Naperville Halloween and Fall Events 2026: Things to Do Oct 10 to Nov 5

Naperville Halloween events and fall outings fill almost every day from Saturday, October 10 through Thursday, November 5, 2026. The headliners: the inaugural Taste of Naperville downtown through Oct 18, Trick-or-Treat at Safety Town on Oct 17, Howlin’ at the Moon (21+) at Naper Settlement on Oct 23 and 24, Family Spooktacular there on Oct 24 and 25, the free Halloween Happening and the downtown Halloween Hop on Oct 25, and the ALMAS Day of the Dead celebration on Nov 1. This guide is updated as of October 7, 2026.

Most dates, times and prices below were checked on October 7 against organizer pages and local sources. Entries say where something could not be confirmed, and each featured event links to its full Naperville.com event listing. Naperville sets no official trick-or-treat hours, so the trick-or-treat section spells out the latest police guidance. Events outside Naperville name their town, and prices or sellouts can change, so confirm on the event page before you go.

Searching for something specific? Jump to haunted houses, pumpkin patches and fall festivals or free fall events.

At a glance: 12 fall picks for 2026

In this guide

• What Halloween events are happening in Naperville in 2026?
• When are trick-or-treat hours in Naperville for Halloween 2026?
• Where are the haunted houses near Naperville?
• Which fall festivals, farms and pumpkin events are worth the drive?
• What concerts, theater and comedy are on this fall?
• What are the best free fall events in Naperville?
• What is there for adults this fall?
• Which races, games and outdoor fall outings are coming up?
• What happens in Naperville in early November?
• Weekend by weekend planner
• Plan your visit
• Frequently asked questions
• Where can you find more Naperville events?

What Halloween events are happening in Naperville in 2026?

Naperville’s 2026 Halloween calendar centers on Naper Settlement on Webster Street, which hosts Howlin’ at the Moon for adults 21+ on Oct 23 and 24 and Family Spooktacular on Oct 24 and 25, joined by the free Halloween Happening at the Riverwalk on Oct 25 and Pumpkin Palooza at DuPage Children’s Museum on Oct 24.

All Hallows Eve is not on Naper Settlement’s 2026 calendar as of October 7. Its two 2026 Halloween programs, Howlin’ at the Moon and Family Spooktacular, are listed below. The downtown Halloween Hop and other trick-or-treat events have their own section.

Howlin’ at the Moon at Naper Settlement

Fri Oct 23 and Sat Oct 24, 5 to 10 PM, Naper Settlement, $25, 21+. Live bands (Birkenrocks and Six Foot Blonde on Friday, Mr. Blotto and Neighbor on Saturday), food trucks, a bar and a costume contest. Each night is a separate ticket, included in membership. Get tickets for Howlin’ at the Moon, the 21+ Halloween party at Naper Settlement.

Kids Night Out: Spooktacular

Fri Oct 23, starts 6 PM, Fort Hill Activity Center, Naperville, ages 4 to 12. A Naperville Park District drop-off evening with themed games, activities, dinner and juice. The end time is not published, and admission details are on the organizer’s page. Register for Kids Night Out: Spooktacular, the drop-off night for ages 4 to 12.

Pumpkin Palooza at DuPage Children’s Museum

Sat Oct 24, 9 AM to 2 PM, DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N Washington St, Naperville, included with museum admission. Indoor, costume-friendly hands-on activities, a brass quintet and a spooky science show, with no scary surprises and no candy. Museum admission is $22 ($21 seniors; members and kids under 1 free). Plan around Pumpkin Palooza, the candy-free costume day at DuPage Children’s Museum.

Family Spooktacular at Naper Settlement

Sat Oct 24, 10 AM to 2 PM, and Sun Oct 25, noon to 4 PM, Naper Settlement, $15 adults, $10 kids 4 to 12, under 4 free. A not-so-scary day designed for families with children 3 to 12, with a trick-or-treat village, inflatables, laser tag, a costume contest and character shows, included in membership. Get tickets for Family Spooktacular, the not-so-scary Halloween day at Naper Settlement.

Halloween Happening at the Riverwalk

Sun Oct 25, 1 to 4 PM, Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Court, free, kids 10 and under. The Naperville Park District’s free Halloween fest fills the Grand Pavilion with activities, games and goodies for children 10 and under. Save the date for Halloween Happening, the free Riverwalk fest for kids 10 and under.

Halloween Storytime on the Riverwalk

Tue Oct 27, 6 to 6:45 PM, Riverwalk Amphitheater, no fee listed. Naperville Public Library hosts a costume-friendly evening of stories, songs and a puppet show for children of all ages and their caregivers, moving to the Nichols Community Room if weather requires. No registration is listed. Bring the kids to Halloween Storytime on the Riverwalk with Naperville Public Library.

