From trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, to family events, to grown-up dance parties, there’s so much to do that your costume may be worn out by Nov. 1.
Here’s a rundown on what’s happening in town between now and Halloween, including trick-or-treating hours for Madison communities.
🍬 Trick or Treat!
Madison has set its trick-or-treating hours for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. In surrounding communities, Fitchburg’s hours are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Middleton’s are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monona’s are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Waunakee’s is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
But there are also special trick-or-treating events for kids to get loaded up on candy. Henry Vilas Zoo sponsors its traditional “Boo at the Zoo!” (Oct. 26), where families can trick or treat, see the animals, and take a free carousel ride.
Downtown Madison puts on its Family Halloween Night (Oct. 29), where families can take a hayride, sing songs and make crafts, and trick or treat at participating businesses on State Street and around the Capitol Square.
Hilldale transforms into “Chilldale” (okay, I made that up, but I think it’s pretty strong) for “Hilldale-O-Ween” (Oct. 26), featuring trick-or-treating, a Halloween Dance Party, and selfies with costumed characters.
Warner Park will host its “Trick or Treat at the Ballpark” (Oct. 25), with trick-or-treating, face painting, and “Coco” playing on the video screens. Or head to the pumpkin patch at Schuster’s Farm for their trick-or-treating day (Oct. 26).
Madison Circus Space puts on its annual Halloween Show Oct. 24-26. (Madison Circus Space)
🧒 More Family Fun
If you’re all full up on candy, there’s still plenty for families to do. The Madison Children’s Museum shows it’s never too early to celebrate with “Baby’s First Halloween” (Oct. 28), featuring infant-friendly music, photo opps, and sensory bins.
Garver Feed Mill is throwing its Garver Pumpkin Party 2025 (Oct. 26), a family-friendly festival with a costume contest, pumpkin carving station, and a spooky concert by Madison Cello Ensemble.
And Madison Circus Space presents its Halloween Show (Oct. 24-26) for three rings of eerie family-friendly fun.
🎃 Get Your Freak On
It’ll be the night of the partying dead at the “847th Annual Vampire’s Ball” (Oct. 25) at Crucible, featuring dark dance beats, go-go dancers and a costume contest at midnight. The Rigby is turning its regular Monday night Rigby-Oke into “Scary-Oke” (Oct. 27) with costumed crooners singing Halloween faves.
Bianca Lynn Breeze hosts a special “Hallow-Queen Drag Brunch” (Oct. 26) at The Bur Oak that will, in multiple ways, slay. The Candlelight Concerts at Monona Terrace (Oct. 25) get extra spooky with a night of Halloween classics, featuring string versions of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the “Psycho” theme, and more.
