Halloween parties, trunk-or-treat and more: 38 things to do in Rockford
Enjoy lots of themed activities with the family on this weekend before Halloween.
Here are more than 30 things to do in the Rockford area this weekend plus some coming up next week.
Halloween at the Holiday Inn Express
What: Halloween Celebration for families where traditional trick or treating might be tricky. We are providing a controlled environment; the event will be ADA accessible. Multiple sponsors from the Rockford area will create “fun stations” out of our first-floor hotel rooms. We will also be providing activities such as face painting, balloon animals, a photo booth, plus drinks and snacks.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 7552 Park Place, Loves Park
Cost: Free
For more: 815-654-4100
The Rocky Horror Show Paint Extravaganza
What: Come up to the Lab and see what's on the slab. Join us for our first ever Rocky Horror Paint Show Extravaganza Workshop. Pull out your pearls, heels, corsets or any of that freaky stuff you have in your closet. We will have one-night-only exclusive projects with the pick 3 option (you can always pick a regular full size non-Rocky project), Rocky Music, prizes, Rocky-inspired Cocktail/Mocktail, probably a time warp or two…and who knows what else. Our Pick 3 Option will include at least six Rocky-inspired options, along with any of our regular express projects shown in the gallery on our site. Sign up today by visiting our site under specialty workshop or link in bio.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: Bristle and Timber, 6140 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $65
For more: 779-970-6804
Linkt Studio Open House
What: Stop by for our open house event for 25% off permanent jewelry,* medical grade ear piercing by Dangle,* complimentary specialty cocktails from Wandering Beverage Company, chair massages and a $100 Linkt gift card drawing. Shop apparel from The Teacher Truck. * appointments will be available for jewelry and ear piercing. Walk-ins will also be taken upon availability.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: Linkt, 5454 Bridge St., Roscoe
Witches Night Out and Naughty Bingo
What: Grab your best witches for a night out. From 4-7 p.m., it will be an open house to shop local small businesses like Savvy Event Co. with permanent jewelry, Bax-T's & Gifts, B3 Salon Doing Tinsel & Color Extensions, Sweet Swirl Candy with fresh cotton candy and glitter bombs. Until 7 p.m., it is all ages. At 7 p.m., Naughty Bingo with Alex will begin. Reservations required; message our page.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: Bago Lounge – Wine, Spirits & Slots, 817 N. Elida St., Winnebago
For more: 815-335-3302
MeshWorks Trunk or Treat
What: Join us for a spooktacular evening of family-friendly fun. Trick-or-treat in our parking lot that will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland filled with creatively decorated car trunks, each brimming with candy and surprises. That includes furry friends, too. Dress up your pups in their most adorable costumes. We\'ll have special prizes, because every pup deserves a Halloween treat. Test your strength in our inflatable obstacle course, compete in our howl-ween costume contest for the chance to win prizes, transform into Dracula with spooky face painting, and groove to monstrous tunes while the sugar sets in.
When: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: MeshWorks, 4949 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-985-1232
Spooky Stories at the Museum
What: A local author, historian, and founder of Haunted Rockford Paranormal Events, Kathi Kresol, will share her favorite stories of lost loves, spine tingling encounters with ghostly apparitions and unexplained bumps in the night. Kresol has spent countless hours researching and tracking down the legends of Illinois. She weaves historical research with actual personal accounts of these tales into her stories of the weird and unusual happenings in the stateline.
