What's on Dec: October 22, 2015

Windy City LIVE
Thursday, October 22, 2015
What's on Dec
The best events in Chicago and suburbs.

CHICAGO -- Follow me on facebook.com/BillyDec and twitter.com/BillyDec as I also share more EVENT INFO and FREE TICKETS as they come to me during the week. Enjoy!

Taste Chicago, Fri October 23, 5:30pm, The Geraghty (2520 South Hoyne Ave.), $400-$4,000

Details: Prepare your taste buds for a night of delicious eats from culinary stars! The evening will start with a tasting reception that will showcase some of Chicago's finest chefs. After the tasting section, the evening will continue with a special four-course seated dinner designed by 2015 Best Chef: NYC. With the delicious food created by these culinary stars, this event will be an unforgettable event that you won't want to miss out on!

http://www.jbftasteamerica.org/event/chicago

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO TASTE AMERICA!

House of Torment, Oct 1-Oct 31, 7pm, Morton Grove, IL, $30

Details: Get ready to be spooked! House of Torment is a terrifying horror attraction having two specific haunted places for you to visit: Contagium and The Abandoned. You'll find a horrifying 8-foot tall alien named Nemesis in Contagium who is trying to capture the universe and spread his "Contagium" to everyone inside. The Abandoned will take you to an old, abandoned school where you will find condemned souls of children from the 1600s. No matter what attraction, you won't want to miss this exciting yet terrifying haunted house!

http://houseoftormentchicago.com/

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO HOUSE OF TORMENT!

Penguin Hops Release Party, Wed October 28, 5pm, Shedd Aquarium, $18

Details: Raise your glass and some funds for the Shedd Aquarium! Revolution Brewing takes the fruits from the Shedd's hops vines and turns them into a limited edition harvest ale! Everyone at the release gets a sample of the Penguin Hops and every purchase after has $1 go toward the Shedd Aquarium's learning programs! It's a night of craft beer, live music, and fun at a beautiful location. You can't miss it!

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit/Explore/Experiences/Penguin-Hops-Release-Party

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO PENGUIN HOPS!

Local Brews Local Grooves, Fri October 23, 5:30pm, House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn St.), $10-$50

Details: It's time to get groovy! Head out to House of Blues and enjoy some live music while you sip on your local craft beer. Sample different craft beers from 16 breweries including Floyds and Revolution. The chefs are going to prepare some tasty options to pair with your beers as well. Enjoy all of this while you get your groove on to bands across 2 stages! It's the ultimate craft beer, food and music festival!

http://www.houseofblues.com/chicago/events/eventdetail/?viewNav=/event-detail&eventId=04004F15CD4246F8&oid=17468

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO LOCAL BREWS LOCAL GROOVES!

Monty Python's Spamalot, Wed September 16-Sun October 25, Metropolis Performing Arts Center, $38

Details: Spamalot is a pure comedy that has all of your favorite moments from the Monty Python classic! The show has the added flair of a musical that will make you love it and remember all of your favorite Monty Python moments! With all of the characters and their lines that you know and love, you can't miss out on what is sure to be your new favorite musical!

http://tickets.metropolisarts.com/shows/monty%20python's%20spamalot/events

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO SPAMALOT!

3rd Annual Ping Pong Ball for Jackson Chance Foundation, Thu October 29, 5:30pm, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, $100-$150

Details: Play it forward with some good ol' fashion ping pong! Jackson Chance Foundation is partnering with The Trotter Project to host a one of a kind VIP chef's reception & tournament to raise money to benefit families with critically ill babies in the NICU. In addition, there will be over 100 silent auction packages, including vacations all over the world and culinary treats provided by Chuck's: A Kerry Simon Kitchen & Mr. Brown's Lounge!

http://www.jacksonchance.org/pingpongball/

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO PING PONG BALL!

Halloween Trolley Bar Crawl, Sat October 31, 8pm, Locations Vary, 8pm, $20-$60

Details: Spend your Halloween weekend out at one of the hottest event of the year at Chicago's Halloween Trolley Bar Crawl. Spanning out Friday & Saturday, enjoy bar hopping in Wicker Park and Bucktown the first night and then through Lincoln Park, River North and Old Town the next day. Come out on the town in your scariest costume for a weekend of amazing drink specials and the best food & beverage gift cards!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-trolley-bar-crawl-2015-chicago-2-night-event-tickets-16637736919

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO HALLOWEEN TROLLEY BAR CRAWL!

