Fox Valley gets into Halloween spirit with these spooky events
From family fun to terrifying haunted houses, check out these Halloween events in the Fox Valley.
Algonquin
Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade: Algonquin's fourth annual “Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade” will step off at 1:20 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Ganek Municipal Center, 2200 Harnish Drive. Owners and their dogs are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes. Parade down the street from the village hall to High Hill Park. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Children, age 14 and younger, must be accompanied by an adult. There will be awards for best dog costume and best theme owner/pet costume. Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 17. Cost is $5, $8 for nonresidents. Visit www.algonquin.org/recreation.
Halloween treasure hunt: Come scavenger for treasure at the annual “Pirates of the Commons Scavenger Hunt” at the eateries of Algonquin Commons on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. Sign up for your chance to compete and win Algonquin Commons gift cards. Cost is $20 per person, age 21 and older. It includes food and drinks on the hunt, a T-shirt per person and your chance at giveaway items and costume prizes. One member of your team must have a smart photo with Instagram, Twitter or Facebook posting availability. To register, go to piratesofthecommons.com or stop by the mall office.
Halloween Town: Stop by Halloween Town, an interactive haunted display, first created in 2006 by homeowner Jim Haupert. Zombies, gargoyles, bats, and skeletons, await you in this haunted cemetery, bleeding fountains, creepy coffins, and more can be seen here in Halloween Town starting at dusk until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturday, through Oct. 31, at 1821 Hartley Drive, Algonquin. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.halloweentownhaunt.com.
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Enjoy a Halloween showing of the classic rock musical, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the Algonquin Area Public Library's Eastgate Branch, 115 Eastgate Drive. Bring your props and come dressed as your favorite character. The free program is for those 18 and older. To register, visit www.algonquin.org/recreation.
Carpentersville
Hallow-Palooza: Get ready for Halloween fun at the Dundee Township Park District's Hallow-Palooza from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave. in Carpentersville. There will be a costume parade, Spooky Storytime, pumpkin decorating, bounce house, trick or treating in the gym, and more for children, age 3 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Register by Friday, Oct. 17. Cost is $5 or $7 for nonresidents. The costume parade will be at 6:45 p.m., followed by the magic show from 7 to 8 p.m. The Monster Mash Dance Off will be 8:15 to 8:45 p.m. Hot dog and chips will be available for purchase. For details, call (847) 428-7131 or visit www.dtpd.org.
Cary
Trick or Treat Trail: Dress up for a “spook-tacular” afternoon of games, treats, prizes, and more at Cary Park District's new Halloween event, “Trick or Treat Trail.” The event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the newly completed trail at Lions Park, on Silver Lake Road, just north of Three Oaks Road. The event will provide a safe, family-friendly and festive place to celebrate Halloween. Come in costume for this event. Preregistration is required. Registration is $5 per child; adults are free. Registration forms are available at the Community Center or online at www.carypark.com. For information, call (847) 639-6100.
Dundee Township
Cemetery walk: The Dundee Township Historical Society, 426 Highland, West Dundee, invites the community to a cemetery walk from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Guides will escort guests through the historic West Cemetery and introduce them to the “Spirits of Dundee” as they come to life to tell their stories. Tours will venture into the cemetery from the museum at 10-minute intervals. A $5 donation per person is requested. For details, call the museum at (847) 428-6996 or find them on Facebook.
East Dundee
Nightmare From North Street: As Santa's Village Azoosment Park, 601 Dundee Ave. in East Dundee, closes down for the evening and all park employees leave, the Morbid Army rises from shadowed corners to take complete control of the park. If you survive “Twisted Madness” on the park trail you will be led to our cozy “Morbid Manor” where you will face your ultimate fears. It is open from dusk to midnight Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1. Admission is $14, plus sales tax. It is recommended for ages 12 and older. For details, call (224) 300-8886 or visit www.nightmarefromnorthst.com.
Elgin
Haunted Hike: When the sun fades, zombies will roam the trails at the Three Fires Boy Scout Council's 24th annual Haunted Hike from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 17 and 24; and 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25, at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin. Scouts in uniform can enter for $8; all others pay a $10 entry fee. From 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25, a Kiddie Hike will be available; entry is $8 per person. Visit threefirescouncil.org.
