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CHICAGO—With last weekend’s launch of its all-new, immersive experience, “Garden of Decay,” Navy Pier kicked off one of its biggest Halloween seasons to date. Throughout the month of October, there will be seasonal festivities for every taste and temperament, including:
Garden of Decay
Delve into the mysteries of a once-renowned genetic plant laboratory, now transformed by grief into the Garden of Decay. In this captivating journey, guests will don headsets and be guided by actors through a unique immersion in artistry, storytelling, wonder, and intrigue, all meticulously crafted by exceptionally talented local artists. Step into the Garden of reCreation for unexpected encounters, botanical cocktails, and late-night entertainment. Tickets from $42. Every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 28, plus Sunday, Oct. 29, Monday, Oct. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 31 – 6 p.m. to midnight.
Chicago Seadog Haunted River Boat Tour
Embark on the Chicago Seadog Haunted River Boat Tour, exploring Chicago’s spooky past while winding through some of the city’s most breathtaking architecture. Learn the many secrets, spirits, scandals, and sins of the Windy City through spine-tingling tales of mysterious supernatural occurrences and infamous figures. Tickets from $50. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Oct. 29, plus Tuesday, Oct. 31 – 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Amazing Chicago’s Haunted Maze
Step into the past, crossing paths with some of Chicago’s most notorious apparitions when Amazing Chicago’s Haunted Maze returns to the Pier this weekend. Among a range of haunting encounters, dance the night away with a young woman dying to get to the ball, and test your bravery against the most frightening sweet collector the city has ever seen…He’s buzzing to meet you. Tickets from $15. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 20-22, and Oct. 27-28, plus Sunday, Oct. 29, and Tuesday, Oct. 31 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
‘Creepy Crawlers are Cool!’ Free Family Day with Chicago Children’s Museum
Free Family Days with Chicago Children’s Museum, supported by the Pritzker Foundation, returns for the final date of its 2023 series with Creepy Crawlers are Cool! Navy Pier’s youngest guests are invited to take a closer look at some incredible insects and explore the wonders of our natural world with Lucca’s BioHub. Children can design their own wearable work of art inspired by the magical world of bugs. Thursday, Oct. 26 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Slightly Spooky Saturday
Dive headfirst into a cauldron of free Halloween fun with an array of seasonal activities for families to enjoy. Join in a day filled with tricks, treats, and unforgettable moments when Navy Pier brings back Slightly Spooky Saturday. Saturday, Oct. 28 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Harry Caray’s Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest
Celebrate spooky season with your favorite furry friend. The Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest will be held on the patio at Harry Caray’s Navy Pier with prizes awarded in three categories: Most Creative Costume; Funniest Costume, and Best Ensemble or Group Costume. There is a $10 entry fee per pet with proceeds benefitting PAWS Chicago. Saturday, Oct. 28 – 4 p.m.
Haunted Shipwreck at Offshore Rooftop
Leave the land lovers behind and set sail on Offshore Rooftop’s haunted sunken pirate ship. Enjoy a night filled with giveaways, a costume contest, music, dancing, and more during Haunted Shipwreck at Offshore Rooftop. Tickets from $125, including a premium, four-hour open bar and passed bites. Saturday, Oct. 28 – 8 p.m. to midnight.
Note*: All activities, times, and dates are subject to change.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
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