Things To Do This Weekend October 24-26, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 10/23/2025

Get ready for a thrilling weekend! October 24-26 is packed with spooky happenings designed to launch you into the Halloween spirit. Whether you prefer terrifying haunted houses or classic pumpkin patches, you'll find an event to enjoy. Plus, if you need some thematic entertainment, we've gathered a collection of spine-chilling stories to set the perfect mood:

• Trick or Treat Hours in Lake County INFO»
• Fall Farm Fun in Lake County INFO»
• Haunted Attractions in Lake County INFO»
• Top 5 Halloween Things To Do in Lake County INFO»
• Where Can you Find a Pumpkin in Lake County INFO»

Now on to our latest installment of things to do this weekend October 24-26, 2025: 

1. Boo Bash in Village of Lincolnshire

Costumes and candy will take over North Park as the Village of Lincolnshire hosts its annual Boo Bash. Families can enjoy performances by The Great Boodini Magician and a lively show from The Bolts and the Patriettes. The crowd-favorite Costume Parade kicks off at 6:15 p.m., leading into the event’s Haunted Trail. Throughout the evening, guests can join in pumpkin decorating, face painting and balloon art, take a hayride or visit the petting zoo and pony rides. Children can also participate in the “Scarecrows of the Shire” activity, creating their festive fall friend to take home. Boo Bash offers a perfect mix of small-town charm and Halloween excitement under the autumn sky. For more information, visit LincolnshireIL.gov.

Friday, October 24; 5-8 p.m. Free admission. North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Rd., Lincolnshire. 

2. Halloween Hikes at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

Families looking for a gentler Halloween experience can trade jump scares for glowing lanterns and woodland magic at the Halloween Hikes, returning to the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area (Ryerson Woods). A Lake County Forest Preserves (LCFPD) autumn tradition, the event invites guests to follow a candlelit trail through the forest for an evening of storytelling, nature-themed skits and cozy campfire fun where LCFPD offers apple cider and a donut. Each 90-minute program includes a guided 1.5-mile walk, with stops along the way where performers bring the wonders of nature to life. Ryerson Woods offers a Halloween experience celebrating nature and the season’s spirit. For registration, visit LCFPD.org.

Friday-Saturday, October 24-25; Fri.: 7:30- 9 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m. and Sat.: 7:30-9 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. Edward L. Ryerson Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods. 

3. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden

Fall nights shine a little brighter at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where the beloved Night of 1,000 Jack-O’-Lanterns returns, illuminating the pathways with breathtaking artistry. Visitors can wander the gardens after dark, guided by the warm glow of hand-carved pumpkins — including tributes to Chicago sports teams, spooky legends and pop-culture favorites from ten seasons of ghostly gourds. More than 1,000 pumpkins, including 75 massive 150-pound giants, create a display of light and imagination. Guests can watch live carving demonstrations, meet costumed characters and enjoy light bites while soaking in the festive atmosphere. It’s a glowing autumn event that you won’t want to miss. For tickets, visit ChicagoBotanic.org.

Friday-Sunday, October 24-26; Earlier times are sold out. Fri.: 9-9:45 p.m., Sat.: 9:45 p.m. and Sun.: 8:30-9:45 p.m. Admission for adults starts at $25 and children start at $17. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 

4. Spooks & Spirits Check-in Challenge

This October, Visit Lake County invites craft beverage lovers to sip, savor and celebrate the season with the return of the Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge, part of the annual Spooks and Spirits: Autumn Celebration. Running through October 31, the challenge spotlights the Lake County Libation Trail, featuring over 30 breweries, wineries and distilleries pouring locally-inspired creations that showcase the region’s unique flavors. Participants ages 21 and older can join the fun by checking in with a mobile pass at participating locations. Those who check into five or more stops along the trail will be entered to win a bus tour for up to ten friends to visit three of their favorite libation spots with 95 WIIL ROCK (95.1 WIIL-FM). Every stop offers a taste of Lake County craftsmanship, from crisp fall ales to smooth small-batch bourbons. For contest rules, visit VisitLakeCounty.org/Libation-Trail.

Friday-Sunday, October 24-26. Various locations in Lake County. 

5. Lake County Home Show at Lake County Fairgrounds

Homeowners and design enthusiasts can find fresh inspiration for every room of the house this weekend at the Chicagoland Spring Home Show. The free event showcases the latest home improvement, renovation and lifestyle trends. The Lake County Home Show connects visitors with local experts and trusted businesses specializing in everything from kitchen remodels and energy-efficient upgrades to backyard makeovers and smart-home innovations. Attendees can explore new products, compare services and gather ideas for upcoming projects. Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or looking for simple ways to refresh your space, the Lake County Home Show has it all. For details, visit LCFairgrounds.com. 

Saturday-Sunday, October 25-26; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake. 

For more things to do this weekend October 24-26, 2025, click here. To learn about all of the spooks and spirits going on in Lake County, continue here.