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Top Free Halloween Events In Chicago: Trick-or-Treating, Free Movies, and More

Lincoln Park Spooktacular! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
Lincoln Park Spooktacular! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
9/27/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Hitting up one of the fun, FREE Halloween events in Chicago for kids means your wallets can catch a break after all the cash spent on costumes, candy, and decorations. We've curated a list of the best free Halloween events in Chicago: Think trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating from Lincoln Square to Lemont, parades downtown and in the suburbs, and movies in Chicago and suburban venues. There are also plenty of other festive events around Chicago for you to check out—like circus acts and mad scientist demos at Navy Pier or a tiny pumpkin scavenger hunt in South Holland.

It's also nearly time to pick out the best pumpkins for carving, so plan to check out one of our favorite pumpkin patches before the crowds show up. Or have some seasonal fun, with just enough thrill, by getting lost in a corn maze. And check out our Fall Activities Guide for even more things to do in Chicago.

Here are our favorite free Halloween activities in Chicago for kids!

Aville-o-Ween. Photo courtesy of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
Aville-o-Ween. Photo courtesy of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce

Free Trick-or-Treating Events Near Chicago

Itasca Trick or Treat Trail

Itasca
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Walk the trail around the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary to receive crafts and treats from local businesses. Costumes are encouraged! READ MORE

Lemonster Days Trick-or-Treating Downtown Lemont

Lemont
Saturday, October 26, 2024
The Village of Lemont hosts its annual Halloween costume contest, parade and downtown trick-or-treating. READ MORE

Spooky Zoo

Lincoln Park
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Kids can trick-or-treat at Lincoln Park Zoo from 10am until the candy runs out. Family-friendly entertainment will keep the party going. READ MORE

Downtown Wheaton Trick or Treating

Wheaton
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Wear your Halloween costume and visit downtown Wheaton businesses to trick-or-treat a few days early. Kids can also look for spooky signs throughout the downtown as part of the I Spy scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Aville-o-Ween

Andersonville
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Trick-or-treat at local businesses on and around Catalpa Street. Treats will include candy apples, gourds, and pie pumpkins. Plus, kids can get a picture with Spiderman and maybe some other costumed characters at Alley Cat Comics. READ MORE

Lincoln Park Spooktacular 2024

Lincoln Park
Saturday & Sunday, October 26-October 27, 2024
Trick-or-treat at select businesses along Lincoln Avenue between Wrightwood and Webster on Saturday or Clark Street on Sunday for the week before Halloween. Magicians, stilt walkers, and jugglers will meet and greet trick or treaters along the way. READ MORE

Boo! Ridge at Burr Ridge Village Center

Burr Ridge
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Visit Burr Ridge Village Center for its annual family friendly Halloween festival. Activities include trick-or-treating, face painting, an inflatable corn maze, and more! READ MORE

Boo Bash at The Glen Town Center

Glenview
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Children 12 and under are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and TRICK-OR-TREAT from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Participating tenants will display a pumpkin in their storefront windows. There will also be live music and strolling entertainers. READ MORE

American Girl Trick-or-Treat

Magnificent Mile
Saturday, October 26, Sunday, October 27, and Thursday, October 31, 2024
American Girl hosts a FREE trick-or-treat where kids who visit the store in costume will receive a sweet treat (while supplies last). READ MORE

Proesel Park Trunk-or-Treat

Lincolnwood
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Treats, games and spooky fun are on hand at Lincolnwood's Proesel Park this Halloween. All children must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

Lincoln Scared and Ravenswoooooood

Lincoln Square and Ravenswood
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Lincoln Square and Ravenswood transform into Lincoln Scared and Ravenswooooooood for early trick-or-treating. Businesses hand out candy and other treats, and a pumpkin decorating station sets up on Damen Avenue. READ MORE

Trunk or Treat at Shabbona Park

Montclare
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Kids can dress in their Halloween costumes to trick or treat from cars decorated for Halloween. Activities include arts & crafts, games and more. READ MORE

Blodgett House Boo Fest

Downers Grove
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Families can avoid the rain (or snow) by trick-or-treating indoors at the Downers Grove Museum. The Victorian themed Blodgett House will be decorated for the occasion and will host a scavenger hunt. READ MORE
Fall Fest photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
Fall Fest photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo

Free Halloween Festivals Near Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

Lincoln Park
September 27-October 27, 2024
Families can enjoy a walk through the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin-carving demonstration, and pumpkin-themed treats like a caramel apple station and a s'more station at Lincoln Park Zoo throughout October. READ MORE

Fall Fest at The Arb

South Barrington
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Families can all enjoy a fun time at the Arboretum at South Barrington at this annual fall festival. Meet costumed characters, see a magician and a stilt walker, have your face painted, and get balloon from a balloon artist. The first 500 kids will receive a free pumpkin and painting kit from Creme de la Creme.  READ MORE

Skeletober

LaGrange
October 1-31, 2024
Downtown LaGrange celebrates Skeletober, a display of unique life-size decorated skeletons on the sidewalks of local businesses. Families can take pictures with the skeletons and participate in a skeleton scavenger hunt. READ MORE

