Above / Safety first! Meet up with 40-year-old McGruff the Crime Dog around town during the Halloween holiday season. And if you see something suspicious, say something to a Naperville Crime Stopper at (630) 420-6006. Keeping the community safe is everybody’s responsibility.
‘Tis the season to take time to every day to experience the gorgeous autumn season when the parkway trees begin to create colorful canopies along neighborhood streets. Many local residents are grateful the City of Naperville foresters helped save our ash with special treatment when the invasive Emerald Ash Borer came to town. Soon all the ash trees will become golden yellow, then their leaves will be among the first to drop to curbside…
Follow this page with autumn changes and choices through Halloween…
If any of these annual October events sound appealing and you don’t have time to attend in 2019, but wish you did; take note that many of the seasonal opportunities will return the same time next year. Nobody is expected to do everything!
Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement / Oct. 4-5, 2019 (Party’s over!)
Celebrate Oktoberfest October 4-5 during the 10th annual taste of Bavaria at Naper Settlement. Hours are 5-10PM Friday and 12 Noon to 10PM Saturday. Admission is $15/Adult, $10/Youth (4–12). Free admission the Heritage Society members.
Experience Naperville’s German festival like never before! Traditional cuisine and German beer will be overflowing in a giant heated tent, with lively Oompah music during the day and over-the-top rock on Saturday night. Guests will find plenty on tap, including an expanded draft menu, professional pumpkin carver, Oktoberfest Pinball, and laugh-out-loud competitions.
NWC hosts Witches Night Out / Oct. 10, 2019 (Party’s over!)
Though September is known to be the second busiest month for parking in downtown Naperville, autumn themes and Halloween events throughout the city create quite a scene during October, sweeping off with Witches Night Out, hosted by the Naperville Woman’s Club. Anyone who missed the sold-out 2nd Annual Witches Night Out last year at Naper Settlement is encouraged to mark her calendar now for Oct. 10, 2019.
Find pumpkins at The Growing Place, now celebrating 83 years!
Both Growing Place locations are filled with inspirational gardens, vast selections of plants, knowledgeable staff as well as entertaining and educational events for adults and kids. Explore the gift shop to discover thoughtful gifts, miniatures, and unique garden accents for the season.
Check out special events at The Growing Place located at 2000 Montgomery Road in Aurora. In Naperville, the family-owned business is located at 25w471 Plank Road with roots that date back to Emma’s Perennials in 1936.
Check out daily public Halloween Light Tours that run on Naperville Trolley and Tours from Fri., Oct. 18 through Halloween, beginning and ending at Aurelio’s Pizza, 1975 Springbrook Square, where parking is available. Book your seat for $19 /plus $1.50 handling fees = $20.50 per person, all ages. For everything about the October schedule, visit Naperville Trolley and Tours.
Naperville Plaza
Remember that Oswald’s Pharmacy, just around the bend from Casey’s, has every scary sweet thing, spooky greeting card and holiday party item you need for Halloween trick or treaters and/or birthdays every day of October.
Flu shots, too!
All Hallows Eve at Naper Settlement / Oct. 18 & 19, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
All Hallows Eve is slated from 6:30-10PM both Fri., Oct. 18, and Sat., Oct. 19. Experience two scary, scary nights of the year at Naper Settlement where 13-acres of “haunting creatures, eerie entertainment, screaming delights and must-see horrors” will surprise you around every corner of the historic village, located in the heart of Naperville.
Guests will explore more than 20 different haunt experiences, from frightful reenactments of Vlad the Impaler and Sweeney Todd to face painting, fire spinners, and illusionists. Each experience has a fright factor rating from one to three skulls, allowing guests to customize their experience throughout the evening.
New frights include…
- Little Red Riding Hood haunt experience
- Evil Rock stage, featuring spooky performances by local School of rock music students
- Expanded Zombie Maze
- Bugs, insects, and spiders on display from Crosstown Exotics
- 50 decorated pumpkins in the “Fort Pain” Dark Art Gallery for the Naperville’s Heritage Society’s 50th Anniversary
Each year, Naper Settlement partners with local organizations to bring this event to life, with more than 200 volunteers from school groups and arts organizations participating as scare actors.
“All Hallows Eve is Naperville’s annual celebration of the occult, where instead of one haunted house, guests are frightened by over a dozen bone-chilling haunts and numerous hair-raising performances,” said Adison Glick, special events team leader.