When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: Boone County Museum of History, 314 S. State St., Belvidere
Cost: $5
For more: 815-871-4239
Moon Dog Variety Night
What: Hear live music, riveting short stories, stunning poetry and more.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $10
Evening of Illumination
What: Experience The Darker Side of Victorian Life. Visitors will discover the mysteries of the lantern-lit village at their own pace, stopping to meet some of the more macabre characters of the late 1800s. Learn about traditions and activities we may today think of as odd such as pain and poison, superstitions, séances, the art of coffin making, Barber on Main – Midway’s Sweeney Todd, campfire, Tarot card readings, Victorian parlor games, mourning rituals and picnic in the graveyard. This is a rain or shine event; all sales are final. Dress for the weather and walking. Check-in is at Gate B. You may purchase admission at the gate.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Midway Village & Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: $13; $11 for age 5-12; $12 for age 62 and older; $9 for members
For more: 815-397-9112
2nd Annual Hallo’Deen Glow Par-tee Family Golf Event
What: All ages are invited to sign up for the family-friendly event that includes Halloween-themed games, glow mini-putt, marshmallow long drive, glow cart rides on the haunted course, pumpkin decorating, games, treats and hot cider. Costumes are encouraged. No golf clubs needed. Event check-in is at the Aldeen golf shop. Advance ticket purchase required by 2 p.m. Thursday, October 26 at https://golfrockford.org/events, or at Park District Customer Service locations: UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford or Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Center, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford
Cost: $20
For more: 815-987-8800
Rockford IceHogs
What: The Ice Hogs take on the Iowa Wild Friday and the Grand Rapids Griffins Saturday. Friday is a Screw City themed night with $2 beer and magnetic schedule giveaway. On Saturday, get $5 tickets for ages 14 and younger. Day of the Dead Hammy Sugar Skull bobblehead giveaway. Trick or treat with players after the game.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 or Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $16-$29
For more: 815-968-5222
Paranormal Investigation/Midwest Ghost Investigators
What: Did you ever want to see what a real paranormal investigation is all about? This is your chance! Join Midwest Ghost Investigators for fun in the haunted Tinker Cottage. You will be the paranormal investigator. Guests will be in small groups joining staff in the most active locations. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment (cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, emf). Each event begins in the barn.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford
Cost: $50; $40 for members
For more: 815-964-2424
Spooky Science
What: Come in dressed in your Halloween best for this not-so-scary day of spooktacular hijinks. Explore the museum and find goodies. Concoct gooey, glowing, globs of slime, create themed make-and-take projects and engage in science activities that look like mystifying magic. Don’t forget, all you daddies and mummies, you can come dressed up, too.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $12; $3 for members; free for children age 1 and younger
Boo Bash Public Ice Skating
What: Indoor fun for the whole family. Come dressed in your best family-friendly costume to ice skate to themed music by a DJ. Children can explore Playworld, the three-level soft indoor playground for ages 12 and younger, with a Tiny Tots Playspace for ages 1-3, decorated for the events. Food specials will also be available at each event. No discount coupons will be accepted for the weekend’s admission, events, or activities.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
Cost: $10 per person per day; includes ice skating, skate rental, costume party; admission to Sapora Playworld.
For more: 815-969-4069
2023 Masquerade Ball: A Benefit for The Superhero Center for Autism
What: The Superhero Center's Seventh Annual Masquerade Ball is our biggest fundraising event of the year. Enjoy dinner and dancing and a fundraising auction to benefit The Superhero Center for Autism. Our theme this year is Heroes & Villains, so feel free to dress accordingly. One in 36 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder each year. Each year, our community continues to need a place that supports children with autism and other disabilities. All proceeds raised directly support the parents and families of children with autism.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford
Cost: $75-$100
For more: 815-977-3065
Halloween Party & Costume Contest
What: Our resident Halloween expert Dani will be the master of ceremonies for our first Urban Forest Halloween Costume Contest. Winners receive gift cards and UFCB merchandise. Dress up, bring your friends and have some beers with us. Costume contest starts at 8:30 p.m.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Urban Forest Craft Brewing, 6551 E. Riverside Blvd. #112, Rockford
For more: 779-256-2978
Spook the Blocks
What: Join downtown businesses for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, RAD's annual Free Print Day and fall fun for the whole family. Participating businesses: Carlyle Brewing Co., CJ's Public House, Earth Zero Waste, Juju Rey's Art Clubhouse, Maze Books, Prairie St. Brewing Co., Quixotic Bakery, Real Beautiful You and Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza and more.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Cost: Free
For more: 312-725-4723
Dreams and Nightmares Costume Party
What: Get ready to dive into a wild night of Dreams and Nightmares at our epic costume party, a mind-bending extravaganza of fantasy and fright. Dress as your favorite dream or nightmare character. Music by RICK MON$TA ARTI$TA. Full service bar, with VIP service available.
