Unlock the secrets of Springfield's spookiest season with our Halloween guide. Our handbook serves as a compass through Springfield's foggy Halloween landscape for local will-o'-the-wisps and lost travelers.
Popular Events: Experience the eerie charm of the Springfield Hauntings Tours, which weave guests through the city’s ghostly past on intriguing storytelling journeys. With a backdrop of spring's historic sites, it's a unique way to engage with local lore. And don’t forget the Zoolie Ghoulie at Henson Robinson Zoo, where families can enjoy festive decorations and spooky animal encounters. The Aura Haunted House is something you definitely don't want to miss for its immersive frightful atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Springfield
- Springfield Hauntings Tours (Springfield, IL)
- Zoolie Ghoulie at Henson Robinson Zoo
- Henson Robinson Zoo Lights
- The Dinner Detective Halloween Murder Mystery Show
- Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
- Aura Haunted House (Bartonville, IL)
- Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show
- The Haunted Woods Of Creek Hill (Mount Auburn, IL)
- FREE Family-Friendly Concerts with the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
- Clinton's Terror On Washington Street Haunted House (Clinton, IL)
See these and even more events listed below!
Springfield Area Haunted Experiences
Springfield Hauntings Tours
What to Expect:
A well-researched walking tour that explores the haunted history of Lincoln's hometown, featuring eerie folklore and ghostly tales.
Description:
Springfield Hauntings Tours offer a 2-2.5 hour walking tour through the haunted history of Lincoln's hometown. The tour delves into the city's dark past, including stories of Spiritualism, seances, and grave robbery. Visitors will explore historic homes and buildings, uncovering eerie folklore and ghostly tales that have become part of Springfield's folklore.
Where: Springfield, IL | More Info: Springfield Hauntings Tours
Aura Haunted House
What to Expect:
Experience complete darkness with the BLACKOUT event, featuring one glowstick per group to guide through the haunted house.
Description:
Aura Haunted House is a thrilling experience located in the Old Peoria State Hospital District. It opens select nights from September 27th to November 2nd, offering a variety of scares. The BLACKOUT event, which takes place from October 31st to November 2nd, adds an extra layer of terror with complete darkness. Visitors can expect intense audio and lighting, extreme low visibility, and a physically demanding environment.
Where: Bartonville, IL | More Info: Aura Haunted House
The Haunted Woods Of Creek Hill
What to Expect:
A haunted trail experience with immersive sets and live actors in a 10-acre wooded landscape.
Description:
The Haunted Woods of Creek Hill is a thrilling Halloween event located in the heart of the hillbilly devil’s triangle near Mt. Auburn, Illinois. Spanning over 10 acres of wooded landscape, this haunted trail offers a terrifying experience with its eerie atmosphere and live actors. Visitors can choose between a Nightly Pass and a FAST Pass to navigate through the haunted woods. The event is known for its immersive sets and unpredictable scares, making it a must-visit for thrill seekers.
Where: Mount Auburn, IL | More Info: The Haunted Woods Of Creek Hill
Clinton's Terror On Washington Street Haunted House
What to Expect:
A haunted house experience with intense audio and lighting effects that challenge participants' limits.
Description:
Clinton's Terror On Washington Street Haunted House is a spine-chilling experience that has been thrilling audiences for over 31 years. This haunted house features intense audio and lighting effects, including strobe lights, extreme low visibility, damp conditions, fog, and a physically demanding environment. It is not suitable for those under 10 years old, pregnant individuals, those with claustrophobia or heart/respiratory problems, or anyone appearing intoxicated or wearing a cast/medical brace/crutches. The event includes a Friendly Ghost Tour that may be too intense for younger audiences.
Where: Clinton, IL | More Info: Clinton's Terror On Washington Street Haunted House
Blood Moon Manor
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted experience with additional attractions like Reaper's Ride and Mrs. Skinner's Kitchen.
Description:
Blood Moon Manor is a thrilling haunted attraction in Forest City, Illinois, celebrating its 5th year of feeding fear. The event features three terrifying trails, including Reaper's Ride and Mrs. Skinner's Kitchen, offering a refreshed and revamped experience for 2024.
Where: Forest City, IL | More Info: Blood Moon Manor
The Haunted Drive
What to Expect:
A 3-4 hour bus tour that explores Decatur's most haunted locations, revealing both the city’s history and its ghostly past.
Description:
Haunted Decatur offers immersive tours that delve into the city's dark history, including crime scenes, unsolved murders, and scandals. The tours take guests to Decatur's most haunted locations, providing a unique blend of history and haunting experiences.
Where: Decatur, IL | More Info: The Haunted Drive
The Haunted Hideaway
What to Expect:
The Haunted Hideaway is the biggest haunted attraction within 100 miles in Illinois.
Description:
The Haunted Hideaway is a premier haunted attraction in Illinois, offering a thrilling experience from October 1st to November 1st. Located at 1201 E. 12th Street in Georgetown, IL, this event is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6 PM to 10 PM on Thursdays and Sundays, and from 6 PM to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. With adult tickets priced at $15 and child tickets at $10, it promises to be the biggest haunted attraction within 100 miles. Guests can also opt for a paranormal overnight stay for $25.
