Chicago Haunted Tours perfect for Halloween
From the Chicago Trolley Company comes Chicago Haunted Tours. This tour gives you an in-depth look at the famous haunts and legends of Chicago, such as the "changing" Totem Pole, the ghosts of the Eastland Disaster, the eerie goings-on of Death Alley, the legend of Resurrection Mary, the Devil Baby, and much more. The lively storytelling of the mysterious and fascinating events will leave you shaking in your boots and curious for more.
Individual tour tickets are available for Thursday through Monday, Oct. 27-31. The tour departs from Navy Pier each night at 7 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets are $35 per person.
Private tours are also available for groups of 25 or more. Tickets are $32 per person for a three-hour tour, and $45 per person for a five-hour tour (includes lunch). Private Haunted Tours are available year round. Please call (773) 648-5000 for reservations.
German horror films at DANK Haus
DANK Chicago will be hosting a Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Skyline Lounge on the sixth floor of the historic DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. From 7 to 11 p.m. children are welcome since this is a night of scary fun for all ages, but after that it will be adults only. Starting at 7 p.m., admission is $5; children under 14 get in free. There are special prizes for best costumes. DANK will feature a cash bar with draft German beer (of course), brats, and other snacks available.
Special Halloween entertainment for this event is the showing of two German horror films, "The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari" and "Faust." These classic silent movies will be accompanied by live jazz music. For the big kids, DJ Hobgoblin will entertain afterwards until the scariest part of the night! For more information, call (773) 561-9181.
Frightful fun
Beware! Ghouls, ghosts, werewolves and clowns will be lurking along Chicago’s lakefront as the Chicago Park District offers an extensive line-up of Halloween activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Back by popular demand, Theater on the Lake, located at Fullerton Ave. and Lake Shore Dr., is transformed into a Haunted Sanitarium with approximately 12 scary scenes each decorated with its own spooky theme such as a cemetery, haunted castle, haunted junkyard, clown room and mausoleum.
Also in its second year, Lincoln Park Cultural Center will again attempt to raise the dead wit its Crazed Carnival Haunted House. Be careful! These clowns escaped the carnival circuit to produce 10 terrifying scenes, including mazes, freak shows and optical illusions galore. Haunted house goers can tour these two terrifying haunted houses for the price of $10 per person on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, only.
Haunted Sanitarium runs Oct. 21-31, Monday-Friday, 7-11 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 6-11 p.m. The location is Theater on the Lake, Fullerton Ave. and Lake shore Dr. It's appropriate for ages 13 and over. Admission is $10, or $8 for students with a school ID.
The Crazed Carnival Haunted House takes place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, for ages 13 and over. Admission is $5.
Pumpkinpalooza will happen Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, for ages 12 and younger. This is free and includes free trolley service to and from the event. Trolley pickup locations include: Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.; Margate Field House, 4921 N. Marine Dr.; Clarendon Community Center, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave.; and Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Dr.
For more information on these Halloween celebrations and much more, contact the CPD Lakefront Region Office at (773) 256-0949.
Twisted Halloween Bash
The Twisted Lizard, located at 1964 N. Sheffield Ave., is planning a festive Halloween Bash for Friday, Oct. 28, from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The admission charge of $40 per person includes a four-hour open bar and lavish dinner buffet featuring many of Sergio Sanchez's original Southwestern Mexican favorites, such as Flautas, Guacamole, Vegetable Quesadillas, Chicken Fajitas, and The Lizard's award-winning Chicken Wings. Costumes are encouraged in order to be eligible to enter the costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the most unusual costumes: 1st prize: $150; 2nd prize: $75; 3rd prize: $25. For more information, call the restaurant at (773) 929-1414.
Sing-A-Long 'Wizard of Oz'
Come click your ruby-slippered heels this fall for the Chicago Children’s Humanities Festival! Join the Children’s Festival as they proudly celebrate their 2005 Benefit, a Sing-A-Long "Wizard of Oz." Audiences of all ages can delight in the story of Dorothy and her journey through Oz by singing along with the beloved film. Led by a spirited on-stage Master of Ceremonies, the afternoon’s audience will participate through gestures and expressions, including hissing at the Wicked Witch and clicking heels to return home to Kansas. Come dressed as your favorite Oz character and participate in the costume parade!
Perfect for the Halloween weekend, this fun-filled journey up the yellow brick road takes place on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. Tickets are $25 for children; $30 for adults. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Children’s Humanities Festival.
