Celebrate Spooky Season in Evanston!

The leaves are turning, the nights are getting longer, and Halloween is just around the corner. Here's our roundup of the best spooky, silly, and family-friendly ways to celebrate throughout Evanston this season.

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

City of Evanston Events

Zombie Scramble: October 17. This thrilling event, hosted by the Evanston Parks & Recreation Department, challenges you to make it through a zombie-infested course with your "lives" (flags on a flag football belt) still intact. As you navigate the haunted trail, zombies will try to snatch your flags. The Zombie Scramble takes place Saturday, October 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ladd Arboretum near the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd. The cost is $36 for residents and $45.55 for non-residents. Register.

Help save lives before joining the Zombie Scramble! Vitalant will host a blood drive on Saturday, October 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot at Ladd Arboretum near the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 N. McCormick Blvd. Those who donate during October will also be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards (terms and conditions apply). Schedule an appointment using blood drive code 100564694, or call 877-25-VITAL. Walk-ins are also welcome. Donors should eat well, stay hydrated, and bring a photo ID.

Bug-A-Boo: October 24. Enjoy a non-scary, nature-themed Halloween event for all ages at the Evanston Ecology Center! Families will stroll through the Nature Classroom and Ladd Arboretum, meeting costumed volunteers dressed as local animals and learning about their amazing "superpowers," then finish with marshmallow roasting, games, and a take-home craft. Bug-A-Boo takes place Saturday, October 24, in 45-minute sessions between 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd. Cost is $11 for residents and $14.32 for non-residents.

Trunk or Treat: October 30. Bring your little ghouls and goblins to a frightfully fun afternoon of decorated trunks, treats, and festive fun at the City’s Parks and Recreation Trunk or Treat! Trunk or Treat takes place Friday, October 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Robert Crown Center parking lot, 1801 Main St. All ages are welcome, though the event is recommended for kids ages 5 and under. This event is free, and no registration is required.

Nightmare on Foster Street: October 30. Come dressed in your favorite costume for a spooktacular night of thrills, chills, and family fun! Brave the haunted house, then enjoy Halloween-themed crafts and activities for all ages, with concessions available for purchase. Nightmare on Foster Street takes place Friday, October 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St. Cost is $5 for residents and $6.50 for non-residents. Register here.

Business District Events

Spooky Saturday on the Main-Dempster Mile. Costumes on, candy bags ready! On Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., trick-or-treat at participating Main-Dempster Mile businesses, then join the Spooky Block Party featuring a Kids' Costume Parade, Pumpkin Carving Contest, and Pet Costume Contest. Bring the whole family, furry members included, for a frightfully fun afternoon supporting local shops. This event is free and open to all!

Downtown Evanston 2026 Trick-or-Treat Stroll. Join us in Downtown Evanston on Saturday, October 24, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for free trick-or-treating, and come in costume! Grab a map at Fountain Square (north of Davis Street), then visit businesses with Trick or Treat posters in their windows. 

Central Street Trick-or-Treat. Celebrate Halloween on Central Street on Saturday, October 24, 11 a .m. to 3 p.m.! From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., trick-or-treat at local businesses and snap fall-themed selfies in Independence Park. Then head to the new West End Kids' Fest at Mack's Bike & Goods and The Fat Shallot from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for games, crafts, a DJ dance party, and a hunt for Dracula's missing teeth. 

Halloween on Howard Street/Callan Plaza. Get into the Halloween spirit at Callan Plaza with a free afternoon of food, candy, costumes, and fun for the whole family on Friday, October 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.! Kids can trick-or-treat at participating area businesses, and everyone is invited to show off their look in the costume contest. Then grab a spot outside for an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus at 5:30 p.m. Costumes encouraged!

Evanston Public Library

Thursday Night Family Movie: Scooby-Doo! Fire up the Mystery Machine and head to the Robert Crown Branch Library on Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for a screening of the live-action Scooby-Doo. Snacks will be provided, and pajamas or Halloween costumes are welcome. Registration required; sign up today!

Teen Halloween Party. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the Teen Loft at the Main Library on Friday, October 30, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for an afternoon of thrills and chills with friends. Expect haunted crafts, tasty treats, and ghoulishly fun games. Registration required; sign up today.

Halloween Family Storytime. Drop in to the Main Library on Saturday, October 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., for a not-so-scary storytime filled with songs, stories, and Halloween fun. Costumes are welcome but optional. For children of all ages and their caregivers; no registration required.

Kids Halloween Dance Party featuring DJ D.I.M.E. Dress to impress and get moving at the Main Library on Saturday, October 31, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., as Evanston's own DJ D.I.M.E. spins kid-friendly tunes. Enjoy a snack and snap a family photo in costume. For kids from birth through grade 5; drop-in, no registration needed.