Whether you like a quiet night in or want to party in a crowd, there's something for just about everyone during the Halloween season. If you live in North Chicago, you may be wondering what fun Halloween events are happening this year. So we've created this list to help you navigate all of the bashes, hauntings, and family-friendly festivities in the area. Treat yourself this Halloween by checking out any or all of the following events around Lake Forest, Illinois.
Highland Park Hauntings

Man Grabbing a Tree by Simon Wijers is licensed with Unsplash License
Nearby Highland Park, Illinois, is getting in on the Halloween spirit with its Highland Park Hauntings event. Test your courage by walking the haunted trail at Larry Fink Memorial Park as eerie music, props, and live costumed characters provide a spooky ambiance. Along the way, energize yourself with the treat areas positioned periodically on the trail.
Though suitable for all ages, the event may be frightening for children, so parental accompaniment is required. Admission ranges from $20 to $25.
Address: Larry Fink Memorial Park is on 1377 Clavey Road in Highland Park, Illinois — approximately 6 miles south of Lake Forest.
Date and Time: Highland Park Hauntings is happening on Oct. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact: If you have any questions about the event, get in touch with the Park District of Highland Park at [email protected] or 847-831-3810. You can also use the inquiry page available on the Park District website.
The Big Halloween Balloon Show With Smarty Pants
Here's something for the kids. Shortly before Halloween day, the Lake Forest Library plans to host the Big Halloween Balloon Show. The event features Smarty Pants, the renowned children's entertainer and balloon artist. Expect a bit of magic, some slapstick comedy, and, of course, Smarty Pants' fantastic balloon work. Equal parts silly, family-friendly, and seasonally appropriate, it's a terrific way to get into the Halloween spirit.
Address: Find the Lake Forest Library at 360 E. Deerpath Road in Lake Forest, Illinois. Once there, head to the Kasian Room.
Date and Time: The Big Halloween Balloon Show With Smarty Pants takes place on Oct. 22, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. You can register for the event up to the moment it starts.
Contact: Direct your questions to Lorie Rohrer at [email protected] or 847-234-0648.
Halloween Bash
The Halloween Bash in Schaumburg, Illinois, is another children-oriented event, though this one is specifically catered to toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1.5 to 5). Attendees are encouraged to dress in a costume or another kind of fun outfit and participate in various crafts and activities. Snacks will be available.
Admission to the Halloween Bash ranges from $18 to $22. Parents and guardians must attend with their children.
Address: To get to the Schaumburg Community Recreation Center, head to 505 N. Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg, Illinois — approximately 30 miles southwest of Lake Forest.
Date and Time: The Halloween Bash in Schaumburg is on Oct. 26, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Get in touch with the Schaumburg Park District by emailing [email protected], calling 847-985-2115, or completing the inquiry form on its website.
Trick-or-Treat Trail
Do you have kids aged 12 or under? Are you looking for trick-or-treat fun in a safe, controlled setting? If you've answered yes to both of these questions, then the Trick-or-Treat Trail in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is the event for you. This is a scare-free environment with costumed characters distributing candy to attendees in one-hour sessions. In addition to the trick-or-treating element, there will also be entertainment and games with prizes.
Admission for adults is free. For children, admission is $5 with registration and $7 without. You may register on the event page. Parents must accompany their children for the duration of the event.
Address: The Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center is on 225 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove, Illinois — about 12 miles southwest of Lake Forest.
Date and Time: The Buffalo Grove Trick-or-Treat Trail is on Oct. 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Contact: If you'd like further details about the event, get in touch with Brian O'Malley at [email protected] or 847-850-2146.
Haunted Night at the Mansion
There are few things as iconically Halloween as a lively party in a ghostly setting, and that's exactly what you'll get at Haunted Night at the Mansion. The event takes place at Lake Villa's Lehmann Mansion, a century home constructed for the son of the influential businessman Edward J. Lehmann. The story goes that as his businesses flourished, Lehmann's mental health degraded. In 1890, his wife committed him to an insane asylum, where he passed away in 1900. Perhaps the spirit of the father remained with the son, as many report apparitions and spiritual activity at the Lehmann Mansion today.
Whether or not that's true, the mansion makes for an excellent party location. At the Haunted Night event, there'll be food, drinks, games, a costume contest, a DJ, and even an ax thrower. Dress in your best Halloween digs because the winner of the costume contest will win a 65-inch smart TV. Tickets cost up to $12 and are available through the event page.
Address: The Lehmann Mansion is on 485 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Lake Villa, Illinois — approximately 19 miles southeast of Lake Forest.
Date and Time: Haunted Night at the Mansion takes place on Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: Get in touch with the Lehmann Mansion via the contact page on its website.
Those are our recommendations for Halloween events around Lake Forest, Illinois, in 2022. Let us know what you think. Complete the inquiry form on our contact page with your name, contact information, and message, and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible. If you'd rather speak to an associate directly, give us a call at 847-234-5000.
And if you have a need for any accounting services to square away your finances this fall season, schedule an appointment to drop by our office on 585 Bank Lane in Lake Forest. Don't get spooked by your taxes this year.