October Days return to historic Long Grove

Historic Downtown Long Grove (longgrove.org) is embracing autumn with a month full of seasonal activities this October. Highlighted by a variety of exciting events and atmosphere, the annual October Days campaign offers adults, children and families several opportunities to enjoy the sights, sounds and thrills of the season with a vintage small-town setting as the backdrop.

Visitors can look for the following events throughout the month:

Witches Night Out: Oct. 10 (free)

Village merchants on Oct. 10 will stay open late (5 to 8 p.m.) for grown-up witches and warlocks to have fun shopping, sipping and dining. Participating businesses throughout town will feature specials, discounts, giveaways and more for all the little pretties who attend. Those who register in advance or at the event will be entered to win $25 gift cards and certificates from downtown Long Grove merchants throughout the night. Registration is not required, but strongly recommended through LongGrove.org/October-Days.

DIY Scarecrow Day: Oct. 12 ($10 donation)

The suburb’s biggest homage to scarecrow-making is returning for October Days, 2024. DIY Scarecrow Day is an afternoon (noon to 4 p.m.) dedicated to harvesting family fun. On Oct. 12, Scarecrow engineers are invited to build their own custom scarecrow, which will subsequently be displayed in town for the rest of October Days. Everyone is encouraged to get creative with their designs; builders should bring clothes, hats, shoes, accessories and other items for customization. Each station, which comes with a frame and stuffing to build one scarecrow, may have a maximum of six scarecrow engineers. The event is held outside, rain or shine, and registration is required through LongGrove.org. The cost per scarecrow is $10, donated to the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. October Days strollers will be encouraged to vote for the funniest, scariest and most creative scarecrows.

Pet Costume Parade: Oct. 20 (free)

Dogs throughout the area are invited to claw into their best Halloween outfits for the annual Pet Costume Parade on Oct. 20. The parade itself will step-off around noon, and crisscross through historic downtown Long Grove. A best dressed pet costume contest will cap things after the parade wraps up, with winners selected in three categories: best dressed, most unique costume, and judge’s favorite. Registration is not required, but strongly recommended through LongGrove.org.

Trick or Treating: Oct. 25 (free)

Downtown Long Grove merchants will be decked out for Halloween and their doors will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 25 for a villagewide Trick or Treat blitz. Parents and kids are invited to test out their Halloween costumes while strolling around the beautiful village enjoying free sweets from store owners.

All events will take place throughout downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove.