Halloween events happening across the suburbs this week

How do you celebrate Halloween during a pandemic? Although social distancing makes it more challenging, there are still many events throughout the suburbs that promise spooky - and safe - fun. Here are some of them.

Due to the resurgence of COVID-19, we recommend confirming events in advance.

Oct. 23

"Edgar Allan Poe - Spooky Stories From the Schoolhouse": Starting Friday, Oct. 23, courtesy of the Elmhurst History Museum. On a dark and stormy night, conjure up Halloween spirit at the historic Churchville Schoolhouse through readings of Edgar Allan Poe's scariest works. Gather some fearless friends and tune in online as Elmhurst History Museum staff members tap into creepy classics like "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Raven," and more. Program link will be available online through Nov. 30. Visit www.elmhursthistory.org.

Trick-or-Treat Downtown Long Grove: 2-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road. Businesses throughout the downtown will hand out sweets during the Historic Downtown Long Grove Trick-or-Treating extravaganza. To ensure safety, merchants may be handing out prepackaged only treats outside. All trick-or-treaters and parents are asked to wear masks while entering and leaving the stores and eat their candy outside or at home. Visit longgrove.org/festivals/halloween-trick-or-treating.

Big Timber Pumpkin Fest Trick-or-Treat: Friday, Oct. 23, and Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Drive-through trick-or-treat and a safe and fun version of the "Terror in the Timbers" show. Visit www.bigtimberpumpkinfest.org/trick-or-treat to secure your tickets to this Halloween adventure. From 3:30 to 5 p.m., dress in your favorite Halloween costume and drive through the "spooky forest." There will be special treats for every person in the car.

"War of the Worlds" director on Huntley radio: 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, on 101.5 FM WHRU-LP. Theater director Corey Bradberry will be the guest on radio's "It's Showtime With Rikki Lee." Bradberry is the director and co-writer of Theatre in the Dark's original audio play "War of the Worlds," being livestreamed over the internet through Nov. 21. Those outside the broadcast area can livestream the show at huntleyradio.com/hcr/.

Virtual Halloween Fun: 4-4:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, courtesy of the Geneva Public Library. Kids in kindergarten through second grade can enjoy a story, games, and a DIY monster meet 'n' greet. Participants must register and pick up a program kit at the library in advance. Register at gpld.org.

Genesee Theatre paranormal tour: 6 and 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Genesee Theatre hosts an after-hours walking tour of the 93-year-old theater, where paranormal activities have been reported. Social distancing and face coverings are required. 20 people maximum per tour. $20. Call (847) 263-6300 or visit geneseetheatre.com.

Mack Manor: 6-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 31 at Hill Top Lane and Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove. Fox River Grove's Mack family has been hosting drive-through Halloween haunts for more than 30 years. Attendees must remain in their vehicles. Free, but donations are accepted. Visit facebook.com/mack.manor.7.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 23-25, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. More than 1,000 hand-carved, real pumpkins - some as large as 150 pounds - will light up the night. The LED-lit jack-o'-lanterns will be staged along a festive, paved pathway starting at the Esplanade. Along the way, encounter entertaining characters and watch live carvers. Visit chicagobotanic.org/halloween for tickets and information.

Scary Stories Read Aloud: Virtually from 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, courtesy of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Grab a blanket and flashlight and join in for some spine-tingling tales. For children in grades four through six. Register at ahml.info.

Terror in the Timbers: Fridays and Saturdays in October at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Enjoy the horror of a late-night drive through the woods. Not your traditional haunted house - it's a haunted road through the scariest woods in northern Illinois. This one-of-a-kind Halloween experience allows you to simply put your car in park, sit back and let the terror begin. There is a "horror lite" version of the haunt available. Just tell the ticket taker and they will set you up. Drive-through scare service begins at 6 p.m. and will run until midnight. Timed tickets available. For tickets, visit www.bigtimberpumpkinfest.org/terror-in-the-timbers.

Day of the Dead Art Workshop: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook. Children in sixth through eighth grades can draw and decorate a skull or an entire skeleton. Cost is $10 for Y members; $20 for nonmembers. Class is in person but can be done virtually. For details, email Cathie Winnie at cwinnie@nsymca.org. Register at www.nsymca.org.

