LUMA8 has announced the return of the cherished Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, set to take place on Saturday, October 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will proceed along the historic State Street, stepping off from Randolph Street. Widely recognized as a family-friendly celebration that delights audiences, this year marks the parade’s 11th edition.
Celebrating Halloween as the “artist’s holiday,” the parade showcases a colorful array of floats, spectacle puppets, and various creative performances. Each year, this enchanting procession attracts participants from Chicago’s major cultural institutions, youth programs, and aspiring artists, creating a vibrant display of community spirit and artistic expression.
Awarded ‘one of the best Halloween celebrations in the world’ by UK-based Wanderlust Magazine and recognized in USA Today’s top ten Halloween parades, Arts in the Dark experiences attendance figures exceeding 100,000 spectators along State Street. In addition to the evening parade, a full day of cultural experiences is anticipated, with further details to be revealed soon.
While the event is framed as a Halloween parade, participants are encouraged to illustrate their unique identities rather than conform to a singular theme. This allows each organization to showcase its artistry through music, dance, costumes, and other visual elements.
Over the years, the parade has presented a rich tapestry of cultural and ethnic representation, highlighting the contributions of Black and Mexican communities and other diverse groups. This year, attendees can expect a captivating blend of performances from Irish, Colombian, Polynesian, Brazilian, South Asian, Korean, Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Chinese, Indonesian, Peruvian, and LGBTQ+ organizations.
These diverse participants exemplify Chicago’s cultural landscape within various artistic domains, including film, photography, visual arts, theatre, architecture, drag performance, and more. Notable groups marching this year range from Ballet Folklorico de Chicago to the South Side Jazz Coalition, and from CircEsteem to the Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles. A complete parade lineup will be disclosed in September.
Mark Kelly, co-founder and artistic director of the Arts in the Dark Parade, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “I am thrilled to see scores of Chicago arts organizations bring their inspiration and creativity to State Street as we celebrate Chicago as a world-class cultural capital.”
Kelly emphasized the importance of solidarity among artists and cultural organizations, saying, “Our artists, arts organizations, the humanities, libraries, colleges and universities, and all the cultural forces that are vital to our city and nation are under attack. We need to come together to honor and support our cultural community now more than ever.”
The Arts in the Dark festival is presented by LUMA8 in collaboration with the City of Chicago, receiving major support from the Chicago Loop Alliance and Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago. The event is produced in coordination with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), which is dedicated to enhancing Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy.
DCASE plays a crucial role in nurturing Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, supporting independent artists, and promoting corporate arts business partnerships. The department drives the city’s cultural and economic growth, as laid out in the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. It also markets Chicago’s rich cultural assets to a global audience while presenting high-quality free and affordable cultural programs for both residents and visitors.
The Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) is equally committed to fostering positive and inclusive programs that enhance the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. As a membership organization and the service provider for Special Service Area #1-2015, CLA is well-equipped to spearhead public art projects and events.
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by breaking down barriers to opportunity, providing access to meaningful employment, training, and vital community resources.
This year’s Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade promises to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity and community spirit, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of Chicago.
image source from：chicagocrusader
