Halloween has once again cast its spell over Lake County, and with the big night landing on a Saturday this year, there's even more time for frightful fun. As jack-o'-lanterns grin from front porches and crisp leaves swirl down neighborhood sidewalks, families are gearing up for a full night of costumes, candy and community celebrations. From haunted front yards to giggling goblins going door to door, Lake County is conjuring up a Halloween to remember for boys and ghouls of all ages.
The festivities aren't just for the little monsters. This October, grown-ups can raise a glass with the Spooks & Spirits Check-In Challenge, a frightfully fun way to explore the Lake County Libation Trail and enter to win a 95 WIIL ROCK bus tour for up to 10 friends to visit three of their favorite breweries, wineries and distilleries. To join in, check in at five or more participating locations between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 using the free mobile pass. It's a boo-tiful way to toast the season, one sip and sweet treat at a time.
Here are the 2026 trick-or-treat hours across Lake County to help plan a safe and spook-tacular Halloween night.
Village of Antioch: October 31; 3-7 p.m. INFO» Downtown Antioch – Treat the Streets: October 24; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Harvest Fest: October 24; noon-4 p.m. INFO»
Village of Deerfield: October 31; 3:30-7 p.m. INFO» Halloween Hoopla Family Fun Fest: October 16; 5:30-7:30 p.m. INFO» Deerfield Park District's Trunk or Treat: October 25; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. INFO»
Village of Fox Lake: October 31; 4-7 p.m. INFO» Fox Lake Police Department's Halloween Howl: October 26; 4-7 p.m. INFO»
Village of Grayslake: October 31; 4-7 p.m. INFO» Grayslake Chamber of Commerce's Annual Business Trick or Treat: October 24; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. INFO» Trunk or Treat at The Sapling School: October 30; 4-5 p.m. INFO»
Village of Gurnee: October 31; 2-5 p.m. INFO» Warren Special Recreation Association's Trunk or Treat: October 18; 1-3 p.m. INFO» Gurnee Mills Boo Bash: October 29; 5-7 p.m. INFO»
City of Highland Park: October 31; 3:30-7 p.m. INFO» Candy Stroll at Ravinia District of Highland Park: October 30; 3:30-5 p.m. INFO» Candy Stroll at Port Clinton Square: October 29; 3-6 p.m. INFO» Halloween Boo Bash at Renaissance Place: October 29; 3-6:30 p.m. INFO»
City of Highwood: October 31; 3-7 p.m. INFO» Highwood Chamber of Commerce's Trick or Treat Trek: October 30; 3-6 p.m. INFO»
Village of Lake Zurich: October 31; 3-8 p.m. INFO» Trunk or Treat at Phase Three Brewing Company: October 18; noon-2 p.m. INFO»
Village of Libertyville: October 31; 4-8 p.m. INFO» MainStreet Libertyville: October 30; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. INFO» Candy Free Trunk or Treat in Adler Park: October 25; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. INFO»
Village of Lincolnshire: October 31; 4-8 p.m. INFO» Lincolnshire Boo Bash: October 30; 5-8 p.m. INFO»
Historic Downtown Long Grove: October 23; 3-5 p.m. INFO» Village of Long Grove: October 31; 3-7 p.m.
Village of Mundelein: October 31; 4-8 p.m. INFO» Boo Bash Trunk or Treat: October 17; 2-5 p.m. INFO»
City of North Chicago: October 31; 2-5 p.m. INFO» Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat: October 29; 4-6 p.m. INFO»
Village of Vernon Hills: October 31; 4-8 p.m. INFO» Hawthorn Trick or Treating: October 31; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. INFO» Frights and Delights Halloween Festival and Trunk or Treat: October 17; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. INFO»
Village of Wauconda: October 31; 4-8 p.m. INFO» Trick or Treat Main Street: October 25; 1-5 p.m. INFO»
City of Waukegan: October 31; 2-5 p.m. INFO» Go Waukegan Zombie Walk: October 17; 3-4 p.m. INFO» ZombieWauk: October 17; 5-10 p.m. INFO» Waukegan Park District Trick or Treat Trail: October 24; 1-3 p.m. INFO» Puerto Rican Society Trunk or Treat: October 30; 6-8 p.m. INFO»
Village of Winthrop Harbor: October 31; 4-7 p.m. INFO» Winthrop Harbor Parks and Recreation's Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat: October 10; 4-9 p.m. INFO»
City of Zion: October 31; 2-5 p.m. INFO» Halloween Trail of Treats hosted by the Zion Park District: October 30; 4-6 p.m. INFO»
Six Flags Great America is turning up the terror as Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®, makes its return for another season of screams. The park becomes a nightmare come to life, packed with bone-chilling scare zones, heart-pounding haunted houses and high-energy live entertainment. Before the sun goes down, families can enjoy all the fun without the fright at Kids BOO Fest, where little ghouls can show off their best Halloween looks in Pumpkin Hollow’s Costume Contest, sip seasonal drinks, load up on candy and enjoy thrills and chills on family-favorite rides.
