11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade 2025, 18 October | Event in Chicago | AllEvents

11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade 2025

Curated By Halloween Guide

Highlights

Sat, 18 Oct, 2025 at 06:00 pm

1 hour

State Street

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Date & Location

Sat, 18 Oct, 2025 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm (GMT+05:30)

State Street

State St, United States, Chicago

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About the event

11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade 2025
Transform Halloween into a radiant celebration of creativity under the autumn sky! Arts in the Dark, Chicago’s free annual parade, spotlights illuminated floats, towering puppets, live music, and artistic performances that animate State Street into a glowing showcase of artistic expression.

📍 Location
Parade proceeds south on State Street, from Lake Street to Van Buren Street in Chicago’s Loop district.

🎟️ Admission
Free and open to the public — this inclusive, family-oriented event welcomes everyone to watch or participate

✨ What to Expect
Draws 50,000–60,000+ spectators annually along historic State Street.
Collaborations with major cultural institutions (e.g. Art Institute of Chicago, Lookingglass Theatre, After School Matters) and grassroots artists from every Chicago ward.
Highlights: giant illuminated floats, storytelling puppets, live dance, music groups, and costumed performance art — no commercial or political floats, just pure creative expression.

🎯 Why You Should Go
Celebrate Halloween as the “artist’s holiday” in a uniquely Chicago style.
Engage with diverse cultural traditions — Mexican Día de los Muertos, Black cultural arts, Brazilian, Indigenous, Caribbean, and more share the spotlight.
Experience a mission‑driven parade designed to uplift local creativity and community spirit

🔍 Viewing Tips
Arrive early, especially near Lake Street, which fills up first; southern end near Van Buren tends to have better access.
Use public transit to the Loop — CTA L trains remain open; local bus routes are rerouted around street closures.
Dress in costume to become part of the art-filled crowd — this is a visual feast for participants and viewers alike.


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Also check out other Arts events in Chicago.

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State Street, State St, United States, Chicago
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11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade 2025, 18 October | Event in Chicago | AllEvents
11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade 2025
Sat, 18 Oct, 2025 at 06:00 pm