Fall Wine Stroll, Thu November 5, 6:30pm, Lincoln Square Ravenswood, $40-$60

Details: Choose between a Lincoln Square stroll, a Ravenswood stroll, or even both! These perfect wine strolls feature over 40 different red and white wines for you to taste from multiple restaurants! You won't be hungry either, for hors d'oeuvres will be paired with the wines as well! No need to whine, you will be sure to find a new favorite Chardonnay with the amount of variety you'll have to taste!

http://www.lincolnsquare.org/wine-stroll

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO FALL WINE STROLL!

Chicago International Children's Film Festival, Fri October 23-Sun November 1, Times Vary, Facets Multimedia (1517 W. Fullerton), $5-$45

Details: Take a trip to a world full of amazing, new children's movies at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival! The films that are submitted from all over the world are great for children, youth, and families! The Festival is the largest festival of films for children in North America. Over 250 films from over 40 countries will be featured this year. CICFF will have movies that are culturally diverse, non-violent, value-affirming new cinema that the child in your life is sure to love, and you will too!

http://www.facets.org/children+youth/festival/

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL!


The Chicago Beer Festival
, Sat October 24, 1pm, Union Station, $45

Details: Attention: Beer lovers! Flock to Union Station for a festival of beer that you'll thoroughly enjoy! Dozens of domestic and international beers will be on hand to taste test. Fall seasonal brews will be available from the breweries to try, as well. From Chicago's known and loved beers to German beers you've never heard of, it'll all be in one spot and you have to be there!

http://thechicagobeerfestival.com

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO CHICAGO BEER FESTIVAL!


Hallowfest,
Sat October 24-Sun October 25, 5:30pm Sat & 4pm Sun, Regenstein Center, $14-$22

Details: Enter, if you dare, to celebrate Halloween at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Put on your best costume and bring the whole family! There will be a spooky forest, fortuneteller, face painting, and so much more! Take a ride on the Howlin' Express through the Model Railroad Garden and make sure to keep on the lookout for other spooky sights throughout the Garden!

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/hallowfest

Spooky Pooch Parade, Sat October 31, 11am, Chicago Botanic Garden, $14-$25

Details: Dress your pup up as Harry Pupper or any other cleverly adorable costume and spend an afternoon walking around the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden! For two hours, dogs will be allowed in the garden for this special puppy parade. Spectators are invited to line the parade route and watch the festive dogs go by.

https://register.chicagobotanic.org/show.asp?shcode=1505

Northalsted Halloween Parade, Sat October 31, 7pm, Halsted St. (From Belmont Ave. to Addison St.), FREE

Details: Spend your Halloween in one of the city's most exciting areas! Channel your creative side, and bring out your alter ego or dark side to have the best costume that will help you win the costume contest! Experience the magic of the all day festivities and end the evening by enjoying the parade as it travels down Halsted Street!

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/parade25.html

Chicago Comedy Film Festival, Fri November 6-Sat November 7, Times Vary, The New 400 Theater, $50

Details: Would you like to say you have a great sense of humor? Do you also love to laugh? Good news, this might be the best festival for you! Come have a few laughs while you watch some hilarious independent comedies! Watch a variety of animated, satirical horror, and short films in order to help promote local independent filmmakers! Be ready to gain a six-pack from laughing so hard!

http://www.chicagocomedyfilmfestival.com/

Big Orange Ball, Sat October 24, 6pm, The Geraghty (2520 South Hoyne Ave.), $150-$300

Details: Get into the spirit of Halloween with the Big Orange Ball! Put on your best costume or dress up when you get to the event by visiting the costume closet! All proceeds from the event support Howard Brown Health Center's primary medical care services. The night will be filled with specialty cocktails, delicious treats, and tunes from well-known DJs! Dress up in your spookiest gear and raise money for a great cause!

http://www.howardbrown.org

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk, Sat October 24, 10am, Soldier Field, FREE

Details: Put your best pink on and head out to Soldier Field to support Breast Cancer survivors, fighters, and supporters! There will be an interactive exhibit, informational booths, and a kid's corner for everyone to enjoy! Food trucks will be on the grounds with a lot of delicious food available. The morning gets started at 8am with live music before the walk! Start a team or walk as an individual to support the American Cancer Society!