When are trick-or-treat hours in Naperville for Halloween 2026?

Naperville sets no official trick-or-treat hours. Police recommend younger kids wrap up when it gets dark and older kids finish by 8 PM, and they ask drivers to take extra care during the popular trick-or-treating hours of 4 to 8 PM. Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct 31. That is the Naperville Police Department’s Halloween 2024 guidance as reprinted by Positively Naperville (no city ordinance sets the hours), the latest official wording as of October 7, 2026.

Prefer a set time and place? These organized trick-or-treat events run the two weekends before Halloween in Naperville and nearby towns.

Trick-or-Treat at Safety Town

Sat Oct 17, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Naperville Safety Town, 1320 Aurora Ave, $15 donation per family plus a food item, best for ages 3 to 12. The Naperville Junior Woman’s Club shares safety tips, then kids trick-or-treat through the Safety Town streets. The non-perishable food item goes to Loaves and Fishes, and it runs rain or shine. Tickets are sold online at $16.88 with the service fee, and no walk-up price is stated. Reserve at Trick-or-Treat at Safety Town for kids 3 to 12.

Trick or Treat at Blackberry Farm, Aurora

Sat Oct 17, 11 AM to 3 PM, Blackberry Farm, Aurora, $11 per guest age 1 and up. Kids in costume collect treats at stations around the farm, and daily admission also covers the park’s rides and animals. Plan a costume day at Trick or Treat at Blackberry Farm in Aurora.

Family Night Trick-or-Treating at Cantigny Park, Wheaton

Fri Oct 23, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Cantigny Park, Wheaton, free, parking $6 per car. Families in costume follow a walking tour through the park with candy stations along the way, including teal pumpkins. Check the details for Family Night Trick-or-Treating at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

Halloween Festival and Parade in Downtown Glen Ellyn

Sat Oct 24, 9:30 AM to noon, downtown Glen Ellyn, parade steps off at 9:45 AM. A costume parade down Main Street, then crafts, games, pet and human costume contests and trick-or-treating at local businesses. Admission details are on the organizer’s page. Line up for the Glen Ellyn Halloween Festival and Parade downtown.

BatFest in Downtown Batavia

Sat Oct 24, 10 AM to 2 PM, Peg Bond Center, Batavia, free. Trick-or-treating, performances, costume contests for people and pets, and a parade. The 2026 date comes from the organizer’s own social post, since its web page still shows last year, so recheck before you go. See BatFest, the free Halloween day in downtown Batavia.

Spooktacular Halloween Festival at The Promenade Bolingbrook

Sat Oct 24, 4 to 7 PM, The Promenade Bolingbrook, Bolingbrook, free. A game alley, Hocus Pocus character meet-and-greets, a costume parade and trick-or-treating, timed for a late-afternoon stop. Get the plan for the Spooktacular Halloween Festival at The Promenade Bolingbrook.

Downtown Naperville Halloween Hop

Sun Oct 25, 10 AM to noon, participating downtown Naperville businesses, free trolley rides. The Downtown Naperville Alliance’s Hop brings candy surprises door to door, face painting and free Trick or Treat Trolley rides around downtown, made for young trick-or-treaters. Map out the Downtown Naperville Halloween Hop with free trolley rides.

The Naperville Trolley runs public Halloween Light Trolley Tours Oct 16 to 31 at $28.75 or $34.50 per person with gratuity, plus a booking fee, by reservation only (book a Halloween lights trolley tour).

The Two Bostons Trick-or-Treat Pet Parade downtown on Thu Oct 29 is sold out as of October 7. On Halloween itself, pair neighborhood trick-or-treating with the last farmers market of the season that morning or Howl-o-Ween at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Where are the haunted houses near Naperville?

The one haunted house this guide could verify for 2026 is Basement of the Dead in Aurora, at 42 W New York St next to the Hollywood Casino parking garage, open select evenings through Nov 7 with general admission from $24.99 (VIP $34.99, Instant Admission $69.99) and recommended for ages 13 and up (Basement of the Dead nights and tickets).

For milder thrills, Blackberry Farm in Aurora runs a haunted train ride and a Halloween hayride, the Paramount in Aurora hosts a Scream anniversary night, and the Morton Arboretum in Lisle stages a walking ghost story.