When: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Union Event Space, 112 N. Second St., Rockford
Cost: $10-$20
A Haunting at the Office
What: Every day, ghouls and creepy creatures have been haunting The Office. It's all going to culminate at our Halloween Night Party. Get your costumes ready to win prizes in the contest. Catch Chicks With Picks play at 8 p.m. Drag show performances by Ja'Nyiah Mone' Diamond Banx$, Adenah Killz, La Mira and SCYLLA, hosted by Auntie Heroine at 11 p.m. No RSVP.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: The Office Niteclub, 513 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $10 admission
Community Ofrenda Build-Up
What: Join us in building this year's Community Ofrenda (Altar) for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). We need your help setting up the festive decorations and filling the ofrenda with photos (copies) of loved ones and their favorite things. Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Denny Diamond at Concerts on the Creek
What: A celebration of musical genres from Broadway to Country. It's a real musical variety show full of music, stories and fun. The show is open to the public.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $5
For more: 815-893-9202
Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd
What: Floyd Nation is a U.S.-based Pink Floyd Tribute Band that performs all your favorite hits from Pink Floyd albums like The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Division Bell. You’ll be immersed in sound, lights and lasers as they bring back your memories of some of the most iconic music ever. Their precise tone and accuracy shows their deep respect to Pink Floyd’s music.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $39-$99
For more: 815-968-5222
Freaky Tiki Halloween Bash
What: Our annual Halloween party and costume contest will be Tiki style this year, with tropical cocktails and music from DJ Nick Graceffa from Rockford's House Brotherhood DJ crew. Prizes for best in show, best couple or group, staff's choice and more at 10:30 p.m., so bring your costumes and friends. Enjoy creepy themed cocktails and Tiki drinks featuring Diplomatico rum, $4 Bud Light drafts, and more spooky surprises. Random prize drawings every 30 minutes from 8-11:30 p.m. Grand prizes selected at 10:30 p.m. include Bud Light Cooler and Olympic Tavern gift cards. Everyone in costume is eligible to win prizes every half hour including glassware, Olympic wearables and candy.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford
For more: 815-962-8758
Full Moon Viewing Tea Ceremony
What: Enjoy observing Reiko Takahashi, Ikenbobo Ikebana instructor, arrange Kenka, a flower offering to the Moon. Then, Professor Emeritus Kimiko Gunji will perform Kencha, a tea ceremony to serve a bowl of tea to the Moon. We will also present you a special music program while you are waiting for the moon to rise. Tea and a Tsukimi Manju (Special Sweet for the moon-viewing) will be served. Ikebana arrangements created by members of the Anderson Gardens Ikebana Study Group and the Ikebana de Salon Chicago will be on display.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $45; $40 for members
For more: 815-229-3930
Haunted Burpee
What: Join us for an evening event with drinks, Dinos, and dead things. Learn about skulls, skins and bones, and get a chance to dissect something. There will be museum-wide special displays from the art of taxidermy to eyeball dissection. Wander into the Haunted Graveyard and find your lost friends armed with a flashlight. Admission Includes science demonstrations, animals and plants, bones and fossils.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $14; $12 for ages 4-12; free for members and children 3 and younger
Howl at the Moon Guided Night Walk
What: Join retired FPWC Deputy Tim Speer for a night hike. Experience the preserves at night, admire the beautiful full moon, listen for nocturnal wildlife and enjoy s'mores. Open to all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome.
When: Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Funderberg Forest Preserve, 4551 S. Meridian Road
Cost: Free
For more: 815-877-6100
Local Author Event with Kathi Kresol
What: Local author, Haunted Rockford’s own Kathi Kresol, will be joined by other authors Logan Karlie and Constanza Mayer for a Halloween-themed event. All will be signing copies of their books. If you love fantasy and the paranormal, this is the event for you.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Barnes & Noble, Cherryvale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave. #5
Cost: Free
For more: 815-871-4239
Rockford Public Library 3rd Annual Trunk and Treat
What: Play games, collect some candy, win a prize or two and vote for your favorite decorated Trunk. Bring your own bag and dress for the weather. Parking in RPL lot is limited; you may find it easier to park in the large lot where Half Price Books Outlet used to be (behind RPL). This event will be outside and may include occasional lines in any type of weather. Dress for the weather. If heavy rain and/or severe weather threatens, we may cancel or shut down without notice. No rain date. While supplies last.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Rockford Public Library – East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: 815-965-7606
Rockford’s Most Haunted
What: Join Haunted Rockford to visit three historical locations in Rockford: Veterans Memorial Hall, Tinker Swiss Cottage and Graham-Ginestra House. All these sites have reported ghostly encounters and paranormal happenings. Location staffs will share their history along with Kathi Kresol. Spirit medium Sara Bowker will join us to share impressions of those who might be lingering. Experienced paranormal investigators will share their equipment to help capture evidence. The event begins and ends at the Veterans Memorial Hall. Guests will be sorted into smaller groups and given directions for the tour. Groups will travel on their own to each location. The guests will join in a mini-investigation led by the different paranormal teams. Guests may bring their own equipment or share the investigator’s. After the tour, return to Veterans Memorial Hall for a discussion about findings. This event will include members of the Society for Anomalous Studies, Ghost Head Soup and Midwest Ghost Investigators. This event is a fundraiser for the historical locations involved.
