The Living Dead returns to Elgin on Saturday for “Nightmare on Chicago Street.”

The streets of downtown Elgin will come to life with the walking dead on Saturday when “Nightmare on Chicago Street” returns.

Now in its 12th year, the annual Zombie Fest features hundreds of performers, including zombie actors, musicians and dancers, strolling the streets of the downtown “Safe Zone” while bands provide entertainment on multiple stages.

Amanda Harris, the city's director of culture, arts and special events, said this year's theme is “Stories of What Remains,” but each street has its own story.

“They really focused on the story idea this year, think the Crypt Keeper from 'Tales from the Crypt' meets 'Reading Rainbow' and LeVar Burton and chaos ensues,” she said.

Other storylines include the B Movie Boulevard, the Mad Max-themed Thunderdome and the Aztec underworld-themed Plaza Mictlan, which was a big hit last year, Harris said.

Creepy clowns Daniel and Jeanette Solis from Hampshire dance to the music during Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin last year.
Rick West/Daily Herald, 2023

Headliners on the live music stages include In the End at 9pm on the Main Stage and La Muerte at 9pm on the Plaza Stage.

MeTV's Svengoolie will make his annual appearance to help judge a costume contest. Guests can register for the competition until 7:30 p.m. Finalists will be notified by 7:45 p.m. On-stage judging begins at 8:30 p.m

With the streets used for the event closed for construction on Friday, the city is helping downtown business owners with “Friday Night Frights” by having some of the artists perform at 10 stores on Saturday to provide a taste of what's to come. what's coming to them. The performances are free. For times and locations, visit nightmareonchicagostreet.com/friday.

This year, for the first time, early bird tickets are available for $50. Tickets allow you entry one hour early, before long lines form at entrances and food and drink vendors.

Harris said you'll also get a “behind-the-scenes look” as final touches are made in the security zone before general admission begins at 6 p.m

General admission is $35 and attendance is limited to 15,000 guests. Four entry gates are available at North Grove Avenue near Highland Avenue, Douglas Avenue near Highland, Spring Street near Highland and Riverside Drive adjacent to the gravel parking lot.

VIP parking is available for $50 while the park is valid. Remote parking is available at Larkin and Elgin High Schools. Shuttles run every 15 to 20 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m

The event is aimed at an adult audience, but everyone is admitted. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult during the event. Tickets are available at Ticketweb.com. For more information, visit nightmareonchicagostreet.com/.