Inside Scoop: Seadog Haunted River Tours, South Park’s Witches Night Out Oct. 17, Lena Brava cooking demonstration Oct. 18, Trunk or Treat Oct. 24, and Spirits of Park Ridge Whiskey & Wine Tasting Oct. 25

Seadog Haunted River Tour from City Cruises through Oct. 31
City Cruises, operator of Chicago’s year-round premier water experiences, has a pretty stellar fall and winter cruise lineup, offering unique experiences for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Guests can look forward to haunted river tours, chef-prepared holiday meals, fireworks displays, and festive entertainment, all set against the backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline and waterways.
We recently jumped aboard the Seadog Haunted River Tour, which runs Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 31. The 45-minute BYOB cruise explores the haunted history of the Windy City and offers some of the best views you will get anywhere, all while getting you into the Halloween spirit with some spooky storytelling.
Perfect cap to the evening if you had the kiddos with you? JoJo’s Shake Bar in River North, especially if it’s warm enough to sit outside in their fall-themed patio.
For more information on the haunted river tour and other City Cruise options, clock here.
South Park Witches Night Out at Ash & Willow Salon and Renata’s Organics Skincare Oct. 17
It figures to be a fun Friday night out at Ash & Willow Salon and Renata’s Organics Skincare, where guests can expect a night of spells, self-care and shopping magic. Don’t forget to wear your best witchy costume because the winner will receive a special prize.
Free entry for all:
Mini facials
Brow waxing
Braids, curls and hair tinsel
Oracle, medium and Astrology readings
Reiki
Art
Permanent jewelry
Skincare consultations
Kobido facial massage demonstrations
Live product demos
Chair massages
Tea and sea moss tastings
Exclusive offers and giveaways
Complimentary bites and cocktails
Also, don’t forget to explore Renata’s new Anima Haus Boutique that is full of curated wellness and beauty products. All services can be signed up for upon arrival at the event. Just stop by the front desk at either Ash & Willow or Renata’s Organics.
Ash & Willow is located at 610 Devon Avenue and Renata’s Organics is located at 624 Devon Avenue. Visit AshWillowSalon.com and RenatasOrganics.com
Chicago Firewood hosts free live-fire cooking demonstration with Lena Brava Oct. 18
Acclaimed Lena Brava chef Bryan Enyart will be stopping by the Chicago Firewood lot this Saturday from 1-4 p.m. for a free “live fire” cooking demonstration. Come learn some techniques and taste some of his amazing dishes like empanadas, lamb chops and wood-fired oysters. Plenty of Cruz Blanca beer on hand too.
Chicago Firewood is located at 5600 N. Northwest Hwy in Chicago.
Park Ridge Park District’s Trunk or Treat Oct. 24
Save the date for some spooktacular fun at the annual Park Ridge Park District Trunk or Treat, which will be held Friday, Oct. 24 from 6-8 p.m. Held in the Centennial Fitness Center parking lot, local businesses and other organizations create a maze of themed trunks filled with treats and surprises for kids to meander through. The registration deadline for families to partake is Oct. 18, so don’t miss out. Visit PRParks.org for more information and to register.
Spirits of Park Ridge Whiskey and Wine Tasting benefiting the Park Ridge Historical Society Oct. 25
Join the new charitable endeavor in town, Pennies for Pennyville, for a Prohibition-themed Halloween Wine & Whiskey Tasting event to benefit the Park Ridge Historical Society on Saturday, October 25 from 6-9 p.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home (120 S. Northwest Hwy in Park Ridge). Prohibition costumes optional, but encouraged. Tickets are still available here.
Harp & Fiddle’s annual Chili Cook Off Nov. 8
Save the date: The annual Chili Cook Off at Harp & Fiddle benefiting the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce is from 12-4 p.m. and offers a full chili competition and wine and beer tastings.