All Hallows Eve runs from 6:30-10PM each night and is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Tickets are $20/guest. Members and children under 4 are free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.NaperSettlement.org/AllHallowsEve.
Singing for Seniors / 3PM Oct. 19, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
Entering its 20th year of entertaining Naperville-area seniors, Singing for Seniors begins at 3PM on Sat., Oct. 19, at the Yellow Box, located at 1635 Emerson at Ogden Ave. The music fest for folks age 55-plus, first imagined by Gary Leavenworth more than 20 years ago, has become a “can’t miss” tradition on the fall calendar. Every year, this toe-tapping, 90-minute musical review delights audiences with a wide range of established and up-and-coming talent from the Chicago area and across the country. As always, the concert is free and dedicated to thanking area seniors for their contributions to our community.
American Legion ‘Octoberfest’ Social and Dinner / 6PM Oct. 19, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
American Legion Annual “Octoberfest” Social and Dinner will be held Sat., Oct. 19 at the VFW. The social hour begins at 6PM followed by dinner at 7PM with entertainment provided by the NMB “Oomph Pah Band” directed by Ron Keller. Reserve a spot for the fun evening accented by some good old Bavarian tunes with longtime friends.
Need a costume for trick or treat?
Find places to create Halloween costume ideas for all
No matter what age, the fun of Halloween is coming up and dressing up with an original costume. Find plenty of gently-used clothing and accessories, from the basics to high fashion and from head to toe at Second Chance Resale Shops. Family Shelter Service owns and operates the Second Chance Resale Shops in two locations. One store in Tower Crossings is located at 1512 N. Naper Blvd., Suite 172 Naperville. A second store is located at 1131 Fairview Ave. in Westmont.
Also find accessories (hats, jewelry, etc.) for dress-up ideas at The Serendipity Shop, located at 12 W. Jefferson Avenue in downtown Naperville. Purchases here help support the Little Friends’ mission of fulfilling lives.
Good Will, located at 539 Fort Hill Drive, is another place Halloweeners just might find the accessories needed to complete a costume.
Or if your dog needs a costume, stop by Dog Patch Pet and Feed. You just might find a fun outfit or seasonal scarf! Dog Patch is located at 1108 E. Ogden. (And remember their annual bird seed sale is all during the month of November!)
Anderson’s Toyshop, located at 111 W. Jefferson, two doors east from the book store, also has fun ideas of Halloween costumes.
Healthy Driven Half Marathon and 5K / 8AM Oct. 20, 2019 (Party’s Over)
Runners will take to the streets for the 6th annual Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon beginning at 7AM Sun., Oct. 20, on Eagle Street, just north of Aurora Ave, alongside the Naperville Municipal Center.
Note some street closures apply Sunday morning. Be prepared. To register, visit www.runnaperville.com/half-marathon-registration/.
Chefs’ Culinary Challenge Fundraiser / 5PM Oct. 20, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
The West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge will celebrate the 8th Annual Chefs’ Culinary Challenge beginning at 5PM on Sun., Oct. 20 at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, 1801 N. Naper Blvd.
Guests attending the fundraiser will enjoy and judge appetizers and entrees as the area’s top chefs compete for top honors. Proceeds support the West Suburban Community Pantry’s mission to create a community without hunger through innovative approaches to providing food and resources that empower people to improve their quality of life.
Headquartered in Woodridge, the West Suburban Community Pantry has expanded its services to reach more people living in areas higher-than-average poverty within surrounding suburbs, including areas of Bolingbrook, Lisle, Southeast Naperville, Downers Grove, Darien, Willowbrook, Westmont and Romeoville.
The evening also includes cocktails, silent auction and entertainment. The Ann & Victor Pokorny Memorial Fund is lead sponsor of the Chefs’ Culinary Challenge. The Fund, advised by Joseph F. Pokorny and Judith Pokorny, is a long-time supporter of the West Suburban Community Pantry. For tickets and information, visit wscpantry.org/events/ or call (630) 948-8132.
2019 Naperville Curbside Leaf Collection cycles begin Oct. 21 (Ongoing!)
Rake leaves into the street by 6AM to participate in the three curbside leaf collection cycles scheduled, weather permitting, beginning on Oct. 21, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18. Compare this photo from mid-October 2018 with the top photo taken at the beginning of October. What a difference a couple weeks make in the local landscape.
