Navy Pier hosts Slightly Spooky October from 17 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 05:22 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Navy Pier hosts Slightly Spooky October in Chicago from 17 October to 1 November 2026, bringing family activities and films to the lakefront venue. The programme combines hands-on science, creative workshops, community art and Día de los Muertos traditions across four principal dates.
Slightly Spooky October brings four programme dates
The event runs from Saturday, 17 October, to Sunday, 1 November 2026. Navy Pier’s organiser lists activities on 17, 24 and 31 October and 1 November, with a rotating programme of free activities and movies.
The schedule includes a Mad Scientist Lab, a mobile art studio, Double Dutch activities and the Wintrust Community Market on 17 October. On 24 October, visitors can find science demonstrations, Frankenstein toy making and superhero appearances. The 31 October programme adds mask making, indoor trick-or-treating, a dance workshop and a costume contest. The official event programme also lists a Community Ofrenda throughout the dates.
Crystal Gardens connects films with the Halloween programme
The film programme takes place inside Crystal Gardens, the glass-covered venue at Navy Pier. Screenings are scheduled for 17, 24 and 31 October and 1 November 2026, linking the indoor cinema programme with the wider seasonal activities.
The film choices change with each date. The 17 October bill pairs Hotel Transylvania with Beetlejuice, while 24 October offers Wall-E and Scream. Ghostbusters and Halloween are listed for 31 October, followed by Coco and The Conjuring on 1 November.
This arrangement gives the programme two distinct parts: daytime workshops and community activities, followed by films in Crystal Gardens. The 1 November schedule also focuses on Día de los Muertos, with Catrina face painting, marigold crowns, puppet making and an art studio.
Halloween activities extend across Navy Pier
The 31 October schedule places trick-or-treating indoors, with stops throughout the pier from 1pm to 5pm. A dance workshop and performance runs earlier in the afternoon, while mask making and a costume contest add creative activities.
The programme also includes a Community Ofrenda, described by the organiser as an altar honouring loved ones. On 1 November, visitors can decorate a wooden heart, play dominoes and take part in activities connected with Mexican folk traditions.
Visiting Navy Pier: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Slightly Spooky October runs from 17 October to 1 November 2026, with the main activity dates on 17, 24 and 31 October and 1 November.
- The listed activities and movies are free, and the 31 October trick-or-treating takes place indoors throughout the pier.
- The venue is Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Crystal Gardens hosts the indoor film programme.
- Travellers will find hands-on science, art workshops, community activities and films rather than one continuous performance. The programme changes by date.
- The 1 November programme contains several Día de los Muertos activities, including Catrina face painting, marigold crowns and an Alebrije Art Studio.
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Frequently asked questions about Navy Pier
When does Slightly Spooky October take place at Navy Pier?
The programme runs from 17 October to 1 November 2026, with principal activity dates on 17, 24 and 31 October and 1 November.
Where is Navy Pier and how do you get there?
Navy Pier is at 600 E. Grand Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. The listed film venue is Crystal Gardens inside the pier.
What is planned at Navy Pier on 31 October 2026?
The schedule includes indoor trick-or-treating, mask making, a dance workshop, a costume contest, a Community Ofrenda and films in Crystal Gardens.