Scare-Vision Theater: 7, 9:30 and 11:55 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31 at Dungeon of Doom, 600 29th St., Zion. Dungeon of Doom's pandemic pivot from its long-running haunted house features a drive-in. The R-rated film "Sinister" alternates nightly with the PG-13-rated "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark." During the screenings, the Killer Crew (actors portraying ghouls and monsters) roam among the vehicles providing additional scares. $59, four-person maximum per vehicle. Call (847) 262-3666 or visit dungeonofdoom.com.

Oct. 24

Drive-through Trick-or-Treat Food Drive: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at Community Recreation Center Preschool's Circle Drive, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Join the Wheeling Park District in the fight against hunger by participating in its Trick-or-Treat Food Drive. Visit the park district's website or the Wheeling Township Food Pantry site for a list of needed items. The food pantry is part of the nonprofit organization Wheeling Township Emergency Fund, Inc. Visit wheelingparkdistrict.com/.

Fall Family Fun at the Greene Barn: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31, and Sunday, Oct. 25. The classic American red barn at 23W171 Hobson Road in Naperville will be staged with straw bales for family fun and photos through Oct. 31. Park in the Greene Valley Forest Preserve Greene Road parking lot or park at the northern end behind the barn. Participants are invited to share their photos to the Greene Barn's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theGreeneBarn and can tag them #TheGreeneBarn.

Family Fall Fest: 9-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Multiple sessions are available, with 50 tickets available each day. Pumpkin painting, scarecrow building and maybe even a petting zoo. Tickets are $10 per person or free for kids younger than 4. Social distancing and masks required. For tickets, visit bigtimberpumpkinfest.org/family-fall-fest.

Downers Grove Park District Pumpkin Patch: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Lyman Woods, 901 31st St., Downers Grove. Explore pumpkins inside and out, make a pumpkin project, play some pumpkin games, and take your own pumpkin home. Cost is $12. Parents must accompany children. Sign up at dgparks.org.

Drive Boo Trick-or-Treat: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Bridges of Poplar Creek, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Trick-or-treat while never having to leave your car. Staff and businesses will decorate their vehicles and provide Halloween treats. Come in costume. All children must remain inside their car at all times. $10 per car. Visit heparks.org/event/drive-boo-trick-or-treat/.

Jack-O'-Lantern Contest: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 18N377 Galligan Road in West Dundee, will host this free contest. You must provide your own pumpkin to decorate. Categories for submission are: Spooky, Funny and Creative. The age groups are: youth, 18 and younger; adult/individual, over 18, and family, 2 or more participants. Individuals must register with Ann Lewis. Jack-o'-lanterns must be turned in by Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to noon. The jack-o'-lanterns will be voted on by church members Oct. 24-25, with the winners awarded at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25. For information, contact Ann Lewis at askseekfindstpeterym@gmail.com or (847) 428-4054.

"The Tales of Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel": 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 24, and 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at 11-13 S. Water Street Mall in Aurora. This is a free, outdoor event by Riverfront Playhouse. Social distancing will be followed; wear a mask. Reservations suggested at info@riverfrontplayhouse.com.

Howl-O-Ween fundraiser: Saturday, Oct. 24, at Animal House Shelter, 13005 Ernesti Road in Huntley. This year, they have paired up with Fitness 19 and Brighter World Artistry. Fitness 19 will be at the shelter hosting a Puppies & Yoga event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Brighter World Artistry will host a Spooky Halloween Craft for all ages from 1-3 p.m. They also will have the annual costume contest and parade from 3-4 p.m. Tickets for events being sold separately on Eventbrite. Sign up at www.animalhouseshelter.com.

All Hallow's Eve: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Watch the Talewise animated video "Mummy at Mystery Mansion"; trick-or-treat around the grounds and learn the history of why we beg for candy from strangers; experience hands-on harvest equipment from the museum's collection; play historic and Halloween games; share campfire spooky stories (weather permitting) and more. Registration required. Visit ahpd.org/events/all-hallows-eve/.

Fun Fall Family Day: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, with merchants along Water Street in downtown Naperville. Children younger than 12 are invited to visit the no-contact "pumpkin patch," as the Foyo Plaza on Water Street will be lined with various pumpkins to choose from for free. Street chalk artist and muralist Nate Baranowski will be creating a fall themed 3-D chalk painting on the plaza for families to "jump into" to take interactive photos. Free kids alpine hats are available at London Skye, 120 Water St., Suite 104. Balloon twisting, a clown and a stilt-walker will stroll the street throughout the afternoon. Masks are required and distancing will be observed. Visit waterstreetnaperville.com.

