Navigate Champaign's Halloween underworld with our spooky event planner. For Champaign inhabitants and visitors alike, this guide highlights the season's most bone-chilling events and activities.
One standout attraction is the Necrosis Haunted House, where guests can navigate through chilling scenes and spine-tingling twists. Meanwhile, the Halloween Funfest offers an array of family-friendly activities, including games and face painting. And the Trunk or Treat is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring creatively decorated vehicles for a unique candy-collecting experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Champaign
- Necrosis Haunted House (Rantoul)
- Halloween Funfest
- Trunk or Treat
- Apples, Pumpkins and Corn Mazes in Champaign-Urbana
- The Wizard of Paws
- Champaign Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl
- Four Fantastic Fall Festivals in Central Illinois (Various)
- Fall Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign Official Halloween Bar Crawl
- Flannel Fest
See these and even more events listed below!
Champaign Area Haunted Experiences
Clinton’s Terror On Washington St Haunted House
What to Expect:
A haunted house experience with over 31 years of delivering spine-chilling thrills and heart-pounding scares.
Description:
Clinton’s Terror On Washington St Haunted House is a spine-chilling experience that has been thrilling audiences for over 31 years. Located in Clinton, Illinois, this haunted house features intense audio and lighting effects, including strobe lights, extreme low visibility, and physically demanding environments. It is not suitable for those under 10 years old, pregnant individuals, those with claustrophobia or heart/respiratory problems, or those appearing intoxicated or wearing casts/medical braces/crutches. The event includes a Friendly Ghost Tour for younger audiences, but parents should consider their child's well-being before participating.
Where: Clinton | More Info: Clinton’s Terror On Washington St Haunted House
Necrosis Haunted House
What to Expect:
Utilizes highly detailed, immersive sets with live actors and professional sound and lighting to create a terrifying experience.
Description:
Necrosis Haunted House is a highly immersive and terrifying attraction in East Central Illinois. Featuring detailed sets, live actors, professional sound, lighting, and special effects, it offers an unforgettable experience. Named a Top Ten Haunted House by HauntedIllinois.com and the Top Overall Attraction in the state by IllinoisHauntedHouses.com and Haunts.com, Necrosis continues to deliver its best show yet in its sixth season.
Where: Rantoul | More Info: Necrosis Haunted House
Ashmore Estates Public Investigation
What to Expect:
Exclusive overnight paranormal investigation with limited tickets.
Description:
Explore the haunted history of Ashmore Estates during a public investigation. This event allows 12 people to investigate the building from 7pm to 2am or until 10am with an additional bunkhouse ticket. The investigation offers a unique opportunity to delve into the paranormal activity and rich history of the former almshouse and asylum.
Where: Ashmore | More Info: Ashmore Estates Public Investigation
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Champaign
Halloween Funfest
What to Expect:
A free, family-friendly Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, games, and a costume contest.
Description:
The Halloween Funfest is a family-friendly event hosted by the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts in collaboration with Market Place Mall. This annual celebration has been delighting families for 30 years with trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed games and activities, and a costume contest where participants can showcase their creativity and flair. The event is entirely free and offers a fun-filled evening for children aged 12 and under.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Halloween Funfest
Trunk or Treat
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween event with a focus on inclusivity and safety for children with food allergies and sensory sensitivities.
Description:
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch in Champaign, IL, hosts a free Trunk or Treat event for kids of all ages. The event features teal pumpkins for non-candy items, a costume contest with a grand prize for the best costume, and awards for the best decorated trunk. The event is co-sponsored with the Champaign Urbana Junior Woman’s Club and includes activities to accommodate children with sensory concerns.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Trunk or Treat
Apples, Pumpkins and Corn Mazes in Champaign-Urbana
What to Expect:
A variety of fall activities including apple picking and pumpkin patch visits, along with outdoor games and ticketed attractions.
Description:
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch in Champaign, IL, offers a variety of fall activities including apple picking, pumpkin patch visits, and outdoor games. The orchard features a playground, petting zoo, and ticketed attractions like corn mazes and pony rides. Visitors can also enjoy fresh apple cider and donuts at the Flying Monkey Cafe. This historic family-run farm is a great destination for families to make memories during the fall season.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Apples, Pumpkins and Corn Mazes in Champaign-Urbana
Fall Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
What to Expect:
A variety of free events catering to all ages, including Halloween-themed activities and live performances.
Description:
Champaign Park District is offering a variety of free events for all ages this fall. Enjoy Halloween-themed activities like the Halloween Costume Drive, where you can donate your old costumes to give families a night of happy haunting. Additionally, experience live performances at the Bach's Lunch Concerts and watch seniors showcase their unique flair at the Douglass Senior Style Show. This season promises to be filled with fun and community spirit.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Fall Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
Four Fantastic Fall Festivals in Central Illinois
What to Expect:
Experience a variety of fall activities including apple picking, pumpkin patch, and over 30 barnyard attractions.
