The 12th annual Halloween parade of floats, giant puppets and performances moves back to Columbus Drive in Grant Park this year, after a decade on State Street. Artists, cultural institutions and youth groups from across the city march north from Balbo to Jackson with the skyline and Buckingham Fountain behind them.
Arts in the Dark is a Halloween parade built around artists and community groups. Now in its 12th year, it brings together artists, cultural organizations and youth groups from neighborhoods across the city, who march with handmade floats, giant spectacle puppets, costumes and live performance. After about a decade on State Street, the parade moves to a new route this year: Columbus Drive in Grant Park, heading north from Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard, with the skyline and Buckingham Fountain as the backdrop. It runs from 6 to 8 PM, after dark, which is when the lit-up puppets and floats look their best. Watching is free and there are no tickets; just find a spot along Columbus Drive. Food trucks and vendors set up along the route if you want to make an evening of it. The parade is produced by the arts nonprofit LUMA8 with the City of Chicago and DCASE. It's a good night out for anyone who likes Halloween with a creative streak.
Sat Oct 24, 6:00–8:00 PM. Route: Columbus Drive northbound from Balbo Dr to Jackson Blvd, Grant Park. 2026 participating-group list not yet published.
Details checked against the official organizer on Oct 5, 2026. Times and prices can change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.