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

Highwood
Friday, October 4-Sunday, October 6, 2024
Visit Highwood for all the pumpkin-based fun you could wish for. This three-day festival includes all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations, a carnival, live entertainment, a 5k, craft and food vendors, and pet and kid costume contests. READ MORE

Halloween Hoot 'n Howl

River Forest
Friday, October 4, 2024
Spooky animals take center stage at this event sponsored by the River Forest Park District, Trailside Museum, and River Forest Public Library. Kids 10 and under, accompanied by a parent, can see live native animals, listen to live music and spooky stories, make s'mores and hot chocolate around a bonfire, and paint pumpkins. READ MORE

Ghost Stories in the Park... In the Dark

Naperville
Friday, October 4-Sunday, October 6, 2024
Hear thrilling and chilling stories outdoors along the Naperville Riverwalk. Summer Place Theater puts on the show at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. This event is recommended for kids ages 5 and up, with an 8pm session on Saturday night for kids 12 and up. READ MORE

Bunker Hill Pumpkin Palooza

Niles
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Families can enjoy nature's contributions to Halloween by painting pumpkins, playing gourd ring toss, making leaf rubbings, and running through a fall-themed obstacle course. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch at Calumet Park

Eastside
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Join the Chicago Park District for a goblin good time while enjoying a pumpkin patch, pony rides, a petting zoo,(10:30am-1:30pm), face painting, Inflatables, and arts and crafts. READ MORE

Family Fall Fest

Elmhurst
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Safety Town trick-or-treating, an inflatable corn maze obstacle course, and fall games are on hand for families at Wild Meadows Trace in Elmhurst. Families can stay for lunch to visit food trucks including Serna's Grill, Spoon Burger, Smallcakes, and Mario's Cart. Kids can also enjoy face painting and a balloon artist. READ MORE

Lombard Fall Fest

Lombard
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Kids can kick off the Halloween season at Lombard's annual fall event. Kids can enjoy games, dancing, face painting, and a candy hunt. The Lombard Community Building will host Boo Bingo from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. READ MORE

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival

St. Charles
Friday, October 11-Sunday, October 13, 2024
More than 100 handmade and mechanical scarecrows will be on display in downtown St. Charles for this 35th annual fall tradition. Families can make their own scarecrow, enjoy live entertainment, shop at the arts and crafts show, or ride carnival rides while enjoying the fall weather. READ MORE

Hinsdale Fall Family Fest

Hinsdale
Saturday, October 12, 2024
West suburban families can visit Katherine Legge Park to paint pumpkins, enjoy giveaways from local businesses, visit food trucks, and trick-or-treat at downtown businesses. Inflatables and roaming entertainment will also be on hand. READ MORE

All Hallows Eve: A Festival of Fun at Promenade Bolingbrook

Bolingbrook
Saturday, October 12, 2024
The Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce and The Promenade have teamed up to present a unique and exciting way to celebrate Halloween. The All Hallows Eve Festival of Fun is a free community event that has something for everyone. From spooky games, a costume parade, trick or treating, and a craft fair, the festival is sure to appeal to all ages. READ MORE

Wicker Park Boo-palooza

Wicker Park
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Families can help raise money for the Wicker Park "Gardens We Design" at this family-friendly Halloween event featuring kids' musicians, a costume parade, and a pumpkin patch and decorating area. Play games including pin-the-tail on various popular cartoons, find the "needle" in the haystack, or work your way through a straw maze. READ MORE

BOOmingdale Halloween Party

Bloomingdale
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Fall festivities abound at this event sponsored by the Bloomingdale Park District, Village of Bloomingdale, Bloomingdale Public Library, and Friends of the Bloomingdale Public Library. The Police and Fire Department will offer Halloween-themed building tours and trunk or treat while the library will host a hay maze, moon jump, balloon artist, face painter, and refreshments.   READ MORE

Haunted Hoffman Family Fest

Hoffman Estates
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Families can enjoy food trucks, Halloween-themed games, hay rides, live music, and stage events from Gameshow Gurus at this northwest suburban event. Come in costume and register for the pumpkin carving contest. READ MORE

Forest Park Casket Races

Forest Park
Saturday, October 19, 2024
The Forest Park Casket Races is a delightfully eerie and offbeat annual event in downtown Forest Park, now celebrating its 12th year. Participants create their own "caskets," which are essentially coffin-shaped carts fitted with wheels and adorned in their favorite spooky decor.   READ MORE

Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt

Barrington
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Families can go on a self-guided hike to find Halloween clues around Crabtree Nature Center. Find all the clues to earn a treat! Costumes are encouraged but not required. READ MORE

Stars, Stories & S'mores

River Forest
Friday, October 25, 2024
Enjoy a cozy fire, s'mores, a spooky story trail, and pumpkin painting in Thatcher Woods. Kids can also stargaze in their Halloween costumes at this Forest Preserve District event. READ MORE

