Spider webs, skeletons, tombstones, jack-o-lanterns and witches are starting to appear throughout the neighborhood in eager anticipation of Halloween. Old communities like ours naturally embrace the spirit of spookiness – who doesn’t enjoy a good haunting? Here are a few Halloween activities for all ages and apparitions.
Boos and Booze.
Open Outcry Brewing Company, 10924 S. Western, invites area ghouls to the Very #Boozy Haunted Halloween Trolley Tour, Wed., Oct. 23, with tours dearly departing at 6 and 8:45 p.m. See award-winning South Side Halloween–decorated homes while sipping on a Crowler of Speculator Cream Ale. $49 admission also includes the DEAD Rising Haunted House in Crestwood and a horror movie screening on the Open Outcry roof top. Capacity limited. Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com.
Haunted History
The Ridge Historical Society (RHS) co-sponsors “Folklore and Phantoms,” an evening of ghost and paranormal stories gathered from around the Ridge, hosted by Carol Flynn, Fri., Oct. 25, 7 to 9 p.m., Givins Beverly Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr.
Flynn, history researcher and writer for RHS, will 50-plus ghostly tales with a community connection. Audience members will be invited to to share their own unusual experiences. Tarot card and astrology readings will also be available. The event is a fundraiser for the Castle restoration fund. The $15 per person admission will include beer, wine, and appetizers. Reservations required; seating limited. 773–881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.
Tricks and Treats
The Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., hosts the annual Get SpookyHalloween extravaganza Sun., Oct. 27 with sessions at 2 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. The eerie afternoon will feature crafts, dancing, a haunted theater, and more. Geared for kids ages 1 to 100, the event is free but limited to 150 participants per session. Registration recommended. 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org
Scariness on Screen
It’s Ominous October at the Beverly Arts Center! BACinema presents Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas, Wed., Oct. 16,7:30 p.m., when the king of Halloweentown discovers Christmas with grimly hilarious consequences. It’s a night of freaky family fun for the whole family. Tickets: $6 ($5/BAC members). On Wed., Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m., BACinema winds up stranded on the Transylvania doorstep of Dr. Frank-N-Furter with sweethearts Brad and Janet for the cult-classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” complete with a live shadow cast acting out the scenes in front of the screen. Costumes and props strongly encouraged with prizes awarded to the best costumes. Tickets: $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Tickets/info: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
“Dearly Departed,” a charming and suspenseful new TV show by Fresh Films that was filmed in Beverly/Morgan Park, will have its premiere screening Sat., Oct. 19, 6 to 9 p.m., Ingersoll-Blackwelder House, 10910 S. Prospect. In the first episode a young girl and her mother inherit a Victorian inn, and the daughter soon realizes they are not alone. Reception with filmmakers follows the screening. Info/tickers: dearlydeparted2019.eventbrite.com.
Halloween Luncheon
Ald. Matt O’Shea hosts the Halloween luncheon for 19th Ward senior citizens Wed., Oct. 30, noon, 115 Bourbon St., 3359 W. 115th St. Family style luncheon includes Halloween theme desserts and bingo with cash prizes. Reservations required; costumes encouraged. $5. 773-238-8766.
Just a reminder: Halloween is Thurs., Oct. 31. Trick-or-Treat hours are until 7 p.m. in the 19th Ward.
