nightclubs to opera — to mount a Halloween-oriented burlesque show. Link
Emo Orchestra
$29+
10/27 at 7:30 pm
Genesee Theater, Waukegan
Looking to tap into the angst of Halloween? The brand new Emo Orchestra presents a symphonic send up of emo hits by My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and more. Link
Howlin’ at the Moon
$20
10/27-10/28
Naper Settlement
Live music, drinks, axe-throwing, and of course, costumes, set the stage for this 21+ event in Naperville. Get in the holiday spirit by exploring the many nooks and crannies of the Howlin’ festival all weekend: from a Moonlight Market, to creepy performances by professional artists. Link
Rocky Horror Picture Show
$20+
10/27-10/31
Music Box Theatre
A Halloween institution almost as classic as trick or treating, the Music Box hosts a few opportunities to do the Time Warp, featuring goody bags and hilarious hosts for an interactive experience true to tradition. Link
Juliani Ensemble: Memento Mori
$75
10/28 at noon
Primitive Gallery
One of Chicago’s most continuously innovative ensembles enjoys a residency at Primitive Gallery in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. October’s installment features music fit for autumn and Halloween by Saint-Saëns, Kosma, and Schubert. Link
Elgin Symphony Orchestra: Spooky Strings
$20
10/28 at 1:00 pm
Barrington White House
A family friendly matinée showcases orchestral rep fit for spooky season. Costumes are encouraged, and students under 18 get in for free. Link
Myths, Legends & Folklore: A Talk by Author Clara Kumagai
Free
10/28 at 4:00 pm
American Writers Museum
Dig into myths, folklore, and more from a variety of cultural backgrounds in this free event! Author Clara Kumagai will take audiences through the real magical inspirations behind her latest books… just in time for Halloween. Link
University Symphony Orchestra: Symphonic Scare
Suggested donation $10
10/28 at 7:00 pm & 9:00 pm
Mandel Hall, Hyde Park
UChicago’s University Symphony Orchestra reprises its annual Halloween concert in two family friendly performances (costumes encouraged!) featuring music by Beethoven, Mahler, John Williams, and more. Link
Afro Fusion Halloween Party
$25
10/28 at 10:00 pm
The Promontory, Hyde Park
Hyde Park hosts a Halloween party featuring a diverse blend of music to dance to: from hip-hop, to reggae, afro-beats, house and more. A best costume contest also offers guests an opportunity to win up to $1000! Link
Spooky Singalong
$13
10/29 at 10:00 am
Old Town School, Lincoln Square location
The Old Town School of Folk Music welcomes musical trick-or-treaters of all ages to take part in a “spooky, but not scary, sing-along for the whole family.” Enjoy an annual tradition and celebrate Halloween in song before heading off to trick-or-treat down the whole block. Link
HalloSEEN
Free
10/30 at 6:30 pm
Epiphany Center for the Arts
Focusing on independent and queer artists, the HalloSEEN showcase brings together artists of all sorts of backgrounds for performances that explore the macabre. After the show, stick around for a DJ set hosted by Dance of Goth from 9 to 11 pm. Link
American Psycho, The Musical
$40+
Through 11/26
Chopin Theatre
Chopin Theatre stages a musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ chilling horror novel (which was adapted into a cult classic film): American Psycho. Be warned: this satirical, bloodthirsty show is not for the faint of heart. Link
