Things to Do This Weekend October 31-November 2, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 10/30/2025

As the final days of October give way to November, Lake County is serving up a dynamic blend of vintage thrills, family-friendly festivities and cultural celebration. Whether you are seeking a spine-tingling trip back to the golden age of radio or a community drive-thru filled with treats, Lake County offers a diverse calendar of events to close out Halloween weekend and usher in the start of the holiday season. Find entertainment that appeals to the daring and the devoted this weekend! 

Here are the top five things to do in Lake County this weekend, October 31-November 2.
Check out other fall events happening in Lake County and see the Lake County Trick or Treat hours.

1. “Dracula: A Live Radio Play” Presented by Improv Playhouse

Step back in time to the golden age of radio this Halloween weekend as the Improv Playhouse Theater in downtown Libertyville resurrects “Dracula Radio Drama”, a live reimagining of Orson Welles’ legendary 1938 broadcast of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. Presented in “living technicolor of the mind,” the show recreates the chilling suspense and atmospheric tension that made radio theater a storytelling art form long before the era of streaming and screens. Directed by David Stuart, the production blends authentic sound effects, dramatic performances and a touch of nostalgia to transport audiences back to a time when imagination painted the pictures. With its intimate venue and timeless tale, Dracula Radio Drama promises an evening of vintage thrills and spine-tingling entertainment — perfect for those brave enough to celebrate Halloween with a classic bite of history. For showtimes, visit ImprovPlayhouse.com.

Friday-Saturday, October 31-November 1; Fri.: 8 p.m. and Sat.: 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $12-$23. Improv Playhouse cannot honor BYOB at this time. Improv Playhouse, 130 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. 
 

2. Halloween Trail of Treats and Fest at Shiloh Park in Zion

Get ready to cruise into Halloween fun as the Zion Park District hosts its annual Trail of Treats & Fest. This Shiloh Park drive-thru celebration invites families to dress up in costumes, deck out their cars and collect sweets from trick-or-treat stations hosted by local businesses, community groups and park district staff. The route begins at the Port Shiloh Pool parking lot and winds along Shiloh Boulevard. With candy, costumes and the spirit of Halloween, Zion’s Trail of Treats offers a fun and festive way to close out October — no spooky surprises required. Learn more at ZionParkDistrict.com.

Friday, October 31; 4-6 p.m. Free admission. Shiloh Park, 1619 27th St., Zion. 

3. Day of the Dead Celebration in Round Lake Beach

The Cultural and Civic Center of Round Lake Beach will come alive with color, culture and community during its annual Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Celebration. The free event invites families to honor loved ones through traditional altars, vibrant folkloric dance performances and hands-on children’s crafts. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Catrina or Catrín sugar skull costumes, explore vendor booths and savor authentic food from local vendors before the 7:30 p.m. performance. The performance is highlighted by Grupo Folkorico Mexico en la Piel. The celebration beautifully blends remembrance and festivity — a night where heritage, art and spirit meet under one roof. For more information, visit RLBCivicCenter.com. 

Friday, October 31; 6 p.m. Free admission. Cultural and Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. 

4. WGN Radio Live with Dean Richards at Treetime Christmas Creations

Holiday magic arrives early as WGN Radio’s Dean Richards brings his renowned Sunday morning show live to Treetime Christmas Creations. The Lake Barrington holiday broadcast will feature lively conversation, special guests, demonstrations, exclusive offers and seasonal surprises straight from Treetime’s showroom. With its signature blend of fun, warmth and cheerful spirit, this live event promises to kick off the holiday season with plenty of cheer and twinkling lights. For details, visit TreeTime.com.

Sunday, November 2; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Treetime Christmas Creations, 22102 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington. 

5. Paranormal Train Tours at Volo Museum

All aboard for a spine-tingling ride through local lore as the Volo Museum brings back its Paranormal Train Tours. This 25-minute experience takes passengers deep into the haunted history of the Volo property, where firsthand accounts from the Grams family, museum staff and visitors blur the line between myth and mystery. With limited seating and eager thrill-seekers, reservations are strongly encouraged for this uniquely eerie autumn adventure. For tickets, visit VoloCars.com.

Saturday-Sunday, November 1-2; Noon, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Trolley admission is $3 with museum admission. Volo Museum, 27582 W. Volo Village Rd., Volo. 

See more things to do this weekend, Oct. 31-Nov. 2.