Hitchcock movie marathon: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31, at 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock. Woodstock Opera House salutes master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock with marathon screenings of the classic thrillers "Psycho," "The Birds" and "Rear Window." $7 per movie. Only 50 seats available per screening. (815) 338-5300 or woodstockoperahouse.com/operahouse.

Big Timber Brew Fest: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin. Enjoy several breweries and music during the Big Timber Brew Fest. Plus, food truck options will let you enjoy eats from some of your favorite restaurants. Ticket price includes beer samplings from 15 local breweries. The fee is $40 for individuals or $400 for your very own bier garden for no more than 10 people. Vendors will bring their beers to you. Bring a chair or blanket. For tickets, visit bigtimberpumpkinfest.org/brew-fest.

Halloween Hoopla Family Fun Fest: 2-2:45, 3-3:45 and 4-4:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield. Features balloon twisters, Halloween-themed arts and crafts, airbrush tattoos and prepackaged Halloween treats. Admission is $5. Participants must register in advance; register for one 45-minute time block. Visit deerfieldparks.org/.

Boo Bash Trunk or Treat: 2:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Barefoot Bay Parking Lot, 1461 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Trunk-or-Treat for kids 3-11. Candy and treats will be provided by local businesses. No registration is required and costumes are encouraged. Parental supervision is required. Bring a bag for candy; face coverings required. The first 100 people can avoid the lines from 2-2:30 p.m. with a Fast Pass, available for purchase online for $2. Visit mundeleinparks.org/.

Drive-Thru Trunk-and-Treat - Sensory Friendly and Allergy Free: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Chapelstreet Church's Keslinger campus, 3435 Keslinger Road, Geneva. The church and Masterpiece Ministry with MyRecess Therapy will host a dress-up and drive-through event with a row of decorated trunks for a sensory- and allergy-friendly treat. For extra fun, dress up your car, too. They will be creating a "FUN Car Photo Booth" and having characters such as princesses and mascots walking around waving at cars. Join My Recess, Buddy Break and the Rising Lights Project for this free event, which will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. Follow the Facebook event facebook.com/events/3235480293239403/ or facebook.com/chapelstreetmasterpiece/.

Happy Hersey Haunt Boolevard: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at John Hersey High School, 1900 E. Thomas St., Arlington Heights. Sponsored by the Hersey Choral Department, the Happy Hersey Haunt Boolevard features a drive-through trick-or-treat experience for children in preschool through middle school. Children are invited to dress in costumes, and parents are encouraged to decorate their cars. Then the cars caravan through the Hersey parking lot, experiencing a safe and socially-distanced trick-or-treat. Members of the Hersey choirs will be dressed in costume and attach bags to the side of each vehicle. As the cars drive through the lot, choir members will place treats in the bags. There also will be a contest for the best-decorated car. Tickets are $10 per car. Register for a time slot by purchasing a ticket at givebutter.com/herseyhappyhauntboolevard. For information, contact Joann Langley at joann.langley@d214.org.

Pumpkin Splash: 4, 5, 6 or 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Arlington Ridge Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. There are four different sessions to come and bob for pumpkins at Arlington Ridge Center. The activity pool will have floating plastic pumpkins and harvest eggs containing candy or toys. Preregistration is required. Two family members allowed per child. Face coverings must be worn by all family members, unless in the water. Register at ahpd.org/events/20201024/.

Trunk-or-Treat Event and Zombie Dance Party: Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Sage YMCA parking lot, 701 Manor Road in Crystal Lake. The Trunk-or-Treat is free and open to the community from 4 to 6 p.m. The Zombie Dance Party for ages 12 or older will be from 5:15-6 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Register for both by calling (815) 459-4455. Bring an item to donate to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. www.facebook.com/SageYMCA/.

Halloween SpookTRUNKular: 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview. Dress up in costume and head over in your car for a drive-up Trunk or Treat and a reverse parade all-in-one. Drive through and enjoy some spooky scenery and ghoulish goodies. Halloween car decorations are optional but encouraged. You must reserve a ticket and a time slot in advance. $10 per car. Print and display your ticket on your dashboard. Visit glenviewparks.org/.

Oct. 25

Pet Costume Parade: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, weather permitting, in downtown Long Grove. Pets are invited to don their best Halloween costumes at the third annual Pet Costume Parade. It's free to watch the parade. All dogs must remain leashed. Doggie goody bags for participating pooches. A gift basket will be awarded to the Best Dressed Pooch or pet. Social distancing and face covering required while participating. Visit longgrove.org/festivals/halloween-trick-or-treating.

