Spooky Season in Highland Park
Pumpkins, treats, gatherings, decor, and more… Let our guide to Spooky Season raise your spirits. Check back often, new entries are added weekly!
Events
Downtown Highland Park
Through Halloween
FREE
Take a self-led, leisurely walk through Downtown Highland Park’s Scarecrow Trail to see over two dozen festive scarecrows, each uniquely decorated by local businesses.
Two-Sentence Horror Stories
Got a super short, super creepy story? Share it with the Library! Stop by the Youth Services desk to pick up your entry form. Come back on Halloween to see your entry among Highland Park’s most spine-tingling tales.
Park District of Highland Park
Heller Nature Center - 2821 Ridge Rd.
OCT. 16 | 10 AM - 11 AM
$15 Resident / $18 Nonresident
Search the mini pumpkin patch at the Heller Nature Center and pick the perfect pumpkin to make your own. Then, let your creativity shine—paint, stickers, googly eyes, and more will be on hand for you to decorate a one-of-a-kind pumpkin masterpiece to take home!
Show your bones! Create a skeleton hand with the Library just in time for spooky season. Pick up materials at the Youth Services Desk while supplies last.
Downtown Highland Park Halloween Happenings
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Renaissance Place | 1849 Green Bay Rd.
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar | 1879 Second St.
OCT. 23 | 3 PM - 6 PM
Downtown Highland Park has multiple special ways to celebrate Halloween on October 23. Trick-or-Treat at participating businesses across Downtown. Find music, a face painter, and a 5 PM doggie costume contest at Port Clinton Square. Stop by Renaissance Place for more music and face painting, as well as balloons! And don’t miss out on a scary-good Halloween Bash at Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar! More details coming soon!
Jens Jensen Park - 540 Roger Williams Ave.
OCT. 24 | 3:30PM - 5PM
FREE
The annual Ravinia District Halloween Candy Stroll returns on Friday, October 24, 2025! Pick up a candy collection bag at Jens Jensen Park (540 Roger Williams Ave.) Visit participating businesses within the Ravinia District for trick-or-treating, then head back to Jens Jensen Park for tons of fun, games, and a contest to guess the weight of a giant pumpkin!
Park District of Highland Park
Club Pickle & Padel | 2205 Skokie Valley Rd.
OCT. 24 | 5 PM - 9 PM
FREE premier membership / $10 standard membership / $15 non-member
All ages and levels are invited to join the Park District for a spooktacular night on the courts! Wear your favorite costume (encouraged, not required) and enjoy festive open play with friends. There will be themed music, treats and plenty of pickleball fun!
Park District of Highland Park
River’s Edge Mini Golf | 2205 Skokie Valley Rd. | 847.831.3810
OCT. 25 | 9 AM - 7 PM
FREE
Dress in costume and receive a free round at River’s Edge Mini Golf on October 25, no reservations necessary!
It’s spooky season at the Library! Head over on October 25 to discuss one of the most feared and adored monsters and his eternal legacy in cinema. From classic portrayals such as Schreck, Lugosi and Lee to more contemporary performances like Oldman, Cage, and Skarsgård.
Romantic to terrifying. Who's your favorite? What’s their appeal?
There are numerous Dracula movies you can find through the library. If you need assistance with acquiring or accessing titles, feel free to drop by the Adult Services desk, or call (847) 681-7031 or e-mail ref@hplibrary.org
Snacks provided by the library.
Park District of Highland Park
Hidden Creek Aqua Park - 1220 Fredrickson Plaza | 847.831.3810
OCT. 30 | 3:30 PM - 5 PM
FREE
Join the Park District in celebrating the season with a free, family-friendly Trunk or Treat event at Hidden Creek Aqua Park on October 30! Kids are invited to trick-or-treat from car to car, collecting treats from creatively decorated trunks hosted by Park District staff and local community groups. Costumes are encouraged!
Dining
Halloween Candy Pairing
Who said Halloween candy was only for kids? Through October 31 indulge in a spookily sweet wine pairing at Lynfred Winery: sparking VDC rose & gummy bears, riesling 2024 & Skittles, petit verdot 2019 & Twix, and plum wine & Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Boorrito is Back!
1766 Second St. | 847.748.8086
Available through October 31
The Boorrito from Curt’s Cafe has been resurrected! Get it now before it returns to the spirit world on October 31. This delicious treat is comprised of seasoned ground beef, lettuce, corn, black beans, pico de gallo, salsa verde, avocado, and chihuahua cheese, all wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with chips and a pickle.
Retail
Halloween Collection
1780 Green Bay Rd. | 847.681.0200
Find candles, tablescapes, decor, home goods, accessories, and more to enliven your home.
Contact Marketing Coordinator, Diane Larson, to have your Halloween event, menu, or decor featured.