Remember also to keep storm drains clear of leaves. And never park on top of a large pile of leaves.
Autumn Events at Will County Forest Preserve (Ongoing!)
Check out the calendar of events featuring fun activities and demonstrations at Whalon Lake. For more information, call (708) 534-8499 or visit www.reconnectwithnature.org.
Strengthening Our Foundation Fundraising Luncheon / Oct. 24, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
The Conservation Foundation will host its Strengthening Our Foundation Fundraising Luncheon amid the fall splendor of Cantigny at noon on Thurs., Oct. 24. Organizers plan to share one inspiring hour hearing about the whys of The Conservation Foundation’s work, and attendees will have the opportunity to support that work if they so choose. The luncheon will be short and sweet, and it’s free, so it’s a great opportunity to bring a friend that you think would find meaning in the mission of The Conservation Foundation!
The luncheon will be held at the Le Jardin Restaurant at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton.
To attend, RSVP to Carrie Thompson at (630) 428-4500, Ext. 110 or cthompson@theconservationfoundation.org.
Annual CAPS Dinner at Meson Sabika / 6PM Oct. 24, 2019 (Party’s Over)
The Fire Department Recognition Dinner hosted by Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) will take place at 6:30PM on Thurs., Oct. 24, 2019, in the Pavilion at Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave. With nominations from the community (Due by Oct. 1), CAPS Awards recognize Naperville Fire Department personnel for outstanding service. Reservations are $35 and available by contacting Ruthi Sommers at (630) 420-6142 at the Naperville Fire Department.
Note! The CAPS Dinner returns in the spring 2020 to honor the Naperville Police Department and again next October to recognize the Naperville Fire Department.
Halloween Parties at the Y / Oct. 25, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
On Fri., Oct. 25, the 95th Street Fry Y will host a Halloween Party. The event is free to members. Pre-registration is required. A small fee will be charged for guests. For more information, visit www.napervilleymcas.com.
Beauregard the Pig is back at the VFW / Oct. 25, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
Beauregard the Pig is returning, ready to make an entrance for porcine delight beginning at 6PM Fri., Oct. 25, according to Mike Barbour, spokesman for the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave.
The public is welcome to enjoy the dinner event until all the pork is consumed, Barbour said. The cost is $10 per person. Revelers are asked to bring an Oktoberfest-style dish to share. Ten-dollar buckets of Miller, raffle prizes and other activities will round out this annual autumn pig roast.
Almost in time for Halloween, an Elvis impersonator will make an appearance from 7PM to 10PM. Cheers to songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and the King of Rock ‘n Roll! Join friends and family.
Busy Weekend for Costumed Events / Oct. 26 & 27
Pumpkin Palooza at DuPage Children’s Museum / Oct. 26, 2019 (Party’s Over)
Dress up in a favorite costume and be prepared to scoop and squish in gooey pumpkin guts and much more from 9AM to 4:30PM Sat, Oct. 26, at the DuPage Children’s Museum.
Build a FrankenBuddy, bring your own pumpkin to do-it-yourself in the DIY Pumpkin Makerspace, pump up your hairdo with fun, temporary styles from KidSnips, and more!
Families are encouraged to come in costume (nothing scary) and celebrate the colorful fall season during Pumpkin Palooza. Full of fun, not frightening, festivities, this family-favorite event also includes musical performances, unique creation stations, Touch-A-Tractor, and other autumn-theme activities kids enjoy.
The DuPage Children’s Museum is located at 301 N. Washington. Admission is $13 for non-members. Look for the big red door!
Trick or Treat at Safety Town / Oct. 26, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
The Naperville Junior Woman’s Club will host its annual Safety Town Trick or Treat and Food Collection for Loaves & Fishes from 10AM to 2PM on Sat., Oct. 26. Pay $1 per child admission at the door with a nonperishable donation for Loaves & Fishes Community Services. Safety Town is located on the campus of the Naperville Public Safety Center, Aurora at River roads. For more info, visit www.napervillejuniors.org.
BOOs by Day at CITYGATE / Oct. 26, 2019
11AM– 5PM Sat., Oct. 26: Tap In Pub presents BOOs by Day: A Bloody Good Kids Party featuring a costume contest with prizes, kids eat free, Jack-o-lantern decorating, and trick or treating. Find CITYGATE at Route 59 and Ferry Road, gearing up for the season with October events, on and off campus. For reservations, ticketing and further details, visit www.citygatecentre.com/events.
