Name: Frights & Delights: A Spooktacular Family Halloween Celebration in Vernon Hills!
Start: 2026-10-17T11:00:00-05:00

Get your costumes ready! The Vernon Hills Park District invites families to celebrate the spooky season at Frights &amp; Delights on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sullivan Community Center.
Combining the best of Trucks, Trunks &amp; Treats and Fall Fest, this family-friendly Halloween celebration is packed with activities for all ages!
Enjoy trunk-or-treating with local community partners, hayrides, bounce houses, a DJ, photo booth, costume contests, and delicious options from food trucks. And don't leave your four-legged friends at home! This dog-friendly event also features a special doggie costume contest.
Whether you're coming for the candy, costumes, or fall festivities, there's something for everyone at Frights &amp; Delights!
Event Details
<ul><li>Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026</li><li>Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.</li><li>Location: Sullivan Community Center (Parking Lot), 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills</li><li>Admission: $10 per participant</li><li>Registration: Required for all attendees, including adults</li></ul>
Don't miss a frightfully fun afternoon with your community!

Local Event: Frights & Delights: A Spooktacular Family Halloween Celebration in Vernon Hills!

Lake County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Vernon Hills

Illinois

Frights & Delights: A Spooktacular Family...

Get your costumes ready! The Vernon Hills Park District invites families to celebrate the spooky season at Frights & Delights...

Frights & Delights: A Spooktacular Family Halloween Celebration in Vernon Hills!

Emil's Tavern on Center

A Magical Trivia Night Awaits!&nbsp; &nbsp;Grab your wand, don your favorite enchanted hat, or even come dressed as your favorite magical hero, mysterious sorcerer, clever scholar, or legendary creature. Whether you're arriving solo, bringing a friend, or assembling a team of up to eight, prepare for an evening filled with wonder, wit, and a little bit of mischief.&nbsp; Join us for a spellbinding night sponsored by Fairway Home Mortgage of Grayslake, where magical knowledge, quick thinking, and friendly competition take center stage. Our professional emcee will lead a trivia experience unlike any other inside Emil's Tavern, complete with prizes, laughter, unexpected challenges, and plenty of opportunities to earn bragging rights. Expect an atmosphere filled with enchantment, revelry, and just the right amount of magical mischief. This event is designed for adult fans and enthusiasts, because even the most accomplished wizards have work the next morning! Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your place in the festivities. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Gather your fellow magic-makers, sharpen your trivia skills, and prepare for a night that is sure to become legendary.

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Mellody Farm

Bring Your Gardening Questions, Struggling Plants and Pots for One-on-One Advice&nbsp;From Mellody Farm’s Dedicated MicroHabitat Farmer
Mellody Farm, Vernon Hills’ urban-inspired shopping and dining destination, is inviting local gardeners of all experience levels to take advantage of a unique opportunity to get complimentary, personalized gardening advice during a complimentary “Ask the Farmer” workshop on Sat., Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Mellody Farm’s dedicated urban farmer with MicroHabitat will be on hand to answer questions and offer practical advice on everything from growing vegetables and herbs to caring for edible plants, troubleshooting common garden problems and keeping home gardens healthy and thriving.
Guests are encouraged to bring their questions, pictures and can even bring along a struggling plant, container or pot for Alejandra to take a look at. Whether you’re wondering why a plant isn’t thriving, how much water or sunlight it needs, what to prune, what to plant next or how to prepare your garden for the changing season, attendees will have a gardening expert at their fingertips. The first 20 guests to attend will also receive a complimentary seed packet, while supplies last.
The program takes place at Mellody Farm’s MicroHabitat Urban Farm, located on the green lawn between Nordstrom Rack and the children’s play area. The farm features 60 planters filled with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, with produce harvested throughout the growing season and donated to the Vernon Township Food Pantry.
EVENT DETAILS
Free “Ask the Farmer” Gardening Workshop
Oct. 17, 2026
10 a.m.&nbsp; to 11:30 a.m.
Mellody Farm MicroHabitat Urban Farm
851–1101 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
Register: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winterizing-your-garden-putting-the-garden-to-bed-tickets-1992891263416?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">eventbrite.com/e/winterizing-your-garden-putting-the-garden-to-bed-tickets-1992891263416?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>
For more information, to register for workshops or to learn more about upcoming events at Mellody Farm, visit the Mellody Farm website, follow Mellody Farm on social media or register through Eventbrite.
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More About Mellody Farm
Located in the heart of Vernon Hills, Illinois, Mellody Farm is an open-air shopping, dining and lifestyle destination owned and operated by Regency Centers. Conveniently located at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road, just two miles west of Interstate 94, the center features approximately 270,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment alongside 260 executive apartments. Designed as a vibrant community gathering place, Mellody Farm offers a thoughtfully curated mix of national retailers, local dining experiences and year-round events that bring people together through shopping, dining, wellness and community engagement.

