From trunk or treats and other family-friendly events, to adult gatherings, there’s tons of events happening around Southern Illinois this month, but I’m highlighting a few. I chose things that were a bit off the beaten path, like a spooky outdoor trail as well as an enchanted pumpkin glow, a Halloween dog parade, a few indoor trick or treat options, as well as some other unique spooky season celebrations.
Metro East:
Friday, Oct. 16 & Saturday, Oct. 17
The Smithton Haunted Trail is happening in the village of Smithton. Tickets are required for the event, and is best suited for older children and adults, with kid-friendly activities, an outdoor movie theater and concessions available as well.
Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Downtown Belleville’s Halloween Pub Crawl will take place at participating Main Street bars and restaurants.
Find out more on Facebook.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Historic Main Street businesses in Columbia welcome children to trick or treat on the Saturday before Halloween from 10 a.m. – noon. Stop by City Hall for kids’ activities and music, with a costume contest at City Hall at noon.
Get more info.
Sunday, Oct. 25
The Howl’oween Pet Parade is happening at N. High and N. Lincoln parking lot in Belleville.
Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 30
The downtown trick or treat celebration is happening in Belleville on East Main Street.
Get more info.
Route 3 Corridor:
Thursday, Oct. 22
Lieferbräu Brewery in Red Bud is having a Ghouls Night Out event that will include creativity, cocktails, and fun. Clay by Cait will be there to guide attendees in making two pieces of clay jewelry perfect for spooky season.
Tickets required to attend.
Thursday, Oct. 22
Mascoutah’s 1st Annual Trunk or Treat is happening from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in Scheve Park. Businesses, organizations, families, and residents are invited to decorate a vehicle and hand out treats to local children.
Learn more.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Mascoutah is hosting a trunk or treat event from 6-9 p.m.
Get more info.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Head to Red Bud for a bewitching evening of themed cocktails, food, contests, giveaways, and more when the town’s Witches Night Out event happens, beginning at 4 p.m.
Find tickets and a list of businesses participating.
Little Egypt:
Thursday, Oct. 22 – Saturday, Oct. 24
Green Earth in Carbondale is hosting a three-day pumpkin glow event from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. each night. This nighttime hike in the woods will be illuminated by the glow of 1,000 pumpkins.
Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 24
The Benton Fall Fest is happening at West City Park from noon – 6 p.m. and will include spooky fun like tarot readings, a dog costume contest, face painting, and a trunk or treat from 4-6 p.m.
Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 24
The Pumpkin Experience is happening in Murphysboro from 5-9 p.m. at 217 N. 17th Street.
Get more info.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville is hosting an indoor trick or treat event from 4-6 p.m. The community is invited to this free, family event.
More details.
Thursday, Oct. 29
First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville is having an indoor trick or treat event from 6-7:30 p.m. Find candy, food, and drinks at the event.
Find out more.
Friday, Oct. 30
The Harrisburg Kroger will have a Friday Night Frights Halloween celebration from 6-8 p.m. Customers are encouraged to dress up for the event, and it will feature caramel apple dipping, a cake walk, trick or treating in the store’s departments, and other Halloween activities.
Get more info.