Fifth Province Lounge celebrates Halloween
The Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., will continue its tradition of celebrating Halloween with its 13th Annual Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m. in the Fifth Province Lounge. The Chancey brothers will perform traditional ballads, Irish sing-a-longs and contemporary rock music.
The party is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and prizes will be awarded for everyone in costume.
Family Halloween Concert
The Ravenswood Community Orchestra, conducted by Matt Wolka, will play pieces by Mussorgsky, Bach, Strauss, Offenbach, Saint-Saens and Berlioz in a Family Halloween Concert on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 3:33 p.m. at the St. Ben's Ackerman Center, 2225 W. Irving Park Rd. The concert is free, but donation are requested. There will be a trick-or-treating reception. For more information, call (773) 501-2108.
'Corpse de cabaret'
Porchlight Music Theatre celebrates the 10th anniversary of one of the most popular hits in the company’s history, "Macabaret." The production, with music and lyrics by Robert Hartman and Scott Keys, runs through Oct. 31 at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.
A kooky and spooky journey into the macabre, "Macabaret" is a collection of humorous songs that twist towards the morbid. Murderous spouses, horror films, evil cows, supermodels, the Andrew sisters and OJ Simpson are just a few of the things parodied by a “Corpse de cabaret” of the undead. For tickets ($18-20), call (773) 327-5252.
Trick or Treat in Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce invites area children to Trick or Treat the businesses of Lincoln Square on Lincoln Ave., Western Ave., Rockwell St. and Damen Ave. on Saturday, Oct. 29, from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to Trick or Treating there will be pumpkin decorating provided by the 42 N Latitude at 1 p.m. at 4500 N. Lincoln Ave.
Sinister yet moving play
“Portia Coughlan” is set against a brooding backdrop of small-town Ireland. Traveling back and forth in time, it witnesses the struggle to reconcile all-engulfing loss with life’s petty inconsequence. At once sinister and profoundly moving, and with its emphasis on the closeness between the two worlds of the living and the dead, Marina Carr’s “Portia Coughlan” is a play well suited to the Halloween season.
On her 30th birthday, we meet Portia, a woman haunted by the death of her twin brother 15 years earlier. Portia has become a ghostly figure who lives her life in monstrous limbo. The drama of Portia’s sexually charged relationships, and her fierce exertion to sustain her independence, escalate.
“Portia Coughlan,” a co-production of Inisfree Irish Arts and Turnaround Theatre, runs at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Oct. 28- Nov. 6. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for IAHC members, seniors and students. For more information or to order tickets, call (773) 485-1404.
Wizards, Warlocks, Witches at Chicagoween
The Haunted Village, located at Pumpkin (Daley) Plaza, continues through Halloween with hours of Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Enjoy pumpkin decoration, spooky storytellers and more thrill and chill. Each day there are performances from the high flying aerial entertainers Midnight Circus: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. On Thursday through Sunday, there are evening shows scheduled at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cast members from “Wicked” and friends will host storytelling events at the Wicked tent in Daley Plaza, on Thursday through Sunday at 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. In addition, come and get “Greenified” at the face-painting booth in the tent on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and again from 5 to 6 p.m.
Free pumpkin decorating is offered Saturdays and Sundays (except for parade day, Saturday, Oct. 22) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while supplies last.)
Kids can join in on the fun by marching in costume as part of The State Street Halloween Happening Parade on Saturday, Oct. 22. The parade steps off at noon at the corner of State and Randolph streets. Following the parade, kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, a performance by Midnight Circus and a costume contest.
Find out “Where the Wild Things Are!” as the Haunted El returns with an unforgettable spooky tour of Chicago’s loop. Costumed characters from Quest Theatre Ensemble offer haunting tales of Chicago’s history and mystery aboard a CTA elevated train while puppets represent characters from this classic Maurice Sendak Story.
The Haunted El runs Oct. 20-22 and 27-29 on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., 7:25 p.m., 7:50 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.; and Saturdays at 11:40 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 12:55 p.m., and 1:20 p.m. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis the day of the show only at the Visitor’s Center inside the Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St.
There is a four ticket maximum per person. Tickets are available on Thursdays and Fridays beginning at 6 p.m., and Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m. The Haunted El is presented in conjunction with the Chicago Office of Tourism.
Find out who is the most “Popular” singer in Chicago! On Oct. 30, finalists will compete in the conclusion of the Wicked singing contest on Pumpkin Plaza. The finals begin at 11 a.m. For information on how to compete in the singing contest, visit the happenings page of www.wickedthemusical.com/chicago.