Wuthering Heights Walking Play at The Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Oct 10 to 25, Saturdays and Sundays at 4 PM, Thornhill Shelter, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, $27 adults, $17 ages 2 to 17, under 2 free. Professional actors lead a walking performance that the arboretum calls a true ghost story for the spookier fall season, suitable for ages 12 and older with some dark themes and mild violence. Expect a 1.5-mile walk and about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Book the Wuthering Heights walking play at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Halloween Hayride at Blackberry Farm, Aurora

Sun Oct 18, 5 to 6:30 PM, Blackberry Farm, Aurora, $11 resident, $16 nonresident, ages 1 and up. A costume-friendly hayride around Lake Gregory with family activities and s’mores at the campfire, and costumes are judged on entry. Register ahead, since online registration is not available on the event day. Reserve seats on the Halloween Hayride at Blackberry Farm in Aurora.

Haunted Train Ride at Blackberry Farm, Aurora

Fri Oct 23, 6:30 to 8 PM, Blackberry Farm, Aurora, $16, recommended for ages 4 to 10. A spooky train ride with a craft, a wagon ride, the carousel and a bonfire with s’mores. Everyone age 1 and up needs a ticket, adults included. Ride the Haunted Train Ride at Blackberry Farm for kids 4 to 10.

Behind the SCREAM with David Arquette, Aurora

Sat Oct 24, 8 PM, Paramount Theatre, Aurora, $46.66 to $195.51 including fees. A 30th anniversary screening of Scream, then a live conversation with David Arquette, with a VIP Experience at the top tier. Get seats for Behind the SCREAM, David Arquette live at the Paramount in Aurora.

Which fall festivals, farms and pumpkin events are worth the drive?

The harvest outings worth the drive are the Pumpkin FunFarm at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park (daily through Nov 1), the Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle (Oct 10 and 11) and Cosley Zoo’s Spooktacular Halloween Stroll in Wheaton (Oct 16). Closer to home, the 5th Avenue Station farmers market runs Saturdays through Oct 31 and Shop the Block fills Block 59 on Oct 25.

For more farms and patches, see the guide to pumpkin patches near Naperville to visit this fall; the entries below stick to dated events.

Naperville Farmers Market at 5th Avenue Station

Saturdays Oct 10, 17, 24 and 31, 7 AM to noon, 5th Avenue Station, 200 E. 5th Ave, free. Produce, baked goods, flowers and artisan goods every Saturday, and Oct 31 is the last market of the 2026 season. Shop the final Saturdays at the Naperville Farmers Market at 5th Avenue Station.

Pumpkin FunFarm at Kuipers Family Farm, Maple Park

Daily Oct 10 to Nov 1, 9 or 10 AM to 6 PM (check the farm calendar), Kuipers Family Farm, Maple Park, $19.99 weekdays, $26.99 weekends. Pumpkin-patch play areas and attractions aimed at families with kids. Seniors 65 and up and military pay $11.99, tickets are sold online, and final admission is 30 minutes before close. Compare dates for the Pumpkin FunFarm at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park.

Glass Pumpkin Patch at The Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Sat Oct 10 and Sun Oct 11, 10 AM to 5 PM, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, included with general admission. The 16th annual sale of blown glass pumpkins, with glassblowing demonstrations on the Arboretum lawn, rain or shine, at no charge beyond general admission. Browse the 16th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum.

Spooktacular Halloween Stroll at Cosley Zoo, Wheaton

Fri Oct 16, 5:15 to 8:30 PM, Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, $12.95 per person. An evening zoo walk with Halloween decorations and pumpkin decorating for families in costume. Ages 0 to 1 are free, but every attendee needs a ticket. Plan an evening at the Spooktacular Halloween Stroll at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton.

Shop the Block Harvest Market at Block 59

Sun Oct 25, 10 AM to 4 PM, Block 59, 404 Route 59, Naperville, free entry. More than 40 local makers, boutiques and small businesses set up on the green between Yard House and The Cheesecake Factory, and leashed pets are welcome. Browse the makers at the Shop the Block Harvest Market at Block 59.

What concerts, theater and comedy are on this fall?

This fall’s stage lineup runs from The Addams Family and Love/Sick in Naperville to Million Dollar Quartet and Mean Girls in Aurora, with concerts nearly every weekend at Wentz Concert Hall on the North Central College campus, music at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn, comedy at the Copley Theatre in Aurora and rock and country shows at Hollywood Casino Aurora.

Mean Girls: The Musical, Aurora

Sat Oct 10, 2 and 7 PM, and Sun Oct 11, 1 and 5:30 PM, Paramount Theatre, Aurora. The Paramount’s production of the Tina Fey musical closes Oct 11, so this is the last weekend. Admission details are on the organizer’s page. Catch the final weekend of Mean Girls: The Musical at the Paramount in Aurora.

Million Dollar Quartet at Stolp Island Theatre, Aurora

Wednesdays to Sundays through October, with the run listed through Jan 3, 2027, Stolp Island Theatre, Aurora, $87 in person. The musical about the 1956 Sun Studio jam of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins plays matinees and evenings. Phone and online orders add fees, and there is some adult language. See showtimes for Million Dollar Quartet at Stolp Island Theatre in Aurora.

