Here’s a list of major Halloween-related events in the Madison, WI area, with those not taking place in 2022 listed on the bottom. The big news is that the City of Madison has ended Freakfast permanently, which was not a surprise since many city officials never liked the event.
Keep in mind that many bars, such as Madison’s and Shamrock, will have their own parties and costume contests.
Somewhat surprisingly, there aren’t any major events on Halloween itself, probably because it lands on a Monday.
Thursday, Oct. 20
- Halloween Carnival (free): The Prairie Lakes shopping center in Sun Prairie will feature bounce houses, a petting zoo and a pumpkin patch from 4-6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 22
- Halloween at the Farm ($10): Held at Schumacher Farm Park, farmyard activities include live music and a fortuneteller, from 4-8 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 26
- Baby’s First Halloween (free with admission): Take the little ones for non-messy Halloween activities from 9-11 a.m. at the Madison Children’s Museum.
- Downtown Madison Family Halloween (free): Trick-or-treat from 70 downtown locations and enjoy activities at places including the Overture Center, from 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 27
- Into the Mystic (free): The Downtowners group will be hosting a party from 5-8 p.m. at the Brink Lounge.
Friday, Oct. 28
- Halloween Spooktacular (free): Yes, this is an egg hunt in October, and it starts at 6:15 p.m. at a secret location in Monona (sign up to find out where). Afterward, enjoy an outdoor movie.
Saturday, Oct. 29
- Boo! at the Zoo (free): The event now features trick-or-treat candy stations from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the zoo.
- Prancing Pony: This is not a party, per se, but Bierock will transform itself into the Prancing Pony from “Lord of the Rings” for one day only.
- Trick or Treat on Monroe Street: Various businesses on Monroe Street will hand out treats on Saturday and Sunday.
- Halloween Bar Crawl ($25): The bar crawl runs from 4 p.m. – midnight and takes place at various campus bars. A venue TBA will host the after-party with a $1,000 costume contest.
- Freakin’ Halloweekend ($15): Enjoy tributes to R.E.M., Genesis, Neil Young and the Black Crowes starting at 7:30 p.m. at the High Noon Saloon.
Sunday, Oct. 30
- Hilldale-O-Ween (free): Take part in a dance party and a costume contest, among other activities, from 3-5 p.m. at Hilldale Shopping Center.
CANCELED OR NOT TAKING PLACE
- Downtown Middleton Trick or Treat
- Fall Fest
- Member Monster Mash
- Freakfest
- Great Halloween Hunt
- 80s vs. 90s Halloween Costume Ball
Tags: downtown, Halloween, near east, near west, north side, Sun Prairie, Waunakee
