Halloween Happenings 2026
October is here, and that means it’s time for costumes, pumpkins and a little bit of spooky fun! This year, we’re brewing up a cauldron of Halloween events for all ages. Whether you’re looking for hands-on craft sessions or an evening of eerie entertainment, we have something for everyone. Join us for a celebration that’s equal parts festive, creative and community-spirited.
For Adults:
Día de los Muertos Skulls
Wednesday, October 14, 6–8 p.m.
Día de los Muertos skulls (calaveras) are vibrant, symbolic representations of departed loved ones used to honor the deceased. Drop in to create your own unique design, while supplies last. Please allow at least 30 minutes to complete your item. Drop in; no registration required.
The Illinois Paranormalists: Best and Favorite Cases (Zoom)
Thursday, October 15, 7 p.m.
Paranormal investigator Paul Schmidt from the Illinois Paranormalists will present some of his favorite cases and discuss the process of examining the supernatural. This is a Zoom webinar. A link to the webinar will be sent one day before the event, and a reminder email will be sent an hour before the event. Registration required.
Haunting Visuals
Tuesday, October 20, 7 p.m.
Discover how to use dim, dramatic RGB lighting to evoke spooky vibes this Halloween season. Get hands-on experience with Studio 300 equipment for your next photo or video project. Registration required.
Take-It Make-It Kit: Halloween Signpost
Sunday, October 25
Assemble and decorate your own 3D sign pointing to haunted houses, creepy street names or other frightful destinations. Visit the 3rd Floor Service Desk to pick up a craft kit, while supplies last. One craft per adult. You must be present to receive the kit.
DIY Mini Planters
Monday, October 26, 6–8 p.m.
Paint your own zombie, cat, ghost or jack-o-lantern mini planter, while supplies last. Please allow 30 minutes to complete the craft. Drop in; no registration required.
Ghosts of the White House (Zoom)
Tuesday, October 27, 7 p.m.
Learn about the haunted histories and presidential spirits of the nation’s capital. Step into the shadows of America’s most famous residence and uncover the eerie tales that have echoed through its historic halls. This chilling lecture explores the ghost stories, strange sightings and supernatural legends tied to the White House, from Abraham Lincoln’s restless spirit to mysterious footsteps in the night. Blending historical fact with folklore, this presentation offers a fascinating look at the presidents, first families and staff members who may still linger long after their time in office. This is a Zoom webinar. A link to the webinar will be sent one day before the event, and a reminder email will be sent an hour before the event. Registration required.
On-Screen Specters: Ghosts in Film (Zoom)
Wednesday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Classic Hollywood has incorporated depictions of ghosts across a wide array of film genres, including horror, romance and comedy—just to name a few. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores various depictions of ghosts in classic cinema, the technologies used to create these illusions and their connections to more contemporary films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips and captivating stories. This is a Zoom webinar. A link to the webinar will be sent one day before the event, and a reminder email will be sent an hour before the event. Registration required.
Happy Halloween Sign
Thursday, October 29, 6–8 p.m.
Create a bewitching bat-and-moon sign that you can hang on a wall or door, while supplies last. Please allow 30 minutes to complete the craft. Drop in; no registration required.
Horror Fiction Collection
Get into the Halloween spirit with our brand-new Horror Fiction collection on the 3rd floor! More than 600 spine-tingling titles are ready to haunt your TBR… if you dare to browse. Stop by today and find your next fright!
For Teens (Grades 6–12):
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
October 1–25
Stop by the Vortex to pick up a craft pumpkin to decorate here or at home. Turn in your finished project by 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 25. We’ll announce the winner on Thursday, October 29. The winner will receive a $25 gift card.
Costume Horns
Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 p.m.
Create and customize wearable, lightweight costume horns with cardboard, hot glue and acrylic paints. Registration required.
DIY Pumpkin Decorating
Thursday, October 15, 4–5:30 p.m.
Join us for a crafty, spooky time to start decorating your craft pumpkin for the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. We’ll have all the supplies you need to get started!
Kawaii Monster Art
Wednesday, October 21, 4:30 p.m.
Create your own custom art pieces using kawaii monster stencils and art supplies. Registration required.
Teen Paint Party: The Nightmare Scream
Saturday, October 24, 2 p.m.
Want to try your hand at painting a spooky work of art? Join us for an afternoon of fun and creativity as we paint a Halloween-themed art piece. All experience levels are welcome. Registration required.
Haunted Hangout
Monday, October 26, 4–5:30 p.m.
Drop in for an afternoon of spooky fun! We’ll paint ceramics, craft ghostly art, enjoy some eerie tunes and eat plenty of snacks. Drop in; no registration required.
Egg Carton Ghosties
Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m.
Use recycled egg cartons, cardboard and acrylic paint pens to create a little ghostie portrait. Registration required.
For Children & Families
Monster Bash on the Boo-mobile!
Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Target, 1188 W. Boughton Road
Join us on the Bookmobile for a monstrous celebration! Play some ghoulish games, craft something spooky and check out our haunting materials. Will you get a trick or a treat? It’ll be a scream! Drop in; no registration required.
Museum Mysteries
Thursday, October 29, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 3–5
Inspect our cabinet of curiosities in this hands-on STEM program where you will determine if creepy artifacts are real or fake. Can you spot the forgery? Registration required.
