A fine mist falls from the black sky.
It creates a haze that envelopes the dancing spotlights above.
There’s a slight chill in the air.
I see zombies, ghouls, and Austin Powers waiting in line to enter this Halloween party that rivals all Halloween parties.
You can’t help but feel you’ve been transported to the set of The Walking Dead.
Buckle up…you’re in for a great time.
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Find your favorite pumpkin patch in Wisconsin
This is Nightmare On Chicago Street in downtown Elgin, Illinois.
A very special thank you to Explore Elgin for hosting my visit!
I’m in town covering fall in Elgin and it just so happens to be the city of Elgin’s biggest Saturday of the year.
Luckily, being a travel writer has its perks. The night before, as my friend Theresa (The Local Tourist) and I are dining at Old Republic, we meet Geoffrey Sands, who has an integral part of making the 8 block radius of downtown Elgin a frightful experience. I tell him I am a travel writer in town for the weekend and I am covering nightmare. He offers his phone number so I can contact him when we arrive at the gate so we can skip the LONG line and enter the safe zone. Thank you Geoff!
We meet him, receive our top secret clearance, he hands me an official Zombie Defense Initiative badge (I’m now part of a small number of determined citizens determined to eradicate the zombie menace taking over Elgin), and we enter the 11th annual Nightmare On Chicago Street.
What Is Nightmare On Chicago Street?
Nightmare On Chicago Street is the creation of founder Fred Wimms, mastermind and creative genius. It’s the signature yearly event that brings up to 15,000 (the max number allowed in) to an eight-block stretch of downtown Elgin. There’s three stages with live entertainment, a haunted house, a best costumes contest, and tons of drink and food vendors. MeTV’s Svengoolie makes an appearance. It’s an immersive environment with downtown businesses are boarded up, trees covered in cobwebs, abandoned cars are overturned and freaks and zombies are walking around sure to put a fright in you. The party starts at 6 pm and goes on till 11 pm. It’s a spooktacular time.
Parking and Entry
If you are a first time “nightmarer”, beware! Parking is crazy! I would suggest looking at the downtown map on the Nightmare On Chicago Street website. Parking in the public lots and side streets fill up fast. If you don’t mind walking a bit, park at the casino. You can also grab a shuttle from Larkin or Elgin High Schools. It took us a while to find parking and Theresa knows Elgin well!
Next, know that you may wait in a very long line to get in. Even if you have pre purchased tickets. There are security checks at all gates, so grab your patience. We arrived about 6:30 and the lines were crazy long. If you want to be one of the first ones in line, I saw people were waiting up to an hour and a half before the gates opened at 6.
Admission
First, know that this event is geared toward adults. It’s crowded, dimly lit, alcohol is served, and it’s a party atmosphere. It’s not the place for very young children. The recommended age is 17 and up. Under that, children need to be accompanied by an adult. Use your discretion. No strollers allowed and no animals, except for service animals.
Also, leave all weapons, real or fake, at home. They will search your bag and wand you. Safety is of the utmost importance at this event.
2023 admission before the day of is $35 and on the day of $40.
Street Festival Meets Hollywood Horror Movie Set
Once we made our way inside the barricades and started walking around the safe zone, we came upon a plethora of freaks, ghouls, zombies, cartoon characters. We decided we were underdressed, and I quickly felt like I wanted to run home and watch a bunch of You tube videos and practice my scabby makeup skills.
We saw every character imaginable, including a timely Barbie! The organizers hire actors to don the coolest zombie gear and shuffle around the scene. You really feel you are a part of a zombie apocalypse.
We grabbed a beer from the first tent we came upon and headed over to the main stage. Dancers in cages on with side of the stage caught our attention. Villain Inc. was playing their version of Fall Out Boy’s Sugar, We’re Going Down. We danced. Sang, and watched the band for a bit.
By this time, the mist had subsided, and it was a beautiful fall night.
Everywhere you turned there was something to see. Sculptures, graffiti, and interactive displays. We watched some thrilling performances, a flamethrower, and zombies dancing to the local high schools band.
I cannot imagine all the planning that goes into Nightmare On Chicago Street, not to mention all the security planning. It’s actually hard to explain. The sights, the smells, and the sounds put you in that place between give me more, and acute sensory overload. It’s a wonderland of fright.
One street has an array of food options. Another street has a small, well-lit bazaar with merchandise.
Some of the downtown business are open to join in the fun. One being Rediscover Records, which I had wanted to visit. Martini Room served apocalyptic drinks called “Medusa Venom” and “Graveyard Brew”. We tried one of their Jello shots, almost mistakenly throwing out our empty cups into a garbage can full of fake bio hazard waste (details are not overlooked).
Some businesses had zombie dancers in their windows.
There are an abundance of port-o-lets set up in various areas. The later in the night it gets, the longer you have to wait in line, as I found out before we left.
We wandered around for a couple hours. The crowds on each street grew, so we made our exit. What an experience. The Halloween festival to end all Halloween festivals. I’m already planning my costume for next year!
Nightmare On Chicago Street Tips
Dress the Part
Character Themes: If you’re not sure what to wear, consider popular post-apocalyptic movies and series for inspiration, such as Mad Max, The Walking Dead, or The Last of Us.
Layer Up: Late October in Elgin can be chilly. Ensure your costume has layers so you can stay warm throughout the evening.
Comfortable Footwear: Given that you’ll be exploring, dancing, and maybe even running from zombies (not really, all zombies are respectful), choose shoes that offer both comfort and style.
Stay Safe
Stay Hydrated: With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget basic needs. Carry a reusable water bottle.
Follow Event Guidelines: There are no weapons of any kind allowed inside, real or fake. The rules are there to ensure everyone has a good time without any real-world scares.
Designate a Meeting Spot: With the bustling crowds and potential mobile network issues, designate a meeting spot in case your group gets separated.
Engage with Locals
Ask for Recommendations: Locals might have insider info on the best spots to watch performances or where to grab the tastiest apocalypse-themed treats.
Share Stories: One of the best parts of travel is connecting with others. Share your own tales and listen to theirs. You might even hear some local legends or ghost stories!
Respect the Setting: Remember, while this is a fun event for visitors, it’s also a source of pride for Elginites. Be respectful and courteous.
Plan Ahead
Ticketing: Ensure you have your tickets in advance, as this popular event might sell out..
Accommodation: If you’re not local to Elgin, book your accommodation early. Nearby hotels and inns can fill up quickly during the event.
Parking: Research parking options. Consider parking at the high schools and take the shuttle to the gate.
Capture the Moment
Charge Your Devices: Ensure your phone or camera is fully charged to capture the night’s best moments. Maybe bring a portable charger, just in case.
Engage on Social Media: Share your experiences in real-time using event-specific hashtags. This not only helps you connect with others at the event, but also creates a digital scrapbook of your adventure.
Stay Informed
Weather Check: Keep an eye on the weather forecast. This will help in finalizing your costume details, especially if rain is predicted.
As the night draws to a close and the undead retreat to their lairs, you’ll be left with a heart full of adrenaline, a camera roll full of memories, and perhaps a new appreciation for the creativity and spirit of Fred Wimms, all the many people connected with this event and the people of Elgin. So, if you’re seeking a Halloween experience that’s a cut above the rest, make your way to Nightmare on Chicago Street. Just remember to watch your back. You never know who (or what) might be lurking behind the next corner!
Questions? Comments? Share then with me!