Chicago Like a Local blog

Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.

Blog, Neighborhoods, Special events

Day of the Dead in Chicago: a celebration of (after) life

Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a tradition that has been practiced for more than 3,000 years in Mexican…

Published on October 15, 2021 by Roxy Delgado

Nightlife, Special events

Chicago Halloween parties 2021: spooky parades, pop-up bars, costume parties, and more

Whether you’re in search of a fright or want to bring your best costume ideas to life, Chicago has a ton of one-of-a-kind events to…

Published on October 15, 2021 by Zoe Krey

Free & cheap, Holidays

6 free Halloween events in Chicago

Halloween in Chicago is so much more than just trick-or-treating. There’s magical nighttime parades, authentic Day of the Dead celebrations, ghosts tours, and more —…

Family, Holidays

Kid-friendly Halloween events in Chicago

Tricks, treats, and costume fun — Halloween season brings tons of family-friendly events and activities to Chicago. You can pick your own pumpkins, go trick-or-treating,…

Smaller Ballet Folklorico Xochitl girls in a line at the Arts in the Dark parade

Bucket list, Holidays

Halloween in Chicago: Top events and things to do

Experience Halloween in Chicago with these spooky, spectacular, and supernatural events. The city is packed with haunted happenings every autumn, from frightening to family friendly…

Holidays, Tours & attractions

Chicago ghost tours for Halloween

Chicago’s long and fascinating history — and that includes quite a few ghost stories. This Halloween, explore the city’s spooky side, from supernatural sites to…