Spooky Saturday on the Main-Dempster Mile

Evanston
Saturday, October 26, 2024
North suburban families can enjoy live music and a pumpkin carving contest to celebrate fall along the Main-Dempster Mile. Trick-or-treat at local businesses and participate in a kid or pet costume parade. Music from SCarolers will add to the fun. READ MORE

Slightly Spooky Saturdays: Family Halloween

Downtown
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Halloween takes over Navy Pier! Families can enjoy circus acts, mad scientist demos, axe throwing, a costume contest, face-painting demos, and more at shops and restaurants around the Pier. READ MORE

The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt

South Holland
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Discover all of the tiny pumpkins in Sand Ridge Nature Center in a scavenger hunt. Participants who find all the pumpkins can take home a pumpkin as a prize. READ MORE

Halloween Party at the Commercial Club

West Town
Saturday, October 26, 2024
This free Halloween party includes treats and fun for all, sponsored by the Park Advisory Council. Kids costumes are welcome. Events will take place inside and outside of the Fieldhouse. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch at Sheridan Park

University Village
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Sheridan Park hosts a pumpkin patch for the whole family, featuring a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and face painting. READ MORE

Batfest

Batavia
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Visit downtown Batavia to enjoy bat-themed fun including trick or treating, a parade, pumpkin bowl, bat art, stories, games and more. Kids can see a show of live bats, see dance performances, and listen to live music. READ MORE

Naperville Halloween Happening

Naperville
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Visit the Naperville Riverwalk's Grand Pavilion for Halloween games, activities and treats. This free event is intended for kids 10 and under. READ MORE

Halloween Party at Welles Park

Lincoln Square
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Visit Welles Park for its annual Community Halloween Party. Games, craft projects, treats and more will make this a fun time. Wear your most creative and spookiest costume. READ MORE
Arts in the Dark parade is a free Halloween event. Photo courtesy of Luma8
Arts in the Dark parade is a free Halloween event. Photo courtesy of Luma8

Halloween Parades Near Chicago

Arts in the Dark

Downtown
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Arts in the Dark is an evening parade that celebrates Halloween as the "artist's holiday," bringing together Chicago institutions and organizations dedicated to art and education. Audience members will be delighted by unique floats, spectacle puppets, and creative performances set against the backdrop of Chicago’s majestic skyline. READ MORE

Halloween Parade at Edgebrook Library

Edgebrook
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Edgebrook Library's Halloween parade is back! Kids can come dressed in their costumes to dance to Halloween music, hear a Halloween story, and parade around the library and parking lot. Trick-or-treating stations and Halloween inflatables will be in the parking lot for kids to enjoy. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Halloween Spooktacular Festival and Parade

Glen Ellyn
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Join in the parade in downtown Glen Ellyn before trick-or-treating at local businesses. Kids can also play games and make crafts in the downtown area. READ MORE

Bartlett Halloween Fun Fest 2.0 & Parade

Bartlett
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Watch as the Halloween Parade steps off from Bartlett Village Hall to the Depot Museum, then trunk-or-treat downtown and visit the haunted hallway at Town Center. Paint a pumpkin or ride a mini-train for an extra fee. READ MORE

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

Lakeview
Thursday, October 31, 2024
North Halsted Street in Boystown celebrates Halloween unlike any other neighborhood in Chicago. Parade entries may include LED robots, the Lakeside Marching Band, and Chicago Full Moon Jam fire performers. A costume contest awards cash prizes to contestants in seven different categories, including a category for youth. READ MORE
Halloweentown Screening at Lincoln-Belmont Library. Photo courtesy of the Walt Disney Company
Halloweentown Screening at Lincoln-Belmont Library. Photo courtesy of the Walt Disney Company

Free Halloween Movies Near Chicago

Halloween Movies in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park
Fridays, October 4-25, 2024
Spooky movies will play at Lincoln Park to celebrate Halloween. The event is outside, so dress warmly! Also note that not all movies are intended for young children. READ MORE

"Halloweentown" Screening at Lincoln-Belmont Library

Lakeview
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Marnie and her siblings get a big shock when they follow grandma home to Halloweentown - and find out they come from a family of witches in this 1998 film. The movie will be screened for kids ages 6 and up. READ MORE

Halloween Movie Night at Twelve-Oh-Five Comics

Bensenville
Friday, October 12, 2024
See a free screening of Ghostbusters (1984) with complimentary s'mores at Twelve-Oh-Five Comics. There will be special in-store discounts for attendees and popcorn, candy and beverages will be available for purchase. READ MORE

"Goosebumps " Screening at Chicago Bee Library

Bronzevill
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Chicago Bee Library shows the 2015 film Goosebumps. The movie is about Aateen, his best friend, a horror writer and the writer's daughter who are forced to work together when the author's monstrous creations come to life and wreak havoc on their small town. READ MORE

Haunted Halloween Movie at Sheil Park

Lakeview
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Enjoy a free Halloween Movie - Casper (1995). Please feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Seating provided will be metal bleachers and gym floor. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary
Lincoln Avenue between Wrightwood and Webster
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Commercial Club Playground of Chicago Park
Lincoln-Belmont Library Branch