Naperville Plaza Fall Festival / Oct. 26, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
The annual Fall Festival returns to Naperville Plaza from noon to 4PM Sat., Oct. 26. Trick or Treat your way around Naperville Plaza!
- Busey Bank Sponsored Petting Zoo
- Alfresco Photo booth opportunity (inside Oswald’s)
- Glitter tattoos & Coloring at Oswald’s Pharmacy!
- A visit from the Naperville Police & Fire Departments
- Weather permitting Casey’s Foods Naperville will be grilling out too!
- And much more!
Naperville Plaza is located at Washington Street at Gartner Road.
2019 Pumpkin Race Festival at Rotary Hill / 1-3PM Sat., Oct. 26 (Party’s Over!)
Memories of Oct. 15, 2016 / Seven photos from the inaugural Pumpkin Race in 2016 present pretty pictures of the potential of this popular new Naperville event with origins in California. Click any photo to enlarge. Plan to participate on the track by Rotary Hill in 2019.
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Get ready to roll for 2019
Festivities begin at 1PM Sat., Oct. 26. All ages and abilities are welcome to race a pumpkin down Rotary Hill during heats from 1:30-3PM. Get ready and set to go roll for a cause with a pumpkin race set that includes two axles, four wheels and nuts and bolts and assembly instructions for the pumpkin you purchase at a local farm stand.
The family-friendly event with referees promises even more fun this year. Just don’t try to disguise a cantaloupe or a watermelon as a pumpkin under the threat of being smashed by a referee. This event comes with rules!
Dozens of pumpkins and pumpkin-wannabees again will line up in heats, usually three at a time, to run in Naperville’s Pumpkin Race hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. Volunteers from the Exchange Club of Naperville again will lend a hand.
Be the first on your block to enter the 4th annual Pumpkin Race at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk! Encourage friends and neighbors to get in the race, too. Prizes presented for pumpkin creativity and Halloween costumes, too.
For more info, safety procedures and to check out the video about the Pumpkin Race, visit www.turningpointeautismfoundation.org.
Scare-illon Concert at Moser Tower / Oct. 26, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
Head to the Millennium Carillon at Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., for a Halloween-themed concert on Sat., Oct. 26 and hear spooky and atmospheric pieces, featuring both classical and popular music from 7 to 8PM. For more information, visit Schedule for Moser Tower.
Halloween Costume Party at Quigley’s Irish Pub / Oct. 26, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
Why do you think a carved pumpkin all aglow is called a Jack O’Lantern! It’s a native of Ireland, of course! Join the fun and frolic to determine the best Halloween costume at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson, in downtown Naperville, in the evening from 8:30 to midnight, Sat., Oct. 26, when live music will be performed by We’re Not. (And remember to wish the folks at Quigley’s a happy 21st Birthday all during November. The almost-monthly WSI Quiz Night begins at 7PM Tues., Nov. 5. Then Thanksgiving morning at 8AM, Quigley’s will be open to toast the runners in the Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot 5K.) Come on downtown!
BOOze by Night at CITYGATE / Oct. 26, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
From 7PM to 11PM Sat., Oct. 26, Tap In Pub presents BOOze by Night: The Spirits Come Out After Dark Party featuring costume contest with prizes, Spooky-drink specials, live DJ. No cover. Find CITYGATE at Route 59 and Ferry Road, gearing up for the season with October events, on and off campus. For reservations, ticketing and details, visit www.citygatecentre.com/events.
Downtown Halloween Hop / 10AM-Noon Oct. 27, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
Downtown Naperville hosts its popular Trick or Treat event from 10AM to Noon on Sun., Oct. 27.
Costumed goons and goblins, along with their parents, can wander door to door in the downtown business district and receive candy treats. In addition to sweets and other goodies, families also can hop on board the Trick or Treat trolley which will be circling downtown, free of charge. Ding! Ding!
More than 60 businesses will be handing out Halloween surprises. CHECK IN at Main and Jefferson – for a MAP of participating businesses and a bag for collecting goodies (while supplies last). Enjoy this fun fall day with your kids.
Extra Fun at the Main Street Promenade with Naperville Dental Specialists who will have games, treats, crafts and will be converting the archway at the Main Street Promenade to TOY STORY land!
