South Loop Set to Shine in 11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade This Weekend

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · October 24, 2025

Now in its 11th year, the Arts in the Dark Halloween parade will transform State Street in the Loop this Saturday, October 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The free, family-friendly event draws more than 100,000 spectators and celebrates Chicago's diverse creative community – from architects and dancers to poets and set designers.

This year's parade will feature a record-breaking 5,000 performers from over 100 cultural organizations, showcasing a South Side jazz band, a Michael Jackson-inspired hip-hop dance performance, Día de los Muertos tributes, a 50-foot cosmic serpent, a 40-foot flow worm, a motorized bathtub, and more than a dozen giant skeletons alongside colorful puppets. The event has earned international acclaim, named one of the top 10 Halloween parades in the U.S. by USA Today and one of the top 4 Halloween celebrations in the world by Wanderlust Magazine.

South Loop residents can easily access the parade via CTA, though some bus routes will be rerouted due to street closures. For those driving, Millennium Garages is offering 20% off the lowest online rates when booking in advance through their website. The L stations on State Street will remain open throughout the event. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and join fellow South Loop neighbors in celebrating this dazzling Halloween tradition that highlights the artistic soul of our city.

Sources:
1. https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/arts-dark-2025-everything-you-need-know
2. https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/no-kings-protest-and-arts-in-the-dark-halloween-parade-set-to-pack-downtown-chicago-this-saturdayheres-what-you-need-to-know-101625
3. https://artsinthedark.com/attend/