Halloween event: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 18N377 Galligan Road in West Dundee. A free event for kids 3 to fourth grade. There will be games, crafts, a parade, a comfort dog, a possible fire truck visit and a prepackaged goody bag to take home. The winners from the Jack-O'-Lantern Contest will be announced. Costumes are encouraged. Face masks will be required and sanitizer stations will be available. Parent supervision is required. In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. For information, contact Ann Lewis at askseekfindstpeterym@gmail.com or (847) 428-4054.

"Haunted History": 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, courtesy of the Batavia Public Library. Listen if you dare to Terrence Lynch tell the entertaining and chilling tales of the historical hauntings of the Midwest. Listen to stories of the S.S. Eastland, Brookfield Zoo, Fort Dearborn Massacre and John Dillinger. For grade 6 to adult. Register for this Zoom program at bataviapubliclibrary.org.

Through Monday, Oct. 26

Lake in the Hills Halloween House Decorating Contest: Travel around Lake in the Hills between Oct. 23-26 to see Halloween displays. Help choose the winner. Tours are self-guided. Visit www.lith.org and print the voting ballot, or stop by the village hall, 600 Harvest Gate, to pick one up. Return your ballots to the village hall or email them to the recreation team at msteffey@lith.org by Oct. 28.

Pumpkin decorating contest: In place of the annual Fall Fun event, the Fox River Grove Special Events Committee will host a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Choose a category and upload photos to the "Fall Fun Event" on www.facebook.com/frgliving/. There are four categories: Cutest, Funniest, Scariest and Most Creative. (Multiple entries accepted per family, one entry per pumpkin.) Submission deadline is Monday, Oct. 26. Winners will be announced Oct. 31. See the Facebook event for contest rules and details.

McAninch Arts Center Virtual Halloween Costume Pageant and Contest: The virtual costume pageant will be broadcast on www.facebook.com/atthemac beginning at noon Friday, Oct. 30, and available for viewing throughout Halloween weekend. The contest is open to children 3-11, as well as pets in DuPage County, and features a variety of prizes. To enter, send a 10- to 20-second video of your child or pet in their Halloween costume. For the videos, child entrants should, in the spirit of their costume character, say "Hello!" or "Trick or Treat!" (or a greeting of their choice) directed to viewers. Entries will be judged on costume originality and video greeting. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at AtTheMAC.org/Events/Costume-Pageant.

I Spy Ghost Hunt: Oct. 27-Nov. 1 at various parks in the Warrenville Park District. The ghosts have invaded the parks and they need your help. Get a clue sheet by Oct. 26. Everyone in the family can register. Once you find the ghosts and submit your answers/photo, you will be notified to pick up your Halloween treat, including taffy apples and other prizes. Register at warrenvilleparks.org.

Oct. 26-29

Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat: 4-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Oct. 26-29, in local parks in Sugar Grove. Hosted by the Sugar Grove Park District, in partnership with the village of Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove Township and Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce. Sugar Grove police and fire will be joining park staff at the park each evening. The four parks will be: Black Walnut Park on Oct. 26; Strubler Park on Oct. 27; Windsor Pointe Park on Oct. 28; and McDole Park on Oct. 29. When you pop open your trunk, costumed staff will drop in an individually-packed bag for each child filled with Halloween treats and activities. All bags will be packed with care by staff wearing masks and gloves. It is a free but ticketed event. Register at www.sgparks.org.

Oct. 26-31

Trick-or-Treat Goody Bags: All day Monday through Saturday, Oct. 26-31, at Harnish Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin. Algonquin Area Public Library's Youth Services Desk cannot offer in-person story times this year, but they still want to see your costumes. Kids, from infant to eighth grade, in costume can receive a Halloween goody bag at the Youth Services desk. Visit www.aapld.org.

Oct. 26

Teen Halloween Read Along: Virtually from 7-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, courtesy of the Des Plaines Public Library. Join on Zoom to read and discuss a spooky Halloween short story together. Register at https://bit.ly/36Q3e3k.

Teen Halloweek Costume Contest: Virtually Monday through Saturday, Oct. 26-31, courtesy of the Des Plaines Public Library. Teens, send the library a photo of your Halloween costume to enter to win a prize. Submit photos via email to teen@dppl.org or Instagram to @dpplteen. Your photo may be published on Instagram, @dpplteen. Limit one entry per original costume. For teens in grades seven-12. Visit calendar.dppl.org/event/4528072.

