Things to Do This Weekend October 18-20, 2024

By: Sam Ornig 10/16/2024

This weekend is packed with fall festivals and Halloween events throughout Lake County with something for everyone to enjoy. As we head toward the end of October, don’t miss out on all of the opportunities Lake County offers to participate in your favorite fall activities or enjoy the best autumn treats. From trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving to scarecrow displays and zombie invasions, you’re bound to have a hauntingly unforgettable weekend.

Here are the top five things to do in Lake County this weekend.
Check out other fall events happening in Lake County and see the Lake County Trick or Treat hours.

1. Wauke-Con and ZombieWAUK in Waukegan

Spend your Saturday in Waukegan at back-to-back annual events, Wauke-Con and ZombieWauk. The day starts with Wauke-Con, Waukegan’s comic yearly book festival featuring sales of the aforementioned animated publications, graphic novels, toy and jewelry sales, workshops and panels with authors and artists like Jon Westhoff of Part-Time Comics and Ryan “MastaFan” Francis and more. Visitors can win a signed Ray Bradbury comic book, while the Waukegan Public Library will distribute free graphic novels. In the evening, head over to ZombieWAUK, the annual Halloween installation of Waukegan’s monthly ArtWAUK. ZombieWAUK is a celebration of horror arts with live performances, themed art exhibits, interactive activities, delectable eats and more. The live music performances are highlighted by the band Dead Man’s Party and an electronic music DJ set from Boomsauce. Visitors are encouraged to wear their costumes for the beloved Halloween event. For more information about Wauke-Con, head to WaukeCon.Wordpress.com and visit ArtWauk.com for further details about ZombieWAUK.

Saturday, October 19. Wauke-Con: noon-6 p.m. Admission: Starting at $6 per person plus tax. Three Brothers Theatre, 221 N. Genesee St. ZombieWauk: 5-9 p.m. Free admission. Various locations in downtown Waukegan, Genesee Street.

2. Pumpkin Jubilee in Fox Lake

Fox Lake's Pumpkin Jubilee has fun for everyone — pumpkin carving, a dance party, a children’s costume contest and parade, food vendors and craft vendors. Bring the whole family to carve pumpkins, which are added to the pumpkin wall and displayed until 7 p.m. Following the celebration, participants will take home their carved masterpieces. For more details, visit FoxLake.org.

Saturday, October 19; 3-7 p.m. Admission: Free, $3 for pumpkin carving. Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake.

3. Boo Bash Trunk or Treat in Mundelein

The annual Boo Bash Trunk or Treat in Mundelein is always a big hit with kids and parents alike. Trick or treat at the local business tables dressed in your Halloween costumes to get an early taste of candy. Enjoy apple-themed confections and non-alcoholic beverages from Holcomb Hollow — the Mundelein Park District’s onsite concession stand. Boo Bash will also feature other fall favorites like a pumpkin contest, a giant pumpkin bounce house, the storybook walk and carnival games. An adult must accompany all children. Don’t miss the festive family fun — get more information and register at MundeleinParks.org.

Saturday, October 19; 2-5 p.m. Admission: free for residents, $5 for nonresidents. Pre-registration is required for children 12 and under to receive a wristband for candy. Children 13+ will not receive candy and do not need to pre-register. Barefoot Bay Parking Lot, 1461 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein.

4. Scarecrow Fest and Walk in Highland Park

Enjoy a beautiful autumn afternoon outside in downtown Highland Park at the Scarecrow Fest and Walk. Take a stroll downtown to check out all the festive scarecrows decorated by local businesses. The fest is highlighted by live performances, including a few Grammy-nominated artists, delicious fare by local restaurants, kids activities like pumpkin painting and more at Highland Park’s The Lot. See all that’s going on and more at EnjoyHighlandPark.com.

Saturday, October 19; Noon-5 p.m. The Lot, 523 Central Ave., Highland Park.

5. Halloween Hoopla in Deerfield

Looking for a Halloween event fit for the whole family? Get dressed up in your spookiest costumes at the Halloween Hoopla Family Fun Fest at the Sachs Recreation Center. The annual Deerfield Park District event showcases face painting, kids' games, a trick-or-treat trail, talented balloon twisters, a magician, and so much more! To learn more about the hoopla, visit DeerfieldParks.org.

Saturday, October 19; 2-4:30 p.m. Admission: $7 pre-event registration, $10 day-of registration. Sachs Recreation Center 455 Lake Cook Rd., Deerfield.

See more things to do this weekend, October 18-20.