Much like almost every holiday in 2020, Halloween has been altered this year to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Luckily, we’ve been practicing wearing masks all year. (Please don’t let your Michael Myers mask replace your protective face mask though.)
The CDC has released its recommended list of low-risk activities and we encourage you to stick to them! We also know that Halloween is a big deal in Chicago, so to help keep the spirit of the holiday, we’ve rounded up some safe options for celebrating and encourage you to remember that costumes are always appropriate—even if you’re staying home this year.
Music Box Theater’s 31 Nights Of Terror
Horror movie fans, this is your time to shine. Music Box Theater is bringing a new feature film (or two) to the Chi-Town Movies Drive-In every night in October. Screenings include classics like The Nightmare On Elm Street and Alien along with cult favorites like The Host and Black Christmas. Car passes are on sale now and limited, socially distanced lawn chair seating is also available if you don’t have a vehicle. At $30 per car ($40 for double features), this is an easily affordable escape to the ghoulish underworld of thrillers, slashers, monster flicks and more.
The Museum Of Terror
Is your idea of a good Halloween celebration getting really, truly creeped out? Then do we have the spot for you! The Museum Of Terror is bringing supernatural haunts, creepypastas and horror memes to 6th Dimension Gallery in Wicker Park beginning in mid-October and running through the end of November. This two-story pop-up museum will be full of hair-raising visuals, props and Instagram opps. The museum is ticketed in time slots to prevent large groups from gathering (now that’s a scary thought!) and masks are required.
Chicago Botanic Gardens Night Of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns
This annual family-friendly tradition isn’t going anywhere in 2020! With health and safety protocols in place, pumpkin-lovers will be able to visit the gardens and see hundreds (1,000 to be exact) of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns scattered throughout the beautiful botanicals. Seasonal adult beverages and snacks will also be available.
Lincoln Park Zoo’s The Great Pumpkin Glow
Get ready for the return of Lincoln Park Zoo’s 21+ Adults Night Out series! In celebration of the spooky holiday, the grounds will be decorated with scary props, a corn maze, pumpkins and more! Of course, the animal residents will also be getting in on the fun, too. To comply with safety regulations, only a limited number of tickets will be sold and and masks will be required.
Replay Lincoln Park’s Drive-Thru Haunted House—Alley Of Darkness
Replay Lincoln Park’s history of producing over-the-top themed pop-ups and experiences inside its arcade bar means we weren’t surprised when its first drive-thru haunted house was announced. A $75 ticket gets you access to a short drive-in movie to start the experience and then a 30-minute drive through one of the most creative and terrifying haunted houses you’ve ever experienced. There is no escape when you can’t leave your car! Get more info and tickets now—the fun starts on October 2.
Terror In The Timbers Drive-Through Experience
Head to Elgin for another drive-through experience that’s sure to leave you shaking in your seat! This thematic journey keeps you on the run from the America’s first serial killer and well-known Chicago resident Dr. Henry Howard Holmes. Buckle up and prepare to be scared by this brand new concept, debuting October 2 and running through Halloween. There is also a family-friendly experience offered on weekends! Check out ticket info here.
Photo via Facebook/Graceland Cemetery
Take A Stroll In A Haunted Cemetery
With social distancing measures still in place, many of us are still enjoying every opportunity we can take to enjoy the outdoor activities. Why not add a little ghost hunting to your repertoire? Many Chicago area cemeteries have been said to house…