EVANSTON, IL — Evanston's Harley Clarke Mansion will open its doors for Halloween trick-or-treating on Friday and Saturday, giving visitors a rare chance to step inside the long-shuttered lakefront landmark.
The event will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. both nights, with family-friendly frights scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a spookier experience planned from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The nearly 100-year-old mansion at 2603 Sheridan Rd. will be transformed into an immersive haunted house with rolling fog, ghostly projections, giant spiders, skeletons, glowing pumpkins, swooping bats and animated ghosts. Several rooms inside the mansion will be elaborately decorated, offering visitors a rare glimpse inside the historic building.
The event marks the first time in nearly a decade that trick-or-treaters and other community members will be able to enter the mansion. Organizers said the Halloween displays are designed around classic haunted-house traditions, mixing vintage Halloween details with projections and animated effects.
"Halloween is for everyone and we're really hoping this is a draw for kids from all over Evanston! What better way to celebrate Halloween than to invite the community inside a spooky lakefront mansion for tricks and treats," said Celadon CEO and President Scott Henry.
Organizers said young visitors can expect full-size candy bars and goodie bags. Adults will be offered a buy-one-get-one adult beverage deal for the Harley Clarke Beer Garden, which will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Live music is also planned both nights. Friday's lineup includes Stephen Kohler at 5 p.m. and Jeremy Vannatta at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Dave Herrero and Friends will perform at 4 p.m., followed by Abby Rey at 7 p.m. The Beer Garden will close out its first season on Sunday, Nov. 1, from noon to 7 p.m. with live music, drink specials and a final day of festivities.
Henry, together with Harley Clarke Development Company, will be investing roughly $30 million to restore the nearly 100-year-old Harley Clarke Mansion to its original splendor, with construction expected to begin Spring 2027.
According to the announcement, the Halloween event is part of a summer-long effort to bring the community together and build excitement for the future of Harley Clarke Mansion.
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