American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists’ wages during Season 40. This all-ages celebration features live performances and ghost stories, trick or treating in the theater, contests, seasonal bites and brews, and more. Halloween Boo Bash will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, 4:00pm-7:00pm at the company’s home, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.
Tickets, priced at $35, are available now at americanbluestheater.com.
The Halloween Boo Bash schedule is as follows:
4:00pm-5:00pm
Pumpkin Carving & Painting, Costume Parade, Games, & Prizes
Guests must provide their own pumpkins. ABT will have tables, some tools, and paint! You may bring your pumpkin already decorated to enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded for all ages. Costumes are optional. If you do wear a costume, you will automatically be entered for prizes.
5:00pm-5:30pm
Trick or Treating in the theater, Seasonal Bites, Bevs & Brews
Trick or Treat inside American Blues Theater’s new home! Guests will also enjoy seasonal bites of sweet, salty, and savory snacks and specialty witches brew and drinks for all age and thirsts.
5:30pm-7:00pm
Karaoke Performances & Campfire Stories by incredible artists
ABT Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates perform karaoke and campfire stories with spine-chilling flair. Some karaoke spots are available for members of the public. Email SarajaneJ@AmericanBluesTheater.com to request a slot. Space is limited and subject to availability.
There will be no reserved parking for this even as many of the activities and games will take place in the lot. There is free street parking on Lincoln and neighborhood streets.
To learn more about ABT’s Halloween Boo Bash or to make a donation, contact Director of Development Sarajane Johnson at (773) 654-3103 or SarajaneJ@AmericanBluesTheater.com.
About Season 40
American Blues Theater’s 40th Anniversary Season opened with the world premiere of Things with Friends by Tony Award nominee & Artistic Affiliate Kristoffer Diaz (August 22 – October 5, 2025). Season 40 continues with the 24th Anniversary Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (November 21 - December 28, 2025), followed by a reimagined classic Come Back, Little Sheba (February 6 - March 22, 2026), and the hit jukebox musical Always…Patsy Cline (May 1 - June 7, 2026). Tickets can be purchased online at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.
Public Programming and Special Events
American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series.
The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts, and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: “What does it mean to be American?”
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2025, the theater and artists received 246 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.