Chicago's Haunted Halloween Ball Is Back at One of America's Most Haunted Hotels

Highlights at a Glance: Chicago Haunted Halloween Ball 2026

• The Haunted Halloween Ball takes place Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

• The party runs from 9 PM to 2 AM and is strictly for guests ages 21 and older.

• Early-bird general admission tickets start at $20.

• VIP table packages start at $450 and include four tickets, reserved seating, priority entry, and a premium bottle.

• The Great Hall focuses on Top 40 and mainstream hits, while the Gold Room plays party hits, house, EDM, dance, and mainstream music.

• Entertainment includes vampire bellmen, zombie cocktail servers, costumed go-go dancers, and a contest offering $2,000 in cash and prizes.

• Discounted hotel rooms start at $159 per night for stays from October 29 through November 3, 2026.

The Congress Plaza Hotel’s Haunted Reputation

Before the zombie servers and DJs arrive, the Congress Plaza Hotel already has more than enough atmosphere for a Halloween party. The property originally opened as the Auditorium Annex in 1893 to accommodate visitors arriving for the World’s Columbian Exposition. It later became known as the “Home of Presidents” after holding events involving Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt.

Its supernatural history is less certain, but much more fun to talk about. Guests, ghost-tour operators, and generations of Chicago storytellers have connected the hotel with unexplained noises, shadowy figures, flickering lights, and doors that appear to move on their own. One of its best-known legends involves “Peg Leg Johnny,” a mysterious one-legged figure supposedly seen around the building. Some stories also connect the hotel with Al Capone and claim that his ghost wanders the hallways, although that connection is local lore rather than firmly established history.

There may not be scientific proof that any ghosts live there, but the enormous ballrooms, ornate architecture, and long corridors make it a much more convincing Halloween setting than a standard nightclub.

What to Expect at the Haunted Halloween Ball

For the event, approximately 20,000 square feet of ballroom space is transformed into what organizers describe as an abandoned hotel run by zombies. Guests can expect vampire bellmen, zombie cocktail servers dressed as French maids, theatrical performers, and costumed go-go dancers. Fully stocked cash bars will also be available throughout the venue.

The Great Hall focuses on Top 40 and mainstream hits, while the Gold Room plays party hits, house, EDM, dance, and mainstream music. The costume contest offers a combined $2,000 in cash and prizes. Organizers say outrageous, bizarre, and risqué costumes are among those expected to compete.

Guests should plan to wear a costume. The event homepage lists the dress code as “Costume Required,” while its FAQ says costumes are highly encouraged. Either way, arriving without one would probably feel a little like showing up to a wedding in sweatpants.

Tickets, VIP Tables, and Hotel Rooms

Early-bird general admission currently starts at $20. This is a limited ticket tier, and organizers warn that prices may increase as the event approaches.

VIP table packages start at $450 and include four event tickets, reserved seating, priority entry, and a premium bottle. Larger packages are available in the Great Hall, Great Hall balcony, and Gold Room for groups of different sizes.

General admission guests are not allowed on the Great Hall balcony, which is reserved for balcony-table guests. Gratuity is not included in VIP package prices, and bottle choices are subject to change.

For anyone coming from outside Chicago, or simply unwilling to deal with transportation after 2 AM, the Congress Plaza Hotel is offering discounted rooms starting at $159 per night.The special rate is available for stays from October 29 through November 3, 2026. Rooms are limited, and the $159 price may increase at any time.

The advertised rate covers single or double occupancy. Each additional guest costs $25 per night, and event tickets must be purchased separately from the hotel reservation. Guests booking through the event link may also receive perks such as early check-in.

Important Entry and Costume Rules

• Guests must be at least 21 years old and present a valid government-issued ID.

• Faces must remain visible enough for security to compare guests with their IDs. Masks, helmets, or headpieces may need to be removed temporarily at the entrance.

• Real, fake, toy, and replica weapons are prohibited.

• Large or detachable costume props are not allowed.

• Backpacks, tote bags, and large bags are prohibited.

• Small purses may not measure more than 4.5 by 6.5 inches, and all bags are subject to inspection.

• A coat check will be available for $5.

Is the Haunted Halloween Ball Worth It?

Halloween falling on a Saturday gives the 2026 Haunted Halloween Ball about the best timing it could ask for. Between the massive costume party, multiple music rooms, theatrical performers, and a historic hotel that already looks like it belongs in a ghost story, this feels like one of those Halloween events that is genuinely worth making plans for. Whether you go all out for the costume contest or simply want to dance inside one of Chicago’s most famously haunted hotels, it promises to be a brilliantly over-the-top way to spend Halloween night.

Frequently Asked Questions: Haunted Halloween Ball

When is the Chicago Haunted Halloween Ball 2026?

The event takes place Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Congress Plaza Hotel. It runs from 9 PM to 2 AM and is restricted to guests ages 21 and older.

How much do Haunted Halloween Ball tickets cost?

Early-bird general admission currently starts at $20. VIP table packages start at $450 and include four tickets, reserved seating, priority entry, and a premium bottle. Prices and availability may change.

Are costumes required?

The event homepage lists the dress code as “Costume Required,” while the FAQ says costumes are highly encouraged. Guests should plan to wear one.

Is the Congress Plaza Hotel actually haunted?

The hotel has one of Chicago’s most famous haunted reputations, with long-running stories involving unexplained noises, shadowy figures, and a supposed ghost known as Peg Leg Johnny. These stories are legends and reported experiences rather than verified paranormal evidence.

Can guests stay at the Congress Plaza Hotel?

Yes. Discounted rooms start at $159 per night for stays from October 29 through November 3, 2026. Rooms are limited, and event tickets are not included with the reservation.

Can guests bring costume weapons or large props?

No. Real, fake, toy, and replica weapons are prohibited, along with large or detachable costume props.