Midnight Circus opens Chicagoween 2008

CHICAGO Chicagoween is a City-Wide Celebration of Halloween during the month of October, involving the Park District, Museums, Navy Pier, the Chicago Cultural Center, and other organizations. Franken Plaza, with pumpkin decorating, spooky storytellers and more to thrill and chill. Each day there are performances from the high flying aerial entertainers, Midnight Circus: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday includes evening shows scheduled at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Free pumpkin decorating is offered Saturdays and Sundays (except for parade day, Saturday, October 20) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while supplies last).

Haunted Village, located at Franken (Daley) Plaza, October 17-31, 2008. Opening night, (October 17) kicks-off at 5 p.m. with two performances from Midnight Circus. The Haunted Village continues through Halloween with hours of Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please note: Extended hours for Friday, October 31 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is FREE.

Kids can join in the on the fun by marching in costume as part of The State Street Halloween Happening Parade on Saturday, October 25. The parade steps off at noon at the corner of State and Randolph streets. Following the parade, kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, a performance by Midnight Circus and a costume contest-all at Franken (Daley) Plaza. (There is no pumpkin decorating on parade day.) Admission is FREE.

Information from CityofChicago.org and Chicagoween.us

Chicagoween Events

Midnight Circus

Oct. 17 - 5:30pm & 7:30pm

Oct. 18, 19, 23, 24, 26, 30, 31 - 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm

Oct. 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 - 11:30am, 12:30pm

Oct. 25 - 2 performances TBA (Parade Day)

SPUNN and Pyrotechniq

Oct. 23, 24, 30 - 5:30pm, 7pm

Oct. 31 - 5:30pm, 7:15pm

SPUNN and Pyrotechniq are Chicago based fire performance troupe combining dance, theater and fire. By fusing these elements, these two groups elevate the art of fire to new heights, creating not only an exotic and exhilarating experience, but a unique, magical synergy meant to enliven and inspire audiences.

spunn.org and pyrotechniq.org

Dahui, Ensemble du Rhythm, is an interactive experience engaging the audience in a rhythmic dialog. This Chicago based percussion ensemble performs original arrangements of traditional West African rhythms and songs, as well as fully original works. The instrumentation in the ensemble is Jembe, dounoun, bells, kirin, gongoma, triangle, didjeridu, and vocals.

drummingcircle.com

Movies (6pm, shown in a tent)

Oct. 18 - The Goonies (PG)

Oct. 19 - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (PG)

Oct. 25 - Monster House (PG)

Oct. 26 - Ghostbusters (PG)

Oct. 31 - Frankenstein (NR, 1931 Original)

Pumpkin & Mask Decorating (11am-2pm)

Oct. 18, 19, 26

Storytelling with Broadway in Chicago Performers

Oct. 31, 4pm

State Street Halloween Happening Parade

Oct. 25, Noon, State & Randolph

Featuring treats, hayrides, & a costume contest