This year marks the 12th year of Arts in the Dark, a magical evening parade celebrating Halloween as the “artist’s holiday” and drawing together distinguished Chicago cultural organizations, important creative youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. It is a dazzling production that delights an audience of more than 100,000 with a wild mix of masks and costumes, unique floats, spectacle puppets and creative performances — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chicago skyline.

The parade will take place on Columbus Drive — home to Chicago’s largest festivals and events — giving Arts in the Dark an expanded footprint and enhanced infrastructure, including food trucks, a larger Pre-Parade Festival area, and an even more dynamic VIP experience.

Parade contingents represent the full cultural diversity of our city including After School Matters, Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, Chinelos Magicos, Hokulʻa Academy of Polynesian Arts, Legacy School of Performing Arts, DuSable Museum, Xilin Association, Kaotic Drumline, Trinity Irish Dance, the South Shore Drill Team, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among many others.

Arts in the Dark brings performance and creativity to the street and provides a platform for Chicago’s youth to explore a path in the arts. Most importantly, Arts in the Dark reminds us that we are all connected through the creative spirit that is at the core of our humanity — no matter our race, ethnicity, class, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Arts in the Dark has become one of Chicago’s most iconic events, drawing regional, national, and international visitors to the city. USA Today named Arts in the Dark one of the top 10 Halloween events in the nation, Forbes recognized it as one of the best Halloween events in the country, and the UK’s Wanderlust Magazine ranked it among the top 6 Halloween events in the world.