5 Spooky Halloween Events Near Chicago That Locals Love!

Looking to make the most of the Halloween season this year? You’re in luck! There are plenty of thrilling and spooky Halloween events near Chicago that locals can’t get enough of. Whether you’re looking for bone-chilling haunted houses, family-friendly festivals, or unique Halloween experiences, these events are sure to make your Halloween unforgettable.

The best part? All of these Halloween events are just a short drive away, making it easy to dive into the spooky spirit without venturing too far from home.

The image showcases a Halloween display featuring skeletal horses pulling a haunted carriage in a dark forest illuminated by vibrant purple, red, and green lighting. The horse skeletons are detailed and life-sized, adding a spooky yet whimsical touch to the scene. In the background, tall trees and glowing decorations enhance the eerie atmosphere, creating a mystical, otherworldly setting for this haunted attraction.

From Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin, where the entire downtown transforms into a massive zombie-themed block party, to Six Flags Fright Fest, packed with haunted attractions and scream-inducing roller coasters, there are Halloween events near Chicago that cater to every kind of thrill-seeker. You can also explore House on the Rock: The Dark Side, an eerie twist on a quirky Wisconsin landmark, or check out the Volo Auto Museum Halloween Experience, which combines classic cars with spooky Halloween decor for a one-of-a-kind experience. And if you’re in the mood for a good scare, don’t miss our roundup of some of the top haunted houses in the area, guaranteed to make your heart race.

These five Halloween events near Chicago offer the perfect mix of thrills, chills, and fun for everyone. So, if you’re ready to make the most of the Halloween season, keep reading for all the details on these must-visit spooky destinations that Chicago residents are raving about this year!

The image shows a Halloween scene featuring a skeleton figure with a jack-o'-lantern head, standing in a dark, eerie setting illuminated by red and purple lights. The figure is holding a smaller pumpkin lantern, with its skeletal ribs visible through its dark cloak. The background includes trees and Halloween decorations, enhancing the spooky atmosphere.

1. Nightmare on Chicago Street (Elgin, IL)

If you’re searching for one of the most immersive Halloween events near Chicago, Nightmare on Chicago Street is an absolute must. Held on October 19, 2024, from 6 PM to 11 PM, this annual event transforms downtown Elgin into a post-apocalyptic nightmare zone filled with zombies, survivors, and epic chaos.

Imagine walking through streets filled with barricades, crashed cars, and fog, while costumed actors—some as zombies, others as rogue survivors—create an eerie atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped into a horror movie.

The image captures a lively Halloween event at night, likely part of a haunted attraction. A large, colorful sign reads "Ghouls" on the left, and on the right is an elaborate setup labeled "Dante's Inferno Room" with a monstrous face featuring glowing eyes and sharp teeth. Several people dressed in costumes, including one wearing a red wig and another in a leather jacket, are gathered in front of the attraction under eerie lighting, adding to the festive and spooky atmosphere.

The event offers multiple stages of live music, performances, and themed bars. You’ll also find interactive areas, street performers, and incredible photo opportunities at every turn. Whether you’re entering the costume contests or simply taking in the electrifying sights, Nightmare on Chicago Street is the perfect blend of fun and frights.

The image shows two cars staged in a dramatic, crash-like setup at a Halloween event. A silver sedan is precariously stacked on top of a white SUV, both covered in fake spider webs and Halloween decorations. In the background, festive string lights and costumed attendees can be seen, along with a building lit in eerie purple and red tones. The scene gives the appearance of a post-apocalyptic or chaotic setting, enhanced by the spooky atmosphere of the event.

Why You Should Go:
It’s one of the largest Halloween festivals near Chicago, offering an unparalleled atmosphere. The event’s interactive, immersive nature makes it perfect for those who love getting lost in a full-scale Halloween experience.

Distance from Chicago: ~45 minutes
Date: October 19, 2024, from 6 PM to 11 PM
Website: Nightmare on Chicago Street

2. Six Flags Great America – Fright Fest (Gurnee, IL)

Among the biggest Halloween events Chicago locals can attend is Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America. During the day, the park offers family-friendly fun, but at night, it transforms into a haunting experience filled with chilling attractions. This year, Fright Fest boasts newly licensed haunted houses based on some of the most famous horror franchises:

Stranger Things: Explore the Upside Down and try to escape the Demogorgon’s terrifying lair.
Saw: Experience Jigsaw’s gruesome games and survive deadly traps.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Step into Leatherface’s twisted world, where chainsaws roar and horrors lurk around every corner.

