2017 Guide To Halloween Events In Highland Park, Highwood

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — There's a variety of Halloween events planned for Highland Park and Highwood this year. Spooky activities sponsored by local park districts and community groups are already underway and run until the end of the month.

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

Friday, Oct. 6 - Sunday, Oct. 8

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest will feature an attempt to break the world record for the most jack-o'-lanterns lit simultaneously. In addition to pumpkin carving, there will be a parade, costume contests, a petting zoo, trick-or-treating and more. Find a complete list of musical performances or sign up to volunteer. (Until 10 p.m. Oct. 6 and 7, 9 p.m. Oct. 8, Downtown Highwood, $3 per day per person, $5 for weekend includes pumpkins, all proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Illinois)

Friday, Oct. 13

Princesses & Superheroes offers an opportunity to get Cinderella, Batman, Tinkerbell, and the Ninja Turtles ready for trick-or-treating a little early as the Park District of Highland Park celebrates Halloween. There will be chances to decorate taffy apples and pumpkins and play pre-school games. Fruit juice and water will be provided. The event is recommended for children ages 3-6 (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, $15 residents and $20 for non-residents)

Trick & Swim combines holiday celebration with some aquatic sporting activity, as participants swim for an hour before decorating pumpkins and taffy apples. The event is aimed at children ages 6-10. Participants must be able to swim 15 laps of any stroke and no flotation devices will be allowed. (6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, $15 swim school member or resident, $25 non-member, non-swim school participant.)

Friday, Oct. 20

West Ridge Trick-or-Treat invites all West Ridge program participants, friends, and family members to trick-or-treat inside and play spooky and silly games. Bring a bag to collect your treats and prizes. No registration required. (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd., Free)

Saturday, Oct. 21

The Halloween Kids' Fest at the Highwood Public Library will include a spooky magician show, games, raffles and pizza aimed for kids ages 3-10. (1:30 p.m., 102 Highwood Ave., Free, Registration required, call 847-432-5404 or email msanramon@highwoodlibrary.org)

Thursday, Oct. 26

Halloween Candy Stroll store to store through downtown Highland Park will feature stilt walkers/performers, face painters, balloon artists and DJ entertainment at Renaissance Place. And at Port Clinton Square there will be free pony rides in the plaza, free hay rides ’round the block, live music by Cirrus Falcon and cute backdrops for your own photos. (3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stores throughout Downtown Highland Park, Free)

Friday, Oct. 27

The X-FEARience offers an "haunted spectacles so strange, so bizarre, so etched in your thoughts, you’ll wish you never braved a peek!" Food and beverages will be available for cash only. The event is not recommended for kids ages 8 and under. (6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Sunset Woods Park, 1801 Sunset Rd., Park entry free, $5 Phantom Manor Entry)

Saturday, Oct. 28

Halloween Railroad is back at the Highland Park Public Library by popular demand for it special run as The North Central 'O' Gaugers' railroad club sends model trains "through Spookytown." Great for fans of model trains and Halloween. Wear your costume and stop by anytime to celebrate at the library. (9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Auditorium at HPPL, 494 Laurel Ave., Free)

Halloween Scary Skate at the Centennial Ice Arena offers free skating for anyone who comes dressed in costume for this Halloween party on ice. (1 p.m. - 2:20 p.m., Centennial Ice Arena, 3100 Trail Way, Free in costume, regular fees otherwise)

The Monster Bash is Deer Creek's annual Halloween party. You're invited to come in costume and play some tennis, with a prize set to be awarded to the best in costume. Club members who bring a friend will get a 50 percent discount on fees. (6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Deer Creek Racquet Club, 701 Deer Creek Pkway, $30.)

More North Shore Halloween Events:

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

_{Top photo via Patch file}