Enjoy the costumed characters and photo opts, too. Activities begin at 10AM and go until noon, or until the candy runs out! For complete details including all participating downtown businesses, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
Halloween Happening / Oct. 27, 2019 (Party’s Over!)
Halloween Happening is 1-4PM Sun., Oct. 27, at the Naperville Riverwalk’s Grand Pavilion area where little goblins, ghouls, witches and fairies, too, are invited to Halloween Happening. Come and enjoy lots of fun activities, games, and goodies at Naperville’s best FREE Halloween fest for kids ages 10 and under.
Community invited to attend the 12:45PM ribbon cutting just prior to Halloween Happening
The re-opening of the Jaycee Playground at the Riverwalk is slated to begin at 12:45PM immediately preceding Halloween Happening. The playground is located at 912 Sindt Court near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, just west of Centennial Beach.
The playground renovation was completed over the past seven weeks, bringing new play structures, swings, surfacing, and stand-alone play pieces. One of the most popular playgrounds in Naperville, this playground is used year round by families, preschools, day care centers, and Riverwalk visitors. The playground has convenient parking, with drinking fountains and restrooms nearby.
Since 1990, when the original Jaycee Playground was established with assistance from the Naperville Jaycees and other community supporters, its purpose has been to provide opportunities for inclusive play for children of all abilities. The 2019 renovated playground continues this tradition with state-of-the-art equipment that promotes cooperative, creative play and is accessible to all.
Busy Week with Halloween
Halloween on the Riverwalk / Oct. 29, 2019
Children of all ages and their caregivers can dress in costume and enjoy Halloween fun from 4 to 4:45PM at the Riverwalk Amphitheater across Jackson Avenue from Nichols Library, 200 S. Jefferson Ave., on Tues., Oct. 29. Enjoy stories, songs and a puppet show. For more information, visit www.naperville-lib.org.
City will host Downtown Streetscape Project Improvements / Oct. 29, 2019
The City of Naperville’s Transportation, Engineering and Development Business (TED) Group will host a second public input session on Tues., Oct. 29 to share updated designs for the first phase of the Downtown Streetscape Project improvements. The public input session is open to the public and scheduled from 4 to 7:30PM in the NEU meeting room at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Presentations will be made around 4:30PM, 5:30PM, and 6:30PM; the same information will be provided at each presentation.
Annual Regional Economic Forecast / 4PM Oct. 30, 2019
The annual autumn event focused on the Regional Economic Forecast, co-hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Calamos Investments, will be held from 4-7PM Wed., Oct. 30, at Hotel Arista At CityGate Centre. Every year the event features a panel of industry experts who share their unique insight and analyses of market conditions for the coming year.
Formerly a breakfast, last year’s Regional Economic Forecast changed its format slightly to include light appetizers and two drink tickets, with networking following the program. Registration begins at 4PM, with the program beginning promptly at 4:30PM. Note that seating this year is theater style unless a table of 10 is purchased. Register online. Members are $50 each. Nonmembers are $75.
Door-to-door Trick or Treating / Oct. 31, 2019
Residents are reminded to stay safe while trick-or-treating. Recommended trick-or-treating hours on October 31 are 4:30-8PM. If you still need a stash of treats for the costumed kids likely to arrive at your doorstep, check out the displays at Oswald’s for candy, stickers, glow sticks and other novelties that make great giveaways on Halloween evening.
Happy Halloween! Celebrate Safely. Happy 40th, McGruff! Give McGruff a hand!
And there’s more…
Look forward with photo-enhanced stories every day on the Latest News. In addition to events and other happenings, find public meeting notices scheduled at the Naperville Municipal Center.
Check out PN’s Events Calendar for other events as well as to help plan next week and upcoming weekends.
On the navigation bar atop the Events Calendar, find calendars specific to Runs & Walks, Charity Golf , Festivals & Traditions over the course of the year as well as this month’s Book Events hosted by Anderson’s, North Central College Performing Arts and happenings at Naper Settlement.
Editor’s Note, Sept. 30, 2019 / The original post for October went live before all harvest and Halloween events were sent this way. This updated post showcases additional happenings and links. We think all dates, activities and links are currently correct, but it’s always best to check with the hosting organization. Additions still may be added as they become available. Check back weekly. Thank you.
Last updated, Oct. 21, 2019.
