1 Death Toll: A Drinking Game Performance
Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln, $15, Oct. 25, 26, 30, 31
A crowd interactive sketch show where the audience drinks each time a character dies. So, prepare to get tipsy.
2 Sidney Friedman: "Mind Shivers"
Davenport's Piano Bar, 1383 N. Milwaukee, $20 + two-drink minimum, Oct. 25, 26, 27
Get a dose of the paranormal at Friedman's show including ESP, telepathy, and premonition.
3 Chicago's Official Crawl-O-Ween Bar Crawl
Begins Oct. 26, Register at Clarke's Bar and Grille, 2445 N. Lincoln, $10-$20
Kids get candy, adults get beer.
4 Slo ’Mo and LesBiFriends Presents: Night of the Disco Dead
The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash, $7, Oct. 31
Dance like only ghosts are watching at this '70s-themed dance party.
5 Hallo-Weekend at "The Haunted" Castle
Castle, 632 N. Dearborn, $15, Oct. 25, 26
Make back the money you spent on your costume at this haunted house costume contest then celebrate on the dance floor.
6 Zombie Prom
Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse, $20–$30, Oct. 25, 31
A 1950s-set "Girl loves ghoul" story. 'Nuff said.
7 Boneshaker
Redmoon, 2120 S. Jefferson, $75, Nov. 1
A 30-person punk rock marching band, an indoor roller rink, and enough food and drink to keep you sated 'til the afterlife. (Pictured above.)
8 Pumpkins in the Park 5K Run and Walk
Lincoln Park South Field House, 1800 N. Stockton, $15–$30, Oct. 26
For those more concerned with the healthy outdoors than with Halloween insanity, the Chicago Park District sponsors a fun, all-ages costume run. Post-race activities include a constume contest and live music.
9 Welles on the Radio Plus War of the Worlds
Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, $10, Oct. 27
Radio expert Neil Verma will play clips of Orson Welles' radio phenomenon War of the Worlds and discuss just why it was so dang scary at the time. The 1953 film adaptation of War of the Worlds will also be played.
10 The Great Punk'n Party
Fountainhead Chicago, 1970 W. Montrose, Oct. 29
Drink beer from a pumpkin and jam out to punk rock playlists.