Love/Sick at North Central College

Sat Oct 10, 2 and 7:30 PM, and Sun Oct 11, 2 PM, Madden Theatre, North Central College, from $14. The college’s theatre department stages John Cariani’s short comedic plays about love, with mature themes, language and a stage firearm; a $3 fee may apply. Get tickets for Love/Sick, the North Central College theatre production at Madden Theatre.

The Addams Family Musical, BrightSide Theatre

Oct 10 to 18, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 PM, Sundays 2 PM, Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College. BrightSide Theatre’s comic musical runs about 2 hours 30 minutes, and the Sat Oct 17 show is ASL-interpreted. The organizer states no age guidance, and admission details are on its page. Choose a date for The Addams Family musical from BrightSide Theatre.

Chicago a cappella: Northern Lights

Sun Oct 11, 4 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, $10 to $50, recommended for ages 10+. The ten-voice ensemble sings Nordic music from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark in a program of about 110 minutes with an intermission. Hear Northern Lights, Chicago a cappella’s Nordic program at Wentz Concert Hall.

Candlelight: A Tribute to The Beatles

Fri Oct 16, 6:30 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, Zone A $71 plus fee, ages 8 and up. String Quartet Listeso plays Beatles songs by candlelight for 60 minutes. As of October 7, only Zone A seats remained, and anyone under 16 needs an adult. Check seats for Candlelight: A Tribute to The Beatles at Wentz Concert Hall.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

Fri Oct 16, 8:45 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, $31 to $57 plus booking fee, ages 8 and up. The later candlelit set turns to Queen, played by a string quartet in about 60 minutes, and anyone under 16 must come with an adult. Pick a zone for Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen at Wentz Concert Hall.

The Barricade Boys: Broadway at the Movies, Glen Ellyn

Sat Oct 17, 7:30 PM, McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, $60 to $70. The vocal group sings hits from movie musicals such as Moulin Rouge, Mamma Mia and La La Land in the Belushi Performance Hall. Get seats for The Barricade Boys: Broadway at the Movies at the McAninch Arts Center.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra: Brahms and Beyond

Sat Oct 17, 7:30 PM, Wentz Concert Hall. The DuPage Symphony Orchestra opens its 73rd season. Tickets across the season run $12 to $57, so check seats and prices for this concert. Reserve for the DuPage Symphony Orchestra season opener, Brahms and Beyond.

Dogstar: All In Now Tour, Aurora

Sat Oct 17, 8 to 10 PM, Hollywood Casino Aurora Event Center, Aurora. The rock band brings its All In Now tour to the casino’s event center. Admission details are on the organizer’s page, and availability could not be confirmed as of October 7. See the listing for Dogstar’s All In Now tour at Hollywood Casino Aurora.

West Suburban Symphony: Rhapsodies

Fri Oct 23, 7:30 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, $40 adults, $35 seniors 65+, $10 teens, 12 and under free. The West Suburban Symphony opens its season with Gershwin and Copland, and free tickets for kids 12 and under make it an easy family concert. Get tickets for Rhapsodies, the West Suburban Symphony season opener at Wentz.

Eli Young Band, Aurora

Fri Oct 23, 8 to 10 PM, Hollywood Casino Aurora Event Center, Aurora. The country-rock band plays the casino’s event center. Admission details are on the organizer’s page, and availability could not be confirmed as of October 7. Check the listing for the Eli Young Band concert at Hollywood Casino Aurora.

New Philharmonic: A Tribute to Scotland, Glen Ellyn

Sat Oct 24, 7:30 PM, and Sun Oct 25, 3 PM, McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, $58 adults, $56 seniors. New Philharmonic plays Mendelssohn, Bruch and Davies in the Belushi Performance Hall, and extra fees apply online. Choose a performance of A Tribute to Scotland by New Philharmonic in Glen Ellyn.

Puddle of Mudd, Aurora

Sat Oct 24, 8 to 10 PM, Hollywood Casino Aurora Event Center, Aurora. The post-grunge band plays the casino’s event center. Admission details are on the organizer’s page, and sold-out status could not be checked as of October 7. See the listing for Puddle of Mudd at Hollywood Casino Aurora.

Copley Comedy Series: Tim Cavanagh and Michelle Krajecki, Aurora

Sat Oct 24, 8 PM, Copley Theatre, Aurora, $24.90 including fees. Tim Cavanagh headlines with Michelle Krajecki and host Tim Benker, and ticket delivery fees may apply. Grab a seat at the Copley Comedy Series night with Tim Cavanagh in Aurora.

