Dive headfirst into the Halloween hysteria that grips Palatine with our expertly crafted guide, offering a bewitching blend of frightful festivities and supernatural adventures. Our guide reveals Palatine's Halloween hotspots to seasoned locals and wide-eyed wanderers alike.
Popular Events: Step into a world of thrills at HellsGate Haunted House, where spine-chilling scares await those brave enough to enter. With its immersive environments and expert storytelling, this haunted attraction promises a night to remember. And don't forget to visit Bengtson's Pumpkin Fest, a family-friendly celebration filled with hayrides and pumpkin picking. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Palatine
- All Hallows Eve: Dress for the Dead (Naperville)
- Spooktacular (Lombard)
- Bengtson's Pumpkin Fest (Homer Glen)
- HellsGate Haunted House (Lockport, IL)
- The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival (Highwood)
- Midnight Terror Haunted House (Oak Lawn, IL)
- Night at the Museum: Halloween Party (Wheaton)
- Disturbia Haunted House (Downers Grove, IL)
- Aura Haunted House (Bartonville, IL)
- Schaumburg SeptemberFest (Schaumburg)
See these and even more events listed below!
Palatine Area Haunted Experiences
HellsGate Haunted House
What to Expect:
An immersive haunted house experience featuring escaped prisoners from Statesville Haunted Prison.
Description:
HellsGate Haunted House in Lockport, IL, offers an immersive and thrilling experience. Hidden deep in the woods, this multi-level mansion features secret passages, giant slides, and ghastly secrets. The event combines the award-winning casts and crews of HellsGate and Statesville Prison, creating an unforgettable Halloween season. Visitors must navigate through zombie-infested woods and across Lost Souls Cemetery to find the haunted house. This year, the escaped prisoners of Statesville Haunted Prison are hiding in the woods and roaming the halls of HellsGate, adding to the scare.
Where: Lockport, IL | More Info: HellsGate Haunted House
Disturbia Haunted House
What to Expect:
An immersive haunted house experience with over 30,000 square feet of expertly designed attractions.
Description:
Disturbia Haunted House offers an unparalleled fright house experience near Chicago, IL. Located in Downers Grove, this attraction features expertly designed rooms and scenarios, state-of-the-art special effects, and stunning set designs. With over 30,000 square feet of spine-chilling attractions, it guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you breathless.
Where: Downers Grove, IL | More Info: Disturbia Haunted House
Midnight Terror Haunted House
What to Expect:
An immersive, actor-driven haunted house experience with multiple scare zones and special events.
Description:
Midnight Terror Haunted House is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a mix of "Old School" scares and cutting-edge technology. This immersive experience features multiple scare zones, including Black Oak Grove, the Factory of Malum, and Chainsaw Alley. The haunted house offers various special events like "Lights On Trick-or-Treat," "Blackout," and "Clown Takeover." With over 20 years of experience, Midnight Terror promises an actor-driven show that will haunt your Halloween season.
Where: Oak Lawn, IL | More Info: Midnight Terror Haunted House
Aura Haunted House
What to Expect:
Experience complete darkness during BLACKOUT nights for an unparalleled level of fear.
Description:
Aura Haunted House is a premier haunted attraction located in the Old Peoria State Hospital District. This year, it returns with select nights open from September 27th to November 2nd. Experience the fear in complete darkness during BLACKOUT nights from October 31st to November 2nd. The haunted house offers a very scary experience, suitable for children over 10 and adults, with a detailed and immersive environment that blurs the line between real and props.
Where: Bartonville, IL | More Info: Aura Haunted House
Curran's Orchard Haunted Attractions
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted experience with over 30 scenes of blood, gore, and mayhem.
Description:
Experience the most intense haunted house in Arkansas with over 30 scenes of blood, gore, and mayhem. The new Black Maze features twists, turns, and dead ends, making it a maze like no other.
Where: Rockford, IL | More Info: Curran's Orchard Haunted Attractions
Spirited Escapes - Haunted Mansion
What to Expect:
Immersive paranormal-themed escape room with challenging puzzles.
Description:
Experience the thrill of Spirited Escapes - Haunted Mansion, where you'll delve into a mysterious mansion filled with paranormal activity. Your goal is to find proof of the supernatural and solve the unsolved mystery of Edith Whitby's disappearance. With unique puzzles and an immersive atmosphere, this escape room promises an unforgettable adventure.
Where: Joliet, IL | More Info: Spirited Escapes - Haunted Mansion
Goebbert's Haunted House
What to Expect:
A 10-room haunted house designed for school-age children, offering a scary experience with spooky elements.