http://www.achicagothing.com/american-cancer-society-making-strides-of-chicago/

4th Annual Midwest Freakfest, Sat October 31, 8pm, The MAX (4750 S. Vernon), $25

Details: Get your freak on with an awesome lineup of bands at the 4th Annual Midwest Freakfest! The lineup includes Megaladon, Truth, and many more! The doors open at 8:30pm and the party goes on until 6am! Head to The MAX and spend your Halloween dancing away the night!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1599742430257055/

The Weeknd, Fri November 6, 7:30pm, United Center, $39.50-$99.50

Details: "You deserve it, the way you work it, cause girl you earned it." The Weeknd thinks so, so don't you think you deserve to see him live in concert?? You won't be able to feel your face while you listen to the catchy melodies and smooth voice The Weeknd always delivers. With openers Travi$ Scott, Banks, and Halsey getting the hip-hop party started, you won't be disappointed!

http://www.unitedcenter.com/events/2015/11/06/the-weeknd-the-madness-fall-tour/

Trick or Treat Trot 6K, Sun October 25, 9:45am, Evanston Lakefront, $30

Details: Lace up your shoes and trot through Evanston for a good cause! A portion of the proceeds raised will go to Foundation 65, which raises funds for literacy and arts. If you really want to get in the Halloween spirit, put on your costume for your run! There is also a kids race available for only $10! The Trick or Treat Trot is the fastest 6K in Illinois and is a great way to start an October Sunday morning!

http://www.evanstontrickortreattrot.com

Giordano Dance Chicago Fall Series, Fri October 23-Sat October 24, 7:30pm, Harris Theater Millennium Park, $15-$75

Details: Do you love energetic and exciting shows? If so, you'll love the world-renowned Giordano Dance Chicago's show! The show is filled with high-impact and high-energy artistry that will keep your excited and engaged in the entire show! The show brings a mood of pure joy and unstoppable energy that you're sure to love!

http://harristheaterchicago.org/events/2015-2016-season/giordano-fall

Kip Moore Wild Ones Tour, Fri October 23, 8:30pm, Joe's on Weed Street (940 W. Weed St.), $37.50-$119

Details: 'What I Do Know' is that Kip Moore is going to put on an amazing show! The show will start off with an opening performance from Joey Hyde. Get to the show early to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere at Joe's on Weed Street that is incomparable for country concerts! Don't miss out on this show!

http://joesbar.com/concerts/kip-moore-wild-ones-tour-2015/

Spooky Zoo Spectacular, Sat October 24, 11am, Lincoln Park Zoo, FREE

Details: Boo! Are you excited for Halloween? If so, start the celebrations early and enjoy a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo! Spooky Zoo Spectacular is an opportunity for children to experience a safe, fun, family-friendly environment. Guests will be able to explore the zoo and learn about the animals, spend time making crafts, collect treats, and enjoy the entertainment that will be set up all around the zoo! Grab your family, put on your spookiest costumes, and get ready for a Saturday of fun at Lincoln Park Zoo!

http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/spooky-zoo-spectacular

Chicago Humanities Festival, Sat October 24-Sun November 8, Times Vary, Locations Vary, $5-$25

Details: Do you want to make a difference? Do you have a passion for a better world? Then you should check out the Chicago Humanities Festival! Enjoy many different events and lectures that surround historical events, media, culture, and a bunch of other enlightening information about the world! It runs along an entire week, so there's plenty of time to go out and learn some new things about the world!

http://chicagohumanities.org

Clark Street Spooktacular, Sat October 24, 1pm, Clark Street (From Diversey to Armitage), FREE

Details: Get spooky off Clark street with the family this Halloween! Enjoy free refreshments, crafts and games, plus trick-or-treating to participating businesses throughout the community. Families may also enjoy the Scarecrows on Parade show along with a variety of spooktacular shows by magicians, balloon twist artists, jugglers and stilt walkers!

http://visitclarkstreet.com/2015-spooktacular-pages-319.php

Zombies vs. Vampires Pub Crawl, Sat October 24, 2pm, Wicker Park, $25

Details: Calling all zombies and vampires alike! Who will claim the death trophy in this six-bar pub crawl and also a chance to win $500 dollars. Haunt the night in your best costume while you explore the array of different bars in Wicker Park while having a chance to claim a prize at each one. Who will represent Chicago best, Vampires or Zombies?!

