Your Guide to October 2024 in Chicago

Is 2024 flying by scary fast for anyone else? Luckily, October in Chicago is a treat — not a trick.

Get into the Halloween Spirit

Wondering what to wear to the Arts in the Dark Parade downtown or the Upside Down Halloween Parade in Washington Park? My family has been shopping at Fantasy Costumes in Portage Park for years. Plus, immersive experiences like Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up in Goose Island and Buffy: The Slayer Experience in West Town mean you can celebrate Halloween early!

The National Museum of Mexican Art’s annual Día de los Muertos ofrenda will honor people who have died. If you want to reserve a space on the altar for your late relative, a sign-up page should open Tuesday.

The Election is Around the Corner

If you don’t want to wait in line on Election Day, vote early or by mail! Early voting at the downtown supersite starts this week and in wards Oct. 21. Halloween is the last day to request a mail-in ballot. Make some extra cash and become an election judge!

Ready to Run Around Town?

The Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13 is expected to have a record-breaking 50,000 participants. Spectators can head to different mile markers by bus, train, car, or scooter. And runners, stay tuned for a carb-loading guide …

Keep your running shoes on because the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House is a week later. You’re probably not going to be able to hit all 170-plus sites Oct. 19–20, but plan an ambitious route and maybe you can see the Pullman Artspace Lofts and the birthplace of Walt Disney in Hermosa in a single day.

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day

It’s been a big year for Indigenous people in Illinois, who got federally recognized tribal land in the west suburbs after 200 years. Honor Illinois’ Indigenous people with a powwow in Evanston Oct. 14. Anyone is welcome at a powwow, but brush up on etiquette. You can also try Native foods with Ketapanen Kitchen.

End on a Sweet Note!

Chicago was once the candy capital of the world. What better way to give trick-or-treaters a Very Chicago Halloween™️ than with sweets with local roots? We’re talking about everything from Skittles to Baby Ruths 🍬 Or skip the grocery store entirely and head to a candy shop like Dulcelandia in Little Village or B&B Ice Cream and Candy in Auburn Gresham.