Things To Do This Weekend October 2-4, 2026

By: Sam Ornig 10/01/2026

Fall is the perfect time to experience the best of Lake County. Crisp autumn days set the stage for a season packed with festive flavors, family-friendly events and plenty of Halloween thrills. Spend the weekend exploring the Lake County Libation Trail, soaking in the glow of thousands of jack-o’-lanterns at the Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest or Lake Zurich's Jack-O'-Lantern World or getting spooked at a local haunted house. With something around every corner, Lake County invites you to make the most of the season and create your own fall getaway.

Here are the top things to do this weekend October 2-4, 2026, in the land of lakes.

1.  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 3-5. Various locations in Lake County.

2. The 17th Annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

Immerse yourself in the glow of thousands of jack-o’-lanterns at the 17th annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival sponsored by American Place Casino of Waukegan. Join in on community pumpkin carving and display your work on the towering gourd walls for everyone to see. The weekend will feature three days of live music across three stages, a carnival by the Metra station, complemented by artisan and food vendors. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests for kids and pets and a pumpkin pie eating challenge. For thrill seekers, the Pumpkin Speedway offers micro-NASCAR-style races. For schedules and event details, visit CelebrateHighwood.org.

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4; Fri.: 4-10 p.m., Sat.: noon-10 p.m., Sun.: noon- 9 p.m. Free admission. Various locations in downtown Highwood including Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. 

3. Jack-o-Lantern World in Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich's highly anticipated Jack-O-Lantern World is back, bringing its hand-carved pumpkins and Halloween magic display to Paulus Park. Wander through a trail illuminated by the glow of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins. Over 50 talented artisans have come together to create a breathtaking display of nearly jack-o’-lanterns, transforming them into everything from whimsical creatures to towering 15-foot-tall sculptures. The event also features a Fun Zone for the kids that includes mini golf, giant inflatables and more. With its mix of immersive art and interactive photo ops, Jack-O-Lantern World continues to evolve as a premier fall event in Lake County. The Lake Zurich events occurs on select days through Nov. 1. Visit TheJackOLanternWorld.com for details.

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4; Fri. and Sat.: 7-11:30 p.m., Sun.: 7-10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for children ages 3-12 and $28 for ages 13 and older. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich. 

4. Opening NIght at Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach

Once again, Realm of Terror Haunted House is back to claim its title as one of Illinois’ scariest attractions. This Round Lake Beach staple continues to top their most terrifying creations from the year before, unlocking new fears and unimaginable fright for their guests. For about 30 minutes, walk through the highly intense main haunt, with practical effects, detailed sets and dedicated actors that will keep your adrenaline pumping the entire time. Realm of Terror is known for its fully realized environments and spine-rattling soundscapes created by professional set designers and sound engineers. The venue also offers fare, drinks, spooky cocktails for adults, a gift shop and more. With intense visuals, actors and effects, the attraction is for mature audiences seeking extreme scares. Realm of Terror is open on weekends through Oct. 31. Tickets can be found at RealmofTerror.com.

Saturday, Oct. 3; 7-10 p.m. Tickets starting at $19.99. Realm of Terror Haunted House, 421 W. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach. 

5. Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds

Peruse original hand-crafted items at the Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake this weekend. With over 200 crafters, each booth promises unique articles available for purchase and appreciation. For over 30 years, crafters from all different states have come to display and sell their handmade work at this festival, which is known for its quality and variety. For more information, visit LCFairgrounds.com.

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4; Fri.: 2-7 p.m., Sat.: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5. Parking is free. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.. 

For more things to do this weekend October 2-4, continue here. To see all of the top happenings in September, click here.