Current October 23–25 plans across the Chicago suburbs, with official links and the details that matter.
Every card opens the current organizer or ticketing page. Save anything you want to compare.
Families who want a big free downtown Halloween outing
A downtown costume parade, 60+ trick-or-treat stops, reptile shows and a pumpkin roll
Parade steps off at 10 AM; organizer says it may photograph/film participants for its own promotion; this does not grant us reuse rights
Families who prefer an afternoon festival with a costume parade
Costume parade, themed characters, games and trick-or-treating in the shopping center
Outdoor festival; some activities inside stores
Kids who want candy and a free trolley ride
Trick-or-treat through downtown shops, face painting and free trolley rides
Pick up the participating-store map; trolley capacity unconfirmed
Families looking for a no-cost Sunday Halloween outing
A free costume afternoon with games, treats and prizes beside the Riverwalk
Costumes must follow park-district safety rules
Anyone who wants to watch pumpkins race downhill
Pumpkin cars go head-to-head down a track, with costume and decoration contests
Pit row closes 2 PM; parking locations changed in 2026
Kids who want to paint a real downtown storefront window
Paint a real downtown storefront window for Halloween
Bring a canned good and paint clothes; window spaces may run out
History fans who prefer stories to jump scares
Actors bring Downers Grove pioneers back to life at the historic cemetery
Historical reenactment, not a haunted-house attraction
Families with costumes ready for a Sunday parade
A quick community costume parade and contest before downtown trick-or-treating
Contest check-in and parade route need Wednesday recheck
A low-pressure trick-or-treat walk through downtown
Downtown businesses hand out candy after the Fishel Park parade
Check the organizer’s participating-store map
Families who want a parade plus crafts and costume contests
Parade, juggler, costume contests and downtown treats
Parade lineup 9:30 AM at Main/Crescent
Families seeking a free downtown candy walk
Historic downtown shops become a walkable trick-or-treat route
An older visitor-bureau listing has a 2025 weekday typo; rely on 2026 organizer date
Younger kids who want a daytime Halloween party
A downtown costume party with trick-or-treat booths and a DJ
Outdoor; organizer posts weather cancellations online
Dog owners who love a costume parade
Dogs in costumes compete for prizes in a short park parade
Dog entry requires advance registration (code 4611309-1A); one handler per dog. An older organizer landing page has a stale 2025 date; 2026 event calendar confirms Saturday Oct 24.
Couples and families browsing artists and costume contests
Artist booths, a costume contest, art activities and trick-or-treating along Harrison Street
Some individual workshops charge; check weather
Families after free pumpkins and a downtown outing
Inflatables, crafts, downtown trick-or-treating and 500 giveaway pumpkins
At Hinsdale Middle School and downtown, not Burlington Park. Costume check-in 11:30 AM–1 PM; free pumpkins for first 500.
Families who want a Halloween walk with real scenery, not another parking-lot candy stop
Costumed kids follow candy stations through the park, including teal-pumpkin options and entertainment along the path
Paid parking is required; reserve/confirm parking through Cantigny before heading over
Families and adults who want a genuinely atmospheric nighttime walk
A two-mile lantern-lit trail begins with a ghost story and ends by the fire
Advance registration required or recommended; hikes leave every 15 minutes, last group 7:30 PM; under 18 with an adult
Couples and families who want a no-ticket nighttime outing
Towering glowing lotus sculptures transform the Riverwalk quarry after dark during their final weekend
Outdoor installation ends October 24; weather and dusk conditions matter
Adults and older kids who prefer local ghost stories over a jump-scare haunted house
Costumed storytellers lead 30-minute tours of the dimly lit Victorian home and its past inhabitants
Mild scares may bother sensitive younger children; ticket purchase online or at door
Families looking for an earlier Friday afternoon trick-or-treat option
Costumed kids collect candy from participating shops in Long Grove’s historic downtown
The organizer had not yet posted the full participating-shop list; event finishes at 5 PM
Families who want a free Halloween movie night with a little extra atmosphere
The Halloween-decorated barn hosts a Monsters, Inc. screening, costume contest and popcorn
Popcorn is while supplies last; bring a blanket or pillow for seating
Kids 3–12 who prefer playful rather than scary Halloween
Historic-home trick-or-treating, a Disney tribute band, slime-making and inflatable attractions
Food trucks and 21+ bar extra; do not double count both days
Children who want crafts and games in costume
Costume-friendly carnival games, candy, crafts and inflatables
Register by Thu Oct 22 for $6 per child, or pay $9 at the door; adults free. No refunds.
Families wanting a last weekend at Blackberry Farm
Train, pony and carousel rides plus a Saturday balloon artist and Sunday giant scarecrow
Weather-sensitive rides; pumpkin decorating costs extra
Toy collectors and families hunting vintage finds
Eight buildings of antique toys, dolls and collectibles
Sunday general admission is $10 for adults, ages 12 and under free. Saturday is $50 early-buyer access, not regular admission.
The full Weekend Detour includes the featured five plus every Friday, Saturday and Sunday pick.
