Evanston is known for its beautiful homes, breathtaking lake views, great schools, and bustling business districts, among other amenities. No wonder residents call the city “Heavanston.” But this time of year, it can be called Halloweenston. After all, the city – and the residents – create a truly spooky, magical season for everyone, but especially the kids.
While the official trick-or-treat hours in Evanston are on Friday, October 31st, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m, here are some additional local seasonal events throughout the month in Evanston to help you make season spell-bindingly special:
Zombie Scramble, October 18th: You challenge: Avoid the roaming “zombies” to keep the “lives” you’re protecting intact as you scurry (like a mouse) along the 2-mile course through Ladd Arboretum. Be sure to bring a flashlight! The Zombie Scramble is between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Perfect for ages 8 and up. Sound fun? Register now for you time to participate. (Better yet, register as a team.) Space is limited. And some days already have a waitlist to participate. Go to www.cityofevanston.org/zombie-scramble. for more information and to register.
Central Street Trick-or-Treat, October 25th: Enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, including trick-or-treat bag making at the Evanston Art Center, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Then use your newly crafted bag (or bring your own) to “trick” your way to treats at the participating Central Street businesses. Go to Central Street Trick or Treat for details.
Spooky Saturday on the Main-Dempster Mile, October 25th: Trick-or-treat at local businesses starting at 11:00 a.m. Participate in the Pumpkin Carving Contest (don’t be scared to vote for your favorite) from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., a kids costume parade at 12:30, and a pet parade and costume contest at 1:00 p.m. And, during regular business hours, you can trick or treat at the local businesses along the 500 Block of Dempster Street. All ages are welcome, and of course, costumes are encouraged!
Downtown Evanston Trick or Treat Stroll, October 25th: Bring your kids downtown to trick or treating! Stop at participating businesses for candy and other goodies from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Go to Fountain Square (the plaza north of Davis Street) to pick up a map of participating businesses as well as to take part in fall arts and crafts activities. Note: While the event is free, organizers are asking families who want to participate to register here.
Evanston Ecology Center’s Bug-A-Boo, October 25th: Welcome to the annual Halloween event that highlights the wild creatures who call Lovelace Park home. Starting at 4 p.m. and running until 7 p.m., brave young souls will learn fun facts about the animals that live right here in Evanston. You’ll meet these characters (costumed volunteers) outside as you travel around the park. And after your adventure, they’ll send you on your way with a fun craft to do at home. Registration required. Click here to register for the 2025 Bug-A-Boo.
City of Evanston Trunk or Treat, October 31st:Trick-or-treat from costumed-up police cars, fire and construction truck, and other unique City of Evanston vehicles between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot for the Robert Crown Community Center off Main Street. Perfect for birth to 5 years and their families. Interested in having your vehicle on site? Fill out the 2025 City of Evanston Trunk or Treat form to be included.
Nightmare on Foster Street., October 31st : Experience the Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center eerily transformed into a haunted spot filled with spooky decorations and some spooky surprises around every corner. The folks at Evanston Parks & Recreation dare you to join them from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registration required. Click here to register for the 2025 Nightmare on Foster Street (before it’s too late).
Trick-or-Treating, Evanston-wide, Friday, October 31st: Hours 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you’re participating, please turn on your porch lights on. And you might want to on your porch or steps to hand out your candy or individual goodie bags. If you are not handing out goodies, however, you might want to turn off your lights off and have a sign on your door. Finally, if you’re out and about, be aware that many young ghouls, ghosts, princesses, and pop stars will be taking over the streets, so please drive extra carefully.
Evanston homeowners also helping to create the spooky Halloween spirit by going above and beyond with their holiday decorations. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Corner of McDaniel and Hartzell
- Corner of Greenleaf and Hinman
- Noyes & Wesley
- 800 blocks of Monroe, Reba, Sherman and South
- Mulford between Ridge and Asbury
- Dobson between Ridge and Barton
- 2100 Block of Cleveland
If you know of other spots that are spooking up the surroundings or any additional Halloween events open to the public, let us know at Jackie@JackieMack.com and/or 847-274-6676, and we’ll help spread the word.
