HAPPY HALLOWEEN

FROM FALL FUN TO CHILLING THRILLS, CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THESE SPOOKY HAPPENINGS

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Oswegoland Park District and St. Charles Business Alliance

Whether you’re a thrillseeker who loves a good fright at haunted houses or you’re looking for a mild but fun family event, there’s a wide variety of ways to celebrate Halloween. Here are seven fun Halloween events taking place in northern Illinois. Don’t forget to check online closer to the event dates for the latest health and safety guidelines.

¢ PUMPKIN FEST Sept. 25-Oct. 31 Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm 17250 Weber Road, Lockport www.ourpumpkinfarm.com Soak up beautiful fall colors during Pumpkin Fest, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Halloween. Enjoy over 35 activities including navigating the corn maze, visiting with farm animals and playing games such as giant Connect Four and cornhole. Admission is $19.95 when purchased online and $31.95 weekends and Columbus Day for an all-inclusive pass. Kids 2 and under are free.

¢ INSANITY HAUNTED HOUSE Friday-Sunday, Oct. 1-Halloween (closed Oct. 3) 3940 Route 251, Peru www.insanityhh.com/home.html Find out for yourself why Insanity Haunted House was voted Illinois’ No. 3 must-see haunted attraction in 2020. Experience over 10,000 square feet of fear as you make your way through rooms “full of torture, torment and terrifying screams.” Doors open at 7 p.m. Although intended for an older audience, youngsters can join in the fun during a special kids matinee from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17, 24 and 31, which scales back on the scary and amps up old-fashioned Halloween fun. Tickets, which can be purchased online, cost $15 per person and $25 to skip the line.

¢ HALLOWEEN EGGHAUNT & COSTUME PARTY Oct. 2 The Bettendorf Castle 418 Concord Ave., Fox River Grove www.bettendorfcastle.com Explore the grounds of the historic Bettendorf Castle during the Halloween Egghaunt & Costume Party. Be sure to wear your costume for a chance to win prizes in the costume contest. The event, which is from 1 to 3 p.m., also features a balloon artist, face painting and light refreshments. Tickets, which can be purchased online, cost $45 for children ages 2-11 and $30 for ages 12 and over.

¢ SCARECROW FEST Oct. 8-10 Downtown St. Charles www.scarecrowfest.com For a family event without the scary factor, check out Scarecrow Festival. Stroll through downtown St. Charles to view the socially distanced scarecrows and vote for your favorites. Head to Lincoln Park between Fourth and Fifth streets for the Family Zone, which will feature activities including a magic show, face painting, pumpkin carving and more. Want to continue the fun at home? Purchase a Scarecrow in a Box containing all the supplies you’ll need to make your own scarecrow. Scarecrow Fest hours are noon-6 p.m. Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 9 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 10.

¢ ALL HALLOWS’ EVE Oct. 15-16 Naper Settlement 523 S. Webster St., Naperville www.napersettlement.org For two nights from 6:30 to 10 p.m., Naper Settlement is transformed into a backdrop for eerie, spine-chilling performances and collaborative experiences. Popular spooky stories will come to life, such as “Sweeney Todd” and “Frankenstein’s Laboratory.” Be on the lookout for lost souls, said to be roaming around the zombie maze and bug show. This event is ideal for ages 8 and up, not younger children. Check the website for ticket prices and the full lineup of events. Check the website for more information about Naper Settlement’s other Halloween event, Howlin’ at the Moon, for adults and taking place Oct. 22-23.

¢ MONSTER MASH BASH Oct. 30 Oswego High School 4250 Route 71, Oswego www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org Youngsters can come dressed in their Halloween costume for an afternoon of crafts, games and more during the Oswegoland Park District’s 37th annual Monster Mash Bash. The event will be from 2 to 4 p.m. New this year, you can pay $5 per child in advance online by Oct. 28, or $8 per child at the door. Adults are free. ¢ HAUNTED HALLOWEEN FLEA MARKET Oct. 30 DuPage County Fairgrounds 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton www.zurkopromotions.com From 3 p.m. to midnight, vendors and customers dressed in costume will roam the DuPage County Fairgrounds during this flea market. Peruse hundreds of vendors offering a wide range of offerings from old comic books and movie memorabilia to decor and collectibles. Past events have included a pumpkin carver, artists and hayride. Admission is free for ages 12 and under, and $9 for ages 13 and older.