Northbrook 2018 Halloween Events Guide

NORTHBROOK, IL — The arrival of fall means there are plenty of spooky activities planned around town ahead of Halloween 2018, which falls on a Wednesday. Find more information below about what's on offer in Northbrook through the end of the month.

Sunday, Oct. 21

The Fall Festival at the River Trail Nature Center includes pumpkin painting, hayrides, storytelling and more. (10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 3120 Milwaukee Ave., free with a non-perishable food donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository)

The 11th annual Halloween Spooktacular at the North Suburban YMCA will feature all new haunted house and costume contest, indoor trick-or-treating, bounce houses, special raffles, a food court and more. All proceeds from pumpkins purchased during and after the event benefit the NSYMCA. (2 - 5 p.m., 2705 Techny Road, free for members, $20 per nonmember family)

Monday, Oct. 22

Learn Monstrous Movie Makeup from a film makeup artist to get ideas for Halloween and perfect your spookiest and most menacing look. For kids from grades 6 to 12. (4 - 5 p.m., Youth Services Activity Room, Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Register online.)

Friday, Oct. 26

A Halloween Party for kids ages 10 to 14 will take place at the Northbrook Leisure Center. It will feature a DJ, dancing and a costume contest with categories including most original, best group costume and scariest costume. (7 to 10 p.m., 3323 Walters Ave., tickets $35)

A Halloween Story Fest will take place at the Northbrook Public Library. Costumes are encouraged. Come for a celebration filled with crafts stories and fun. Registration required. (3:30 - 5 p.m., 1201 Ceder Ln., free)

Friday, Oct. 26 - Saturday, Oct. 27

The Haunted House at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook will be open two nights during the pre-Halloween weekend. Attendees can enjoy family fun, refreshments and a haunted house, which is recommended for those aged 8 and up. Dress in costume and show off your Halloween spirit. In addition to the house, there will be treats, face painting, crafts, games and more. (5 - 8 p.m. both days, Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, 3080 West Lake Ave., tickets $7 in advance, $10 at the door)

Friday Oct. 26 - Sunday, Oct. 28

Northbrook Court will hold a Halloween Spooktacular and Fall Fashion event in the Macy's wing of the mall. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Northbrook Play will hold its first annual Spooktacular Party with complimentary snacks, a screening of "Hocus Pocus," trick-or-treating and more. (Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m., Sunday from 11 a.m., 1515 Lake Cook Road, free)

Wednesday, Oct. 31

Trick-or-Treat hours in Northbrook run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Residents wishing to pass out treats were asked to leave a porch light illuminated during designated trick-or-treating hours. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to stay in groups and communicate their location to adults.

A Hocus Pocus Trivia Night is scheduled for the night of Halloween at Pinstripes Northbrook. (7 - 9 p.m., Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Road, Free, registration required.)

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

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Safety tips to prevent Halloween from being truly scary this year:

• Do not eat any treats until they are examined by an adult.
• Stick to the village's designated trick-or-treat time and pick subdivisions and areas with many homes.
• Plan a safe route so you know where your children are at all times. Set a time for their return home. If your child goes out with just friends, make sure he or she has a cell phone.
• Stay with a group if trick-or-treating without an adult. Let parents know who you are with and where you are going.
• Stay in well-lighted, populated areas and do not wander off alone.
• Never enter a stranger's home, back or side yard or get into a stranger's car. Call 911 or go to a neighbor's house for help if in trouble or a stranger bothers you.
• Carry a flashlight, glow stick or wear reflective tape to make costumes more visible to cars.
• Make sure costumes are flame retardant or have been treated with fire retardant spray. Avoid masks that limit vision. Use make-up instead.
• Consider reviewing the locations of registered offenders in Northbrook forbidden from handing out candy.

More from Patch:

• Illinois Haunted House Guide 2018
• Illinois' Haunted Best Place To Visit
• Fall Fests Worth Checking Out In Chicago Area
• Best Chicago-Area Pumpkin Patches 2018
• Local Haunts: 5 Haunted Spots In Illinois
• Apple Orchards, Corn Mazes Open For Fall Season