Chicago Haunted House Fundraiser Opens at Chase Park
The annual teen-led attraction supports after-school programs for local families through November 1.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Teens
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Teens at Chase Park in Chicago have launched their 16th annual haunted house, a seasonal project designed to raise funds for local after-school programs. The attraction, which features a clown-themed Sweet Sixteen party, welcomes visitors every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through November 1, 2026.
Why it matters
The haunted house serves as a critical revenue stream for the park's teen programming. By participating in the Society of Screams, local youth gain hands-on experience in event planning and production while securing the budget necessary to sustain free after-school services.
The attraction aims to hit a sales goal of 5,000 tickets this season, an increase from the typical 4,000 sold in past years. Tickets are priced at $16 each, with 25 youth participants managing the operation.
The players
Society of Screams
A Chicago-based youth program that provides free membership to participants while teaching vocational skills through the production of seasonal haunted attractions.
Chase Park
A local Chicago recreation center that hosts community programming and provides the venue for the annual teen-led haunted house fundraiser.
The details
The Society of Screams program empowers teens to handle all aspects of the production, including designing props, sewing costumes, and applying theatrical makeup. Participants also serve as the actors within the haunted house, which carries a PG-13 rating. The entire experience is built around a central theme of a Sweet Sixteen party hosted by a clown.
Timeline
The 16th annual haunted house opened on October 16, 2026.
The attraction operates every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until November 1, 2026.
The Home Front
This event follows the trend of Chicago neighborhood parks relying on youth-led entrepreneurial initiatives to supplement traditional extracurricular funding. Such local efforts have become a primary method for maintaining programming levels amidst wider budgetary constraints.
Families in the area looking for seasonal entertainment should note the PG-13 rating when planning their visits. Residents interested in supporting the initiative can purchase tickets at the Chase Park venue located at 4701 N. Ashland Ave. during operating hours.
The takeaway
Supporting this student-led production directly funds the continuation of after-school programming at the park. Consider visiting on a weekend night to contribute to the 5,000-ticket goal.
Further reading
For more on local activities for your household, visit our Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
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