As the crisp autumn air settles over our beautiful city, Chicago transforms into a canvas of color and celebration. October is not just about falling leaves and pumpkin spice, it’s the time for our city’s streets to come alive with vibrant parades that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago’s many diverse neighborhoods. From the energy of Halloween festivities to the community camaraderie, the parades of Chicago in October celebrate the lively celebrations and spirit of all that is Chicago. Dress for the occasion, bring your pumpkin spiced drinks and come out and join us at one of Chicago’s unique parade celebrations.
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans invites you to its annual celebration honoring Chicago’s vibrant Italian American community. This year’s theme centers around the theme ‘Bridging Gaps, celebrating our heritage and protecting our culture’. The parade will be broadcast live on ABC-TV (Channel 7) with grand marshals Paul Anka, Sean Stellato and Sal ‘The Voice’ Valintinetti. Also featured will be Native American representatives from the Dakota, Sioux, Creek Sioux, Navajo, Cherokee, and Chippewa. The celebrations begin on Friday, Oct. 11, and carry on throughout the weekend, culminating with Monday’s parade.
When: Monday, Oct. 14
Where: 8 a.m. Mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (1244 Lexington Ave); Immediately following mass, there will bel a procession down the block to Arrigo Park for a wreath-laying ceremony honoring Italian-American war veterans.
11.45 a.m. Parade-opening ceremony at the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive.
(Shuttle bus services provided; consult the JCCIA website for more information)
This diverse feast for the senses brings together artistic performances, cultural organizations and artists from every corner of the city to celebrate the vast and diverse art scene that Chicago has to offer. LUMA8 (Light Up My Arts) Arts in the Dark Parade offers a platform for Chicago’s young creatives to explore a career in the arts. In its tenth year, rain or shine, come on out and experience the colors and sounds of fall and Halloween in Chicago.
When: Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: State Street, moving south from Lake Street to Van Buren Street
Come join the parade and you can “be” the parade. Celebrating the end of Chicago’s Halloweek celebration, adults and children come dressed in their Halloween costumes and process down tree-lined Russell Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood. Don’t have a costume? No problem, LUMA8 will be giving away 2,000 costumes at the opening gates. Come join the fun featuring dance teams, musicians, acrobats, sports mascots and much more, including you! All children will receive a complimentary candy bag and other goodies at the closing arches.
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Washington Park, 5331 South Martin Luther King Drive
Can you think of a better way to spend Halloween night than at a parade and costume contest with cash and prizes? In its 27th year, hosted by Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ Northalsted neighborhood, all are invited to come out and show off their costumes and celebrate the culmination of Chicago’s spooky season. The more flamboyant and wilder the costume the better! Bring your pets and the family to this feast for the senses.
When: Thursday, Oct. 31
6.30 p.m. Costume contest registration at Halsted and Belmont ($4,000 in cash prizes)
7.30 p.m. Parade kickoff (corner of Halsted and Belmont)
8.00 p.m. Parade ends at Halsted and Cornelia
8.30 p.m. Awards show (3514 North Halsted in the parking lot)
10 p.m. End of the event
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