http://www.achicagothing.com/vampires-vs-zombies-pub-crawl/

Luke Bryan, Wed October 28-Thu October 29, 7:30 pm, United Center, $39.75-$69.75

Details: Time to break out the cowboy boots! Luke Bryan and his shaking hips are coming to Chicago which means it's time to get a little rowdy. All you'll be thinking is "I don't want this night to end" while you sing along to "Kick Up the Dust" and "Crash my Party." Don't miss openers Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch who are sure to get the country party started!

http://www.unitedcenter.com/events/2015/10/28/luke-bryan-kick-the-dust-up-tour/

A Nightmare on Hubbard Street, Sat October 31, 12pm, John Barleycorn (149 West Kinzie St.), $15-$35

Details: One, two, Freddy's coming for you! Take a walk down Hubbard street for their 1st annual River North Halloween Costume crawl as you enjoy express entry & discounted drink specials. Featured bars include Epic, Public House, Bull & Bear and even a complimentary buffet at Moe's Cantina! Join in on this frightening fun filled day of bar hopping and Halloween festivities!

http://www.partyearth.com/chicago/parties/a-nightmare-on-hubbard-street-the-4th-annual-river-north-halloween-costume-bar-crawl-1/tickets/

WGCI Big Jam, Sun October 25, 8pm, United Center, $35-$149.50

Details: 'Don't Kill My Vibe' by missing out on attending the WGCI Big Jam with some of the biggest rap artists performing all your favorites! Kendrick Lamar, Future, Meek Mill, Fetty Wap, and more will be there to get the Big Jam party started! "So baby won't you come my way" over to United Center to listen to some "poetic justice" all these talented rhymers have to offer? It'll be sure to feel like the "middle of da summer" with the amount of energy there will be! See you all there!

http://www.wgci.com/features/wgci-big-jam-2015-1291/

Andersonville Dessert Crawl, Sun October 25, 2pm, Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.), $25-$30

Details: Take your sweet tooth on a stroll through the neighborhood of Andersonville at their 6th annual Dessert Crawl! Choose your path of sweetness by walking down either the Candy Cane Route, the Gumdrop Route and the Lollipop Route with a variety of different restaurants to choose from. Some of the proceeds from the event also benefit Care for Real, Edgewater's Community Food Bank, and supports a commitment to sustainability as well. How sweet!

http://www.andersonville.org/events/dessert-crawl/

National Acrobats and Circus of the People's Republic of China, Sun October 25, 6pm, Belushi Performance Hall, $46-$51

Details: Catch a glimpse into an artistic world full of history and wonder performed by this legendary troupe! Dazzling audiences of all ages for over 50 years with their spectacular circus and acrobatic stunts such as, feet juggling with umbrellas, solo trapeze, grand martial arts, aerial silk and other traditional circus acts you know and love. This beautiful performance will leave you breathless and delight the child in all of us!

http://www.atthemac.org/events/national-acrobats-and-circus-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-performing-peking-dreams/

Halloween Happening, Sun October 25, 1pm, Naperville's Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, FREE

Details: Take a ghoulish walk through the different lands of Halloween Happening in Naperville this season! Enjoy fun activities and games as you journey through Halloween Way, or watch your favorite fairytales come to life down Fairytale Lane or even experience a little medieval adventure at King Arthur's Court. Make this Halloween a happenin' one!

http://www.napervilleparks.org/halloweenhappening

Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, Wed October 28-Sun November 8, Times Vary, Locations Vary, Price Varies

Details: Come celebrate the amazing works of cinema by Israeli directors in both Chicago and Northbrook! The Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema is celebrating its 10th anniversary which means the films won't disappoint! Watch innovative dramas, realities, and comedies that are sure to be unique! There will be fun for the whole family with special events such as teen night, special screenings with the directors, and appearances by critics, film scholars, and more. Come check out some films you've never seen before!

http://israelifilmchi.org

Halloween "Game of Thrones" Tango Dance Party, Fri October 30, 9pm, Duet Dance Studio (2515 W. North Ave.), $25

