October is for Facing Your Fears. 

There’s something about October that makes being scared feel a little more acceptable. 

We watch horror movies we’d never be willing to watch any other month. We walk through haunted houses knowing full well something is going to jump out at us. We dress up as ghosts, vampires and zombies, and we willingly pay money to be scared.  

But what if, this October, you decided to face a fear instead of just being scared? 

On Tuesday, October 13, 360 CHICAGO is taking that idea up 94 floors for National Face Your Fears Day, transforming the observation deck into an evening dedicated to the things that make our hearts race, our palms sweat and, occasionally, our fight-or-flight instincts kick in. 

Because if you’re going to face your fears, you might as well do it with one of the best views in Chicago! 

How Brave Are You?  

On Face Your Fears Day, you get to choose your challenge. 

The Heights 

Let's start with the most obvious one. TILT takes the fear of heights and turns it into an experience you can't quite replicate anywhere else. Chicago's highest thrill ride extends guests outward from the 94th floor, tilting you 30 degrees over Michigan Avenue with nothing but glass between you and the city below. 

It is exhilarating. It is terrifying. And it is completely up to you. If heights are the fear you've always wanted to challenge, this is your chance to look straight down, take a breath and lean into it. Literally. 

*TILT is the only Face Your Fears Day experience that requires an additional purchase. It can be purchased separately on the 94th floor or in advance. 

The Needle 

Maybe heights don't bother you. But needles? That's another story. Chicago Tattooing Company will be joining us with complimentary small Chicago-themed tattoos for guests who are ready to confront their fear of needles. 

You know the drill. The needle comes out and you start questioning your life choices. Then suddenly, it's over! Except this time, you'll have a little piece of Chicago to prove you did it. 

The Creatures 

If your immediate reaction to seeing a spider is absolutely not, this one is for you. The Reptile Den will bring snakes, spiders and other creatures to 360 CHICAGO, giving guests the opportunity to get closer to the animals that many people spend their lives trying very hard to avoid.  

You don't have to love them; you don't even have to touch them. But getting close enough to say, “Okay, maybe you're not as scary as I thought,” counts. And if you're brave enough to hold one? We'll be impressed.

The Clown 

There are some fears we can explain. And then there are clowns. A roaming clown from Midnight Terror Haunted House will be making appearances throughout the evening. 

Where? We're not telling. That's part of the experience! If you're afraid of clowns, consider this your warning to stay alert.  Or don't. Maybe being surprised is the whole point! 

The Future 

Not every fear has claws, fangs or eight legs. Sometimes, it's the unknown. For guests who are more afraid of what comes next than what's standing in front of them, Tarot reader Annie Hex will offer complimentary readings throughout the evening. 

Ask a question, draw a card, and take a glimpse at what might be ahead. Just remember: sometimes knowing what's coming can be its own kind of scary. 

The Malört 

And finally, we come to one of Chicago's most polarizing fears. Malört. 

The famously bitter spirit has inspired countless reactions, stories and facial expressions that probably shouldn't be caught on camera. Guests can take a complimentary taste and decide for themselves whether Malört is truly as terrifying as everyone says. 

Maybe you'll discover you love it or maybe you'll confirm your suspicions. Either way, you'll have faced it. 

Why Do We Like Being Scared? 

Here's the strange thing about fear. Most of the time, we avoid it. But every October, we intentionally seek it out. We pay to be frightened at haunted houses. We watch horror movies through our fingers.  We jump when something moves in the dark, then immediately laugh about it. 

Maybe it's because there's something different about fear when we choose it. When you know you're safe, fear can become excitement. And when you voluntarily step toward something that makes you nervous, you get something else, too: A sense of accomplishment. 

You don't have to suddenly love snakes, want a hundred tattoos, or become a person who orders Malört on purpose. You just have to be willing to try! 

Face Your Fears Day at 360 CHICAGO 

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 
4–8 p.m. 
360 CHICAGO | 875 N. Michigan Avenue 

All Face Your Fears Day experiences are included with general admission except TILT, which requires an additional purchase. 

So, Chicago, we're asking: What are you afraid of? Tell us in this survey

And more importantly... 

Are you brave enough to face it?