Unearth the hidden frights of Evanston this Halloween with our in-depth guide, offering a treasure trove of spine-tingling events and supernatural experiences. Brave Evanston's haunted hotspots with our guide, a companion for both resident revenants and daring daytrippers.
This season, the 13th Floor Haunted House promises thrills and chills as you navigate through its eerie corridors. If you're looking for a family-friendly option, the 2024 Trick or Treat Stroll features a delightful mix of costumed characters and treats for the little ghouls and goblins. And the Hayride of Horror is something you definitely don't want to miss, combining a scenic ride with spine-chilling stories along the way. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Evanston
- 13th Floor Haunted House (Chicago)
- 2024 Trick or Treat Stroll
- Hayride of Horror (Lockport)
- Evanston Zombie Scramble
- Basement of the Dead Haunted House (Aurora)
- Wicked Wilmette (Wilmette)
- Northbrook's Halloween Pet Parade (Northbrook)
- Haunt 31 (Lake in the Hills)
- Odyssey Fun Farm (Tinley Park)
- Buck Russell's Cupcake Class - Halloween (Wilmette)
See these and even more events listed below!
Evanston Area Haunted Experiences
Hayride of Horror
What to Expect:
A haunted hayride experience with eerie movies and a bonfire, set in a park with intense fog and strobe lighting.
Description:
Experience the Hayride of Horror at Dellwood Park, where dark and mysterious forces will play with your imagination. Ride through the heart of the park while spirits of the long forgotten welcome you home. Enjoy eerie movies on a 20-foot outdoor movie screen and warm up by the bonfire while awaiting your hayride. This event is not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart conditions due to intense fog and strobe lighting.
Where: Lockport | More Info: Hayride of Horror
Basement of the Dead Haunted House
What to Expect:
An immersive plunge into the heart of horror with two distinct haunted house attractions.
Description:
Experience the terror of Basement of the Dead Haunted House, located in Aurora, IL, just outside of Chicago. This spine-chilling attraction features two distinct haunted houses: the twisted corridors of an abandoned underground laboratory in the Basement of the Dead and the surreal world of Shattered 3D, where walls come alive with stunning visuals and spine-tingling scares. Navigate through labyrinthine corridors fraught with unexpected terrors and nightmarish creatures, ensuring an unforgettable and bone-chilling experience.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Basement of the Dead Haunted House
Haunt 31
What to Expect:
Haunt 31 offers an immersive and startling experience with extensive professional homemade animations and props.
Description:
Haunt 31 is one of the nation's top home haunts, offering an extensive array of professional homemade animations, props, static displays, special effects, scents, sounds, and walk-through experiences. The haunt includes displays covering the front and side yards, as well as the entire garage, with much attention to detail. The "Chair" animated ride and the opportunity to take your deceased picture in our standing casket are highlights of this immersive and startling experience.
Where: Lake in the Hills | More Info: Haunt 31
13th Floor Haunted House
What to Expect:
Immersive and interactive haunted house experiences featuring various terrifying themes and attractions.
Description:
Experience the world-famous 13th Floor Haunted House, Chicago’s ultimate Halloween event. This year, face off against furious aliens, forgotten folklore creatures, and ravenous zombies in immersive and terrifying attractions. Enjoy interactive experiences like mini escape rooms and themed cocktails at the secret bar, making it a night to remember.
Where: Chicago | More Info: 13th Floor Haunted House
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Evanston
2024 Trick or Treat Stroll
What to Expect:
Trick-or-treating at local businesses with an official map and fall arts and crafts activities.
Description:
The 2024 Trick or Treat Stroll in Downtown Evanston is a family-friendly event where children can trick-or-treat at local businesses. The event takes place on Saturday, October 26, from 2-4 PM. Participants can meet at Fountain Square to pick up an official Trick-or-Treat Stroll map and enjoy various fall arts and crafts activities. Trick-or-treating is free, and creative costumes are encouraged.
Where: Evanston | More Info: 2024 Trick or Treat Stroll
Evanston Zombie Scramble
What to Expect:
A zombie-themed obstacle course race where participants must avoid "zombies" trying to grab their flags.