An Evening with Poe: Side Street Studio Arts invites you to “An Evening with Poe” at 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Next Door Theater, 15½ Ziegler Court in Elgin. Area artists performing live readings of some of Edgar Allen Poe's most enduring, mysterious, and romantic writing. Reservations are recommended. There is a $10 suggested donation for each performance. For details, call (847) 429-2276 or visit www.sidestreetstudioarts.org.
Haunted Hall: Be afraid of the dark at the Elgin Turners “Haunted Hall,” a century-old building at 112 Villa St. The ghostly residents will treat you to the fright of your life. Hours are 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31. Admission is $10. Parents can wait in the bar area where food and beverages are available for purchase. For details, call (847) 697-4431 or visit elginturners.org/haunted.html.
Evil Intentions Haunted House: Located in Elgin's historic abandoned casket company, 900 Grace St. Almost every room has been completely redone. Not recommended for children younger than 13. General admission is $25 or $35 for VIP. Ticket sales at the door only. Open 7:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 16, 19, 23, 26, 28-29; open until midnight Oct. 17-18, 24-25 and 30-31. Visit www.evilintentionshauntedhouse.com.
Psychosis Haunted House: The annual Psychosis Haunted House, 300 Lake St. in Elgin, is open 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 1. The house is open by appointment only on Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 27-28. This show is recommended for 13 and older. For an additional $10, they will “kidnap” you or someone in your group to be part of the experience. For an additional $5, you can be “buried alive.” Regular admission price is $18, V.I.P. passes are $27. Bring canned cat or dog food for $2 off regular admission or matinee admission price. One donation per person. A current student ID gets you $1 off regular admission price. Military service admission is $10 with proper ID. Visit visit www.psychosishauntedhouse.net.
Nightmare on Chicago Street: Be part of history as they defend the city once more at Nightmare on Chicago Street from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, along Chicago and Spring streets in downtown Elgin. Featuring live music, expanded costume contest, Svengoolie, Zombies, Steam punk Underground City, vendors, dark arts show, cage dancers, flipped cars, food, alcohol/beer, a hookah lounge, absenth parlour, and more. Tickets are $10; or $7 online before Oct. 24. Weapons of any kind will not be admitted into the Safe Zone. Those 17 and younger will not be admitted without a parent/guardian. The Rocking Dead will take the main stage from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Stache! from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and again from 10 to 11 p.m. At the ZDI Headquarters, join the Svengoolie meet-and-greet from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join DJ Joe Vourteq on the Second Stage from 6 to 7 p.m., 8:30 to 9 p.m. or 10:30 to 11 p.m. Bone Whiskey will perform from 7 to 8:30 and 9 to 10 p.m. The costume contest will be from 10 to 10:30 p.m. The Side Street Studios Side Show will feature La Groove Fatale, fire arts performers, burlesque and Ron Fitzgerald's “Realm of Magic.” Visit www.nightmareonchicagostreet.com
Halloween Spooktacular: Spring Hill Gymnastics, 2750 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 200 in Elgin, will host a “Halloween Spooktacular Fun House & Party” designed for kids. The Halloween Fun House is for ghouls and boys of all ages. The Halloween Tricks for Treats Open Gym will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. They will have games, a fun house maze and treats. Wear your movement friendly costume to participate in the costume parade. This year, they are challenging all who dare to conquer the 54-foot long haunted sports castle. Cost is $12 for members, $14 for nonmembers. For details, call (847) 426-WINS (9467) or visit www.springhillgymnastics.com.
Fox River Grove
Mack Manor Haunted Drive: Visit McHenry County's haunted drive-through at 1010 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove. Hours are dusk to 9 p.m. most evenings and weekends until 10 p.m. through Oct. 31, weather permitting. Visit www.mackmanor.com.
