Things to Do This Weekend October 30-November 1, 2026

By: Sam Ornig 10/29/2026

It's Halloween weekend, and Lake County has countless events and activities for you to celebrate the spookiest time of the year. Dress up in your costumes, dust off the broomsticks and get ready for a weekend promising memories that will last a lifetime. Check out other fall events happening in Lake County and see the Lake County Trick or Treat hours.

Here are the top five things to do in Lake County this weekend, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2026.

1. Boo bash at Village of Lincolnshire

Put on your costume, pack up the car and head to the Village of Lincolnshire for its annual Boo Bash. There is no shortage of opportunities for fun at this beloved celebration, with hayrides, face painting, a trunk or treat and so much more. Pick a pumpkin to decorate and take home just in time for Halloween night. Add your own masterpiece to the community mural. Experience a magic show by The Great Boodini, a music and dance performance by The Bolts and a spooktacular show by Mad Science. Food and drink are available for purchase, and don’t miss out on the s’more making station. Donations of non-perishables and paper products to support the Vernon Township Food Pantry can be dropped off at the Lincolnshire Rotary table. For more information, visit LincolnshireIL.gov.

Friday, October 30; 5-8 p.m. Free admission. North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Rd., Lincolnshire.

2. Halloween Trail of Treats in Zion

Zion Park District is hosting its annual Halloween Trail of Treats, a drive-thru version of trick-or-treating. Decorate your car and dress up in your favorite costume and head to Shiloh Park for this festive experience. As you drive along the park, each car will stop at several trick-or-treat stations along the way, hosted by the park district and local businesses. Find more details at ZionParkDistrict.com.

Friday, October 30; 4-6 p.m. Free admission. Shiloh Park, 1619 27th St., Zion.

3. Day of the Dead Celebrations in Lake County

Celebrate Día de los Muertos, “Day of the Dead,” at events hosted in Lake County this weekend. Día de los Muertos is a multi-day holiday honoring deceased loved ones and welcoming their spirits back through feasts, parades, festivals, singing, dancing and more. On Friday, Oct. 30, join in on the Day of the Dead Celebration in Round Lake Beach, where you can add to the altars, dance, enjoy delicious food, shop at the artisan market and more. Join in the celebrations and remember your loved ones at these Lake County Day of the Dead events. Find more information about these events and more at VisitLakeCounty.org/Events.

Day of the Dead Celebration in Round Lake Beach: Friday, Oct. 30; 6-9 p.m. Free admission. Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach.

4. Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois

At Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, one night of Halloween simply isn’t enough. The family-friendly resort has transformed into a monthlong celebration of all things spooky and sweet with its annual Howl-O-Ween. Guests can dive into the spirit of the season with festive games, themed treats and Halloween-inspired activities spread throughout the resort. Costumes are not just welcome—they’re encouraged, adding to the playful atmosphere that delights both kids and parents. Let’s not forget five water slides, a wave pool, the lazy river and more at the waterpark as well as mini golf, bowling, wall climbing, delectable eats and more. The Gurnee amusement park’s Howl-O-Ween brings a dose of magic, mischief and memories that last well beyond October. The resort’s event runs daily through Halloween. Although the ghouls may be gone on Hallows eve, the resort will be open still for splashing fun throughout the rest of the weekend. For more details, visit GreatWolfLodge.com.

Friday-Sunday, October 30-November 1. Room rates and water park passes start at $238 per night. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.

5. Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration and Check-in CHallenge

Lake County is embracing the fall with the Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration, an annual event filled with family fun, ghoulish thrills and locally-crafted libations. From now through October 31, dress in layers, order a pumpkin spice latte and roam around the land of lakes for a fall adventure like no other. Visit Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® in Gurnee for frights by days and thrills by night, head to Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove to get lost in a maze of maize or pick up a pumpkin, receive a frightening experience at Realm of Terror Haunted House in Round Lake Beach, gather the crew for dozens of fall festivals and sips on the Lake County Libation Trail to have a spooky good time and so much more. For patrons 21 and older, don’t miss out on the Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge and explore the Lake County Libation Trail’s season offerings. Visit over 25 participating breweries, wineries and distilleries for a chance to win a party bus tour hosted by 95 WIIL ROCK (95.1 WIIL-FM). To participate in the Check-In Challenge, scan the QR code found on coasters and posters at any participating location to launch your mobile pass. Snap a picture to earn an additional point. Check into five or more stops through Oct. 31 to enter a random sweepstakes drawing for the 95 WIIL ROCK Libation Trail Party Bus Tour for 10 guests, complete with a guided tour of three destinations, drink samples along the way and appearances by 95WIIL-Rock personalities. For a complete schedule of events, details on the Libation Trail sweepstakes and other land of lakes Halloween traditions, visit VisitLakeCounty.org/spooks.

Friday-Sunday, October 30-November 1. Various locations in Lake County.

See more things to do this weekend, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2026.