Zombies, the apocalypse, and abandoned vehicles, oh my! If you’re looking for the premier Halloween event where you can dress up, enjoy amazing entertainment, and indulge in fun food and drink, head to Elgin, Illinois.
The annual Nightmare on Chicago Street that takes place every October, just before Halloween, is an incredible event complete with a unique theme.
By attending the event, you’ll join in the effort to save the City of Elgin from the zombie apocalypse. The 2024 event had an anticipated turnout of 20,000 event-goers looking to save the city.
Keep reading for all the details on Elgin’s premier October event and how you can help save the city from future zombie apocalypses!
My entrance to Nightmare on Chicago Street was graciously gifted by Explore Elgin Area, but all content and opinions are my own.
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Where to Stay in Elgin for Nightmare on Chicago Street:
There are several hotels in Elgin that are 15 minutes or less from downtown, making them perfect options.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and it was a great choice. Connected to the Bennigan’s Grill restaurant, the Holiday Inn Express was ideally positioned near Interstate 90, as well as across the street from another delicious Elgin restaurant option, Alexander’s.
Nightmare on Chicago Street Details:
Tickets to Nightmare on Chicago Street:
You can purchase tickets to Nightmare on Chicago Street online in advance of the event or at the entrance (if available). Regular tickets are $35 in advance or $40 day of event. The event also offers early bird tickets, which allow you to enter an hour before the gates officially open. Those tickets sell out very quickly.
I arrived at the entrance gate just after 5:30pm and the entrance line was already growing with people eager to enter the Safe Zone. I had a media pass which allowed me to bypass the line and get in before the gates officially opened.
I went through the quick security checkpoint where they scanned me and checked my belt bag, before doing a quick ID check, handing me an alcohol wristband, and sending me on my way.
The event is suited for those age 17 and older, but those under 17 can attend the event as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Parking at the Event:
You can park on the street, in several free lots, or in nearby parking garages. You can also purchase a pass to the VIP parking lot for $50 (does not include event entrance). There are also shuttles available from Elgin High School to help ease the parking burden.
Costumes at Nightmare on Chicago Street:
Event attendees go above and beyond with their costumes for this event. I had so much fun watching people enter, excited to show off their costumes. My favorites were the couple/family costumes – some of them were so dang creative!
Of course, Nightmare on Chicago Street hosts a costume contest throughout the night and it can be pretty competitive.
While I opted not to dress up (I will definitely the next time I go!), I didn’t feel out of place and no one gave me any grief for being costume-less at the event.
The Decorations:
From the moment I entered the Safe Zone, I was amazed by all of the time and dedication that went into this event. It’s clear that the entire city (and surrounding communities) come together for this occasion and put a lot of effort into planning and preparing.
People go all-out, and it shows through the detailed sets designed, from interactive Venus fly traps to abandoned vehicles overtaken by zombies.
One of my favorite creations was a yellow school bus filled with members of a high school sports team. The students had impressive hair and makeup and were hanging out of the bus windows in a zombie-like state. There was even one student who popped out of the top of the bus (the emergency exit hole). Throughout the night, the group of students changed so that everyone got a break.
The Entertainment:
Nightmare on Chicago Street features three stages among the several downtown blocks where the event takes place. Each stage has artists and DJs providing entertainment from 5pm until the event ends at 11pm.
Between the stages, you’ll find food and drink vendors, entertainment acts, and zombie-themed decorations. I’m not a huge fan of loud, live music, but I was able to hang out in the middle sections of the streets where I could still hear the music and also enjoy the street entertainment.
The Food and Drink:
All aspects of this event are well-planned and on-theme, and the food and drink options are no different. Many restaurants and bars within “the zone” offer specials. For example, Elgin Public House was serving Blood Bag Cocktails and Syringe Shots and the Martini Room had a special menu that included a Bloody Eye Martini.
There were all sorts of food options as well, from fair-style food to pizza and tacos. I loved checking out what each vendor offered, especially the desserts.
Make sure you bring cash and card for the vendors as the wifi was weak in some areas for card readers and some spots required a card minimum.
Tips for Nightmare on Chicago Street:
– Buy tickets in advance
– If you want to really take in the decorations, purchase the early-bird ticket which allows for entrance one hour before the event gates open. It’s still light outside and you can also purchase food and drink.
– Have a plan for staying with your group/reuniting if you get separated.
– Bring both cash and a credit card.
– Bring a fully-charged phone for photos.
– Large bags are not allowed into the event. Belt bags, small purses, etc. can be screened at the entrance and allowed in.
Additional Posts of Interest:
– Ultimate Guide to Peninsula State Park, Door County