Hungry thrill-seekers can get a taste of Bavaria at Oktoberfest, where premium-quality beers pair with authentic German fare like sizzling bratwurst and creamy, cheesy spätzle. Running from 2 p.m. until one hour before park close, the festival also features live entertainment and family-friendly activities for all ages. Once night falls at 6 p.m., the real fright begins as monsters roam the park and six uniquely themed haunted houses open their doors (additional pass required). Recommended for guests 13 and older, the after-dark experience only gets more intense as the night goes on.
Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®, runs on select days through Nov. 1, blending festive fun with spine-tingling scares. For haunted house details, event dates and tickets, visit SixFlags.com/GreatAmerica.
Little monsters are invited to celebrate spooky season as Six Flags Great America hosts Kids BOO Fest, a family-friendly daytime event filled with mischievous tricks, tasty treats and spook-tacular entertainment. Taking place before the sun sets and the scares come out, it’s all fun and no fright for visitors of all ages. Kids can dress in their finest Halloween attire for Pumpkin Hollow’s Costume Contest, while the whole family can enjoy seasonal drinks, plenty of candy and thrills and chills on some of their favorite family rides. Plan to visit earlier in the day, as Kidzopolis, Hometown Park, Scenic Railway and Sprocket Rockets close at 5 p.m. With festive fun around every corner, it’s the perfect daytime celebration for families looking to enjoy the spirit of the season.
The pack is back for another month of spooky-season fun at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois! All October long, families can join in the Howl-O-Ween celebration, where each day brings festive activities and frightfully fun surprises. Costumes are always welcome, so kids can come dressed as their favorite characters, superheroes or spooky creatures.
Guests can hit the dance floor at the Monster Bash Dance Party, get creative with Howl-O-Ween craft kits and shout “BOO!” during a spooky spin on bingo. Halloween fans can put their knowledge to the test with Howl-O-Ween Trivia, while little ones can try their luck at Ghoulish Games like Pin the Wolf Ears on Mr. Bones and Feed the Monster.
Be sure to wander down the Trick-or-Treat Trail, a not-so-scary path where little goblins will find more treats than tricks around every corner.
If one night of Halloween fun just isn’t enough, head to Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee for an easy family getaway packed with a full month of memory-making magic. Experience the laughter and excitement of Howl-O-Ween, where every moment is a treat and every howl brings a smile.
Historic downtown Long Grove is conjuring up a full month of fall festivities as its annual October Days celebration returns. Grown-up witches and warlocks can get things started at Witches Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 8, when local shops keep their doors open late for an evening of shopping, dining and giveaways. Families can get creative on Saturday, Oct. 10, at DIY Scarecrow Day, building one-of-a-kind scarecrows to be displayed throughout town. Four-legged friends take the spotlight on Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Pet Costume Parade at Brothers’ Field, where dogs vie for titles including best dressed, most unique and judge’s favorite. The celebration comes to a sweet close on Friday, Oct. 23, with downtown trick-or-treating, as costumed kids make their way to participating merchants to fill their bags with treats.
Welcome the autumn season and support a meaningful mission at Lambs Farm’s annual Fall on the Farm. Families can explore the Farmyard, play a round of mini golf and hop aboard miniature train and carousel rides. Get creative at the craft hub, decorate pumpkins, check out the trucks and enjoy games and music throughout the day. You can also browse offerings from businesses across Lambs Farm and treat yourself to festive food and refreshments.
Gather family, friends and neighbors for an evening of autumn fun at Winthrop Harbor’s annual Fall Fest. The celebration kicks off with Trunk or Treat, where kids can make their way past creatively decorated trunks to fill their bags with candy. The fun continues into the night with live music, hayrides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting and pumpkin painting, along with games for all ages and axe throwing for those looking for a little extra excitement. Food trucks will be on hand alongside festive drinks and goodies, and guests can cozy up by the bonfires to toast s’mores. With something for everyone, this community celebration captures the true spirit of autumn in Lake County.
