Guests at two of Naperville’s popular Halloween events this October will get to see a giant werewolf.
A 15-foot werewolf art installation that was created by artists Paul Kuhn and Luke Salvesen will be displayed at Naper Settlement’s All Hallows Eve Oct. 20-21 and Howlin’ at the Moon Oct. 27-28.
Kuhn, of Naperville, owner of Twelve Limbs Art Studio, is known for his larger-than-life art installations, like his “Ladder of Light” firefighter memorial and “Tragedy to Triumph” railroad memorial.
The werewolf sculpture will become a permanent art installation at both All Hallows Eve and Howlin’ at the Moon at Naper Settlement.
These are just a couple of events to get your heart racing this October. There are plenty of thrills and chills to be had. And while you can’t do everything, there are enough activities happening in and around the western suburbs for all to enjoy.
Here are some Halloween events. Make sure you call or check the website or social media for rules, coupons and any questions you might have.
Happy haunting!
Two Brothers Roundhouse Ghost Tour and Investigation: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays in October, plus Nov. 7. 205 N. Broadway. Tickets: $20. 833-446-7813; americanghostwalks.com/aurora.
This two-hour, lantern-guided ghost tour gives guests the spooky history of the building.
Tanner House by Candlelight: 7 and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October. William Tanner House, 305 Cedar St. Tickets: $29-$49. 630-906-0650; aurorahistory.org/October.
Explore the 1857 Tanner House Museum’s house and grounds, which will be dimly lit, with flashlights. Docents will provide information. For ages 16 and up.
Hauntings Ghost Walk: 8 p.m. Fridays in October. 205 N. Broadway. Tickets: $20-$25. 833-446-7813; americanghostwalks.com/aurora.
Attendees will start at Two Brothers Roundhouse and explore the “City of Cemeteries” with EMF ghost meters while listening to some of Aurora’s livelier ghost stories on this two-hour walk of Aurora’s downtown. Stops include the Leland Tower, Millennium Plaza Pavilion, Paramount Theatre, historical Society Museum and William Tanner House, Water Street Square and Root Street Cemetery.
High Seas Halloween Party: 8 p.m. Oct. 28. The Venue, 21 S. Broadway. Tickets: $15-$25. themusicvenue.org.
The Venue hosts a nautically-themed Halloween party will feature the female-lead yacht-rock group the Yacht-Rockettes with smooth hits from the likes of Michael McDonald, Hall and Oates, Sade, Kenny Loggins, Orleans, Christopher Cross, Toto, Ambrosia and more. There will be custom island cocktails, costume contests and photo ops.
Trick or Treat Tango: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 20. Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail. Tickets: $10. 630-907-9600; foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/event/trick-or-treat-tango-2.
Celebrate Halloween with dancing, crafts, games, a costume contest and candy. All participants must be accompanied by a paying adult.
A Nightmare at West Main: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 13 and 20. West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St. Tickets: $10-$12. 630-879-5235; bataviaparks.org/special-events.
Take a haunted hike along a spooky trail. Not suitable for children under age 10.
Batfest: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 28. Peg Bond Bandshell, 151 N. Island Ave. Tickets: free. 630-877-2780; downtownbatavia.com/event/batfest-2.
The annual event includes a Halloween parade, trick or treating, pumpkin roll, craft booth, live bat meet-and-greet, reptile show, pet costume contest, Monster Mash dance lesson and a performance of the “Thriller” dance.
Halloween Experience: A Drive Thru Halloween Spectacular: Select dates and times Oct. 6-31. Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road. Tickets: $13-$60 per person. 872-216-6033; thehalloweenexperience.com.
“Boo’s Spooky Adventure” is perfect for those who want Halloween fun without the scares. It’s a drive-through experience includes large-scale decorations, immersive scenery and some interactive elements.
Nightmare on Chicago Street: 6-11 p.m. Oct. 21. Between Douglas and Vila streets. Tickets: $35-$50. $50 for VIP parking (does not include ticket to event). 847-931-6001; nightmareonchicagostreet.com.
The Zombie Defense Initiative returns for its 11th annual frightmare. There will be live entertainment, bands, food, drinks, vendors, live graffiti artists, zombies, a costume contest and special guest, Chicago horror icon Svengoolie.
Howl o’ Ween Dog Parade: 10-11 a.m. Oct. 21. Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road. Tickets: free. 630-232-4542; genevaparks.org/special-events/howl-o-ween-dog-parade.