Springsteen and Seger: A Rock Tribute by Sons of Chicago

Sat Oct 24, 8 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, $10 to $35. The twelve-piece Sons of Chicago plays hits by Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger for classic-rock fans. Get tickets for the Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger tribute by Sons of Chicago.

Duo Lumina Faculty Recital

Mon Oct 26, 7:30 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, $7. North Central College’s Faculty Recital Series presents a piano four-hands program on the spirit of dance, from Mozart to Ravel’s La Valse. Reserve a seat for Duo Lumina’s piano four-hands recital at Wentz Concert Hall.

Balourdet Quartet Faculty Recital

Fri Oct 30, 7:30 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, $15. The recipients of the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant play a string quartet recital in the college’s Faculty Recital Series, a calm option the night before Halloween. Get tickets for the Balourdet Quartet recital at Wentz Concert Hall.

What are the best free fall events in Naperville?

The best free picks, as stated by the organizers or the city, are LOTUS at Paddleboat Quarry (evenings through Oct 24), Creepy Critters Month at Knoch Knolls (all October), the 5th Avenue Station farmers market (Saturdays through Oct 31), Halloween Happening and the Municipal Band Fall Concert (both Oct 25), free entry to Shop the Block (Oct 25) and the ALMAS Day of the Dead celebration (Nov 1).

Nearby, BatFest in Batavia and the Promenade Bolingbrook festival are free on Oct 24, Cantigny’s family trick-or-treat night in Wheaton is free with $6 parking, and the Halloween Hop offers free trolley rides. For year-round ideas, see free things to do in Naperville in every season.

Naperville Public Library adds Frankenscience, a build-a-monster program for ages 3 to 5 with a grownup at Naper Blvd. Library on Wed Oct 14 from 1 to 1:45 PM, limited to 20 participants with no fee listed (Frankenscience details).

Teens in grades 6 to 12 can make candy spiders, bats and ghosts at Teen DIY: Spooky Snacks, Tue Oct 27 from 4 to 5 PM at 95th Street Library, open to the first 16 with no registration (Teen DIY Spooky Snacks details).

Creepy Critters Month at Knoch Knolls Nature Center

Through Sat Oct 31, Mon to Fri 9 AM to 1 PM and 1:30 to 4:30 PM, Sat 9 AM to 3 PM, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Rd, free. Self-guided drop-in activities about slugs, spiders and vultures, plus an indoor scavenger hunt with a Halloween-themed prize. No registration is required, an adult must be present with children, and the center is closed Sundays. Plan a stop at Creepy Critters Month at Knoch Knolls Nature Center.

Naperville Municipal Band Fall Concert

Sun Oct 25, 4 PM, Wentz Concert Hall, free. The Naperville Municipal Band plays its fall concert, and as the band puts it, admission is always free. Save the date for the Naperville Municipal Band Fall Concert at Wentz Concert Hall.

What is there for adults this fall?

Adults get Howlin’ at the Moon at Naper Settlement (21+, Oct 23 and 24) and Craft by Beer: Mad Scientists there (21+, Oct 15), the inaugural Taste of Naperville downtown through Oct 18, two Oct 16 Halloween parties, author nights from Anderson’s Bookshop and the KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala on Oct 24.

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle hosts the Autumn Reserve Wine Experience on Thu Oct 15 in the open-air Firefly Pavilion, at $85 ($75 members) or $35 for a designated driver (Autumn Reserve Wine Experience tickets).

The arboretum’s Plant Bingo on Sat Oct 17 runs 5 to 8 PM for adults 21 and older, with a cocktail hour and seed swap at 5 PM and bingo at 6 PM (Plant Bingo at the Morton Arboretum).

Anderson’s Bookshop brings actor and author Bethany Joy Lenz, in conversation with Mary Kubica, to Stevenson Hall at North Central College on Wed Oct 28 at 7 PM, a ticketed event (Bethany Joy Lenz author event).

Bears fans get game-day watch parties at Tapville Social downtown through Nov 8, with $5 bites and light beer specials (Bears watch party details).

Taste of Naperville

Sat Oct 10 to Sun Oct 18 (began Oct 9), restaurant hours, downtown Naperville, bites $5, $10, $15 or $20. Dine Naperville’s inaugural event needs no ticket: each restaurant offers set-price Bite specials. Taking part are Bangkok Village, Barrel & Heritage, Ben & Jerry’s, Cinnaholic, Cookie Dough Creations, GIA MIA, QBBQ, SixtyFour, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Tapville Social, Temptinn and The White Sheep. See every bite at the inaugural Taste of Naperville downtown dining event.