Oct. 27

Halloween Dance Party: 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, sponsored by Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Wear your costume for music, stories and dancing via Zoom. Register at gailborden.info.

Spirits and Seances: Virtually from 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, sponsored by the Palatine Public Library. Rebecca Tulloch traces the origins of the American Spiritualism movement virtually through the story of Maggie Fox, who shows how mediums talked to spirits and ways they were discredited as charlatans. For details or to register, visit palatinelibrary.org/events/month.

Haunted history virtual tour: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays through Saturday, Oct. 31. Author and Mysterious Chicago Tours host Adam Selzer leads a live, virtual walkabout tour via Zoom that explores the Lincoln Park Zoo's cemetery roots and its haunted history. $15, $13.50 for zoo members. See lpzoo.org/calendar-events/.

By Oct. 27

Halloween House Decorating Contest: Warrenville Park District is looking for the best Halloween decorated homes to compete for awards and bragging rights. A park district contest committee will judge the entries Oct. 28-29. Free; deadline to register is Oct. 27. Categories: Spookiest, Most Creative, Best Theme, Best Kid Friendly, with $50 Target gift card for each category winner. Winners will be announced Oct. 30. Register at (630) 393-7279 or www.warrenvilleparks.org.

Oct. 28

Downtown Mount Prospect Trick-or-Treat: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in downtown Mount Prospect. Participating businesses throughout downtown Mount Prospect will have an orange poster on their window indicating their participation in the event. For everyone's safety, the event will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. For information on participating businesses and a map, visit mpdowntown.com/downtown-trick-or-treat-participants.

Baby Halloween Storytime: Virtually from 6:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, courtesy of the Palatine Public Library. Dress your baby in a costume and enjoy this seasonal lap-sit storytime on Zoom. Birth through 12 months. For information, call (847) 907-3600, ext. 132, or visit palatinelibrary.org.

Oct. 28-31

"Tunnel of Terror": 6-10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 28-31, at Brittain's Car Wash, 1572 Larkin Ave. in Elgin. The car wash will be taken over by lost souls, goblins, spirits and mass murder types for local Halloween fun. Tickets are $20 per car and includes Brittain's car wash full of special effects, frights and fun, all while getting a Platinum Clean car. Five dollars of each entry goes to Food for Greater Elgin to help people with food insecurity in the Elgin area. For information, visit brittainscarwash.com or www.facebook.com/Brittainscarwash/.

Oct. 29


Halloween Storytime and Parade: Virtually from 10-10:30 a.m. or 6:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, sponsored by the Palatine Public Library. Show off your costume on Zoom and treat yourself to a special Halloween storytime. All ages. For information, call (847) 907-3600, ext. 132, or visit palatinelibrary.org.

Nailed It! Halloween Cookie Decorating: Virtually from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, courtesy of Palatine Public Library. Pick up materials for a cookie decorating challenge with Palatine Library. Grades seven-12. All materials will be provided. For information, call (847) 907-3600, ext. 132, or visit palatinelibrary.org.

Oct. 30

Hawthorn Mall Drive-Through Trick-Or-Treat: 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 30, at Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. The first 200 visitors who come decked out in their Halloween costumes will receive a sealed goody bag filled with individually wrapped Halloween candy and coupons from Hawthorn Mall retailers. Held in the LOVE Mural Parking Lot. Visit www.ShopHawthornMall.com.

Candy Carnival: 3:30-7:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Centennial Gym in Addison. Kids 10 and younger are invited to play a variety of games to play with treats for prizes and each person will receive an extra treat for coming in costume. Children must be accompanied by an adult during. Register at addisonparks.org.

Fall Fest Boo-to-You Parade: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. The Warrenville Park District invites families to dress up in costumes and assemble in their yard. The Warrenville Park District will parade by with costumed characters, candy and music. They will follow the same parade route as the Summertime Stroll, but in reverse. For the parade map, visit warrenvilleparks.org.

Hallow's Eve: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Glencoe Park District, 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe. Wear your costume and join in for a night of Halloween fun strolling along the paths of Takiff Center. The event will include character greetings, activities along the trail and a goody bag for the kids. Every person who attends is required to purchase a ticket for a specified time slot. Capacity will be limited and outdoor activities will be structured to follow COVID-19 regulations. Face masks are required. For information, www.glencoeparkdistrict.com.