Spend a day on the farm while giving back to the animals and people who make Susanna Farms so special at the Family Fall Festival. Families can feed the chickens and turkeys, tour the garden and visit with the goats and sheep, then lend a hand on a new community art mural. Animal lovers can brush and lead a horse, donkey or pony while learning about the equine-assisted programs offered at the farm. Guests can also enjoy hayrides around the property, roast s’mores by the fire pits and head into the Big Barn for crafts, snacks, farm gifts and family activities. Be sure to browse the silent auction for donated items, experiences and gift packages, and try your luck at Chicken Poop Bingo, a quirky 50/50 fundraiser where the winning square is up to the chicken.
Four-legged friends take center stage as Lake Zurich hosts its family-friendly Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Expo. Pups and their owners can show off their Halloween best during the Trick-or-Treat Dog Parade and compete for top honors in the costume contest. Guests can also strike a pose at the photo booth, shop pet vendors, grab a bite from food trucks and enjoy music from a DJ. Pet parents can learn something new during the “Pet Talks” health education series and meet local adoption agencies, making it a paw-fect way to celebrate the season with your furry companion.
Get ready for a spook-tacular evening at Deerfield’s Halloween Hoopla Family Fun Fest. Families are invited to dress in their spookiest or cutest costumes and join the fun as little witches and wizards wander the Trick-or-Treat Trail packed with goodies and dance along to monster hits from the Grave Rave DJ. With surprises around every corner and plenty of festive spirit in the air, this family favorite is one hauntingly good time you won’t want to miss.
All aboard for an afternoon of fall family fun at Fox Lake’s Pumpkin Jubilee, themed Monster Mash Railroad this year. Visitors can carve their own pumpkins, hop on a trackless train ride and browse a variety of food and craft vendors. Kids can get their faces painted and show off their favorite looks in the costume contest, while everyone enjoys music, games and entertainment from the event DJ. With festive sights, seasonal fun and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, the Pumpkin Jubilee is a perfect way to enjoy autumn in Fox Lake.
Little ones can put on their favorite costumes and join the Halloween fun at the Park District of Highland Park’s Boo Bash. Kids can get up close with live spooky animals, mix up an edible candy potion and put their skills to the test on a spooky gymnastics course. Families can also explore themed enrichment rooms filled with festive activities, making it a frightfully fun way to get into the Halloween spirit.
Families can celebrate the season together at Mundelein’s Boo Bash Trunk or Treat, a free Halloween event filled with community spirit. Dress up in your favorite costumes and join neighbors for a family walk, trick-or-treating at local business tables and decorated trunks along the way. The fall festivities also include a giant pumpkin bounce house, a pumpkin patch, a storybook walk and more. Children must pre-register to receive a wristband for candy, and same-day registration will not be accepted.
The Vernon Hills Park District’s Frights and Delights Halloween Festival brings together all the favorites from Trucks, Trunks and Treats and Fall Fest for one festive day. Families can enjoy trunk-or-treating, hayrides, a costume contest and so much more. Furry friends are welcome too, with a doggie costume contest giving four-legged guests a chance to show off their Halloween best. Registration is required for all participants, including adults, so be sure to sign up before heading out for a day of fall fun in Vernon Hills.
Round Lake’s popular Trick or Treat Trail returns for another afternoon of Halloween fun. Families can follow the outdoor trail to collect goodies, snap photos with special costumed characters and find their way through the pumpkin maze. Guests can also hop on a hayride and head to the Kids Zone, where Zombie Zumba and spooky dance tunes from a DJ keep the party going. With festive activities for all ages, it’s a can’t-miss afternoon for the whole family.
Hawthorn’s Harvest Fest brings a full day of outdoor autumn fun for the whole family. Guests can shop the farmers and artisan market, explore the pumpkin patch and enjoy live music while grabbing a bite from food trucks. Kids will love the activity area, featuring inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting and train rides, plus a visit from the Witchy Sisters. Grown-ups can raise a glass at the Oktoberfest Beer Tent from Yard House, and everyone can enjoy exciting giveaways while celebrating the shopping center’s new stores. With festive entertainment, local flavor and plenty of seasonal charm, Harvest Fest is a must-visit fall event in Vernon Hills.
Grayslake is kicking off a brand-new fall tradition with the first-ever Grayslake Fall Fest, an all-ages celebration packed with entertainment, activities and seasonal fun. Families can enjoy carnival rides, hayrides, face painting, character appearances and a costume contest, along with a walking magic show, fortune telling and professional photos to capture the day. Live performances from DJ Dave Woll, Libertyville School of Rock and Cheap Foreign Cars keep the energy going, while a lineup of food trucks serves up everything from BBQ and lobster rolls to boba and coffee. As the evening winds down, guests can gather around the fire pit for storytelling with the Grayslake Historical Society. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly afternoon fun or a night out with friends, Grayslake Fall Fest has something for everyone.
