How do you celebrate a holiday in a pandemic? That’s a question I think we have all asked ourselves at least once this year. It’s difficult to feel the same excitement about Halloween when the pandemic has changed everyone’s plans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find ways to have fun (safely, of course). Whichever Halloween activity you choose to participate in, make sure to wear your mask, stay six feet apart, and eat lots of candy!
1. Enjoy a festive shake at Jojo’s
Jojo’s Shake Bar truly outdid themselves this year with an entire fall pumpkin patch right in River North. Their menu is offering a variety of seasonal shakes, even one with an entire slice of pumpkin pie on top! I personally can’t think of a better way to celebrate Halloween. Bonus, there are tons of photo-ops in the pumpkin patch for you to get a great Halloween themed insta pic!
2. Spooky Cruise on Lake Michigan
Chicago is famous for the year round boat cruises on Lake Michigan. If you’re of legal drinking age, you can enjoy ‘booze cruises’ with cocktails included in the price of your ticket, or you can just enjoy the scenic view of the skyline while floating around the lake. Either way, it is a great way to see the city from a new perspective and share the Halloween spirit with a significant other or some friends. For more information and to view ticket pricing, you can head to chicagopartyboat.com.
3. Riverwalk Beer and Cider Fest
If you love exploring the Riverwalk as much as I do, then you’re sure to enjoy a socially distanced beer, cider, and cocktail tasting like this one! These tastings are happening every weekend, and include a private table, along with 12 tastings per person with the price of your ticket. You can get your tickets with the link here.
4. Fall Fun at the Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of my favorite free things to do in Chicago. On a crisp fall day, this is the perfect outdoor activity to enjoy the animals and surrounding nature! This year, the Lincoln Park Zoo is offering a pumpkin walk, pumpkin patch, and outdoor bar and grill pop-up. All you need to do is make a free reservation for your visit a few days in advance, and proceed to enjoy all of the fall festivities!
5. Outdoor Halloween Party
Although the Chicago bar scene is staying socially distant this year, you can still enjoy a fun Halloween atmosphere at a few different locations around the city. Experience a haunted cabin at Whiskey Business in Wicker Park, or snuggle up in a haunted igloo at the Godfrey rooftop in River North. Other than the awesome decor, you’ll be able to taste some delicious Halloween drinks. If you want to take it to the next level, dress for the occasion and sport your Halloween costume!
If you’re not keen on going out to explore the city this year, there’s always the option to watch the Halloween classics from the comfort of your couch. However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a safe and spooky Halloween!