"Prepare for a Scare - Spooky Stories for Tween and Teens": 4-4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, courtesy of Fox River Valley Public Library District. Listen to creepy and unsettling stories that will put you in the Halloween spirit. For grades 3 and up. They will meet using Zoom. The link to the meeting will be emailed to you on the morning of the program. Sign up at www.frvpld.info.

Trunk or Treat: 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Bloomingdale Court parking lot, 364 W. Army Trail Road in Bloomingdale. Rotary Club of Bloomingdale-Roselle hosts this socially distanced event with treats. Everyone will stay in their cars. The kids will get a treat bag filled with goodies. Indicate how many children will need a treat bag when you register. Costumes are encouraged. Register via EventBrite.com.

'Labyrinth': 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in the Harnish Main Library parking lot, 2600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin. Algonquin Area Public Library is hosting an outdoor Halloween movie. Bring chairs, blankets and masks to watch "Labyrinth" on a big screen at the library parking lot. Attendees will be sitting in properly socially distanced groups. Sign up at www.aapld.org.

Spooktacular Flashlight Hunt: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road in Lake in the Hills. Lake in the Hills Parks and the Halloween Bunny will fill the Sunset Park soccer fields with candy-filled glowing eggs for the older kids that didn't get to participate in the spring egg hunt. Some fun "insta" worthy photo ops will be set up. Bring a flashlight and a basket. Costumes are welcome. Check-in will be at the shelter near the tennis courts starting at 6:30 p.m. Hunt will start at 6:45 p.m. sharp and will be a fast-paced hunt, so be prepared to pick up by 7 p.m. Sign up at www.lith.org.

Halloween Extravaganza/Parents Night Out: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Code Ninjas Hoffman Estates, 1710 W. Algonquin Road, Hoffman Estates. Come dressed in your favorite costume for a night of Halloween activities, costume contest, coding and STEM activities. Ninjas will receive prizes and treats while maintaining CDC guidelines. $15. https://bit.ly/2G7XDu0.

Drive-In Movie Night: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook. A "Revive our Y" drive-in movie fundraiser featuring "Ghostbusters," the 1984 (PG) TV version. Lot opens at 6 p.m. $30 suggested donation per car; $10 extra for the first three rows. All proceeds will help the "Revive Our Y" campaign. For information, www.nsymca.org.

Oct. 31

Halloween Egg Hunt: Sugar Grove Park District is bringing the egg hunt to you this year. They will come to your yard early on Saturday, Oct. 31, and hide a cache of candy-filled Halloween eggs in your front yard. The eggs will be filled with peanut-allergy-friendly candy, stickers and small prizes. There are still spots open for 8:30 to 9 a.m. and 9:30 to 10 a.m. Cost is $15. Register at www.sgparks.org.

Halloween Hustle 5K: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, from 345 N. Eric Drive, Palatine. Come join the Halloween Hustle 5K and Kids Dash. Immediately following the race, runners and spectators alike are invited to partake in a special after-party at the Tap House Grill. $15-$45. For information, see trailrunner.com/event/halloween-hustle-5k.

Halloween Hoopla Costume Walk: 10-10:45 and 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Woodland Park, 1425 Wilmot Road, Deerfield. A family-friendly fun walk around the park in Halloween costumes. Participants will receive a Halloween Fun Walk medal upon completion of the walk, a treat bag and the opportunity to participate in the costume contest. Free. Participants must register in advance for one 45 minute time block. Visit www.deerfieldparks.org.

Drive Thru Trunk-or-Treat and Food Drive: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 8901 Cary-Algonquin Road in Cary. They are partnering with the Cary-Grove Food Pantry for a food drive. Everyone is invited to drive through the parking lot to receive treats through no-contact methods. For information, contact Denise Ulaszek at youth@stbarnabas-cary.org or (847) 639-3959.

Halloween Sensory Storytime: 11-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, with Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Join via Zoom for Halloween books, songs, dancing. Class is structured with visual schedules. Costumes encouraged. This class is designed for children with disabilities ages 3 and older with caregiver support. Siblings welcome. Register at gailborden.info.

Trunk-or-Treat Festival: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Mall of India, Route 59 in Naperville. Collect ghoulish goodies trunk-or-treating, win raffle prizes, and enjoy kid-friendly activities. All ages are welcome. Refreshments will be available. Parents must register in advance and remain at the event to supervise their child. Wear a face mask at this outdoor event. Register via EventBrite.com.

St. Peter Drive Through Trick-or-Treat: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive, Arlington Heights. Drive through trick-or-treat. For information, www.fulllifeinchrist.org.

