GRAYSLAKE, IL — Halloween is almost here, and families across the Grayslake and Libertyville areas are preparing to head out for an evening of costumes, candy and neighborhood trick-or-treating.
Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, this year, giving children a chance to celebrate over the weekend without having to worry about school the following morning. Most communities in the area have designated afternoon and evening trick-or-treating hours, although times vary by town.
In Grayslake, trick-or-treating will run from 4 to 7 p.m., while families in Libertyville will have an extra hour to collect candy, with hours set from 4 to 8 p.m.
Gurnee will get an earlier start, with trick-or-treating scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m., while nearby Vernon Hills has moved its recommended hours to 3 to 7 p.m. this year to give families more time to enjoy the holiday during daylight hours.
Here is a look at trick-or-treating hours in the Grayslake, Libertyville and surrounding Lake County communities, according to municipal announcements and Libertyville Area Moms' 2026 Halloween guide.
The following hours are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31:
Residents should check with their municipalities for any last-minute updates to trick-or-treating schedules.
Families hoping to get an early start on Halloween festivities can head to downtown Libertyville on Friday, Oct. 30, for the annual Trick or Treat on MainStreet event. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with participating businesses along Cook Avenue, Church Street and Lake Street handing out treats to costumed children.
Businesses taking part will display bright orange pumpkin signs on their doors or windows, according to MainStreet Libertyville.
The Libertyville Sunrise Rotary will also host a free pumpkin giveaway in Cook Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Families can also stop by Cook Memorial Public Library during the downtown event, where the library's new Bookmobile will be parked outside for visitors.
With children expected to be out walking through neighborhoods Saturday afternoon and evening, local officials are reminding drivers to slow down and watch carefully for pedestrians.
The village of Gurnee encourages children to use sidewalks and crosswalks, stay with a trusted adult and avoid entering unfamiliar homes. Vernon Hills officials also recommend that children remain in groups, cross streets carefully and have an adult inspect candy before eating it.
Parents can help keep children visible by adding reflective tape to costumes or carrying flashlights and glow sticks, especially after sunset.
Residents who plan to welcome trick-or-treaters can turn on their porch lights to let families know they are participating.
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