Prizes will be awarded. Spectators welcome. Participants must pre-register.
Naperville Hauntings Ghost Walk Tour: 8 p.m. Saturdays in October. Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. $29. 833-446-7813; americanghostwalks.com/tour/naperville-hauntings-ghost-tours.
This 90-minute tour takes guests on a tour of Naperville’s most haunted places, including St. Peter and St. Paul Church, the downtown train station and North Central College, where they will hear about the Weeping Bride and Chicago Avenue Mary.
Glam Witches Night Out: 5-10:30 p.m. Oct. 19. The Matrix Club, 808 Illinois 59. Tickets: $75-$100. witchesnightoutnaperville.org.
Attendees will enjoy plenty of tasty snacks, a DJ and dance instructor, costume contest, themed drinks and other witchy activities. Proceeds from the event go toward Families Helping Families.
Ghost Stories in the Park … In the Dark: 7 p.m. Oct. 6 and Oct. 8; 6 and 8 p.m. Oct. 7. Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court. Tickets: $7. 630-355-7969; napervilleparks.org/ghoststories.
Enjoy an evening of ghost stories told and performed by actors from Summer Place Theatre. Not recommended for children under age 5. Bring blankets and dress for the weather.
All Hallows Eve: 6:30-10 p.m. Oct. 20-21. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster Ave. Tickets: $20. 630-420-6010; napersettlement.org/285/All-Hallows-Eve.
This annual event, recommended for families with children 16 and under, includes plenty of Halloween-themed outdoor activities and attractions. Look for performances by Naperville Park District and Kaneland Arts Initiative actors, a zombie maze, an alien autopsy, fire dancers, a reptile and bug show, laser tag and more.
Howlin’ at the Moon: 5-10 p.m. Oct. 27-28. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster Ave. Tickets: $20. 630-420-6010; napersettlement.org/627/Howlin-at-the-Moon.
This Halloween event is for monsters ages 21 and over. There will be live music, a “BOOze” bar, sideshow performances, a costume contest, axe throwing, black light painting Moonlight Market and Dark Art Gallery.
Halloween Happening: 1-4 p.m. Oct. 29. Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court. Tickets: free. 630-848-5000; napervilleparks.org/halloweenhappening.
Kids ages 10 and under can enjoy an afternoon of Halloween-themed activities.
Pumpkin Smash: 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 4. Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 811 S. West St. Tickets: free. 630-848-5000; napervilleparks.org/pumpkinsmash.
Compost your fall pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns by dropping them off to be smashed, or stay and smash them yourself and help spread the remains.
Halloween Drive-Around Scavenger Hunt: 12-2:30 p.m. Oct. 15. Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill. Tickets: $20-$25. 630-554-3618; oswegoil.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1856/713.
Household teams will be given a list of clues to solve by driving around the village. Obey the speed limit, bring a fully-charged phone, decorate your car and get ready to have fun and make memories.
Halloween House Decorating Contest: Judging 6-9 p.m. Oct. 25. Register by Oct. 23. Tickets: $5. 630-554-1010; oswegolandparkdistrict.org/event/halloween-house-decorating-contest-4/.
Park District staff will visit each home and winners will be announced Oct. 27. They will receive a yard sign and gift card. Residents can vote for their favorite homes on Facebook. A map to the homes will be posted.
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes tour: Dusk to 10 p.m. Oct. 13-31. Tickets: free. 630-513-6200; stcparks.org/halloweenfun.
Drive by several of the spookiest homes and admire the ghoulish yard displays of St. Charles’ finest home haunters. Maps will be found online. Homeowners can enter two categories for judging by Oct. 11. Judging will be Oct. 13-14. Online voters can choose a People’s Choice award.
Haunted Ghost Story Train: 5, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. departure times Oct. 7, 14 and 21. Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. La Fox St. Tickets: $23. 847-380-6121; foxtrolley.org/Ghost-Story-Train.
Ride a spooky trolley down to the haunted forest preserve for an evening of ghost stories and treats around a campfire. Costumes are welcome. Nab tickets quick, this event usually sells out.
Halloween Egg Hunt: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20. Town Square, 301 N. Bridge St. Tickets: free. 630-553-4357; facebook.com/YorkvilleParksandRec.
An all-ages costume contest kicks off the evening with an egg hunt for kids 10 and under following.
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.