Trick-or-treating event: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Luigi's Pizza and Fun Center, 732 Prairie St. in Aurora. There will be 20 stops for the kids to pick up candy and two photo spots. Goody bags with treats, coupons and discounts will be given out. Visitors are required to wear masks. Staff members will wear masks and gloves. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Admission and parking are free. Call (630) 756-5451 for more information.

Naperville Hauntings ghost walk tour: Saturday, Oct. 31. Tours depart at 8 p.m. from outside Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. For ages 8 and older. The ghost walk tours with Ursula Bielski take place entirely outdoors on a stroll through Naperville's Historic District. Tour sizes are restricted to a maximum of 19 people under social distancing guidelines and face masks are required. Tickets are $19, $15 for children 8-12, and $15 for seniors or military with ID. For the full Chicago Hauntings schedule and to get tickets, visit ChicagoHauntings.com/Naperville-Hauntings-Ghost-Walks.

Full Moon Ride Blue Moon Edition: 9-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, starting at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. This is a social night ride with a moderate pace ride for a few miles throughout the core neighborhoods. State law requires bike riders to have a clear light on the front and a red reflector or a red light on the back for nighttime riding. Sign the 2020 annual ride waiver at waiver.fr/p-SDLTu. We continue to follow the guidance from the state of Illinois concerning pandemic safety with this helpful interpretation from Ride Illinois, bit.ly/RideIllinoisPandemicGuidance.

Nov. 1

'Día de los Muertos': 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, with Fox River Valley Public Library District. Discuss Día de los Muertos and complete your own alebrije. Pick up your materials at the library from Oct. 25-31 and then join in on the Zoom meeting on Nov. 1. Sign up at www.frvpld.info.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave. in Glendale Heights. McAninch Arts Center hosts a drive-by ofrendas and music by the acclaimed Mariachi Monumental de México and a drop-off food collection to benefit Immigrant Solidarity DuPage. Drive by Camera Park and pay your respects to two ofrendas dedicated to Frida Kahlo and the victims of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Upon arrival at the park, guests will be greeted with traditional mariachi music and directed to the ofrendas, as well as locations where they can drop off their donation items. Everyone donating a nonperishable food item will receive candy treats. Visit www.atthemac.org or www.facebook.com/AtTheMAC.

Ongoing

Sugar Skull City: Through Nov. 15 and with Day of the Dead events during First Fridays on Nov. 6 in downtown Aurora. Sugar Skull City is a monthlong event for all ages with virtual, crowd-free, and self-guided, in person activities that respect both COVID-19 state guidelines and an honored cultural and local tradition. Find sugar skull art in store windows, participate in a downtown scavenger hunt and online activities, visit businesses throughout the month for Day of the Dead merchandise and specials, watch educational videos, and more. Find out more at sugarskullcity.com.

Little Park of Horrors: 6 to 9 p.m. daily through Sunday, Nov. 1, at the historic Wing Park, 1010 Wing St. in Elgin. The city of Elgin's first socially distanced, drive-through event includes a half-mile drive of tantalizing terror. Wing Park will close to the public daily at 3 p.m. through Nov. 1. The Wing Park Golf Course will not be affected by the closure. Little Park of Horrors is open to vehicle traffic only. Vehicles must enter on Wing Street and exit on McClure Avenue, following a one-way traffic route through the park. Suggested cash donation of $5 per vehicle to support the actors and volunteers involved in the event. This experience is rated PG-13. For details, visit www.cityofelgin.org.

Fox Valley Mall Virtual Haunted House: Runs through Halloween. A free, interactive visit through spooky rooms from the safety of your own home. Make it through the Haunted House to access additional free Halloween virtual activities. The Haunted House can be accessed here: hauntedhouse.mallmedia.net/m/foxvalley. Visit www.shopfoxvalleymall.com/events/.

Pumpkin Daze!: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road in Aurora. Live music in the afternoons on the weekends, corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo on weekends, and the beer and wine tent opens at noon. Admission is $17 on weekends and $12 on weekdays; free for kids 2 and younger. The last park entry is one hour before close. There is no night maze this year. The Farmstead Emporium Store is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Attendance is limited in the park and store. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. Visit www.abbeyfarms.org.

Halloween Walk With a Twist: Through Oct. 31. Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce invites trick-or-treaters to stop by participating businesses in Cary and Fox River Grove. The businesses will have candy waiting and will stamp your passport card. Passport cards and a list of participating businesses are available at carygrovechamber.com or at the chamber office, 445 Park Ave. in Cary. All complete cards should be returned to the chamber office on or before Friday, Nov. 6. These will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 shopping spree at Walmart. (847) 639-2800 or email info@carygrovechamber.com.

