CHICAGO URBAN DAILY
CHICAGO (CHICAGO URBAN DAILY)— Tonight, downtown Chicago belongs to the artists.
The 12th annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade takes over Columbus Drive from 6 to 8 p.m. — a free, family-friendly nighttime procession that treats Halloween as what organizers call the “artist’s holiday.” Giant puppets, illuminated floats, dancers, musicians, and hundreds of costumed performers will fill the street, with Chicago cultural institutions, youth arts programs, and performers from across the city all in the mix.
This year comes with a big change: after outgrowing its recent State Street footprint, the parade has moved to Columbus Drive, marching north from Balbo Drive toward Jackson Boulevard, with the skyline and Buckingham Fountain as the backdrop. The event draws an audience of more than 100,000, and it has been named one of the top 10 Halloween events in the country by USA TODAY.
The parade is part of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Fall Fest, and it’s free and open to the public. Costumes are encouraged — this is one parade where the crowd is part of the spectacle.
Arrive early for the costume contest: Goodwill’s “Haunted Runway” lets parade-goers vote for the ultimate DIY costume winner as finalists walk the route from 5 to 6 p.m. Food trucks will be set up on Ida B. Wells for anyone who needs a snack before the festivities.
So grab the family, pick a spot on Columbus Drive, and watch Chicago’s creative spirit light up the night.
Stay tuned to Chicago Urban Daily for more of what’s happening across the city.
Reported by Chicago Urban Daily News. Visit chicagourbandailynews.com for updates.