Author Event with Shawna Lander

Sun Oct 11, 2 to 4 PM, Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center, North Central College, $35 including the book. Anderson’s Bookshop hosts the comedian and memoirist for a talk and Q&A on early motherhood and her book The Role of Mom Will Be Played By. Pre-registration is required, and availability was unclear as of October 7. Read more on the Shawna Lander author event from Anderson’s Bookshop.

Book Club Happy Hour at Anderson’s Bookshop

Wed Oct 14, 11 AM to noon, Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave, $15 with a $10 coupon. Booksellers share their picks over treats for book clubs and gift shoppers, and the ticket includes a $10 coupon for that day. Pre-registration is required, and sales end at 9 AM on Oct 14. Sign up for the Book Club Happy Hour at Anderson’s Bookshop Naperville.

Craft by Beer: Mad Scientists at Naper Settlement

Thu Oct 15, 7 to 9 PM (doors 6:45 PM), Naper Settlement, $20, 21+. Science experiments and trivia with craft beer, entered through the Pre-Emption House. One drink ticket is included, a valid ID is required, and space is limited, so pre-register. Register for Craft by Beer: Mad Scientists, the 21+ science night at Naper Settlement.

Boos at the Bridge, Oswego

Fri Oct 16, 6 to 10 PM, Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego, $25 drink package in advance ($30 at the door), $10 without drinks. A park district party with drinks, food trucks, a DJ, games, tarot readings and an 8 PM costume contest. The event page states no age rule, so check before you go. Pre-register for Boos at the Bridge, the Halloween party at Hudson Crossing Park in Oswego.

Boos and Clues Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Fri Oct 16, 6 to 10 PM (check-in 6 to 6:30 PM), Naperville Woman’s Club, 14 S Washington St, $35. Players collect clues to downtown restaurants, shops and landmarks for a hunt with music, karaoke and prizes that raises money for the Woman’s Club. Tickets are limited and nonrefundable. Join the Naperville Woman’s Club Boos and Clues Halloween scavenger hunt.

Ariel Lawhon: The Pirate Queen Book Release

Fri Oct 16, 7 PM, Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, $40 including a pre-signed book. Anderson’s Bookshop hosts the historical-fiction author for a talk and Q&A on her Grace O’Malley novel; books come pre-signed, so there is no signing line. Pre-registration is required, and availability was unclear as of October 7. See the Ariel Lawhon Pirate Queen book release event.

KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala

Sat Oct 24, 5:30 to 10:30 PM, Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville. KidsMatter marks its 25th anniversary with a cocktail reception, dinner, a live auction, music and a paddle raise for youth programs. Admission details are on the organizer’s page. Learn more about the KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala, its 25th anniversary fundraiser.

ACOTAR Midnight Release Party at Anderson’s Bookshop

Mon Oct 26, 9 to 11 PM, Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave, $37 plus a $2.73 fee, book included. Sarah J. Maas fans get trivia, a costume contest and a copy of A Court of Splintered Harmony. Tickets were flagged as selling fast as of October 7, and sales close at 7 PM on Oct 26. Grab a spot at the ACOTAR midnight release party at Anderson’s Bookshop.

Which races, games and outdoor fall outings are coming up?

Runners can pick from three races in eight days: the Cantigny 5K in Wheaton on Oct 17, the Naperville Half Marathon and 5K downtown on Oct 18 and the Fall Color 5K at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle on Oct 24; online registration for the first two closes Oct 14 at 11:59 PM. Spectators get North Central College homecoming and fireworks on Oct 10, the Naperville Pumpkin Race on Oct 24 and the Howl-o-Ween dog parade in Lisle on Oct 31.

For an easy evening outing, the free LOTUS installation glows on Paddleboat Quarry through Oct 24. Before you head out, read the site’s Naperville Riverwalk guide to what locals know before you go.

LOTUS at Paddleboat Quarry

Every evening through Sat Oct 24, lit after sunset until 10 PM, Paddleboat Quarry on the Naperville Riverwalk, 441 Aurora Ave, free. Naperville ArtForum’s LOTUS installation sets illuminated lotus sculptures on the quarry water. The city calls it free and open to the public, a fall arts experience for all ages, so it makes an easy evening Riverwalk stroll before it closes Oct 24. See LOTUS, the illuminated lotus installation at Paddleboat Quarry.

North Central College Homecoming Football and Fireworks

Sat Oct 10, 6 PM kickoff, Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, 455 S Brainard St, Naperville. North Central hosts Wheaton College in the Battle for the Little Brass Bell, followed by post-game fireworks. Admission details are on the organizer’s page. Get game info for the North Central College homecoming game and fireworks.

Cantigny 5K Run and Walk, Wheaton

Sat Oct 17, 9 AM, Cantigny Park, Wheaton, $30 online until registration closes Oct 14 at 11:59 PM, $45 in person Oct 16 and 17. A chip-timed 5K benefiting the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, with $5 kids runs of 1 mile and a quarter mile. Register for the Cantigny 5K Run and Walk benefiting homeless veterans.

