Event Dates
From: Thursday, October 31, 2024
To: Thursday, October 31, 2024
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.
- 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.
Event Schedule
- 6:30PM Costume Contest Registration – Halsted & Belmont
- 7:30PM Parade Kickoff at Halsted & Belmont
- 8:00PM Parade Ends at Halsted & Cornelia
- 8:30PM Awards Show: Halsted & Brompton (3514 N. Halsted; parking lot)
- 10:00PM 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.
- 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.
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,
Get an early deal on your hotel
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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Highlights of the North Halsted Street Halloween Parade
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you’ll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
The heart of Chicago’s downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
A great place to stay if you’re a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city’s best shopping.