Spooky Windows Illusions: Through Nov. 1 at the Algonquin Commons, 1900 S. Randall Road. The spooky illusions change weekly and can be viewed every night from your car or on foot from 6-9 p.m. Wear a mask and practice social distancing. Visit shopatalgonquincommons.com/events-promotions or www.facebook.com/AlgCommons/.

Randall Oaks Zoo's annual Fall Festival: Through Nov. 1 at the zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road in West Dundee. Pumpkins will be available for purchase. There will be "Pumpkin Enrichment for the Animals" at 12:30 p.m. daily, with pumpkins and fall treats for sale. On the weekends, there will be bonfires from noon to 5 p.m., animal shows at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m., and free crafts for kids. Hayrides are $3 and free for kids 1 or younger. Due to capacity limits, reservations are required at www.signupgenius.com/go/805044FABAD28A3FC1-randall. Reservations must be made online before your visit, and times are available every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a maximum of 15 people per time slot. The zoo closes at 5 p.m. daily. Daily admission price is $3.75 per Dundee Township Park District resident, $4.50 per nonresident or free for kids 1 or younger. Rain or shine. Face coverings are required. Pony rides will not be operating at this time. Visit www.dtpd.org/fall_festival/.

Brookfield Zoo Dinos Everywhere!: Closes Nov. 1. Featuring more than 40 animatronic dinosaurs across the entire zoo. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes. Zoo is open at 25% capacity. Admission is $17.95 to $24.95. Visit www.czs.org/fallatbrookfieldzoo.

Bensenville Halloween displays: Get a map of neighborhood homes that are decorated for Halloween. For a map, visit bensenville.il.us.

Carol Stream Halloween Decorating Contest: Contest judging will be completed by Friday, Oct. 30. Nominations can be submitted until Friday, Oct. 23. For information, visit carolstream.org and follow the village on social media for updates.

Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest: Daily through Oct. 31 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Enjoy the colors of the season, see the animals, and pick out pumpkins. Gourds, pumpkins, apples, cider, corn stalks, and straw bales available for purchase. You must reserve a ticket; walk-up tickets not available. Face coverings and social distancing required. Regular admission rates apply. Visit cosleyzoo.org.

Lisle Park District's Pumpkin Carving Contest: By Saturday, Oct. 31. Once carved, take a picture of your pumpkin, as well as one of you with your pumpkin. Email both pictures to Erica at ewise@lisleparkdistrict.org by Saturday, Oct. 31. A panel of experts will judge all entries and winners will be chosen. Prizes will be awarded in each age group. Cost is $10 per entry. Register at lisleparkdistrict.org.

West Chicago Pumpkin Decorating Contest: Vote for your favorite the week of Oct. 26. One winner will be chosen per age category: 7 and under, 8-12, 13-17, and family/adult. It will be a public vote for the winner. Follow the West Chicago Halloween Festivities Facebook page for updates.

Disturbia Haunted House: Thursdays to Sundays through Oct. 31 at 1213 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. Presented by Basement of the Dead. Limited capacity; face masks and social distancing required. Online tickets only at hauntedhousedisturbia.com.

Glen Ellyn's Scarecrow Rows: Through Oct. 31 in downtown Glen Ellyn. See the handmade scarecrows created by Scout troops, community members, local businesses and nonprofits, as well as the storefronts with decorated windows. Follow the one-way route, come wearing a mask and remain socially distant between groups. No tickets needed. Maps available from sponsoring businesses and online. The route will start near Barone's Restaurant, 475 Pennsylvania Ave., and end near Blackberry Market, 401 N. Main St. Free parking is available at the village's "Park by the Path" program. Visit www.GlenEllynChamber.com/Halloween and www.facebook.com/GlenEllynChamberofCommerce/.

Basement of the Dead House: Wednesdays to Sundays, to Nov. 1, at 42 W. New York St., Aurora. Relive your darkest nightmares and experience all new evils, presented by Basement of the Dead. Limited capacity; face masks and social distancing required. Online tickets only at basementofthedead.com.

"Super Stolie's Halloween Daydreams": Through Tuesday, Nov. 3, with Helen M. Plum Memorial Public Library in Lombard. Super Stolie's popular Halloween show is coming to a screen near you. No registration required. Visit helenplum.org.