Description:
Goebbert's Haunted House is a thrilling attraction designed for school-age children. This 10-room haunted house is filled with spooky elements, ensuring a scary experience for all who dare to enter. The haunted house is part of the larger Fall Festival, which offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including animal encounters, corn mazes, and pumpkin-themed fun.
Where: South Barrington, IL | More Info: Goebbert's Haunted House
Curse of the Bayou
What to Expect:
An intense, claustrophobic haunted attraction with strobe lighting and loud noises.
Description:
The Curse of the Bayou is a thrilling haunted attraction located in Dellwood Park, Lockport, IL. This immersive experience features tight corners, low ceilings, strobe lighting, fog, and loud noises, making it not recommended for young children. Brave souls must navigate through a treacherous maze to escape the wrath of a powerful Voodoo Priestess and her legion of fiendish monsters.
Where: Lockport, IL | More Info: Curse of the Bayou
Necrosis Haunted House
What to Expect:
Utilizes timed ticketing to reduce wait times and improve the customer 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 a unique and frightening experience. Named a Top Ten Haunted House by HauntedIllinois.com for multiple years and the Top Overall Attraction in the state in 2019, Necrosis invites visitors to experience its best show yet in 2024.
Where: Rantoul, IL | More Info: Necrosis Haunted House
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Palatine
All Hallows Eve: Dress for the Dead
What to Expect:
A diverse lineup of Halloween-themed activities and performances suitable for families with children 16 and under.
Description:
All Hallows Eve at Naper Settlement is an annual fall festival designed for families with children 16 and under. The event features a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including a Dress for the Dead Costume Contest, Screams from the Unknown Outdoor Haunt, DÃa De Los Muertos Experience, Alice's Unbirthday Party, and Gargoyle Graveyard. Visitors can enjoy art, performances, and more in a spooky yet family-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Naperville | More Info: All Hallows Eve: Dress for the Dead
Bengtson's Pumpkin Fest
What to Expect:
Unlimited access to thrilling rides and award-winning food in a charming farm setting.
Description:
Bengtson's Pumpkin Fest is a premier fall festival in the Chicagoland area, offering an exciting farm theme park experience. Enjoy unlimited rides, award-winning food, and various activities like pig races, petting zoos, and photo ops. The event is perfect for families, providing a cherished autumn tradition with its charming atmosphere and delicious treats. Join countless families for a day of fun and adventure.
Where: Homer Glen | More Info: Bengtson's Pumpkin Fest
Spooktacular
What to Expect:
A comprehensive Halloween event with various activities for all ages in Downtown Lombard.
Description:
Spooktacular 2024 in Downtown Lombard is a festive Halloween celebration featuring games, trick-or-treating, a costume contest, scavenger hunt, bounce houses, and a craft fair. The event also includes live entertainment, making it a fun-filled day for all ages.
Where: Lombard | More Info: Spooktacular
Night at the Museum: Halloween Party
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with activities like a flashlight scavenger hunt and a train demonstration.
Description:
Join us for a family-friendly Halloween celebration at the DuPage County Historical Museum. Enjoy a screening of 'Night at the Museum,' participate in a flashlight scavenger hunt, and engage in various crafts. The DuPage Society of Model Engineers will also be conducting a train demonstration downstairs. Come dressed in your Halloween costume for an evening of fun and exploration.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Night at the Museum: Halloween Party
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
What to Expect:
Attempting to break two Guinness World Records for the longest line of pumpkin pies and the most jack-o-lanterns displayed.
Description:
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating its 14th year. It features all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations, live music from three stages, children’s and pet costume contests, pumpkin pie eating contests, a variety of food and artisan vendors, full bars, a carnival, hayrides, and more. The festival aims to break two Guinness World Records: the longest line of pumpkin pies and the most jack-o-lanterns displayed. It also includes Pumpkin Town USA and Superhero Skeleton Displays throughout Highwood.
Where: Highwood | More Info: The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
Monster Bash
What to Expect:
A fun-filled Halloween celebration with spooky games and ghoulish treats.
Description:
The Monster Bash is a Halloween event hosted by the Lombard Park District. It features spooky games, ghoulish treats, and encourages attendees to wear costumes. This family-friendly event is perfect for those looking to celebrate Halloween with fun activities.
Where: Lombard | More Info: Monster Bash
Schaumburg SeptemberFest
What to Expect:
The event features a diverse lineup of live music performances by well-known bands.
Description:
Schaumburg SeptemberFest is a vibrant outdoor festival celebrating the end of summer. The event features live music performances by notable bands, including Phillip Phillips, Plain White T's, and 7th heaven. Enjoy a variety of food vendors, craft beer and wine, arts and crafts shows, carnival activities, pony rides, and spectacular fireworks displays. This family-friendly event draws over 100,000 patrons from Schaumburg and surrounding communities, making it a must-visit destination for Labor Day weekend.
