Event Dates
From: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
To: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
A wonderful cross-section of Chicago converges in Boystown for the Northalsted Halloween Parade
A wonderful cross-section of Chicago converges in Boystown for the Northalsted Halloween Parade each year. From drag queens to kids to pets, this annual Boystown event inspires some of the most stunning costumes in Chicago. So make sure you swing by the costume store beforehand!
- Stay close to Northalsted and enjoy the Halloween Parade at its best. Try the Majestic Hotel on West Brompton, or the Hotel Zachary on North Clark Street. Check out the top 10 hotels in Lakeview for more options.
Haunted Halsted, The Main Parade
When it comes to the holy day of Halloween, Chicago’s gayborhood is dead serious. This is the only parade in the city that happens on Halloween night, whenever Halloween falls. Chicagoans bring out their weird, wild and spooky every year in Boystown.
- The annual parade kicks off on October 31.
- $4,000 in Prizes & After Party
- $500 First Place, $250 Runner Up in 5 Categories!
- Scary,Drag,Creative,Youth,Cosplay,Group <6 and Large Group 6+
- Registration & Parade Starts at: Halsted & Belmont
- Parade Ends at: Halsted & Brompton
- Awards Show & After Party at: Halsted & Roscoe
Marching in and attending the parade is free, but you’ll have to register if you want to march or perform in the parade. The costume contest is also free, but with over 2,000 entrants, you’d better have a damn good costume.
Event Schedule
- 6:30 pm – Costume Contest Registration – Halsted & Belmont
- 7:30 pm – Parade Kickoff at Halsted & Belmont
- 8:00 pm – Parade Ends at Halsted & Brompton
- 8:30 pm – Awards Show Begins at Halsted & Roscoe
- 10:00 pm – End of Event
The Lead Up Contests & Parties
- Many of the districts gay bars host their own costume competitions during the week leading up to the Halloween parade.
- Top tip! See as many costume contests at local clubs as possible. If you’re coming with an elaborate costume, there are lots of prizes to be won. Sidetrack host some amazing Halloween pre and after parties.
- October 28th 2023 – Circuit mom hosts a stunning Halloween party with amazing light, sound, costumes and theatrical production.
- Cuntea also host a special Halloween Tea Dance edition at Fantasy Night club
Recommended Hotels in Chicago
The following hotels are all close to the city’s top attractions, the parade and after party.
The Peninsula Chicago, The Silversmith Hotel, Gray Hotel, Thompson Chicago,
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Book now and pay on arrival.
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the
events & offers superior rooms & service.
For further information and advice on
Northalsted Halloween Parade Website
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
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Located along the Magnificent Mile, this Chicago hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. The hotel offers a full-service Asian-inspired spa, award-winning restaurants, and spacious luxury guest rooms with city views. A 42-inch flat-screen TV and free WiFi
Located in the centre of the Loop, near Chicago’s theater and financial district, this hotel is close to dining, shopping, and many major attractions. Spacious rooms include cable TV and free WiFi. Featuring a contemporary design, each room includes a refrigerator and coffeemaker
Every room at Kimpton Gray Hotel includes a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station & a private bathroom with bathrobes and luxury Atelier Bloem bath products. Select rooms offer a separate living room & spa bath. Boleo offers breathtaking rooftop views alongside Latin-inspired cocktails & cuisine.
Located in the Chicago city centre, this luxury boutique hotel boasts an on-site restaurant and WiFi access. Shopping and dining on Michigan Avenue is 2 minutes’ walk away. A flat-screen cable TV and a mini bar are offered in every modern guest room
2013 North Halsted Street Halloween Parade
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We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
This smoke-free hotel features an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and 24-hour room service. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include conference space, concierge services, and dry cleaning. All 261 rooms feature thoughtful touches like pillow menus and bathrobes
This smoke-free hotel features 2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. A business center, and conference space are onsite. All 452 rooms feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, plus free WiFi and LED TVs with first-run movies. Guests will also find MP3 docks
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, an indoor pool, & a 24-hour fitness center. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café, & a spa tub are onsite. All 419 rooms offer thoughtful touches like bathrobes and pillowtop beds & premium bedding. Free WiFi
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has an indoor pool & a 24-hour fitness center. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café, & a snack bar/deli are onsite. All 400 rooms offer free WiFi & free wired Internet, plus iPod docks & flat-screen TVs