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 Saturday, 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 17th: 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 9:00 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 24th: “Trick” your way to treats at the participating Central Street businesses from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and snap some festive fall photos at Independence Park. Then, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. head to the new West End Kids’ Fest at Mack’s Bike & Goods and The Fat Shallot for games, crafts, a DJ dance party, and a special hunt for Dracula’s missing teeth! Go to Central Street Trick or Treat for details.
Spooky Saturday on the Main-Dempster Mile, October 24th: 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 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m., a kid’s costume parade at 12:00, and a pet parade and costume contest at 12:30 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 24th: 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 24th: Get ready for a not-so-spooky Halloween adventure celebrating the amazing creatures that call Evanston home! Families will explore the Nature Classroom and Ladd Arboretum, meeting costumed volunteers dressed as local animals and discovering their incredible “superpowers.” Afterward, enjoy marshmallow roasting, games, and a fun craft to take home. The event takes place in 45-minute sessions between 4:30 and 7:15 p.m. at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard. Admission is $11 for residents and $14.32 for non-residents. Registration required. Click here to register for the 2026 Bug-A-Boo.
Thursday Night Family Movie: Scooby-Doo, October 29th: Zoinks! Gather the family and head to the Robert Crown Branch Library for a Halloween movie night featuring the live-action Scooby-Doo! From 6:00 to 7:45 p.m., enjoy a fun-filled screening complete with snacks. Pajamas and Halloween costumes are welcome, so dress comfortably or come in your spookiest attire. Registration is required. Click here for event details.
City of Evanston Trunk or Treat, October 30th: Calling all little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes! Head to the Robert Crown Community Center parking lot, 1801 Main Street, for a frightfully fun afternoon of decorated trunks, costumes, and plenty of treats! From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., families can enjoy this special Halloween celebration. Perfect for birth to 5 years and their families. This event is free.
Teen Halloween Party, October 30th: Halloween isn’t just for the little ones! Teens in grades 6 through 12 are invited to the Teen Loft at the Evanston Public Library’s Main Library for an afternoon of spooky fun. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., enjoy haunted crafts, tasty treats, and Halloween-themed games with friends. Registration is required. Click here for event details.
Halloween on Howard Street, October 30th: Get into the Halloween spirit with a free, family-friendly celebration at Callan Plaza! From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., enjoy trick-or-treating at participating Howard Street businesses, festive activities, and a costume contest. Then settle in for an outdoor screening of the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus beginning at 5:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, so bring the whole family for an evening of spooky fun! Click here for more details
Nightmare on Foster Street., October 30th: 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 6:00 p.m. to 9: 00 p.m. Concessions will also be available for purchase. Admission is $5 for residents and $6.50 for non-residents. Registration is required. Click here to register for the 2026 Nightmare on Foster Street (before it’s too late).
Halloween Family Storytime, October 31st: Start Halloween morning with a not-too-spooky celebration at the Evanston Public Library! From 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., families can enjoy Halloween-themed stories, songs, and plenty of festive fun at the Main Library. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome, and costumes are encouraged but not required. No registration is necessary!
Kids Halloween Dance Party, October 31st: Before heading out to trick-or-treat, put on those costumes and dancing shoes! The Evanston Public Library is hosting a Halloween Dance Party featuring Evanston’s own DJ D.I.M.E. from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Families can enjoy kid-friendly music, snacks, and a special opportunity to capture a family costume photo. The event is geared toward children from birth through fifth grade, and no registration is required
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.