Gilberts
Halloween Bonfire: The village of Gilberts hosts its annual Halloween Bonfire from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Memorial Park, 355 Tyrrell Road, Gilberts. In addition to the bonfire, there will be a hayride sponsored by the YMCA, DJ Rudy K, pumpkin painting and treats. Visit www.villageofgilberts.com.
Huntley
Fall Harvest Hayride: Huntley Park District offers its Fall Harvest Hayride at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. Board the wagon for a hayride around Deicke Park, before choosing the perfect pumpkin. Make a call craft and view a not-so-spooky video. Each child will take home an apple, gourd, pumpkin and coloring sheet. It is for age 2-6 with an adult. Cost is $12 for residents or $18 for nonresidents. Additional children in family are $8. For details, visit www.huntleyparks.org.
Halloween Fun Night: Huntley Park District offers its Halloween Fun Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the REC Center, 12015 Mill St. in Huntley. Enjoy costume contest, hayrides, ghoulish games, devilish dancing and spooktacular prizes. There will be a minimal fee for games and activities. Prizes will be awarded by age groups. For details, visit www.huntleyparks.org.
Holiday Habits: Holiday Habits, a yard haunt attraction, will offer “Scare Nights” from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at 10716 Wheatlands Way, Huntley. There will be live “scare” actors, weather permitting. Donations are appreciated. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, through Oct. 31. Visit www.holidayhabits.com/haunt.
Lake in the Hills
Haunt 31: Haunt 31, in its 16th year of operation, is a yard display with more than 30 pneumatic and animated props, static displays, special effects, ambience music, live actors, and more at 340 S. Annandale Drive. Appropriate for all ages. Open from dusk to 9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and dusk to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. Visit haunt31.com.
Sleepy Hollow
Halloween in the Hollow: Sleepy Hollow Service Club's annual Halloween event from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Sabatino Park, Winmoor Drive and Willow Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Costume parade for different age groups begins at 4:15 p.m. Join in the chili contest or pumpkin decorating. Hayrides start at 4:30 p.m. Bonfire at dusk with a visit from the Headless Horseman. Free. Visit www.sleepyhollowil.org.
South Elgin
Pumpkin Trolley/Ghost Story Train: The Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. La Fox St. (Route 31) in South Elgin, invites the family out to the “Pumpkin Trolley” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 18-26. Pick out your own pumpkins in the Coleman Yard pumpkin patch for $2 per pumpkin. Fares are $4, $3 for seniors, 65 and older, $2 for children 3-11; kids under 3 ride free.
Tickets also are available for the museum's popular “Ghost Story Trains” on Oct. 18 and 25, at 5, 6:15 and 7:45 p.m. “Ghost Story Train” tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.foxtrolley.org for $13.20 apiece, including handling.
For details, call the museum at (847) 697-4676. Visit www.foxtrolley.org.
St. Charles
KC Scaregrounds: The fourth annual KC Scaregrounds, a fundraiser for Steel Beam Theatre, runs Friday and Saturday evenings through Oct. 25 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., with monster-free viewings Sundays, Oct. 19, and 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. Each year the enclosed darkened maze, with 3-D painted artwork and real “monsters” terrify haunted house goers. General admission is $15 for age 13 and older. Admission for the Monster-Free viewing is $5 for kids (under 12) and $10 for adults. Purchase tickets at the door or visit www.kcscaregrounds.com.
West Dundee
Halloween party: The Grafelman Park Halloween Party will be noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Grafelman Park, off Main Street in West Dundee. There will be no entry fee, however food and/or monetary donations for FISH Food Pantry are encouraged. The event includes a costume contest, kids crafts, games, face painting, straw bale maze, hayrides, house decorating contest (popular judging), pumpkin carving contest (pre-carved) and more. Visit wdundee.org.
Union
Terror on the Railroad: The eighth annual event features three haunts in one location, the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road. Check out Cirque de Decay, the Train of Chills, and take a ride through the darkness on the possessed Screamliner. For ages 13 and older. Open 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 17-25. Tickets must be ordered online. Call (815) 347-3394 or visit www.terrorontherailroad.com. On Oct. 25-26, the museum will hold its “Trick or Treat Trolley” for kids in costume.