Chicago knows how to do Halloween right, and this year’s lineup of pop-ups and specials is packed with eerie cocktails, immersive experiences and creative costume contests that will have you feeling festive throughout the spooky season. Check all websites for full details on tickets and reservations.
Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab
When: Throughout October
Where: Hubbard Inn (River North)
Step inside Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab for a spooky interactive cocktail-making experience. Transform into an apprentice mad scientist as you mix your own concoctions in a setting filled with eerie potions, glowing elixirs and bubbling beakers. The 90-minute reservation includes a custom drink (or mocktail), spooky photo ops and the option to get your fortune read by an on-site tarot card reader.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Pop-Up
When: Throughout October
Where: Whiskey Business (Logan Square)
Enter the world of Sunnydale at the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Pop-Up, where you’ll walk through recreations of Sunnydale High, the Hellmouth and Restfield Cemetery. Enjoy a welcome blood bag cocktail, then dine on spooky dishes from the Doublemeat Palace. Complete with photo ops and encounters with vampires, this immersive pop-up offers 90 minutes of nostalgic fun for fans of Buffy and the Scooby gang.
Witches Brew Cocktail Party
When: Throughout October
Where: Never Have I Ever (Lincoln Park)
Inspired by the classic movie Hocus Pocus, the Witches Brew Cocktail Party delivers a spellbinding evening of cocktails, performances and photo ops. Guests can enjoy themed drinks while watching witchy burlesque performances from Angela Eve’s Spellbook Cabaret. Be sure to capture the spooky vibes designed to immerse you in the eerie magic of Salem.
Spooky Margaritas
When: Throughout October
Where: Cesar’s Killer Margaritas (Lakeview)
Cesar’s Killer Margaritas in Lakeview is getting into the Halloween spirit with scary takes on the classic Mexican drinks like La Catrina (mango & raspberry), El Corazón (strawberry) and the Black Widow (blackberry). Throughout October, guests are encouraged to bring or email photos of loved ones to add to Cesar’s Día De Los Muertos Ofrenda, an altar honoring lost family members.
Tatas Tacos
When: Oct. 29 – Nov. 2
Where: Lakeview, Six Corners, Portage Park
All three Tatas Tacos locations are celebrating Halloween with a spooky taco menu. Explore scary flavors like brain (cauliflower), chicken feet and guts tacos, plus creative cocktails like the Smashed Zombie. On Halloween, each location will host a costume contest where participants can snap a photo and post it to social media for a chance to win cash and Tatas Tacos gift cards. Be sure to visit its giant skeleton displays for the ultimate spooky photo op!
Doomsday! A Very MF Doom Halloween
When: Oct. 31, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m
Where: Big Star Mariscos (West Town)
Calling all MF Doom fans! Big Star Mariscos in West Town is turning Halloween into a tribute to the late rapper. On Oct. 31, the restaurant will spin MF Doom’s tracks all night long and offer special themed menu items like Viktor Vaughn’s Beef Rap (a chili burrito with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos) and Metal Fingaz’s Tamales Kon Karne. The night also includes a costume contest where the best Doombot costumes will win tickets to shows at Metro and Cobra Lounge, plus exclusive MF Doom merch.
