Navy Pier hosts Slightly Spooky October from 17 October

Navy Pier hosts Slightly Spooky October in Chicago from 17 October to 31 October 2026, bringing free films, workshops and Halloween activities to the lakefront venue. The programme includes free movies in Crystal Gardens on 17 October and 24 October, followed by indoor trick-or-treating and further activities on 31 October.

Slightly Spooky October brings films and activities to Navy Pier

The operator lists Slightly Spooky October as a multi-day event beginning on 17 October 2026 and ending on 31 October 2026. Its programme combines short films, feature screenings, creative workshops, a community market and family activities across three Saturdays in October.

On 17 October 2026, the schedule includes a Mad Scientist Lab, a Mobile Art Studio, Double Dutch activities and the Wintrust Community Market. Short films are followed by Hotel Transylvania and Beetlejuice in Crystal Gardens. The programme on 24 October 2026 includes science activities, toy making, superhero appearances, short films, Wall-E and Scream. The official programme for 17 to 31 October 2026 also lists a dance workshop, mask making and a costume contest for 31 October 2026.

Crystal Gardens connects the programme with the lakefront pier

Crystal Gardens gives the film programme an indoor setting within a much larger waterfront complex. The operator describes Navy Pier as a destination with parks, gardens, dining, shopping, theatres and year-round entertainment, while the seasonal programme places family activities alongside the pier’s established public spaces.

The pier was originally built in 1916 as Municipal Pier No. 2, as part of Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago. It later developed from a working dock and naval training centre into a public destination. The structure extends more than 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan and covers more than 50 acres, according to the operator’s history and location information. That scale explains why the October programme can combine indoor screenings with activities spread across different parts of the site.

Visiting Navy Pier: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Slightly Spooky October runs from 17 October to 31 October 2026 at Navy Pier. Free films are scheduled in Crystal Gardens on 17 October and 24 October, while the 31 October programme includes indoor trick-or-treating.
• The 31 October 2026 activities include mask making, a dance workshop, trick-or-treating, a costume contest and films. The operator states that trick-or-treating runs from 1pm to 5pm while supplies last.
• The venue is at 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Crystal Gardens is the listed setting for the indoor film programme.
• The pier extends more than 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan and includes parks, gardens, theatres, shops and restaurants. Visitors should expect a broad waterfront complex rather than a single enclosed attraction.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Navy Pier

When does Slightly Spooky October take place at Navy Pier?

The event runs from 17 October to 31 October 2026. Free films and activities are scheduled on 17 October, 24 October and 31 October 2026.

What is Navy Pier?

Navy Pier is a lakefront public destination in Chicago that was originally built in 1916 as Municipal Pier No. 2. It extends more than 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan and covers more than 50 acres.

Where is Navy Pier and how do you get there?

Navy Pier is at 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Crystal Gardens is the indoor venue named for the film programme in October 2026.