Halloween Festivities

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Official Trick-or-Treat

Evanston's official trick-or-treat hours are Thursday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Community Events

Jack-o-Lantern Workshop: September 27 & October 4

Make a Jack-O-Lantern out of clay that you can use year after year. The first week you will design and create your jack-O-Lantern, and the second week you will decorate it. The workshop includes all materials. Your new friend will be ready for pick-up before Halloween. Head to the Robert Crown Community Center on Fri., Sept. 27 and Fri., Oct. 4, at 6:15 p.m. Register to attend.

Zombie Scramble, October 19

The goal of the Zombie Scramble is for you to finish the race with all of your "lives" intact. Your "lives" are represented by flags hanging off of a flag football belt you will wear. Throughout the course, Zombies will be attempting to grab your flag as you attempt to avoid them. Finishing the race with all of your flags, congratulations, you survived! If you lose one flag, you become "infected" and complete the race as an "infected" person. If you lose all your flags, you become a zombie! This year's event will take place on Sat., Oct. 19, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Ladd Arboretum. Rather not be chased by "zombie" but be a "zombie"? We are looking for zombie volunteers. Register to participate.

Halloween Family Fun at the Rebuilding Exchange Evanston, October 20

Drop-in between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for sustainable spookiness at the Rebuilding Exchange Evanston! At the event, you'll be creating Halloween decorations out of reclaimed materials. When you're done crafting the fun will continue as you search the warehouse for treats in a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt. Tickets.

Trunk or Treat, October 25

Firetrucks, police cars, construction vehicles, and other unique modes of transportation will take part in Trunk or Treat. Held in the Robert Crown Community Center Parking lot off Main Street, young trick-or-treaters can see how vehicles dress up for Halloween! This free event, for children of all ages and their families, will take place Fri., Oct. 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Interested in having your vehicle on site? Fill out this form to be included.

Nightmare on Foster St., October 25

Join Evanston Parks & Recreation at the Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center as it transforms into a haunted hot spot filled with eerie decorations, entertainment, and spooky surprises around every corner. This event will take place on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Register today!

Bug-A-Boo, October 26

The Evanston Ecology Center's annual Halloween event highlights the creatures that call Lovelace Park home on October 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Learn fun facts and amazing adaptations of animals that live right here in Evanston. You’ll meet these characters (costumed volunteers) outside as you travel around the park. After your adventure, we’ll send you on your way with a fun craft to do at home. Registration is required, register online.

Central Street Trick or Treat, October 26

Family fun awaits! Celebrate Halloween on Central Street, Saturday, October 26. Trick-or-treat at participating Central Street businesses, enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, and more.

Main-Dempster Mile: Spooky Saturday, October 26

Join in on spook-tacular fun along the Main-Dempster Mile on Sat., Oct. 26. Trick-or-Treat the businesses along the Main-Dempster Mile during business hours, enjoy SCarolers and other fun sponsored by the Main-Dempster Mile, and participate in a Pumpkin Carving Contest Expo. Learn more.

Downtown Evanston: Halloween Trick-or-Treat Stroll, October 26

Bring your kids trick-or-treating in downtown Evanston! Stroll around downtown to stop at participating businesses for candy and other goodies. Downtown Evanston will provide a map closer to the date so you can plan out your trick-or-treat route! Stop by Fountain Square for other fall activities and to pick up your map at the beginning of your stroll. More information.

Northwestern Dance Marathon Trick-or-Treat 5k, October 27

Join Northwestern Dance Marathon for some spooky fun at the NUDM Trick-or-Treat 5K on Sunday, Oct. 27, at noon.! Whether you're a runner, a kid looking to trick-or-treat, or both, they've got everything for everyone. Families are welcome, and all proceeds go to NUDM’s beneficiaries this year: the Evanston Community Foundation which supports our local community, and Chicago HOPES for Kids which provides educational support to homeless children in our broader community. Don’t forget your costume – they can’t wait to see you there! More information.

Halloween Trivia at Paws and Claws, October 30

Join Paws and Claws for a spooktacular evening of Halloween trivia at Paws and Claws Cat Rescue on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.! Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to help support their mission! Come with a team or play solo to test your knowledge of all things spooky! Trivia will be held outdoors in our back parking lot, so please dress for the weather! More information.

Trick-or-Treat on Howard Street, October 31

Join Howard Street business for a spooktacular Halloween celebration! Bring your trick-or-treaters to Howard Street for treats, goodies, and a costume contest! Stop by our Costume Checkpoint for even more goodies, and music, and to submit your photo. To enter, use hashtag #trickortreatonhowardstreet24. The best costume wins an awesome prize package courtesy of our participating businesses! Participating Businesses and a route map will be added before the event. Mark your calendars for a howling good time! More information.