It’s that time of year: Apple cider, falling leaves, and a shared overconsumption of packaged sweets. And of course, October leads up to its pinnacle on All Hallows' Eve.
The holiday is in two weeks, meaning festivities are in order for those who celebrate in Central Illinois—or those looking for a good scare. October in McLean County is for blood-curdling screams, light-up skeletons and community-organized chaos. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fall fun, teen scream nights or you just want an excuse to wear your cape in public—there's something lurking around every cornfield.
For the little ghouls:
Halloween Hullabaloo at the Normal Public Library returns on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. and again on Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. Kids can expect story time, songs, a costume parade, activities and all the adorable chaos that comes with trying to keep a balloon in one hand and a bucket of candy in the other. It’s geared toward the preschool crowd, but all are welcome — especially those in costume.
Meanwhile, Miller Park Zoo is hosting its annual Howlabaloo on Oct. 25 from 5–8 p.m. and Oct. 26, 12–3 p.m. You’ll find face painting, crafts, vendors, and glowing Halloween decor alongside actual animals. Hayrides are $4..
Over at the Bloomington Ice Center, the Halloween Skate Fest takes over the rink on Oct. 26 from 2:30–4 p.m. Glide your way across the ice to spooky tunes, snack on themed treats, and catch a special skating performance. If you’re planning on bringing your cape, costumes get you a $1 discount on admission.
Teens & YAs: After-hours mischief, approved
The Normal Public Library is throwing a Teen Halloween Party at 5:30 p.m. on Halloween. This after-hours bash is packed with games, a costume contest, a creepy scavenger hunt and plenty of tricks and treats. It’s for ages 11–18, and registration is required.
Additionally, Heartland Community College is hosting a one-night-only horror film screening that’s perfect for film buffs, college students and anyone who loves a good scream. On Oct. 30 from 6–8 p.m., swing by the Astroth Center's Auditorium for Haunted Hunter: A Showcase of Heartland Horror Films. These are student-created short films from the last four years — full of jump scares, weird twists and maybe a little accidental comedy. There’s a costume contest, door prizes, and snacks. Best of all: It’s free.
Local lore, ghost stories & a haunted library
If you're the type who’d rather hear a good ghost story than be part of one, there’s something a little quieter happening at the El Paso District Library on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Performer and storyteller Terry Lynch presents Summon the Halloween Spirit, an adults-only event filled with eerie global folklore and the backstories behind our favorite Halloween icons.
Or, step indoors — and upward — for a truly unique Halloween experience at the ISU Planetarium, where Ghostly Tales Under the Stars pairs live storytelling with the wonder of the cosmos. In collaboration with Improv Mafia, these shows feature haunting tales set beneath a dome of stars. Showtimes are Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Midnight, and Oct. 25 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Head to Downtown Bloomington on Oct. 23 from 5–9 p.m. for Witches & Wizards Night Out — an evening of costumes, dancing and Halloween fun. Start by exploring local shops, then gather at Eaton Studio Gallery, 411 N. Center St., at 5:30 p.m. for a live performance of the Witches Dance. After that, join the Witches & Wizards Promenade around downtown, with more performances along the way. Costumes are encouraged, and the fun keeps going until 9 p.m. with music, shopping and plenty of spooky surprises.
A trail full of scares, enter if you dare...
Looking for real scares — the kind that involves an occasional chainsaw? Start with The Haunted Trail, a two-weekend event that transforms a stretch of Constitution Trail into a nightmarish gauntlet of lighting effects, soundscapes and costumed horrors lurking in the bushes.
The trail kicks off behind Normal City Hall Annex (100 E. Phoenix Ave.) and runs to the Connie Link Amphitheatre — just under a quarter mile of adrenaline-pumping Halloween fun. Admission is $5 cash at the gate, or grab a VIP ticket in advance for $12. Ages 13+ recommended — or younger if they’re accompanied by a willing adult.
Prefer your horror in house form? Check out the Downs Haunted House — the only one of its kind in McLean County this year. It’s classic haunted house territory: dark hallways, creepy props and live actors. Details at downshauntedhouse.org.
And for the traditionalists, the official trick-or-treat hours in Bloomington and Normal are from 5-8 p.m. on Halloween evening. Here are some safety tips.
