Here’s a list of major Halloween-related events in the Madison, WI area.
While the City of Madison ended Freakfast permanently in 2023, many people still visited State Street, and you can expect a crowd again this year.
Also keep in mind that many bars, such as the Essen Haus and Starkweather Brewing, will have their own parties and costume contests.
If you’re looking for a Halloween costume, I’ve typically found what I needed at HalloweenCostumes.com and Spirit Halloween.
Fridays and Saturdays in October
- Screamin’ Acres ($28-$36 for general admission): An immersive haunted house experience at Eugster’s Farm, beginning at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1.
Saturday, Oct. 18
- Halloween at the Farm ($5-$10): Held at Schumacher Farm Park, the farmyard activities include haunted wagon rides and a fortuneteller, from 4-8 p.m., rain or shine.
Friday, Oct. 24
- Halloween Spooktacular (free): Yes, this is an egg hunt in October, and it starts at 6:15 p.m. at Winnequah Park in Monona. Beforehand, enjoy live music and a parade, and afterward, enjoy an outdoor movie.
Saturday, Oct. 25
- Trick or Treat on Monroe Street: Various businesses on Monroe Street will hand out treats on Saturday and Sunday, though no times have been listed, as usual. On Sunday, take part in the dog costume parade.
- Emo Halloween ($19.25 for general admission): Starting at 8 p.m. at the Majestic, hear tributes to bands such as My Chemical Romance and The All-American Rejects.
Sunday, Oct. 26
- Boo! at the Zoo (free): The event features trick-or-treat candy stations from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the zoo.
- Hilldale-O-Ween (free): Take part in a dance party, spooky crafts and other activities, from 3-5 p.m. at Hilldale Shopping Center.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Downtown Madison Family Halloween (free): Trick-or-treat at dozens of downtown locations and enjoy activities, including hayrides around the Capitol Square, from 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30
- Spooky Stroll (free): Formerly known as the Downtown Middleton Trick or Treat, this event features trick-or-treating at more than 20 businesses, a costume parade and a magic show, from 2-6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31
- The Golden Girls: This is not a party, per se, but Bierock will transform itself into the Rusty Anchor from “The Golden Girls” for the day.
- Hallo-WEEN ($19.25): Enjoy tributes to the likes of Pink Floyd and the Allman Brothers starting at 8 p.m. at the High Noon Saloon.
- Halloween Bar Crawl ($15+): The bar crawl runs from 4-10 p.m. and takes place at various campus bars on both Friday and Saturday. Churchkey will host the after-party starting at 9 p.m. both nights.
Tags: downtown, Middleton, Monona, near east, near west, Stoughton, Waunakee