Where: Georgetown, IL | More Info: The Haunted Hideaway
Undead Acres
What to Expect:
Experience a unique blend of zombie-themed paintball and haunted attractions in a family-friendly environment.
Description:
Undead Acres offers a thrilling Halloween experience with its Zombie Paintball, Haunted Evergreen Maze, and Paintball Shooting Gallery. Visitors can ride through a zombie-infested nursery, practice their aim in the shooting gallery, and test their sense of direction in the haunted maze. The event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, making it a perfect spot for a fun and spooky outing.
Where: Monee, IL | More Info: Undead Acres
Wicked Walkthru
What to Expect:
Comprehensive directory of Illinois haunted attractions and events.
Description:
HauntedIllinois.com offers a comprehensive directory of Illinois haunted houses, hayrides, haunted trails, home haunts, yard displays, and fall festivals. The site includes reviews of haunted houses, local trick-or-treat hours, Haunt Industry news, and links to hundreds of Halloween-related websites. It also features a calendar of Halloween events and a directory of real haunted places in Illinois.
Where: Joliet, IL | More Info: Wicked Walkthru
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Springfield
Zoolie Ghoulie at Henson Robinson Zoo
What to Expect:
Halloween celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Zoolie Ghoulie at Henson Robinson Zoo offers a fun and festive atmosphere for safe trick-or-treating. Enjoy a spooktacular time with your whole family while exploring the zoo. Admission is just $5 per person.
Where: Springfield | More Info: Zoolie Ghoulie at Henson Robinson Zoo
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
What to Expect:
Participatory and family-focused Halloween celebration with professional and community-carved pumpkins.
Description:
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is a family-friendly event featuring over 2,000 illuminated hand-carved jack-o-lanterns displayed around the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park Botanical Garden. The event includes special Carillon music, lighting, sound effects, and unique Tree Lights, making it a participatory and family-focused celebration.
Where: Springfield | More Info: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Henson Robinson Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Thousands of twinkling lights adorn the zoo each season, turning the grounds into a magical wonderland.
Description:
The Henson Robinson Zoo Lights is a family-friendly holiday event featuring a self-guided walking tour through a light spectacular, set to holiday music from Pure Oldies 107.5 FM. Thousands of twinkling lights adorn the zoo each season, turning the grounds into a magical wonderland.
Where: Springfield | More Info: Henson Robinson Zoo Lights
Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show
What to Expect:
The event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore a wide variety of minerals and fossils from around the world.
Description:
The East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show is a premier event where attendees can discover minerals and fossils from around the globe. The show features a variety of exhibits, including wholesale and retail shopping of cabochons, cut-stones, minerals, crystals, gemstones, and fossils. The event takes place at the Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, from August 9 to August 11, 2024.
Where: Springfield | More Info: Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show
FREE Family-Friendly Concerts with the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
What to Expect:
The unique feature of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series is its ability to bring diverse communities together through free, live music performances.
Description:
The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series is a free, family-friendly concert series held every Thursday night near the Governor's Mansion in Downtown Springfield. This event features an incredible lineup of talented musicians from around the world, bringing communities together through the power of live music. The series runs from May 30 to August 1, 2024, and is made possible by a matching grant from the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation.
Where: Springfield | More Info: FREE Family-Friendly Concerts with the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
Kite Festival at Southwind Park
What to Expect:
Demonstration of kite flying by professional kite flyers from around the nation.
Description:
The Great Lawn Kite Festival at Southwind Park is a family-friendly event that promises a memorable experience. Professional kite flyers and dealers from around the nation will demonstrate the art of kite flying. The festival includes a variety of activities such as water bounce houses, face painting, and live music. It is a perfect day for families and kite enthusiasts to enjoy colorful kites and thrilling aerial displays.
Where: Springfield | More Info: Kite Festival at Southwind Park
Old Capitol Farmer’s Market
What to Expect:
A producer-only market that strengthens the local economy by providing public access to fresh, healthy foods at reasonable prices.
Description:
The Old Capitol Farmers Market is an award-winning market in Downtown Springfield, Illinois, celebrating its 25th year. It operates every Wednesday and Saturday from May 15 to October 26, 2024, offering fresh produce, local goods, and artisan products. The market supports small farms and local growers, encourages healthy lifestyles, and serves as a community gathering place.
Where: Springfield | More Info: Old Capitol Farmer’s Market
7th Annual Downtown Springfield Halloween Parade
What to Expect:
A festive lighted parade featuring floats and special Halloween guests.
Description:
The 7th Annual Downtown Springfield Halloween Parade is a family-friendly event where families line the streets as floats, children, and other special Halloween guests parade through the festive evening. The route spans Jefferson to 5th Street, Monroe to 6th Street, and Washington. This lighted parade is a highlight of the Halloween season in Springfield, Illinois.
Where: Springfield | More Info: 7th Annual Downtown Springfield Halloween Parade
Monster Mash Halloween Dance
What to Expect:
A free, inclusive Halloween dance event with various activities for all ages.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular night at the Monster Mash Halloween Dance Come dressed in your spookiest, scariest, or silliest costume for a fang-tastic time filled with refreshments, treat bags, face painting, and a costume contest. This free event is open to all ages and takes place at Erin's Pavilion on Friday, October 25th from 7-9 PM. It's sure to be a scream!