Arts in the Dark brings Chicago performers and colorful floats to Columbus Drive

Chicago’s Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade filled Columbus Drive with music, dancing and large-scale creations Saturday. The 12th annual celebration began on Balbo Street and drew an estimated 100,000 attendees, bringing a broad mix of the city’s performers together for a downtown Halloween gathering.

More than 1,000 performers took part, with marching bands and dance groups among the participants. Youth programs and cultural organizations joined the procession, along with representatives from 11 high schools and three colleges. That participation gave students and young performers a place alongside other members of Chicago’s arts community.

Organizers said the parade aims to represent artists working in every discipline and living in all of Chicago’s wards. The event’s mix of school groups, cultural organizations and performers reflected that citywide ambition, making the celebration about local creativity as well as Halloween spectacle.

Among the large attractions were a dragon that breathed fire, oversized alebrijes and a glowing worm measuring 60 feet long. Floats and marchers traveled north on Columbus Drive, with butterfly costumes, a Christmas-decorated car and a float carrying an ofrenda adding to the variety along the route.

Participating groups included Second II None Performance Academy, whose children performed during the parade, and Ballet Folklorico Xochitl. Other scenes included children dancing, young participants riding a float in festive clothing and groups moving together in formation. For the crowd downtown, the procession offered a chance to see the work of Chicago’s youth and cultural organizations gathered in one public celebration.