Looking for something to do with the family and friends? Check out these five events
Fun in October is synonymous with pumpkins, goblins, and treats galore. The list of weekend happenings in Springfield and surrounding areas doesn't disappoint. Check out these five events.
Pumpkins on display
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back again this year with two evening events on Friday and Saturday.
Located at Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W Fayette Ave., more than 2,000 illuminated jack-o-lantern's will be displayed from 6:30-9:30 p.m. both nights. Buy treats from local food trucks and listen to the carillon music.
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Advance tickets can be purchased at Ashley HomeStore Outlet off of Chatham Road. Tickets are available for free for children three years and younger, $5 for children ages 4-11, and $7 for adults. Tickets are also available at the gate.
Swap craft supplies
Arts and crafts enthusiasts looking to swap out some materials will have an opportunity on Saturday afternoon.
Starting at noon, the Lincoln Library is hosting a craft supply exchange at its 326 S. 7th St. location. Those wishing to make donations before Saturday can leave their items with the reference desk.
Sip and shop
On Saturday, Eclectic Fearn will be providing readings and hosting metaphysical vendors at a Chatham event.
A $5 cover charge will allow for all-day attendance of the event, held starting at noon at Chatham American Legion Post 759 on 206 W. Chestnut St. Food trucks will also be present.
Take a haunted hike
Head out to Camp Wa-Kon-Tah on Saturday afternoon for some Halloween-themed fun.
The Springfield YMCA will host two events, starting with a haunted forest walk from 4-6 p.m. intended for younger children and then a spookier hike from 8-10 p.m. for older kids.
Trick-or-treating, food vendors, and games will be held at the camp, located at 6602 Iron Bridge Rd. in Chatham. Tickets can be purchased online for $7 per person.
A show for cat lovers
One weekend event will be the cat's meow - literally and figuratively.
The Illinois State Fairgrounds will be the hotbed for cat lovers with the Fun-Tastic Springfield cat show, held on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. The show will take place in the Illinois Building and will include a cat costume contest and opportunities for attendees to adopt cat rescues.
Tickets will be sold at the gate, starting at $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5-12 and seniors 65 and older. Children ages four and under get in for free.
Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: What's going on in Springfield? Check out the Halloween-themed fun