The image shows a foggy, dimly lit corridor at a Halloween-themed event, likely part of a haunted house attraction. Two people are walking toward a glowing pink light at the end of the hallway, while other visitors and staff in the background are barely visible through the dense fog. Yellow overhead lights cast an eerie glow on the scene, contributing to the spooky, immersive atmosphere of what seems to be a fright fest or similar experience.

In addition to these new licensed haunts, two original mazes return for Fright Fest:

Big Top Terror: A twisted circus experience where clowns and other carnival freaks emerge from the shadows to terrify anyone who dares enter their tent.
The Estate at Wretched Meadows: This haunted mansion attraction is filled with ghoulish spirits, creepy antiques, and cursed secrets waiting to be uncovered in its haunted halls.

The image shows a lively Halloween cabaret performance with three costumed performers under dramatic lighting. In the center is a ringmaster dressed in a red velvet coat and a tall top hat, flanked by two performers with elaborate makeup and colorful outfits. One performer wears a pink wig and a white, frilly corset dress, while the other has neon green and pink hair with a brightly colored dress. The audience is gathered close to the stage, watching as the performers entertain, adding to the circus-like, festive Halloween atmosphere.

Why You Should Go:
Fright Fest combines world-class roller coasters with thrilling haunted attractions. With the addition of new licensed houses from popular horror franchises, this year promises even more intense scares.

Distance from Chicago: ~1 hour
Dates: September 14 – November 3 Weekends
Website: Six Flags Great America Fright Fest

See more Fright Fest here.

The image depicts a large, creepy clown statue, part of a Halloween or Fright Fest attraction. The clown's face is painted with exaggerated features, including green eyeshadow, a red nose, and a wide grin. Its tattered clothing, with red and white stripes, hangs loosely, adding to its eerie appearance. The bright blue sky and nearby trees contrast with the sinister nature of the figure, creating a juxtaposition between the cheerful setting and the unsettling statue.

3. The House on the Rock – The Dark Side (Spring Green, WI)

The House on the Rock is one of the most unique Halloween events near Chicago. It takes on a terrifying twist during the Halloween season with The Dark Side. This sprawling attraction is already known for its bizarre collection of artifacts. It becomes even more unsettling as dim lighting, creepy sound effects, and eerie actors add to the experience.

The image shows a massive, open-mouthed sea creature with jagged teeth, part of an elaborate exhibit at The House on the Rock. The view from below emphasizes the creature's gaping mouth, lined with sharp, uneven teeth, and a detailed interior, complete with a small boat trapped inside, adding to the sense of danger. To the left, there is part of a large sailing ship model, while other sections of the exhibit are adorned with string lights, creating a dramatic, immersive atmosphere that mixes nautical and fantastical themes.

Visitors wander through themed sections that become progressively more disturbing, with mechanical creatures and strange, haunted displays around every corner. From the giant indoor carousel to rooms filled with oddities, The Dark Side creates an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere for those who enjoy a more surreal Halloween adventure.

The image displays a complex, multi-level exhibit at The House on the Rock, featuring an intricate arrangement of metal staircases, giant wheels, pipes, and various mechanical parts. The structure has an industrial, steampunk feel, with layers of different machinery, gears, and ornate decorations packed into the space. Warm lighting highlights the metallic and wooden elements, while red hues from chandeliers and other installations add a dramatic touch to the surreal, labyrinthine environment. The overall scene creates a sense of mystery and wonder, characteristic of The House on the Rock.

Why You Should Go:
It’s not your typical haunted house—The House on the Rock mixes surrealism with horror for a one-of-a-kind experience that’s both artistic and chilling.

The image shows an ornate display at The House on the Rock, featuring life-sized statues of partially nude figures playing musical instruments, surrounded by opulent chandeliers. The scene includes a variety of characters, such as a man with a harp, a woman blowing a flute, and a figure riding a decorative carousel horse. The red velvet backdrop and glittering crystal lights add a sense of decadence and theatrical flair to this surreal and extravagant exhibit, characteristic of the eclectic and fantastical style of The House on the Rock.

