Here’s a list of major Halloween-related events taking place in and around Madison. Keep in mind that many bars will have their own parties and costume contests.
Wednesday, Oct. 25
- Downtown Madison Family Halloween (free): Trick-or-treat from 80 downtown locations and enjoy activities at places including the Overture Center, from 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 26
- Trick or TrEAT Halloween Bash ($15/$20): Come support the River Food Pantry at its party that will feature live music, a raffle and Ale Asylum beer.
Friday, Oct. 27
- Downtown Trick or Treat (free): If the kiddos didn’t get enough trick-or-treating at State Street businesses on Wednesday, they can head to Middleton and do it all over again from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 34 locations.
- Halloween Spooktacular (free): Yes, this is an egg hunt in October, and it starts at 5:45 p.m. at Winnequah Dream Park in Monona. Afterward, enjoy an outdoor movie with free popcorn.
- Fall Fest (free): Stay in Monona and head to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m.. Take part in family-friendly activities such as a costume parade and “sweet” science experiments.
- A Freakin’ Halloweekend ($10): The High Noon Saloon hosts this two-day event in which local bands dress up as their favorite “mega-bands.” Examples include the Kissers as the Pogues on Friday and the Shabelles as U2 on Saturday. Shows start at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 28
- Spook-tacular Halloween Bash (free): Design your own candy bag from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the DreamBank.
- Freakfest ($10 advance/$15 at the gates): Madison’s official Halloween party takes place from 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. on State Street. This year’s headliners include DRAM and George Clinton. If you want to save a few bucks, head to the bars early, before the gates on State Street are erected.
- 80s vs. 90s Halloween Costume Ball ($10): The almost-monthly 80s vs. 90s party is always popular, but the Halloween version is always really popular. Dress up as a TV/movie character or music icon to participate in the costume contest. Doors open at 8, and I recommend arriving soon after.
Sunday, Oct. 29
- Halloween at the Zoo (free): Activities include face painting and a pumpkin-decorating contest from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the zoo.
- Trick or Treat on Monroe Street (free): You’ll probably need to drive to hit all the shops that will hand out treats from noon-4 p.m. along a lengthy stretch of Monroe Street.
Tuesday, Oct. 31
- Baby’s First Halloween (free with admission): Take the little ones to this costume contest and dance party from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Madison Children’s Museum.
- Hilldale-o-Ween (free): Kids in costumes can trick-or-treat at participating retailers from 4-8 p.m.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show ($8/$10): Let’s do the time warp again! The cult classic starts at 9 p.m. at the Majestic.
The remodeling of the Park Hotel (formerly Inn on the Park) included revamping its restaurant called Jerome’s into 
I did try a bunch of the appetizers, in case you’re stopping by for drinks after work at the huge bar that takes up half the space.