Naperville Half Marathon and 5K

Sun Oct 18, 7 AM, start on Eagle St just north of Aurora Ave, downtown Naperville. The half marathon and 5K start together, with packet pickup Oct 16 and 17. Online registration closes Oct 14 at 11:59 PM with no race-day sign-ups, and entry fees are on the organizer’s page. Check the race page for downtown road closures that morning. Sign up for the Naperville Half Marathon and 5K race morning.

Fall Color 5K Run and Walk at The Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Sat Oct 24, 8 AM, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, $60 plus a $5.65 signup fee through Oct 23. A 5K run or walk through the Arboretum’s fall colors with a shotgun start. Race-morning registration is $65 plus a fee until 10 AM, and a virtual 5K is $45. Register for the Fall Color 5K at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

10th Annual Naperville Pumpkin Race

Sat Oct 24, noon to 3 PM, Rotary Hill Park by the Millennium Carillon, 443 Aurora Ave, pumpkin kit $25. Turning Pointe Autism Foundation’s 10th annual race sends decorated pumpkin racers down Rotary Hill, with costume and decorating contests for all ages and abilities. Spectator admission details are on the organizer’s page. Cheer on the 10th annual Naperville Pumpkin Race at Rotary Hill.

Howl-o-Ween at The Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Sat Oct 31, 9 AM to noon, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, admission plus a dog ticket ($7 guest dogs, $6 member dogs). A costumed dog parade and activities on Halloween morning. Every dog needs its own ticket, and general admission saves $2 per ticket online. Bring your pup to Howl-o-Ween, the Halloween dog costume parade at the Morton Arboretum.

What happens in Naperville in early November?

Early November opens with Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) on Sun Nov 1: the free ALMAS celebration starting at 1 PM and a festival in downtown Aurora from 4 to 9 PM. North Central College opens Fun Home on Thu Nov 5, and Million Dollar Quartet is scheduled to run in Aurora through Jan 3, 2027, so check November showtimes on its event listing.

Plan ahead, too. The Naperville Turkey Trot (Thu Nov 26, 8 AM) holds its $35 plus fee price for ages 15 and up until Oct 31, then it rises to $40, according to the race site. The Morton Arboretum says public tickets for Illumination in Lisle go on sale Thu Oct 15 at 9 AM CT, for a Nov 14 to Jan 2 season. The Rotary Club of Naperville has cancelled the 2026 Holiday Parade of Lights, according to NCTV17’s report on the cancellation. City crews usually hang the downtown holiday lights from October into mid-November (NCTV17 on the annual lights install). Tue Nov 3 is Election Day.

Naperville Public Library’s Trivia Night on Wed Nov 4, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, at the 95th Street Library takes the first 75 adult players, solo or in teams, with no fee listed (Trivia Night details).

On Thu Nov 5 from 1 to 2 PM, the same branch hosts The Dark History of Nursery Rhymes, a lecture on the plague, politics and scandal behind familiar rhymes (nursery rhymes lecture details).

Day of the Dead Celebration by ALMAS

Sun Nov 1, starts 1 PM, location to be announced, free. ALMAS hosts its annual, free, family-friendly Dia de los Muertos celebration with altars, workshops, music, dance and Latin American food. The 2026 location and end time were not posted as of October 7 (the 2025 edition was at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion). Follow updates on the ALMAS Day of the Dead celebration listing.

Dia de Muertos Celebration in Downtown Aurora

Sun Nov 1, 4 to 9 PM, Public Parking Lot B, 65 S Water St, Aurora. Athziry’s festival brings live music, folklorico dance, a Catrina fashion show, altars and ofrendas, crafts, food vendors and kids activities. Admission details are on the organizer’s page. Make an evening of the Dia de Muertos celebration in downtown Aurora.

Fun Home at North Central College

Thu Nov 5, 7:30 PM, Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, $14. The college’s production continues Nov 6 to 8, so only opening night falls in this window. The college notes that the play contains mature topics, so it is not an all-ages show. Get tickets for Fun Home, the North Central College musical.

Weekend by weekend planner

Use these quick lists of highlights to plan each weekend. Shows and multi-day events also run on the other dates in their entries, and every name jumps to its full entry above.

