2017 Evanston Halloween Events Guide

EVANSTON, IL — There's a variety of Halloween events planned for Evanston this year. Spooky activities sponsored by local park districts, businesses and community groups are underway already and set to run until the end of the month.

» To add another Halloween event to our list, submit listings to Evanston@patch.com

Saturday, Oct. 21

The Zombie Scramble is a two-mile race where participants must avoid having "zombies" grab flags from flag football belts. If you lost all your flags, you become an "infected" racer. The event will end with a party at the Ecology Center including games, a raffle and snacks. (6 p.m. , Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., $15)

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Pizzafest provides a spooky combination of fun, good eats and prizes for the best costumes, featuring all-you-can-eat Gigio's pizza and drinks. (5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Gigio's, 1001 Davis St., $15 for adults, $6 for kids under 12.)

Friday, Oct. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 29

Haunting History with David Parr is a Halloween treat for grownups. Explore the hallways of the 1895 Dawes House and step into a shadowland where fact and folklore intermingle in surprising ways. With magician David Parr as your host, each room offers an encounter with the strange and supernatural. Get ready for a unique Halloween treat, equal parts history, mystery, and magic. Advance tickets recommended. No one under age 13 admitted. (Shows nightly at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., $25)

Saturday, Oct. 28

Trick-or-Treat Trot for Tails Walkathon, a fundraiser for Evanston Animal Shelter, is a dog and family-friendly event. Participants sign up to walk, create a fundraising goal and raise money from friends and family. The walk heads from Centennial Park to Lee Street and back. (10 a.m. - noon, Centennial Park, 1821 Sheridan Rd., $10 for individual, $25 for a team of 4.)

At the Downtown Evanston Halloween Parade & Party, bring your costumed kids to trick-or-treat at downtown businesses starting at noon and participate in Halloween activities. After trick-or-treating, head over to the Holiday Inn for a Halloween fest until 6 p.m. Check out a list of participating businesses and planned activities. RSVPs requested for the event, which is aimed at kids ages 2-12.s. Event is intended for children ages 2-12 years. (Noon - 6 p.m., Downtown Evanston and Holiday Inn, 1501 Sherman Ave., free)

Sunday, Oct. 29

BCBoo Little Monster Mash Halloween Bash will feature a DJ, dancing, dinner, trick-or-treating, spooky games, a costume concept, pizza and more. Register online. (4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Little Beans Café, 430 Asbury Ave., $35 for one child, siblings are $25, adults free)

The Day of the Dead Celebration celebrates Día de los Muertos and features a live puppet show by renowned storyteller and puppeteer Marilyn Price, a performance by Sones de Mexico Ensemble, the country’s premier folk music organization specializing in Mexican ‘son’, including the regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho, and more. There will also be interactive arts stations where families can create ofrendas together. Mexican food and drink will be available for purchase. (4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Avenue, free)

Tuesday, Oct. 31

A Preschool Halloween Party at the Robert Crown Center offers non-frightening fun for kids aged 5 and under, including games, prizes, music and refreshment. (10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 1701 Main St., $3 per family.)

Evanston's official trick-or-treat hours have traditionally extended from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please respect the privacy of homeowners and do not ring doorbells before or after this period. If the outside house light is not on, do not disturb the homeowner by doorbell. Young trick-or-treaters should use sidewalks and be accompanied by a parent, caregiver or older sibling.

More North Shore Halloween Events:

• Skokie Halloween Events, including the Scream Scene
• Niles & Morton Grove Halloween Events, including the House of Torment
• Wilmette & Kenilworth Halloween Events, including the Halloween Happening
• Winnetka & Glencoe Halloween Events, including Night of 1,000 Jack O'Lanterns
• Glenview Halloween Events, including a Family Halloween at Wagner Farm
• Northbrook Halloween Events, including the Halloween Spooktacular
• Highland Park & Highwood Halloween Events, including the X-Fearience
• Deerfield & Bannockburn Halloween Events, including the Halloween Hoopla
• Lake Forest & Lake Bluff Halloween Events, including the Spooktacular at Elawa Farm

_{Top photo via Patch file}