Details: Do the 'dance of the dragons' this Halloween as your favorite Game of Thrones character! Bring in some wine or beer to help loosen you up as you learn beginner tango with also a fun duet student performance. Let's tango the night away this Halloween!

http://duetdancestudio.com/byob-dance-classes/2015/9/17/halloween-game-of-thrones-tango-dance-party

River North Whiskey Festival, Sat November 7, 12pm, John Barleycorn and Moe's Cantina (149 W Kinzie St.), $30+

Details: Join fellow whiskey lovers as you get to taste the best whiskeys, bourbons, and scotch from all over the world! With over 50 different varieties to choose from, it may take a couple samplings to figure out which spirits will satisfy your tastebuds best! So fill up your glass and get ready to be whiskey savvy after this festival!

http://www.rivernorthwhiskeyfest.com /

Freaky Deaky Halloween, Fri October 30-Sun November 1, 2PM-12PM, Toyota Park (7000 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455), $89-$219

Details: Have no Halloween plans just yet? Join React Presents in their spooktacular Freaky Deaky celebration festival! This haunting festival takes place at a massive location, Toyota Park, with over 75 different artists over the course of 3 days. Do the monster mash with well-known artists like Armin Van Buuren, 2 Chainz, Big Gigantic, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, and tons more!

http://freakydeakyhalloween.com/

Skelebration, Fri October 30, 7pm, Redmoon (2120 S. Jefferson St.), $10

Details: Get the family together to join in on this interactive 'Skelebration' event! Immersive yourself in a night of imaginative family friendly activities of inventive machines, food trucks, multiple DJs and a video game arcade. We are shaking in our bones with excitement!

http://www.redmoon.org/upcoming-events/2015/10/30/skelebration

Flight: A Night in Argentina, Fri November 13, 7pm, Four Seasons Hotel (120 East Delaware Place), $275

Details: Take a trip to Argentina (kinda) by bringing Argentina to Chicago! Go on a virtual journey to Argentina featuring food, wine, and entertainment that will help bring the Argentinian vibe. Enjoy a cocktail hour and silent auction followed by a seated dinner with the accompaniment by Michael Lerich and his Orchestra. There will be dancing! This event benefits Children's Oncology Services Inc. and is sure to be a fun night!

http://www.onestepcamp.org/events/flight/

Haunted Halloween Ball, Sat October 31, 8pm, Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom (600 East Grand Ave.), $20-$500

Details: Get ready for a night of mischief, mayhem, and mystery at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom for the Haunted Halloween Ball! The panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago will be accompanied by glamourous, ghoulish costumes. The price of admission includes access to two parties that you won't want to miss! When the moon rises over the lake on the night of Halloween, make sure you're at the Grand Ballroom for the ultimate night of luxury and fright!

http://www.chitownevents.com/events/the-haunted-halloween-ball/

Boneshaker, Sat October 31, 9pm, Redmoon (2120 S. Jefferson St.), $75-$100

Details: This bone shaking, wildly popular Halloween party returns for its 6th year in Pilsen! The warehouse turns into a Halloween dream for a thousand costumed guests. The space will be filled with interactive experiences, djs, dancing, creative food and cocktails, and many other spooky spectacles! There will be a station to make your own movie and a dozen classic games from The Gallopng Ghost Arcade! Get your tickets before this event sells out like it has every other year!

http://www.redmoon.org/upcoming-events/2015/10/31/boneshaker


Assassination Theater,
Wed October 28-Sun November 8, Times Vary, The Museum of Broadcast Communications (360 N. State St.), $39-$49

Details: For those of you out there who are politically involved, a new theater revolving around the assassination of John F. Kennedy is coming to Chicago! Even 50 years later, most people still wonder what really happened on that day. Make your way to Assassination Theater for the play that will give the most plausible answers to the questions that you've always wanted!

http://www.assassinationtheater.com

Wilder Mansion's 5th Annual Holiday Market, Fri November 6-Sat November 7, 4pm Fri & 10am Sat, Wilder Mansion (211 South Prospect Ave.), FREE

Details: The holidays are right around the corner, which means it might be time to browse some possible gift choices. Get in the holiday spirit by attending this holiday market that features one-of-a-kind gifts you won't find anywhere else! Hats, jewelry, decor, you name it you'll most likely find it here! Tis the season to go holiday market shopping!