Distance from Chicago: ~3 hours
Dates: Select Nights Through October
Website: House on the Rock Dark Side

See more of The House on the Rock here.

4. Volo Auto Museum – Halloween Experience Trolley Tour (Volo, IL)

For a more family-friendly Halloween event near Chicago, Volo Auto Museum’s Halloween Experience Trolley Tour is a fun and spooky adventure. The trolley ride takes visitors around the museum’s grounds, sharing ghost stories and eerie legends. While this tour provides just the right amount of Halloween spirit for families, it still delivers a spooky experience with haunted exhibits and festive decorations.

The image features an exhibit from the Alien movie franchise, displayed at the Volo Auto Museum. It shows a life-sized Xenomorph figure standing next to a detailed, futuristic vehicle. The scene is set against a backdrop of the USCSS Nostromo, referencing the spaceship from the original Alien movie. The dark, industrial setting, with exposed pipes and chains, enhances the sci-fi and horror theme, while a sign provides information about the display. The exhibit captures the eerie, mechanical atmosphere of the iconic film.

Inside the museum, vintage cars and Hollywood props get a seasonal makeover, with exhibits that include famous cars from horror movies. The haunted barn and other ghostly spots add an extra layer of spookiness without being too intense for younger visitors.

Why You Should Go:
This is a great option for families and history enthusiasts who want to enjoy the Halloween season without the extreme scares of other haunted attractions.

Distance from Chicago: ~1 hour
Dates: Select Dates September 20th – November 3rd
Website: Volo Auto Museum Halloween Experience

See more on the Volo Museum here.

The image shows the iconic red 1958 Plymouth Fury from the movie Christine, displayed at the Volo Auto Museum. The car, famous for its role as a haunted vehicle in Stephen King's horror film, is polished to a high shine and surrounded by stanchions to keep it protected. Inside, mannequins are posed to resemble characters from the movie. The red lighting in the background complements the car's sinister reputation, adding an eerie atmosphere to the exhibit.

5. Haunted Houses Around Chicago

For those seeking intense scares, Halloween events near Chicago wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the area’s top haunted houses. Here are five of the best haunted house attractions within an hour of the city:

13th Floor Haunted House (Schiller Park, IL): Famous for its cutting-edge special effects and immersive themes like Lycan’s Curse and Alien Autopsy.
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HellsGate Haunted House (Lockport, IL): Set in the woods, this haunted mansion features secret passages, a basement slide, and a terrifying zombie-infested cemetery.
Website
Dungeon of Doom (Zion, IL): A 60-minute haunt filled with disturbing rooms like Dead Clown Alley and The Sanctuary.
Website
Old Joliet Haunted Prison (Joliet, IL): Set inside a real abandoned prison, this haunted house offers an authentic eerie experience with attractions like Cell Block 13 and Inmates Row.
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Midnight Terror Haunted House (Oak Lawn, IL): Spanning 26,000 square feet, this haunted house features intense scenes and plenty of jump scares for a nightmarish adventure.
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Why You Should Go:
These haunted houses are some of the scariest Halloween events in Chicago and beyond. With elaborate sets, live actors, and terrifying themes, they offer the ultimate Halloween adrenaline rush.

Distance from Chicago: ~30-60 minutes
(Best time to visit: Mid-September through early November)

Plan Your Spooky Day Trip for Halloween Events in Chicago

The image depicts a spooky Halloween display featuring life-sized zombie figures enclosed in a fenced-off area with biohazard signs and warnings. The scene is bathed in green light, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The zombies, with decayed skin and menacing expressions, appear to be gathered around a barrel labeled "Caution" that is filled with what looks like brains. Signs on the fence warn of a "Zombie Sanctuary" and advertise "Zombie Hunting Permits Sold Here," contributing to the haunted, post-apocalyptic theme of the display.

From immersive haunted festivals to spine-chilling haunted houses, these Halloween events near Chicago promise unforgettable thrills. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding scares or family-friendly fun, these destinations are the perfect way to celebrate Halloween.