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $50; must be paid via PayPal before the event. Online registrations closes at 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27.
For more: Kathi at 815-871-4239
Spook-tacular Haunts
What: Join us at for a family-friendly Halloween event. Children are invited to come dressed in costume and explore the Garden in a fun and spooky way. Activities Include trick or treating, Halloween craft stations, Spooky Graveyard, Hoo Haven Learning Centers and Rockford Public Library Mobile Library reading “spooky” stories.
When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: Cost of regular garden admission; free for members
4th Annual Trunk or Treat at North Towne Mall
What: Rockford North End Business Association hosts a trunk or treat event with more than 10 North End businesses sponsoring cars decked out with Halloween decorations. They’ll be handing out candy and coupons to North End businesses starting at 3 p.m. The event will be in the parking lot in front of the old Gustafson’s. Bring your kids in costume and grab some treats.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: North Towne Mall, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford
For more: 815-218-6902
6th Annual Halloween Birthday Bash
What: Celebrate our 6th birthday with our annual Halloween themed birthday bash. We will have Halloween games, goodie and candy bags, snacks and beverages and a door prize announced at the end of the day. Come in costume and get an extra entry for the door prize. Discounts throughout the entire store.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: The Pottery Lounge, 6059 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: Free to attend; however, there will be plenty of pottery to pick, pay and paint
For more: 815-977-3937
Swiftie Walk-In Paint-Now
What: Our Taylor Swift Inspired collection is back. We have more than 25 designs to choose from; most projects start at $26. Our Taylor Swift Inspired collection will only be available at this event. No reservation required, you will just show up and choose your pre-sanded/ stained board, stencil design and finish your project here in the studio or take it home as a togo kit.
When: 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Bristle & Timber, 6140 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: $26 and up
For more: 779-970-6804
Trunk or Treat
What: We are having our third annual trunk or treat Sunday, Oct. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. We had such a great turn out last year and we hope to have an even better one this year. DJ Joe Locke will be there playing some spooky music for us.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Doc’s Diner, 6499 N. Second St., Loves Park
For more: 815-282-3657
Dia De Los Muertos
What: Join us for music, dance and sports for Dia De Los Muertos. Trunk or Treat and indoor trick or treating from 2-4:30 p.m. Enjoy folkloric dance performances by local artists including the Beloit Even Start Dancers and the Mosaico Cultural Dance Group. Get ready to groove to the sounds of these bands and artists: Los Del RS, Grupo Version and La Inkonfundible. Renowned DJ DARK will keep the dance party going with vibrant mixes. There will also be a 3v3 Futsal Tournament; gather your team and showcase your skills.
When: 2 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: UW-Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: Free
Main Street Trick or Treat
What: Join the Downtown Rockton businesses along Main Street, Hawick Street and beyond as we celebrate Halloween with trick or treating and costumes galore. Start at MembersAlliance Credit Union\'s booth outside Village Hall and continue along Main and Hawick Streets.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Village of Rockton, 110. E Main St., Rockton
4th annual Witch’s Paddle
What: Calling all Witchy friends who like to paddle. We will paddle through Rockton during their Main St. Trick or Treat and get out at Settlers' Park. Get dressed up, be witchy and paddle through downtown Rockton together, weather permitting. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, all are welcome. Sugar River Adventures will be with us again this year; call ahead if you'd like to rent a kayak from them that day.
When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Macktown Forest Preserve boat launch.
Halloween at Inscape Collective
What: Daylong celebration. Noon: pumpkin painting and treats for kids. 2 to 4 p.m. jeweled cuff workshop with Marsha Goodheart. Cost: $24. Bring your own junk jewelry or use provided to make a cuff bracelet. Text or call 815-540-3916 to register. 6 to 8 p.m. Music and dancing with Trinadora. Prizes for best costumes. Costume optional. Halloween treats will be served.
When noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Inscape Collective 201 Seventh St.
Cost: Concert is free, donations encouraged.
For more: Ruth Jackson, 815-988-0713
Coming next week:
Night of the Cryptid
What: Emerge from your lair for spooky snacks, bubbling beverages and a roaring campfire. At 7 p.m., Sasquatch enthusiast Ron Read will share stories and finds from the field, then take a guided trail walk to search for signs of nocturnal creatures. Believers and skeptics are welcome. Halloween costumes are optional, but encouraged. This program is best suited for ages 13 and older. Please register in advance.
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Cost: $10
For more: natureattheconfluence.com
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Halloween parties, trunk-or-treat and more: 38 things to do in Rockford