Where: Schaumburg | More Info: Schaumburg SeptemberFest
Halloween Party
What to Expect:
A variety of fun activities tailored for young children, including a story time, Halloween craft, and trick-or-treat trail.
Description:
The Halloween Party at the Palatine Park District is a spooktacular event designed for families with children aged 2-8. The event includes story time provided by the Palatine Library, a Halloween craft, a monster mash dance party, bounce house fun, carnival games, and a trick-or-treat trail. Pre-registration is required, and all adults and children must be registered to attend.
Where: Palatine | More Info: Halloween Party
Pumpkin King Carving Court
What to Expect:
Unique feature is the combination of pumpkin carving with an outdoor screening of a Halloween-themed movie.
Description:
Join the Pumpkin King Carving Court for a fun and festive pumpkin carving event. The Glen Ellyn Park District will provide pumpkins and all necessary tools, allowing participants to unleash their creativity. After carving, enjoy snacks, refreshments, and treats. All carved creations will be showcased in the Pumpkins on Main exhibit from October 24 to October 31. The event concludes with an outdoor screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
Where: Glen Ellyn | More Info: Pumpkin King Carving Court
Haunt on Hirsch Street
What to Expect:
A free family block party featuring haunted and spooky displays, inflatables, a DJ, games, and free hot dogs.
Description:
Join the Haunt on Hirsch Street Family Block Party for a spooky yet family-friendly celebration. Enjoy inflatables, a DJ, games, and free hot dogs while exploring haunted and spooky displays. Wear your Halloween costumes and take a selfie in our haunted gallery. This event is brought to you by the Veterans Park District and the Melrose Park Youth Commission.
Where: Melrose Park | More Info: Haunt on Hirsch Street
Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze Haunted Attractions
What to Expect:
The event offers a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages, from challenging corn mazes to relaxing hayrides and adrenaline-pumping zip lines.
Description:
Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze is a six-week celebration of autumn featuring a variety of family-friendly activities, including an 8-acre corn maze, hayrides, zip lines, and a petting zoo. Visitors can also pick their own pumpkins and enjoy live music, craft beer, and festive food options.
Where: Aurora, IL | More Info: Abbey Farms Pumpkin Daze Haunted Attractions
Sustainable Halloween at Palatine's Farmers Market
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration emphasizing eco-friendly practices and sustainability.
Description:
Join Sustainable Halloween at Palatine's Farmers Market on October 26, 2024, for a fun-filled experience focused on eco-friendly practices. Learn from the Fremd Green Team about sustainability and enjoy shopping for local produce and delicious treats while reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Where: Palatine | More Info: Sustainable Halloween at Palatine's Farmers Market
Halloween for Ghouls and Goblins
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration tailored specifically for young children, including activities, games, and trick-or-treating.
Description:
Join the Darien Park District for a fun-filled Halloween party designed for 2-5 year olds. The event features activities, games, and crafts, all while dressed in costumes. Pizza will be served, and the evening concludes with trick-or-treating around the Community Center. This exclusive party for little ones ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Where: Darien | More Info: Halloween for Ghouls and Goblins
Halloween Hustle 5K
What to Expect:
The event offers a unique blend of Halloween-themed activities and festivities, including a costume contest, kids' dash, and an after-party.
Description:
The Halloween Hustle 5K is a family-friendly Halloween-themed race that takes place in Palatine, Illinois. Participants can choose from a 5K run or walk and enjoy various festivities including a costume contest, kids' dash, and an after-party with awards and refreshments. The event aims to create an enchanted spirit with its Halloween-themed activities and decorations.
Where: Palatine | More Info: Halloween Hustle 5K
SAFE Halloween Party at Salt Creek Sports Center
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with games, prizes, and a coloring station for families.
Description:
The SAFE Halloween Party at Salt Creek Sports Center is a family-friendly event featuring games with prizes, a coloring station, a Halloween costume parade, and more. Each participant will receive one slice of pizza to enjoy during the event. Pre-registration is required, and parents must accompany children.
Where: Palatine | More Info: SAFE Halloween Party at Salt Creek Sports Center
Trick or Treat in Downtown Palatine
What to Expect:
The unique feature of this event is the opportunity to trick-or-treat at various businesses in a festive downtown setting.
Description:
Join us in Downtown Palatine for a fun-filled Halloween celebration. Wear your best costumes and trick-or-treat at various businesses throughout the downtown area. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, offering a delightful experience amidst the festive atmosphere of Halloween.