Most people have a familiar concept of what a parade usually looks like: marching bands oom-pah-pahing, costumed participants strutting, people on floats waving. But Chicago’s Arts in the Dark Parade loves to turn preconceived notions upside down.
For starters, although most parades are daytime extravaganzas, this one happens at night. It also eschews corporate floats and waving politicians. This artist-centered spectacle brings participants from all corners of the city, all focused on performing on State Street.
The free Arts in the Dark celebration — annually pegged to the season of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, channeling the vibe of Carnivale and Mardi Gras — unfurls its 10th iteration at 6 p.m. Saturday, stepping off at the corner of State and Lake. Performers march south for about two hours, wrapping up their procession at State and Van Buren.
“We’ve got fire arts, circus arts, theater, music, dance,” said Mark Kelly, cofounder and artistic director of the event. “We’ve got costumes and masks and spectacle, all mashed together in a wild and playful way. I believe it’s a special moment for the city, celebrating our cultural landscape.”
Saturday evening’s parade promises to be the biggest Arts in the Dark yet, comprising 90 different entries and approximately 4,000 performers. Kelly estimates 40 to 50 percent of the marchers are youth performers, including more than a dozen dance groups who perform in the Bud Billiken Parade every August, who will transform their act for this nighttime setting.
Because this year marks the 10th edition of the parade, an anniversary theme organized around the idea of “tens” is at play. Spectators are encouraged to “Pick Your Favorite Decade” and dress accordingly.
For those interested in attending tor the first time, Kelly offers one tip: Head toward the south end, near Van Buren, where the crowds aren’t as big.
But one way or another, “I encourage everyone to check it out,” he said. “The magic comes out at night.”
For more details on Saturday’s parade, check out the Arts in the Dark website.
