# Event Details

- **Event Name**: 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 24 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Sat, 24 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm (-06:00)
- **Event Description**: The 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade returns on Saturday, October 24, 2026, turning downtown Chicago into a nighttime parade of giant puppets, imaginative floats, costumes, music, dance and live performances. The event is built around a simple idea: Halloween is an artist’s holiday, and this parade lets Chicago’s creative community take over the streets.And 2026 comes with a big change. After years on State Street, Arts in the Dark is moving back to its original home on Columbus Drive, giving the parade a larger route with the Chicago skyline and Buckingham Fountain as its backdrop. The parade is free and open to the public, and costumes are encouraged, so you do not have to just watch the spectacle from the sidewalk. You can dress up and become part of the atmosphere too. What can you expect?Don't expect a standard Halloween parade with the same handful of floats rolling past.Arts in the Dark brings together Chicago cultural organizations, artists, youth programs, musicians, dancers, puppeteers and performers from across the city. Expect oversized puppets, unusual costumes, elaborate floats, live music, dance, theatre, circus arts and other creative performances. The parade is also designed to feel different once the sun goes down. With the event running from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, illuminated floats, costumes and giant puppets become part of the spectacle, with the Chicago skyline and Buckingham Fountain providing the backdrop. If you are looking for Halloween events in Chicago that aren't another bar crawl or haunted house, this is the one to put on your list.Arts in the Dark parade routeFor 2026, the parade returns to Columbus Drive.It will move north from Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard, passing through Grant Park with the Chicago skyline and Buckingham Fountain behind the procession.Route: Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive → north to Jackson BoulevardWhat to watch out forGet there early. This parade attracts a huge audience, and the organizers expect more than 100,000 people for the 2026 edition. The north end of the route tends to fill up early, so arriving ahead of time is your best bet if you want a good view. The route has changed. If you've attended Arts in the Dark before, don't head to State Street expecting to find the parade there. The 2026 parade is back on Columbus Drive, running from Balbo to Jackson.Dress for the weather. The parade goes ahead rain or shine, so bring layers and rain gear if the forecast looks questionable. Costumes are encouraged. You don't need one to attend, but dressing up fits right in with the whole point of the event. Leave the realistic weapons at home. The organizers prohibit real or realistic-looking weapons, including swords, guns and knives, as part of costumes or otherwise. Make an evening of itFood trucks will be set up along the east side of the parade route, with vendors on the west side, so you can arrive early, grab something to eat and find a viewing spot before the parade begins.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/chicago/12th-annual-arts-in-the-dark-halloween-parade/4300030696055804
- **Event Categories**: Art, Music, Theatre, Entertainment
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 1

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Chicago
- **state**: IL
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Columbus Drive (Balbo to Jackson)
- **lat**: 41.87811279296875
- **long**: -87.62979888916016
- **full address**: Columbus Drive (Balbo to Jackson), Columbus Dr & Balbo Dr, Chicago, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/4e8061e0-b01e-11f1-94e1-4389fc08cada-rimg-w1200-h800-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg?v=1789377963

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade being held?
  - **A:** 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade takes place on Sat, 24 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Sat, 24 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm at Columbus Drive (Balbo to Jackson), Columbus Dr & Balbo Dr, Chicago, United States.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade is ideal for party-goers, social butterflies, and anyone looking for a great night out with music, drinks, and good vibes. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Chicago, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

## Structured Data (JSON-LD)

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        "startDate": "2026-10-24T18:00:00-06:00",
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```