Description:
All Seasons Orchard is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a variety of fall family fun activities. Visitors can enjoy apple picking among 16,000 apple trees, including popular Honeycrisp apples. The orchard also features a 10-acre pumpkin patch, a barnyard with over 30 attractions like a corn maze, petting zoo, and pony rides. Delicious treats like apple cider donuts and freshly pressed apple cider are available daily. This is the perfect place for a family day in the fall.
Where: Various | More Info: Four Fantastic Fall Festivals in Central Illinois
The Wizard of Paws
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween event featuring adoptable pets and Oz-themed crafts.
Description:
Join Hospice Hearts at Curtis Orchard for The Wizard of Paws Meet adoptable orphans ready for the Land of Oz as your favorite characters from the movie. Enjoy Oz-inspired crafts for kids, an Oz-themed pet bake sale, and more. This event is completely free and open to all ages, with teal pumpkins available for non-candy items and sensory-friendly activities.
Where: Champaign | More Info: The Wizard of Paws
Flannel Fest
What to Expect:
A diverse array of activities including lumberjack challenges, hot pepper eating contests, and mustache competitions.
Description:
Flannel Fest is a vibrant fall festival at West Side Park, featuring live lumberjack shows, local music, free games, hayrack rides, inflatables, and ice-cold beer. The event includes a one-mile fun run with lumberjack challenges, a hot pepper eating contest, and a mustache contest. It also offers pumpkin smashing, yard games, face painting, and special performances like fire spinning and edible pancake art.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Flannel Fest
Deadline for Dropping Off Halloween Costumes for Drive and Giveaway
What to Expect:
The event promotes community service by allowing individuals to donate their old costumes and pick up new ones.
Description:
The Halloween Costume Drive & Giveaway is a community event where individuals can donate their old Halloween costumes or pick up new ones. The donation drive runs from September 19 to October 13 at any Champaign Park District facility, with the giveaway taking place on October 15 at the Douglas Community Center.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Deadline for Dropping Off Halloween Costumes for Drive and Giveaway
Paxton's Fall Gathering
What to Expect:
A festive celebration with a variety of seasonal activities and vendors.
Description:
Paxton's Fall Gathering is a festive event celebrating the season with over 30 vendors and artists, a pumpkin patch, and a variety of seasonal drinks and snacks. The event features live music, fun activities for kids, and a concession stand serving pork burgers and treats. The event is free to attend and offers free parking.
Where: Paxton | More Info: Paxton's Fall Gathering
Sugar Creek Arts Festival
What to Expect:
The unique feature of the Sugar Creek Arts Festival is its showcase of over 100 local and national artists in a vibrant community setting.
Description:
The Sugar Creek Arts Festival is a free community event featuring more than 100 locally and nationally acclaimed artists. It transforms Uptown Normal into a vibrant arts scene with diverse art forms, providing an opportunity for attendees to explore and appreciate various artistic expressions.
Where: Normal | More Info: Sugar Creek Arts Festival
Village of Camargo Woolly Worm Festival
What to Expect:
The event includes a variety of activities such as wildlife shows, kiddie tractor pulls, and woolly worm races, making it a unique blend of entertainment and fun for all ages.
Description:
The Village of Camargo Woolly Worm Festival is a fun-filled event featuring Aikman Wildlife shows, kiddie tractor pulls, woolly worm races, balloon animals, a magic show, and inflatables. It promises a day of entertainment for all ages at Opal Thompson Park.
Where: Camargo | More Info: Village of Camargo Woolly Worm Festival
CUSR's Cozy Flame Bonfire
What to Expect:
A bonfire bash designed to enhance socialization skills among peers.
Description:
Join CUSR for a night of laughter, music, and memorable moments under the stars at our Cozy Flame Bonfire. Bring out your fall gear and enjoy the campfire treats while enhancing socialization skills with peers.
Where: Champaign | More Info: CUSR's Cozy Flame Bonfire
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Champaign
Champaign Official Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with exclusive privileges at multiple bars, including waived door covers and low drink specials.
Description:
Join the Champaign Official Halloween Bar Crawl on October 26, 2024, for a spooktacular night of bar-hopping. Enjoy free entry into over 4 venues, 2-3 drink vouchers, and a Halloween goodie bag. The event features live music, DJs, and a social media costume contest. Participants will also receive a detailed custom digital pub crawl map and access to generously low drink specials and select food specials.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Champaign Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Champaign Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring over 4 venues with exclusive drink and food specials, a social media costume contest, and a free after-party.
Description:
Join the Champaign Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl on October 26, 2024, for a spooktacular night of Halloween-themed fun. Enjoy over 4 venues, Halloween goodie bags, and exclusive drink specials. The event includes a social media costume contest, live music, and a free after-party. Don't miss out on this wickedly entertaining experience!