Halloween Events for Adults on Chicago’s North Shore

Who says kids should have all the fun on Halloween? Whether you want to show off your topical costume or love a scary haunted house, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season — no kids allowed — on Chicago’s North Shore. You’ll want to start planning ASAP.

For more info on what to see and do on Chicago’s North Shore visit our detailed Calendar of Events and follow our Facebook page. And for a full list of all Halloween happenings on the North Shore, including kid friendly activities, click here.

"Frankenstein"
1949 Campus Drive, Evanston
In 2011, London's National Theatre brought "Frankenstein," one of the world's most famous stories, to life on stage. Now, a year after the novel's 200th anniversary, the production will be shown again around the world, including at Northwestern's Wirtz Center. Buy tickets for Oct. 5 to watch Benedict Cumberbatch ("Sherlock," "Doctor Strange") as "The Creature" and Jonny Lee Miller ("Elementary," "Mindhunters") as "Dr. Frankenstein," or watch on Oct. 6 to see them swap roles.

National Theatre Live Frankenstein, Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, Northwestern University, Evanston

Scream Scene Haunted House
4701 Oakton St., Skokie                      
For more frightening fun, make your way to Skokie Water Playground on weekends throughout the month for this haunted house from the Skokie Park District. Organizers are excited for this year's house, writing on their Facebook page that they “feel pretty strongly that people will love what we have in store this year. And by love, we mean pooping themselves in fear." If you're looking for a not-so-scary experience, visit on Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m. for the "lights on" version.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Chicago Botanic Garden will glow with the light of more than 1,000 pumpkins this fall during Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns Oct. 16-20 and Oct. 23-27. Although kids will love exploring the garden's grounds and finding hand-carved pumpkins up to 150 pounds, this event is also perfect for date night or an evening out with friends. Spiked cider and ale will be available for purchase, in addition to snacks and other drinks, and visitors will meet characters and have the opportunity to watch live pumpkin carving along the path.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe (Photo Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden)

'80s Murder Mystery & Dance
1000 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling          
It's time to break out those old acid-wash jeans and don as much neon as you can find for this throwback to the '80s at Chevy Chase Country Club on Oct. 20. Do your best to crack the case and catch the murderer before dancing the night away with Chicago cover band Modern Day Romeos. Tickets include dinner and two drinks.

Haunted Trail of Winnetka
799 Sheridan Road, Winnetka
If you love Halloween, you know that visiting a haunted house is a must. Head out to Lloyd Beach on Oct. 19 to experience this scary journey through the beach's boat house. This is "meant to scare" and is recommended for ages 10 and up, so it's a great option for a spooky adults-only night out.

Haunted Trail of Winnetka

Halloween Costume Contest
1150 Willow Road, Northbrook
Don't let all of the Halloween fun end on Oct. 31. Head out to Pinstripes on Nov. 1 to show off your best costume. The Adult Costume Contest begins at 9 p.m. and all participants will receive a $25 guest certificate for future use, while the winner will receive Sunday Brunch for eight people. And plan to arrive early to enjoy some bowling and bocce (and dinner too!).

Movie Night
Arclight Cinema
1850 Tower Dr., Glenview
Sometimes the best way to celebrate this season is by watching a scary (or suspenseful) movie. Head to Arclight Cinemas at the Glen Town Center for "Joker", which follows the slow transformation of Arthur Fleck from failed comedian to the criminal mastermind known as the Joker. With a 70% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie is sure to keep you entertained. If Joker isn't quite your cup of tea, check out Maleficent: Mistress of Evil or Zombieland: Double Tap, also out this Halloween. Come early or stay late for the frighteningly good food at the Curragh Irish Pub (1800 Tower Dr., Glenview) like the Filet Mignon Sliders, Guinness Fish & Chips, Hangover Burger and much more. Movie getting out a little on the late side? The Curragh Irish Pub has you covered with their new late night menu from 10pm-12am. 

 

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