Chicago’s vibrant Northalsted neighborhood is set to host its 28th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and Costume Contest Festival on Friday, October 31, 2025. This highly anticipated event, recognized as one of the top ten Halloween parades in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel, transforms Halsted Street into a lively spectacle of creativity, frights, and community spirit for the Haunted Halsted Parade.
Haunted Halsted Parade: Event Schedule and Route
The festivities will commence on Halloween night, with costume contest registration opening at 6:30 p.m. at Halsted and Belmont. The Haunted Halsted Parade itself kicks off at 7:30 p.m. from the same intersection, proceeding north along Halsted Street. The procession is scheduled to conclude around 8:00 p.m. at Halsted and Cornelia, leading into the awards show and after-party at 8:30 p.m. at 3514 N. Halsted (near Halsted & Brompton). The entire Haunted Halsted Parade event is expected to wrap up by 10:00 p.m. Halsted Street will be closed from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street from approximately 5 p.m. on October 31st Chicago until 2 a.m. on November 1 to accommodate the event, with several side streets also affected.
A Grand Marshal for the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
This year’s Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade will be led by Emmy-winning makeup artist and drag superstar Raven. Celebrated for her iconic appearances on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” Raven will serve as the Grand Marshal and Costume Contest Host for the Haunted Halsted Parade. Raven, whose real name is David Petruschin, is not only a celebrated drag performer but also an Emmy Award winner for her work as RuPaul’s makeup artist and creative producer, significantly influencing the art of drag beauty and performance, making her a perfect fit for this Northalsted Halloween event.
The Spectacle of Costumes and Halloween Parade Prizes
The heart of the Haunted Halsted event is its spectacular costume contest, which offers a substantial $4,000 in cash prizes for the Haunted Halsted costume contest, across five distinct categories: Character, Creative, Scary, Youth (under 13), and Group. Each category features Halloween parade prizes of $500 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third. Participation in the parade and the costume contest is free, and individuals can register online in advance or on-site before the Haunted Halsted Parade begins. The contest is open to all ages, though youth participants must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
The parade itself is a vibrant display, featuring a diverse array of participants and performers. Attendees can expect to see the Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers, the Windy City Jeep Club with decorated vehicles, the energetic Chicago Thriller dancers, the Lakeside Pride Marching Band, the thrilling Windy City Rollers, and the enthusiastic Chicago Spirit Brigade pep squad. Drag performers, including hosts Raven and Batty Davis, alongside Chicago queens Khloe Park, Pagina, and Lilith Towers, will also be part of the entertainment at this significant Chicago LGBTQ+ events offering.
A Month of Halloween Festivities in Northalsted
The Haunted Halsted Parade is the highlight of a broader month of Halloween celebrations in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood. Throughout October, the area hosts various related events, including parade after-parties and contests, the popular Northalsted Halloween Pup Crawl, and drag competitions. These additional events contribute to Northalsted’s reputation as a hub for vibrant LGBTQ+ life and culture, offering a comprehensive Halloween experience for residents and visitors alike, making the Haunted Halsted Parade a crowning jewel of Halsted Street Halloween.
The event is free to watch, making it an accessible and popular attraction for the Chicago community. Organizers encourage attendees to use public transit or ride-shares due to street closures and potential parking challenges for the Haunted Halsted Parade. The Northalsted Business Alliance, the presenting organization, aims to enhance the district’s economic vitality and quality of life through such celebratory programming. Residents and visitors are invited to explore the unique offerings of this festive Chicago tradition and enjoy the spirit of October 31st Chicago.
