Chicago Weekend Guide: Halloween Parade, Women's Expo and Usher
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Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Photo: Bilgin Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Happy Thursday and Halloweekend!
I've rounded up some Chicago weekend events to fill your calendar.
🧟♀️ Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
The annual parade returns to Northalsted on Halloween night.
What to expect: A costume contest, appearances by the Lakeside Pride Marching Band, The Windy City Rollers and more. This annual outdoor parade is fun for all ages.
- If you plan to participate in the parade and costume contest, there will be five categories and $4,000 in cash prizes. Register here.
If you go: It's 6:30pm-10pm at the corner of Halsted and Belmont.
Cost: FREE
More things to do
🎻 Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Enjoy a musical interpretation of "Don Quixote" and celebrate Dia de los Muertos on Sunday with a performance by Lila Downs and The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago. Tickets start at $39
If you go: Chicago Symphony Center tonight through Sunday.
🎞️ The 60th Chicago International Film Festival
- Don't miss the final days of this major film fest where you can see international Oscar nominees, independent films and studio hits. Tickets start at $15
- Actor and Steppenwolf artistic director Andre Holland will be honored Saturday night with the fest's Artistic Achievement Award.
If you go: At theaters across Chicago through Sunday.
👯♀️ Women's Expo
- Try out new lifestyle products, shop pop-up boutiques and attend business coaching classes.
- Keynote speakers will include Harvey's own Keke Palmer, chef Anne Burrell and comedian Loni Love. The event will take place at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Tickets are $5
If you go: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.
🩰 Atonement at Joffrey Ballet
- Watch this recreation of Ian McEwan's 2001 novel, choreographed by British choreographer Cathy Marston. Tickets start at $36
If you go: At Lyric Opera house through Sunday.
🕹️ Insert Coin: Inside Midway's Arcade Revolution
- Play games and explore this exhibition as you learn about the history behind Chicago's video and arcade game maker, Midway Games. Tickets start at $12
If you go: At the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in Glen Ellyn from Saturday until Feb. 16.
🎫 Usher
- Attend one of the three live performances by Grammy Award R&B singer and songwriter Usher. Tickets start at $95
If you go: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the United Center.
💭 My thought bubble: I'll be at the concert singing all of Usher's hits and throwbacks with my best friend! If you see me be sure to say "Hi!"
Meanwhile, if you still need a Halloween costume, we have some ideas.
I'm going as Simone Biles! She's an Olympic icon and with her hubby Jonathan Owens playing for the Bears, it was only right to share some local pride with the GOAT.
🎥 Watch me transform into Simone Biles.
Some Chicago-y ideas:
- Dust off your Derrick Rose jersey and go as the former Bulls player
- Throw on a white coat and be a character from The Bear
- Dress as the infamous Chicago rathole