Local Event: Free “Ask the Farmer” Gardening Workshop at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills

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Bring Your Gardening Questions, Struggling Plants and Pots for One-on-One Advice From Mellody Farm’s Dedicated MicroHabitat...

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Trinity Episcopal Church

Experience a stunning afternoon of classical music with the Artemis Chamber Orchestra in this free performance of the String Octet masterworks! Held in the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church, this event is open to the public but requires advance seat reservation.

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The nationally and locally acclaimed Pequod's Pizza is coming to Vernon Hills on Tuesday, October 20th! Note that pizzas will be PAR BAKED, with Pequod’s world-famous caramelized crust and will be available for PICK UP at 5:30pm at Steinhafels. Pequod's was just named the "Best Pizza in the US" by Yelp!
Order by 12pm on Tuesday. But don't wait until the last minute to place your order, because these events sell out!
Twice is nice! Place two or more orders for delivery on the same day and only pay the $5 DwellSocial Fee once.View menu + order: <a href="https://dwell.social/4jSi0vJ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://dwell.social/4jSi0vJ</a>

Local Event: The famous Pequod's, caramelized crust pizza is heading your way. Order by noon.

The famous Pequod's, caramelized crust pizza is...

The nationally and locally acclaimed Pequod's Pizza is coming to Vernon Hills on Tuesday, October 20th! Note that pizzas will...

The famous Pequod's, caramelized crust pizza is heading your way. Order by noon.

Celebrate fall at Mellody Farm’s annual Harvest Festival, a full day of live entertainment, seasonal activities, food and drink experiences, pet-friendly fun, shopping, giveaways, and community programming.
Daytime activities are free and open to the public, with ticketed Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips and Bourbon &amp; Bonfires experiences beginning at 4 p.m. The festival is sponsored by Eagle Ridge Resort &amp; Spa, and proceeds from the event benefit the Hawthorn School District PTO.Saturday, October 24th10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
<h2>Festival Highlights</h2>
Mellody Farm Harvest Haul
10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Pick up a complimentary Harvest Haul card at check-in and “Fill Your Basket Around the Farm” by visiting participating retailers, restaurants and festival activities. Complete at least eight stops to receive a free fall-themed Mellody Farm item, while supplies last, and be entered to win prizes.
The grand prize includes a two-night family getaway to Eagle Ridge Resort &amp; Spa, plus prizes from Mellody Farm businesses including OVME Medical Aesthetics, European Wax Center and SITKA Gear.&nbsp;
<hr>
Illinois Agriculture &amp; Urban Farm Zone + Winterizing Your Garden Workshop
10 a.m . –1 p.m.
Explore agriculture, gardening and sustainability with the Lake County Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership.
From 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m., join the free Winterizing Your Garden Workshop for seasonal gardening tips. Morning offerings also include Biscuits &amp; Bloody Marys, plus lemonade and cider, available as part of the ticketed Bites &amp; Sips experience.
<hr>
Fall Fun Throughout Mellody Farm
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Look for strolling entertainment and activities while shopping throughout the property, including:
<ul><li>Face painting</li><li>Balloon artists</li><li>Seasonal characters</li><li>Fall photo opportunities</li><li>Appearances by Mellody Farm’s four-legged ambassador, Keenam</li></ul>
<hr>
Yappy Hour Presented by Lazy Dog
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring your four-legged family members for a special Yappy Hour, featuring a fall pet costume contest, photo opportunities, giveaways and a pet rescue and adoption event with PAWS Chicago.
<hr>
Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | <a href="https://omella.com/267p5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ticket Required</a>
Taste your way around Mellody Farm at six Bites &amp; Sips stations featuring participating restaurants including City Works, Tangled Roots, Mendocino Farms and Lazy Dog. Enjoy a variety of seasonal bites and beverages, from meatloaf sliders and pretzels to beer, house-made lemonade and more.
<hr>
Bourbon &amp; Bonfires
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | <a href="https://omella.com/267p5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ticket Required</a>
Settle in around the fire pits for Bourbon &amp; Bonfires with Aged in Oak, featuring bourbon tastings, curated flights, bourbon education and a relaxed fall gathering experience.
<hr>
Live Music
Beginning at 4 p.m.
Enjoy free live music from Big Boss and the Toes as the Harvest Festival transitions into its evening celebration.
<h2>Give Back This Fall</h2>
Harvest Festival also kicks off Mellody Farm’s seasonal community giving initiative. Guests are encouraged to donate nonperishable food and clothing to support local families and hunger-relief efforts.
<a href="https://omella.com/267p5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Purchase Tickets</a>
Daytime activities are free and open to the public. Tickets are required for Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips and Bourbon &amp; Bonfires.
<ul><li>Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips: $35</li><li>Bourbon &amp; Bonfires: $35</li><li>Bites &amp; Sips + Bourbon &amp; Bonfires Package: $55</li><li>Designated Driver Ticket: $20</li></ul>
Check back for additional participating businesses, programming, and festival updates.