Terrifying…. music
The UIC Concert Band presents a Halloween concert on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 3 p.m. This performance of fright music takes place in the University Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison St., under the direction of Gene Collerd. Admission is free. Donation will be accepted, costumes are encourages.
Music to terrify, horrify and enchant fills the program. Symphonic highlights include Modest Mussorgsky’s "A Night on Bald Mountain," "Incantation and Dance" by John Barnes Chance, Gounod’s "Funeral March of a Marionette," "March to the Scaffold" from Berlioz’ "Fantastic Symphony," excerpts from Ravel’s "Mother Goose Suite," and music bye John Williams from the "Harry Potter" movies.
Halloween Fun
The Chopping Block has many ways to celebrate Halloween. On Friday, Oct. 28, at the Lincoln Square site, 4747 N. Lincoln Ave., enjoy Family Night: Halloween Party from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, at Lincoln Square, don't miss Tater Tots: Halloween Treats, at both 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
On Monday, Oct. 31, at Merchandise Mart, there will be a Free Haunted Hour: Wine Party from 5 to 7 p.m.
And on Monday, Oct. 31, at Lincoln Square, there will be Free Tricks and Treats for Kids from 3 to 7 p.m.
Please call to register or to get more information: (773) 472-6700 or (312) 644-6360. Visit www.thechoppingblock.net.
Free bat hat for kids in costume
Celebrate Halloween with Emerald City Theatre Company and every kid's favorite bat, Stellaluna! All children two to 12 get a free Bat Hat if they wear a Halloween costume to Emerald City's "Stellaluna and other Tales," Halloween weekend only: Saturday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m.
Savor Emerald City's new musical adaptation of Janell Cannon's inspiring stories of misunderstood animals, including Pinduli, a funny looking hyena who learns to overcome the casual cruelty of fellow animals, Verdi, a snake who learns the key to happiness is to grow up without growing old, and Stellaluna, a baby fruit bat who gets separated from her mother, and is raised by a fun, funny family of birds.
In addition to free Bat Hats, all children receive kid-sized programs designed just for them, and are invited to meet and greet the actors after the show.
"Stellaluna and Other Tales" runs through Nov. 5. Tickets are $9 for kids two to 12 years old; $12 for adults. Running time is 60 minutes. The production is best suited for ages three and up.
Emerald City Theatre Company performs at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. For tickets and information, call (773) 935-6100, or visit www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.
Sail Spooky Seas at Shedd
Fall is one of the best times to stop by Shedd Aquarium and check out the great experiences they have waiting for you. For Halloween, why not enjoy the evening/overnight event called Sail the Spooky Seas?
When darkness falls on All Hallows' Eve and a mysterious mist enshrouds the city, the tall ship Shedd Aquarium sets sail on a ghostly ocean with spooky sea stories and deep-sea delights. Come dressed for the occasion because they will be ghosting—make that hosting—a parade of the best-dressed guests. Get ready to dance macabre as they party with ghosts, goblins and a skeleton crew. But don't forget your sleeping bag and pillow because you will sack out with the reef residents and other aquatic animals in our Aquarium Galleries. If you aren't up for spending the night, then join the Shedd for the evening portion of this event. Activities are designed for families with children ages 0-12. To register, call (312) 692-3333.
Sail the Spooky Seas is Friday, Oct. 28; 6-10 p.m. is the evening event, and 6 p.m.-9 a.m. is the overnight event.
The evening event fee is $30 ($20 members). Children aged 2 and under are free.
The overnight event fee is $60 ($50 members). Children aged 2 and under are free.
Rod Sterling Silver guides you through suspense, terror
Hell in a Handbag Productions will present "The Twilight Gallery" in the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., with 3 Episode Fridays and 3 Episode Saturdays, at 11 p.m., through Oct. 29. Admission is $15; take $5 off additional Twilight Gallery performances with Twilight Gallery ticket stub. There will be a special Halloween Marathon performance of all 6 Episodes, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. The Marathon Admission is $25.
In addition, there is a Hell In A Handbag Benefit on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The benefit includes food, drinks, raffle, silent auction and performances of selected episodes at 8 p.m. Benefit admission is $30, with two tickets for $50. For reservations, call Theatre Building Chicago (773) 327-5252.
Submitted for your approval, SIX twisted tales of terror and suspense will take you to another dimension where laughter and fear walk hand and hand, meeting at the oh-so familiar corner of Parody and Homage, where your favorite episodes of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone" and "Night Gallery" collide resulting in yet another twisted Hell in a Handbag vehicle.
