Here’s a list of major Halloween-related events in the Madison, WI area. Don’t forget that the City of Madison ended Freakfast permanently last year, which was not a surprise since many city officials never liked the event.
Also keep in mind that many bars, such as Gamma Ray Bar and Northside Lounge, will have their own parties and costume contests.
Fridays and Saturdays in October
- Screamin’ Acres ($28-$41): An immersive haunted house experience at Eugster’s Farm, beginning at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 2.
Saturday, Oct. 19
- 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.
Friday, Oct. 25
- Spooky Stroll (free): Formerly known as the Downtown Middleton Trick or Treat, this event features trick-or-treating at 30 businesses, a costume parade and live music, from 3-6 p.m.
- Warner Family Fun Night (free): This event at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center includes hayrides, bingo, food carts and a movie.
- 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.
- Emo Halloween ($15/$20): Starting at 8 p.m. at the Majestic, hear tributes to bands such as My Chemical Romance and Paramore.
Saturday, Oct. 26
- Trick or Treat on Monroe Street: Various businesses on Monroe Street will hand out treats on Saturday and Sunday. Plus, take part in the dog costume parade on Sunday.
- Freakin’ Halloweekend ($15/$20): Enjoy tributes to the likes of Duran Duran and Metallica starting at 7 p.m. at the High Noon Saloon.
Sunday, Oct. 27
- Boo! at the Zoo (free): The event features trick-or-treat candy stations from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the zoo.
- Hilldale-O-Ween (free): Take part in a dance party, pumpkin decorating and other activities, from 3-5 p.m. at Hilldale Shopping Center.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
- 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. 31
- The Big Lebowski: This is not a party, per se, but Bierock will transform itself into the bowling alley from “The Big Lebowski” for one day only.
Saturday, Nov. 2
- Halloween Bar Crawl ($15+): The bar crawl runs from 4-11 p.m. and takes place at various campus bars. Red Rock Saloon will host the after-party starting at 9 p.m.
Tags: downtown, Middleton, Monona, near east, near west, north side, Stoughton, Waunakee