Local Event: Mellody Farm Harvest Festival Returns to Vernon Hills Oct. 24

Mellody Farm Harvest Festival Returns to Vernon...

Celebrate fall at Mellody Farm’s annual Harvest Festival, a full day of live entertainment, seasonal activities, food and drink...

Mellody Farm Harvest Festival Returns to Vernon Hills Oct. 24

Gardeners looking to prepare their yards, plants and vegetable gardens for colder weather can get expert advice during a free “Winterizing Your Garden” workshop at Mellody Farm on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., kicking off a full day of activities during the Mellody Farm<a href="https://www.mellodyfarm.com/events/harvest-festival/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> Harvest Festival</a>.
Led by Mellody Farm’s dedicated MicroHabitat farmer Alejandra Rodriguez, the workshop will offer practical seasonal advice on putting gardens to bed for winter, protecting plants from colder temperatures, preparing soil for the months ahead and setting gardens up for a successful spring.
Rodriguez will be joined by Alex Landberg, Lake County Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Program Coordinator with University of Illinois Extension – Lake County, as well as Lake County Extension Master Gardeners. Representatives from American Farmland Trust (AFT) and the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP) will also participate, sharing information about sustainable agriculture, farmland stewardship and their work supporting farmers and landowners in Lake County and throughout Illinois.
All participating agricultural and gardening experts will remain on site through 1 p.m., giving guests additional time following the workshop to ask questions, learn more about their organizations and pick up educational materials. The workshop is free, but advance registration is requested through<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winterizing-your-garden-putting-the-garden-to-bed-tickets-1992891263416?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> Eventbrite</a>. The first 20 registered attendees will receive a complimentary seed packet.
Add Biscuits &amp; Bloody Marys to the Morning:&nbsp;Guests can make a morning of it with Biscuits &amp; Bloody Marys, a special Harvest Festival food-and-drink experience taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. One $35 ticket includes the morning experience - biscuits from Buttermilk restaurant, Bloody Marys and apple cider - and also includes admission to the Bites &amp; Sips portion of the Harvest Festival later that day, featuring food and beverage tastings from participating Mellody Farm restaurants and businesses. Proceeds from the $35 ticket benefit the Hawthorn School District 73 PTO.
The workshop is part of Mellody Farm’s ongoing Urban Farm programming, connecting the community with local agriculture, gardening education and the seasonal growing process. Mellody Farm’s Urban Farm features 60 planters maintained by MicroHabitat, with produce harvested throughout the season benefiting the Vernon Township Food Pantry.
Guests are invited to stay for the full Mellody Farm Harvest Festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and features food and drink experiences, live entertainment, face painting, balloon artists, shopping, community programming, pet-friendly activities, giveaways and more. Additional Harvest Festival programming and participating businesses can be found at<a href="https://www.mellodyfarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.mellodyfarm.com/events/harvest-festival/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.mellodyfarm.com</a>.

Local Event: Biscuits, Bloody Marys & Winter Garden Wisdom Come to Mellody Farm

Biscuits, Bloody Marys & Winter Garden Wisdom...

Gardeners looking to prepare their yards, plants and vegetable gardens for colder weather can get expert advice during a free...

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Gorton Center

<h3>A musical journey through America with Ketch Secor, public radio’s David Greene, and Old Crow Medicine Show, that humanizes all sides of America’s gun debate through the power of music, conversation, and finding common ground, directed by Doug Pray.</h3>Louder Than Guns brings together the frustrations and hopes of citizens who are asked to listen to one another and try to find common ground. Led by Ketch and David, these emotional and inspiring discussions, in barbeque joints, barbershops, church pews, gunstores, and concert halls, prove that localized, community-led discourse has the power to move the needle on gun reform in ways that today’s polarized media and politicians rarely achieve. Because most people in this country – gun owners and non-gun owners alike – want safer communities.&nbsp;
Join us immediately following the film for a special Q&amp;A with Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, alongside former host of NPR Morning Edition and current host of the public radio show, “Left, Right &amp; Center” David Greene.

Local Event: Documentary Film and Q&A: Louder than Guns

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