From pumpkin carvings to wild costume parties, here's an assortment of treats for Halloween revelers.
A REALLY Great Pumpkin:
At 11 AM on Friday, October 26th, "pumpkin specialist" Steve Dahlke will begin his four-hour carving of the Midwest’s largest jack-o’-lantern – a half-ton pumpkin – as the centerpiece of foodlife’s 13th annual Gourdzilla celebration. The jumbo jack-o’-lantern will remain on display through Halloween, with free mini-pumpkins for kids and seasonal pumpkin goodies at the food court/market (312-335-3663).
Day of the Dead:
Adobo Grill honors the Day of the Dead from October 25th–November 1st with a special menu at all three Chicagoland locations. Plus, artist Miguel Angel Quintana will be making and selling sugar skulls in Old Town (October 25, 5–10 PM; 312-266-7999); Lombard (October 26, 5–10:30 PM; 630-627-9990) and Wicker Park (October 28, 1–6 PM; 773-252-9990). The Wicker Park outpost will also host a special lunchtime cooking class on Sunday, October 28th, with chef Freddie Sanchez (10 AM–1 PM; $19.95 per person, includes a two-course lunch with margarita and a sugar skull to decorate; reservations are required; call 773-252-9990 or visit www.adobogrill.com).
Cosplay Halloween:
On Saturday, October 27th, SushiSamba rio celebrates American Halloween with the trendy Japanese blend of "costume" and "play," inviting participants to dress – and behave – like characters from manga, anime, video games and movies. Decorations, DJ music, theme menu items and outrageously dressed staffers throw a curve at the classic costume party. A $1,000 grand prize will be awarded for best costume; call 312-595-2300 for reservations.
Monster Bashes:
A Hitchcock-themed costume party, "Halloween Frenzy," at Subterranean on Saturday, October 27th, includes
four live bands, giveaways, raffles and prizes (9 PM; $5 cover charge; 773-278-6600; tickets available online at www.subt.net).
What's scarier than Barbie? Neon Barbie! On Saturday, October 27th, Rednofive's “Neon Barbie Halloween Party” includes a
neon Barbie fashion show, $5 drink specials and a midnight costume contest with cash prizes (10 PM; $20 at the door; 312-733-6699).
Crobar follows tradition on Saturday, October 27th, with its
“7th Annual Pimp and Ho Halloween Party.” Costumes are required, and the best male and female get-ups win $1,000 (9 PM; $25 cover charge; 312-266-1900; advance tickets available online at www.crobar.com).
On Wednesday, October 31st, Motel Bar throws a “Bump & Grind Halloween Bash" featuring drink specials like $3 Bloody Brain shots, $4 Rogue Dead Guy Ale and $9 Satan's Whiskers. There will be burlesque shows throughout the evening performed by "The Starlets" (8 PM; no cover charge; 312-822-2900).