The annual Arts in the Dark parade channels Chicago’s artistic spirit into a one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration. Packed with creative expression and spooky spectacle, Arts in the Dark ranks among the top family-friendly Halloween events in Chicago.
Your guide to Arts in the Dark
Showcasing artists, performers, musicians, puppeteers, dancers, and more, this free Halloween parade attracts more than 100,000 attendees each year.
Look forward to imaginative costumes, larger-than-life puppets and floats, and unforgettable performances highlighting the city’s dynamic cultural community.
What is Arts in the Dark?
About Arts in the Dark
Celebrating its 12th year, Arts in the Dark returns to downtown Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 24. The bewitching parade will take place after nightfall along Columbus Drive from Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard.
This spellbinding Halloween event welcomes spectators of all ages — no tickets required. Crowds gather early along the path of the procession, so arrive ahead of time for a good viewing spot.
Hosted by arts organization LUMA8, Arts in the Dark reflects the full spectrum of Chicago’s arts and cultural scene, featuring a spectacular mix of dance, theatre, fashion, and music styles like hip-hop, jazz, and mariachi — plus circus arts, puppeteers, and much more.
Spectators can enjoy fantastical costumes, upbeat music, nonstop excitement — Halloween in Chicago doesn’t get more electric than Arts in the Dark. Watch the city glow with dazzling artistry and experience Chicago’s unrivaled community spirit.
About Upside Down Parade
The team behind Arts in the Dark keeps the festivities going with the seventh annual Upside Down Halloween Parade. Head to Washington Park on Halloween to experience this free, all-ages event that reimagines the classic parade experience.
Families are invited to don their costumes and become the parade, as they march by dance teams, musicians, acrobats, sports mascots, and more. The parade route ends on a sweet note, where kids can enjoy a complimentary bag of goodies.
Explore more: Discover more Halloween events in Chicago.
When is Arts in the Dark 2026?
Arts in the Dark will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Upside Down Halloween Parade is held on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Where is Arts in the Dark?
Due to the popularity of the event, Arts in the Dark will returns to its original, larger location this year. The parade will be held on Columbus Drive, stepping off at Balbo Drive and marching north through Jackson Boulevard.
Public transportation provides easy access to the Arts in the Dark parade route. A few of the closest train stops include:
- Harrison (Red Line)
- Monroe (Red Line)
- Jackson (Red and Blue Lines)
- Adams & Wabash (Brown, Green, Pink, Orange, and Purple Lines)
Van Buren Street (Metra)
Keep in mind that nearby bus routes may face detours due to street closures. Plan your trip with the CTA.
For visitors driving into the downtown area, the Millennium Garages offer convenient parking. Situated on Michigan Avenue, the garages are north of the parade route.
The Upside Down Parade takes place in Washington Park along Russell Drive. The closest CTA train stop is Garfield (Green Line). There are also many bus lines that run near Washington Park. There will be designated ride share pickup and drop off locations along Martin Luther King Drive.
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History of Arts in the Dark
Since 2014, Arts in the Dark has brought Chicago’s creative communities together to celebrate Halloween as an artist’s holiday. This mission-driven tribute to the arts aims to prove that creativity bridges every background and identity.
Presented by local nonprofit LUMA8 and the Mayor’s Office, the event unites up-and-coming artists, essential youth programs, and leading cultural institutions based in the city and internationally.
Arts in the Dark partners include the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events(DCASE) and Chicago Fall Fest. This Halloween extravaganza has featured a diverse lineup of honorees, from jazz vocalists and theatre professionals to screen actors, street artists, historians, and plenty more.
Looking for more unique celebrations? Discover top Halloween events and festivities in Chicago.