Downtown Antioch is serving up a double dose of autumn fun with Treat the Streets and Harvest Fest. The day begins with kids dressing up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treating at local businesses throughout downtown. The festivities then move to the bandshell, where families can enjoy hayrides, browse food vendors, show off their looks in costume contests and cheer on participants in the pumpkin roll. It’s a festive way to enjoy the season alongside the Antioch community.
Elawa Farm Foundation invites families to celebrate the season at its annual Fall Fest. Guests can explore the farm while decorating their own caramel apples, getting their faces painted and enjoying games throughout the day. Kids can join a skeleton scavenger hunt for a Halloween candy prize and gather around for Halloween story time, while grown-ups can try a quick tarot reading or have their aura photographed. Seasonal flavors take center stage with hot cider and cocoa, fall cookies, mulled wine and seasonal cocktails. Visitors can also take part in the farm’s regular experiences, including Yoga on the Farm and animal programs like Hooves & Hugs and Feathery Friends, which require advance registration. Fall Fest offers a cozy way to experience Elawa Farm at its autumn best.
The Ten in Gurnee is bringing back its Halloween Bash for another afternoon that’s a little spooky and a whole lot of fun. Families can kick things off at the trunk-or-treat car show, collecting candy while checking out the cars, then bounce off some sugary energy in the bounce house. Kids can get creative at the pumpkin painting stations and gather around the main stage for a spooky, mind-bending performance by Magic Mark. Come dressed in your best Halloween look for the costume contest, where both kids and adults can compete for prizes including cash and a two-night stay at The Ten Hotel. With concessions available and festive fun for the whole crew, The Ten’s Halloween tradition is one you won’t want to miss.
North Chicago’s annual Fall Fest, hosted by YouthBuild Lake County and Great Lakes Credit Union, is a free community celebration for the whole family. Kids can collect candy during trunk-or-treat and get their faces painted, while families can show off their Halloween looks in the kids’ and family costume contests. With pizza, festive activities and so much more, it’s a fun-filled evening to celebrate the season with neighbors and friends.
Gurnee Mills welcomes families to its annual Boo Bash, presented by Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. The free evening of indoor trick-or-treating kicks off at Dining Pavilion South in the Macy’s Wing, where families can grab their first batch of candy and redeem free giveaways. Guests can strike a pose at the free photo booth before setting off through the mall to collect candy and goodies from nearly every store. It’s a safe, festive way for kids to show off their costumes and enjoy the season at Gurnee Mills.
Lincolnshire’s annual Boo Bash invites families out for an evening packed with Halloween fun and fall festivities. Guests can be amazed by The Great Boodini’s magic shows, catch a musical dance performance by The Bolts and enjoy a Spooktacular Show from Mad Science. Kids can add their touch to the community mural, decorate pumpkins, make s’mores, take a unicorn pony ride and collect treats during trunk-or-treat. The fun continues with hayrides, face painting, balloon art, a haunted trail and a variety of spooky games and attractions, plus a chance to vote for favorites in Scarecrows of the Shire. With food, drinks and festive fun for all ages, Boo Bash promises a spirited evening of community fun in Lincolnshire.
Brothers' Field transforms into a lively Halloween playground during its annual Costume Party, filled with music, laughter and festive energy. Guests are encouraged to showcase their most creative costumes, enjoy seasonal cocktails from the Tiki Bar and savor delicious food while taking in the spirited atmosphere. From eerie elegance to lighthearted fun, it’s the perfect way to enjoy Halloween weekend before the season fades.
Zion Park District is bringing back its annual Trail of Treats, a family-friendly Halloween drive-thru experience. Families stay in their vehicles as they trick-or-treat their way through Shiloh Park, collecting goodies at multiple stops hosted by the park district, local businesses and community organizations. Costumes and car decorations are encouraged, so families can get creative and show off their Halloween spirit from behind the wheel. It’s a safe and festive way for trick-or-treaters of all ages to celebrate the season together.
Dave & Buster’s in Vernon Hills is transforming into the ultimate haunted arcade this Halloween with two ways to celebrate. Families can start the day at Boo Bash, a morning of spooky fun featuring a hot pancake banquet, costume contest, scavenger hunt, coloring and Monster Mash music, plus unlimited video game play with the Boo Bash Combo. For a spookier night out, grown-ups can head to the adults-only Moonlight Mixer, where a savory banquet of sliders, flatbread and other bites pairs with a costume contest, Monster Mash music and three hours of unlimited game play. Whether you’re celebrating with the kids or rounding up your Halloween crew, Dave & Boo-ster’s has a spooky experience for everyone.
For more information on Halloween and fall events in Lake County, click here. Discover Lake County's Spooks & Spirits Check-In Challenge, here.
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