The Twilight Gallery features six rotating episodes, five authors, six directors and a cavalcade of familiar and new talent featuring Michael Miller as Rod Sterling Silver, your guide for the evening.
"Eyes"—adapted by and featuring David Cerda as Miss Claudia Menloathe, in the role originated by Joan Crawford under the direction of Steven Spielberg from the original "Night Gallery" pilot. Miss Menloathe is a wealthy, blind, imperious woman, who will do anything for 12 hours of sight, no matter what the consequences. "Eyes" also features Troy Coleman, Derek Czaplewski, Jaya Subramanian, John Walski, and Red Orchid Theater's Doug Vickers as Mr. Howard Cunningham, the hapless donor whose happy days are over. "Eyes" is directed by Marika Mashburn of The House Theatre.
"The Diary"—a Night Gallery episode adapted by Ed Jones and directed by Brooke Allen. Brigitte Ditmars (taking on the role originated by Patty Duke) plays Holly Schaeffer, a vicious gossip columnist who receives a mysterious diary from washed up movie queen Carrie Crane (Ed Jones) whose life has been destroyed by Holly's poisonous tongue. The diary takes on a life of its own with entries written in Holly's handwriting that predicts very unpleasant events. But Holly didn't write them. "The Diary" also features Trish Austin, Alex Gunn, Ryan Lanning, Jaya Subramanian and Doug Vickers.
"The Most Unusual Pictures"—adapted by Steve "Jay" Johnson from "The Twilight Zone" and directed by The House Theatre's Johnny Arena. A camera with the ability to take pictures five minutes into the future finds its way into the hands of small time crooks. They can't believe their good fortune until the pictures start telling a darker tale. Featuring Troy Coleman, Clarissa Gregg, Ryan Lanning and Terry McCarthy.
"A Critical Juncture"—from "Night Gallery," adapted and directed by Aaron Smith. Meet Herman Heppelwhite, a pompous theater critic with a poisonous pen that has destroyed many a career. Herman is holed up in a seedy Caribbean hotel searching for the peace and happiness that has eluded him his entire life, until a certain painting gives him one last glimmer of hope.
"Night Cher At 20,000 Feet"—based on the classic Twilight Zone episode starring William Shatner. Derek Czaplewski is Bob Wilson, a man just released from a sanitarium after suffering a nervous breakdown on the same type of plane he finds himself on now. Things seem to be going fine until Mr. Wilson spots a legendary Diva on the wing of the plane giving the performance of a lifetime. Directed by Brian Lobel, "Night Cher At 20,000 Feet" also features Trish Austin, Michael Kingston, Cate Mannion and Veronica Sheaffer.
"Come and Knock At My Door"—written and directed by David Cerda. A women's TV obsession turns deadly when the line between real life and sitcom becomes blurred and takes a deadly twist. Featuring James Bould, Brigitte Ditmars, Steve Hickson, Ed Jones, Michael Kingston, Cate Mannion, and Veronica Sheaffer.
Tails in the City Halloween Pet Parade
Every Halloween, dogs and cats bark and hiss in terror as unknown goblins, ghosts, and witches come parading into their home demanding treats. This year pets won't have to fret, as they are invited to a complimentary Halloween event just for them.
Tails in the City, a pet boutique in the Gold Coast, hosts the second annual Halloween Pet Party on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pets and their owners are invited to come to the store decked out in creative costumes to participate in a pet parade to Washington Park. Here there will be a costume judging contest with prizes for the best dressed dog or cat, and a photographer on site taking candid pictures of pets strutting their stuff. Parading dogs will also be trick or treating to raise money for Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS), the city's largest non-profit, no-kill humane society. More than 100 pets and their owners participated in last year's event.
Each furry participant will get to take home a goody bag featuring Tails in the City's gourmet baked treats, and refreshments will be provided for owners as well. Participation in this Halloween celebration is free; however, advance registration is recommended. For more information, contact Laura Miller at lmiller@greentarget.net or (312) 252-4104.
Cats vs. Halloween image
Witches, Wizards, and Wands takes place at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join Tree House cats and staff for this family event . Celebrate the season with crafts and treats and discuss the Halloween misconceptions about feline friends. Visit other areas of the Cultural Center for more activities and information from area organizations. For more information, contact Jenny of Tree House animal shelter at (773) 784-5488, ext. 231.
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