http://www.rglmarketingforthearts.com/holiday-market-wilder-mansion

Artisan Market Streeterville, Fri November 6-Sun November 8, 2pm Fri & 10am Sat-Sun, Northwestern University Lurie Research Center Lobby & Ryan Family Atrium (303 E. Superior), FREE

Details: Need a necklace to go with that new dress? This might be the perfect spot for you! Enjoy over 59 artisans showcasing their handcrafted works of art right here in Streeterville! You can purchase jewelry, clothing, artwork, decor, and so much more at the different booths of fellow talented Chicagoans! You'll be sure to find some unique pieces of art at this market and what's even better is they are hand-made by dedicated artists and designers!

http://soarchicago.org/2015-artisan-market/

7th Annual Charitable Chili Cook Off, Sat November 7, 5pm, The Arts of Life Chicago Studio (2010 W. Carroll Avenue.), $20-$25

Details: Celebrate the creation of art by all different kinds of people by having a chili cooking competition between 20 participants! This unique event is your ticket to beer and unlimited gelato and of course,chili! Live entertainment will also be featured as you rate each spicy masterpiece. Don't eat meat? No problem! Vegetarian options will be offered as well! Remember, this cookoff is all for charity too, so why not enjoy chili all for a good cause!?

http://artsoflife.org/chili

Sofa + Design Fair, Thur November 5-Sun November 8, 11am, Navy Pier, $20-$30

Details: Experience one of the most unique art shows in the city at one of the best places in Chicago! See exhibits involving wooden art, modern mosaics, the making of tea, and many more! Along with these cool exhibits will be informative lectures, beautiful galleries, and intriguing demonstrations all by artists who are sure to inspire all who come out!

http://www.sofaexpo.com/

Polish Film Festival, Fri November 6-Sun November 22, Time Varies, Locations Vary, $75+

Details: Help promote European arts and film in the United States by viewing amazing Polish films at this unique festival! This festival has won multiple prestigious awards and will feature over 70 films including documentaries and animated! Vote for your favorite film in the end to help pick a winner for the "Golden Teeth" Award! Expand your culture and check out new films you won't find on Netflix!

http://www.pffamerica.org/

Mustachio Ball, Fri November 13, 7pm, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Price TBA

Details: Come out and celebrate men's health but make sure your mustache looks extra swanky! The Mustachio Ball is sure to be a fun time with celebrity guests, gourmet food and drinks from local restaurants and distilleries, and enjoy a VIP after party to end the night! This elevated eat, sip, soiree event also benefits the J.Inspired Foundation so party for a great cause!

http://jinspiredevents.com/mustachioball

Spooky Zoo Spectacular, Sat October 24, 11am Lincoln Park Zoo, FREE

Details: Bring your kids to celebrate Halloween in a fun, safe, and family-friendly environment! Guests will be allowed to walk around the zoo to see the animals and learn all about them. The kids will be able to make crafts, collect treats, and take in the entertainment that will be all over the zoo. Get the family together, put on your spooktacular costumes, and enjoy a Halloween celebration at the zoo!

http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/spooky-zoo-spectacular

Halloween Trolley Crawl, Fri October 30-Sat October 31, 9pm-1am, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park

Details: Throw on your best costume and be ready to travel around some of the best bars in the lively areas of Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North, and Old Town via trolley! This spooky pub crawl will feature food and drink gift cards, free cover all day, and a massive costume contest that could win you $1,000! Whether you're pretending to be Miley, Freddy Krueger, or even just your typical cat, get ready to get your drink on while you travel in style!

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-trolley-crawl-limited-tickets-available-tickets-7776797611

Mac and Cheese Festival, Sat October 24, UIC Forum, $60

Details: Ever had truffle braised duck mac & cheese or how about white cheddar and chorizo macaron con queso? Come out to the UIC and enjoy unique spins on your favorite comfort food at the Mac & Cheese Festival! Featuring over 75 Chicago chefs, try all the different ways mac & cheese could be created inspired by family traditions and cultures in which two lucky chefs will be able to take home "The Golden Noodle". Enjoy this all you can taste event as you wash it all down with delicious beer and spirits. Come hungry and leave happy!

http://www.achicagothing.com/who-will-take-home-the-golden-noodle/