Description:
The Evanston Zombie Scramble is a fun and challenging event where participants wear flag football belts with flags hanging off them. The goal is to finish the approximately two-mile course without losing any flags, which would turn you into a zombie. The event features two challenge stops, first-aid stations, and a post-scramble party with local food and activities.
Where: Evanston | More Info: Evanston Zombie Scramble
Wicked Wilmette
What to Expect:
A variety of family-friendly activities including inflatables, face painting, and a pumpkin patch.
Description:
Wicked Wilmette is a family-friendly event celebrating Fall and Halloween. It features inflatables, face painting, magic shows, games, and more. Visitors can explore Spooky Stations scattered throughout the park to collect various giveaways and treats. The event also includes a pumpkin patch where visitors can choose and decorate their favorite pumpkins. Free event parking and a haunted shuttle bus are available for convenience.
Where: Wilmette | More Info: Wicked Wilmette
Northbrook's Halloween Pet Parade
What to Expect:
A fun and family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring a pet parade and costume contest.
Description:
Join Northbrook's Halloween Pet Parade at Techny Prairie Park and Fields on October 25, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This festive event allows you to show off your wonderful pets and participate in a costume contest, featuring categories for best look-alike pet, pet and owner combo costume, and the spookiest animal. Registration is available until the event begins, and participants must be 18 years or older to register.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Northbrook's Halloween Pet Parade
Buck Russell's Cupcake Class - Halloween
What to Expect:
Take home your own decorated cupcakes after a guided cupcake decoration session.
Description:
Join Buck Russell's Cupcake Class - Halloween for a fun and creative experience where you can master the art of cupcake decoration under the guidance of their talented decorator and bakery manager, Bobbi Ellis. Each session is approximately one hour, and you'll take home your work of art, six beautifully decorated cupcakes. Advanced booking is required, and snacks and NA beverages are available. The event is suitable for all ages, and there's an option to add beer and wine for those 21+.
Where: Wilmette | More Info: Buck Russell's Cupcake Class - Halloween
Odyssey Fun Farm
What to Expect:
Immersive farm experience with a variety of interactive and educational activities.
Description:
Odyssey Fun Farm in Tinley Park, IL, is a 110-acre farm offering a variety of family-friendly activities, including a 13-acre pumpkin patch, a 15-acre corn maze, and a 5-acre courtyard with attractions like the Giant Pillow Bouncy, Expanded Barnyard Zoo, Cow Train, Duck Races, and Hay Rides. The farm also features unique experiences like the Zombie Safari Hay Ride and the Containment 'Z' Zombie Paintball Shooting Gallery.
Where: Tinley Park | More Info: Odyssey Fun Farm
Windy Acres Farm Fall Festival
What to Expect:
The festival offers a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for families, including moon bounces, ziplines, and a petting zoo.
Description:
Windy Acres Farm Fall Festival is a family-friendly event featuring a variety of fall activities, including pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, and live entertainment. The festival offers attractions like moon bounces, ziplines, and a petting zoo, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Where: Geneva | More Info: Windy Acres Farm Fall Festival
Konow's Corn Maze
What to Expect:
Unique feature: A variety of seasonal activities including a corn maze, animal yard, and Halloween-themed events.
Description:
Experience the magic of fall at Konow's Corn Maze. Enjoy a variety of activities including a corn maze, animal yard, fun rides, and an indoor play land. This season, don't miss out on our annual Ghouls Night Out event on October 3rd, featuring delicious food vendors and spooky delights. Visit us on September 14th and 15th for our opening weekend and every weekend starting September 21st for Mama Zoey’s Puppy Rescue.
Where: Homer Glen | More Info: Konow's Corn Maze
Tom's Farm Market Fall Festival
What to Expect:
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly night exploring the 7-acre Corn Maze and moonlit hayride with special night-time treats.
Description:
Tom's Farm Market Fall Festival is an all-day event featuring a variety of activities for kids and adults alike. Enjoy the Moonlight Corn Maze, 7-acre Corn Maze, and moonlit hayride. Other activities include a straw maze, climbing spider web, petting zoo, and giant pumpkin jumper. The event also includes special night-time treats and bonfires.