Oct 10 and 11

• Sat Oct 10: farmers market, Glass Pumpkin Patch (Lisle), Taste of Naperville, NCC homecoming and fireworks, The Addams Family
• Sun Oct 11: Wuthering Heights walk (Lisle), Chicago a cappella, the final Mean Girls shows

Oct 12 to 15

• Wed Oct 14: Book Club Happy Hour, the Cantigny 5K and half marathon online deadline
• Thu Oct 15: Craft by Beer (21+), Illumination ticket sales
• Any weekday: Creepy Critters Month, LOTUS after dark

Oct 16 to 18

• Fri Oct 16: Cosley Zoo stroll (Wheaton), Boos and Clues, Candlelight Beatles
• Sat Oct 17: Trick-or-Treat at Safety Town, Blackberry Farm trick-or-treat (Aurora), DuPage Symphony, Cantigny 5K (Wheaton)
• Sun Oct 18: Naperville Half Marathon, Halloween Hayride (Aurora), the last day of Taste of Naperville

Oct 23 to 25

• Fri Oct 23: Howlin’ at the Moon, Cantigny trick-or-treat (Wheaton), Kids Night Out, Haunted Train Ride (Aurora)
• Sat Oct 24: Fall Color 5K (Lisle), Pumpkin Palooza, Family Spooktacular, Pumpkin Race, BatFest (Batavia), Springsteen and Seger tribute, Howlin’ at the Moon
• Sun Oct 25: Halloween Hop, Shop the Block, Halloween Happening, Municipal Band, Family Spooktacular

Oct 26 to Nov 1

• Oct 26 to 30: ACOTAR release party (Mon), Halloween Storytime (Tue), Balourdet Quartet (Fri)
• Sat Oct 31, Halloween: the last farmers market, Howl-o-Ween (Lisle), neighborhood trick-or-treating
• Sun Nov 1: ALMAS Day of the Dead, Dia de Muertos (Aurora), the last day of the Pumpkin FunFarm

Nov 2 to 5

• Tue Nov 3: Election Day
• Thu Nov 5: Fun Home opening night

Plan your visit

Many of these events are outdoors and run into the evening, so check the Naperville weather guide for fall and pack layers; Trick-or-Treat at Safety Town and the Glass Pumpkin Patch run rain or shine.

Between events, browse places to eat in Naperville, and if family is visiting for Halloween weekend or the half marathon, compare places to stay in Naperville.

Cantigny’s listing shows parking at $6 per car for its trick-or-treat night, and the Naperville Half Marathon starts downtown on the morning of Oct 18, so check the race page for road closures. Ticket prices, sellouts and times can change after October 7, 2026, so confirm on each event page before you go.

Frequently asked questions

What events are happening in Naperville in October 2026?

Highlights include the inaugural Taste of Naperville through October 18, Trick-or-Treat at Safety Town on October 17, Family Spooktacular at Naper Settlement on October 24 and 25, and the free Halloween Happening and downtown Halloween Hop on October 25.

Does Naperville have trick or treat hours for Halloween 2026?

No. No city ordinance sets trick or treat hours. In its Halloween 2024 guidance, the Naperville Police Department recommended that young children finish when it gets dark and older children by 8 PM. Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Is there a trick or treat event in downtown Naperville?

Yes. The Downtown Naperville Halloween Hop runs Sunday, October 25, from 10 AM to noon, with candy at participating businesses, face painting and free trolley rides.

Is All Hallows Eve at Naper Settlement happening in 2026?

As of October 7, 2026, All Hallows Eve is not on the Naper Settlement 2026 calendar. Its Halloween events are Howlin’ at the Moon, a 21 and over party on October 23 and 24, and Family Spooktacular, designed for families with children 3 to 12, on October 24 and 25.

What free Halloween events are near Naperville?

Free picks include Halloween Happening at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion for kids 10 and under on October 25, Creepy Critters Month at Knoch Knolls Nature Center all October, the LOTUS light installation at Paddleboat Quarry through October 24, and BatFest in Batavia on October 24.

Where are haunted houses near Naperville?

The haunted house this guide verified for 2026 is Basement of the Dead at 42 W New York St in Aurora, open select evenings through November 7, with general admission from $24.99 and a recommended age of 13 and up.

Where can you find a pumpkin patch near Naperville?

Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park runs its Pumpkin FunFarm daily through November 1, at $19.99 on weekdays and $26.99 on weekends, and the Morton Arboretum in Lisle hosts the Glass Pumpkin Patch on October 10 and 11. The Naperville.com guide to pumpkin patches near Naperville lists more farms.

What are fun things for adults to do in Naperville this fall?

Adults can try Craft by Beer at Naper Settlement on October 15, the 21 and over Halloween party there on October 23 and 24, a downtown Halloween scavenger hunt on October 16 and concerts at Wentz Concert Hall nearly every weekend.

Where can you find more Naperville events?

Bookmark this guide, then browse every listing on the Naperville events calendar or the This Weekend guide to Saturday and Sunday in Naperville for ideas beyond Nov 5. See you on the Riverwalk.