Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2027

With over 2,000 entrants, you’d better have a damn good costume.!

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.

• Next Edition: Awaiting dates  – The official Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. 6.30–10pm
• $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: 3514 N Halsted.

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.

• Stay at the Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel: This is a comfortable choice with a fitness center and spa. It’s situated close to Boystown and within walking distance of many bars and clubs. It is also a “Travel Proud” certified hotel.

Northalsted Halloween Parade Schedule

Date & Time	Event	Venue
Typically held on 31st October – Use this as a guide.
11:00-18:00	Haunted Halsted Fest	North Halsted Street, between Aldine and Brompton. Food and drinks, live entertainment, street performers, vendors, children’s activities and trick-or-treating.
14:00-18:15	Costume Registration	3211 N. Halsted Street, near Belmont Avenue. Check-in for registered parade participants and same-day costume entries.
18:00-19:00	Parade Preparations	North Halsted Street. Festival crowds move behind the barricades as the street is cleared for the parade.
19:00-20:00	Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade	Starts at Halsted and Belmont, finishing at Halsted and Brompton. Costumed participants, marching bands, dancers and fire performers.
20:00-22:00	Costume Contest & After-Party	NoHa parking lot, 3514 N. Halsted Street. Costume finalists compete for cash prizes, with DJs, drag performances and live entertainment.

Best places to watch the parade

• High-energy: outside Sidetrack (3349 N Halsted) and Hydrate (3458 N Halsted). Great sound and crowd, but packed.
• Close-ups at step-off: Belmont & Halsted. Arrive early.
• Easier viewing: north end near Cornelia to Brompton, then stay for the awards.

Best way to get to the parade

• CTA: Belmont station (Red/Brown/Purple) is your closest hub; Addison Red Line works for the north end. Expect crowding.
• Ride-share: set pick-ups east or west of Halsted, away from closures between Belmont and Addison. Time Out Worldwide

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.
• 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.
• Roscoe’s Tavern has a packed Halloween weekend of programming and the “hangover” drag brunch the next day.
• Stay at the “Exceptional” rated, Guesthouse Hotel: Situated a bit further north in Andersonville but still close to the LGBTQ+ scene, this hotel offers spacious apartment-style rooms with kitchens.

Popular Gay Bars in Chicago during Halloween

Located in the Lakeview neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago, Boystown was one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Centered along North Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Irving Park Road, it’s filled with rainbow pylon landmarks that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The area is home to numerous gay bars, clubs, restaurants, and businesses.

• Sidetrack: One of the most popular bars in Boystown, Sidetrack is known for its sizable space, multiple rooms, and large video screens that play a mix of music videos and other fun clips. Their themed nights, like “Show Tunes,” are particularly popular.
• Roscoe’s: A longstanding favorite, Roscoe’s features a dance floor, a quieter front bar area, and a back room for performances, including drag shows.
• Berlin: Known for its eclectic crowd and inclusive environment, Berlin has themed dance parties and late-night hours. It’s a spot known for embracing the alternative and edgy side of the gay scene.
• Scarlet Bar: This bar is famous for its fun theme nights, like “Frisky Fridays,” and energetic dance floor.
• The Call: Located a bit north of Boystown in Andersonville, another LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood, The Call offers a mix of music video programming and drag performances.
• Big Chicks: Also in Andersonville, Big Chicks is a welcoming bar known for its mix of clientele, from younger folks to older regulars. Their companion diner, Tweet, serves brunch and is also popular.
• Cell Block: A leather and Levi’s bar with a more relaxed feel than some other Boystown venues. They have a pool table and theme nights, catering to a specific subset of the LGBTQ+ community.
• The Baton Show Lounge: Legendary for its drag performances, The Baton has been hosting shows for decades and is considered one of the premier drag venues in the country.
• Jackhammer: Located in the Rogers Park neighborhood, Jackhammer is known for its edgier, alternative vibe, particularly in the late-night basement area called “The Hole.”
• Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club: This spot offers a mix of dining and entertainment, with drag divas performing as you dine.

Where to Stay for Northalsted Halloween

Stay in Lakeview, particularly around North Halsted Street between Belmont and Addison. This puts you within walking distance of the Halloween parade, costume contest and the gay bars hosting after-parties.

• Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel – A boutique-style hotel on North Broadway, just a few blocks from the parade route and bars such as Sidetrack and Hydrate. Features comfortable rooms, a courtyard, hot tub and complimentary breakfast. One of the most convenient options for Halloween.
• Hotel Zachary Chicago – 4 stars. A stylish hotel opposite Wrigley Field, featuring contemporary rooms, a restaurant and a cocktail bar. An excellent premium choice within walking distance of the northern end of the parade.
• The Guesthouse Hotel – 4 stars. An upscale all-suite hotel in Andersonville, with spacious apartments, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. Best for groups wanting extra space, although you’ll need transport to reach Northalsted.
• City Suites Hotel – A smaller boutique hotel beside Belmont station, with classic Chicago interiors and easy access to the parade’s starting point at Belmont and Halsted. Particularly convenient for visitors arriving by public transport.

For Halloween weekend, book from Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November 2026. The official programme now includes an all-day festival from 11 am on Saturday, followed by the parade at 7 pm and costume awards at 8 pm.