Navy Pier in Chicago is set to celebrate Halloween throughout October with a variety of events for all ages. Activities include haunted river cruises, giant spiders, and costume parties.
The Butterfly House will feature Giant Orb-Weaving Spiders from Southeast Asia. These spiders will create webs up to 7 feet wide on the ceiling of the greenhouse. Other insects such as Giant Walking Sticks, Bird-Eating Tarantulas, Whip Scorpions, and Giant Cave Cockroaches will also be displayed in terrariums. "Docents will offer guided, after-dark flashlight tours to showcase insects that glow under UV light and other fun surprises."
The Chicago Seadog Haunted River Boat Tour will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October, as well as on Thursday, Oct. 31. Participants can learn about Chicago's spooky history while viewing some of the city's architecture. The tour promises "spine-tingling, humor-infused tales of mysterious supernatural occurrences and infamous figures."
At the Chicago Children's Museum from Oct. 9 through 31, children can participate in a Spider Seek-and-Find event at the Cloud Buster sculpture. "How many can you find?" asks the museum.
On Friday, Oct. 18, City Cruises’ Spirit of Chicago will host Divas After Dark: Halloween Drag Show with performances by top Chicago queens and Denali from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit the Center on Halsted.
Sherman & Tingle from 97.1 The Drive will host a Haunted Cruise aboard City Cruises’ Odyssey Lake Michigan on Friday, Oct. 25. The event includes a buffet dinner and creative cocktails with music provided by a live DJ.
Harry Caray’s Tavern Navy Pier will have a Halloween Happy Hour on Saturday, Oct. 19 where Sherman & Tingle will give away tickets for their Haunted Cruise.
Offshore Rooftop will host Haunted Heights on Friday, Oct. 25 with views of the Chicago skyline and a pop-up Halloween bash.
Navy Pier’s Slightly Spooky Saturday on Oct. 26 offers free activities including trick-or-treating, crafts, games, and a family costume contest at 5 p.m.
A Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest at Harry Caray’s Tavern is also part of the celebrations.