Northwest Indiana events, October 2026

Looking for something to do in October in Crown Point, the rest of Northwest Indiana, or the nearby Chicago south suburbs? This is the October 2026 archive from our local events hub, not a national listings dump. We pull dates from official city, park, chamber, festival, and venue pages so locals can plan a Saturday, and so people relocating from Illinois can see what life actually looks like here.

If you are comparing towns, start with our guides to Crown Point, Schererville, and Valparaiso, or the Illinois to Indiana relocation page. When you are ready to look at homes, talk to a local broker at Realest in downtown Crown Point.

Dates on this page are for October 2026 and were checked against official sources on Monday, November 2, 2026. Always click through before you go. Weather, tickets, and hours change. We skip anything we cannot verify.

Talk to a local broker

Realest is at 112 S. Main St., Suite B, Crown Point, IN 46307. Call Sash at (219) 808-1520, use the Realest.com contact form, or browse listings on Realest.com. Licensed in Indiana and Illinois.

October 2026 events

October is over, so every date below has already happened. We keep them here as a record of what the month looked like. For what is coming up next, see November 2026 events.

All October dates (past)

These dates already happened. We keep them here so the month stays a complete record.

4th Annual Fright Ride

Friday, October 2, 2026, Check-in 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Ride begins 7:00 p.m., Highland
Main Square Park (start and finish), 3001 Ridge Rd. Highland Parks and Recreation non-competitive 7.5-mile community bicycle ride after dusk for all ages (under 12 with an adult). Helmets and bike lights strongly encouraged. Pre-registration includes event entry, commemorative tee, goodie bag, and hot dog dinner. Day-of is ride-only (cash). Traffic control by Highland Police.
Details from Highland Parks: 4th Annual Fright Ride.

Wickedly Whiting

Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2026, Downtown Whiting
10th annual all-Halloween festival on 119th Street: spooky vendors, live entertainment, costume contests, and a beer garden. Hours and stage lineup can change, so confirm on the official festival site before you go.
Details from Wickedly Whiting.

St. John Oktoberfest

Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, Fri 5 to 11 p.m., Sat 1 to 11 p.m., Sun noon to 8 p.m., St. John
St. John the Evangelist Old Parish parking lot, 9400 Wicker Ave. Parish festival with German food, Hacker-Pschorr bier garden, live music (Ed Wagner Band, Pech Schwefel, Prost!, and others), kids’ activities, and football on the big screens.
Details from St. John Oktoberfest.

Westville Pumpkin Festival

Saturday, October 3, 2026, Westville
Prairie Meadow Park at U.S. 421 and U.S. 6. Annual Tri Kappa harvest festival: 5K run and walk, parade, food and craft vendors, pumpkin baked goods, basket raffle, and family entertainment. Confirm the day schedule on the official festival site before you go.
Details from Westville Pumpkin Festival.

Crown Point Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1 to 10 p.m., Crown Point
Bulldog Park. Free city festival: German-inspired food, beer garden, kids’ games, hayrides (1 to 8 p.m.), and live music (PROST! and I.P.A., Ed Wagner Brass Band, Anthem Band).
Details from City of Crown Point Oktoberfest.

OAKtoberfest

Saturday, October 3, 2026, Daytime 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flossmoor Park. Evening 4 to 9 p.m. at South Commuter Lot, Flossmoor, IL
Flossmoor Park, 2523 Flossmoor Rd. (day). South Commuter Lot, 2616 Sterling Ave. (evening). Free Village of Flossmoor nature-and-community festival. Daytime: guided tree walk with the village arborist, nature crafts, rocker climbing wall, face painting, native plant sale, and green exhibitors. Evening: live music (ReTurn2Soul at 5 p.m. Sixteen Candles at 7 p.m.), food or beverage vendors, Flossmoor Station OAKtoberfest brew, bags tournament, and weather-permitting bonfire.
Details from Village of Flossmoor: OAKtoberfest.

Porter’s Perfect Pint (15th Annual)

Saturday, October 3, 2026, VIP noon to 5 p.m., General admission 1 to 5 p.m., Porter
Hawthorne Park. Ticketed 21 and older craft beer festival (50-plus breweries). Designated driver tickets available. Rain or shine. Tickets final per organizers.
Details from Porter’s Perfect Pint.

Family House’s 6th Annual Pumpkin Palooza

Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Valparaiso
Starts at the Valparaiso Market at Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St. Free scavenger hunt from Family House (501(c)(3)): solve clues and find decorated pumpkins at sponsored spots around town for a chance at prizes. Not hosted by Valparaiso Events.
Details from Valparaiso Events: Pumpkin Palooza.

Schererville Fire Prevention Open House (Station 2)

Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Schererville
SFD Station 2, 280 Plum Creek Drive. Town Fire Department open house with fire engine and truck tours during Fire Prevention Week.
Details from Town of Schererville calendar.

Lansing Fall Uncorked & Untapped

Saturday, October 3, 2026, Check-in 11:30 a.m. to noon. Tasting trail noon to 4 p.m., Lansing, IL
Fox Pointe check-in, then a ticketed 21-and-older wine, beer, and cider tasting trail through downtown Lansing’s Ridge Road businesses. $55 participant registration through the Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce. Photo ID required.
Details from Lansing Area Chamber and Eventbrite.

Pumpkins, Witches & Hayrides

Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Munster
Centennial Park North Lot, 900 N. Centennial Dr. Munster Parks and Recreation fall festival: pumpkin patch, hayrides, games, costume contest, and trick-or-treating with vendors.
Details from Munster Parks 2026 vendor packet.

Great Pumpkin Party

Saturday, October 3, 2026, Sessions 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., Orland Park, IL
Centennial Park, 15600 West Ave. Village fall festival geared to younger kids: hayrides, inflatables, games, trunk-n-treat, and a pie-sized pumpkin per registered child. Registration required. See the official village events page for fees.
Details from Village of Orland Park events.

Buckley Homestead Fall Festival

Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lowell
Lake County Parks historic farm festival. $5 per person. Park on Hendricks Street from Route 2. The mailing address GPS pin is wrong. Pets are not permitted.
Details from Lake County Parks.

Edge of Liberty Craft Fair

Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Valparaiso
606 N. Calumet Ave. Free outdoor market on the edge of Liberty Township: handmade goods, art, farm products, food truck, live music, garden walks, and nature trails. Family-friendly.
Details from Edge of Liberty Craft Fair.

Season Final Sunset Hill Biergarten

Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10, 2026, Hours vary by day, so confirm on the official page before you go., Valparaiso
Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Rd. Porter County Parks and Recreation with BrewFest Partners: free-admission Bavarian-style biergarten with German beer, food trucks, live music, playground, and family-friendly park setting. Final 2026 weekend at Sunset Hill.
Details from Porter County Parks: Biergarten.

Whole Hog Invitational

Friday, October 9, 2026, 5 to 10 p.m., Crown Point
Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St. Meraki Hospitality Group and Indiana Grown inaugural whole-hog culinary competition with five chef teams, Indiana-grown ingredients, included food-truck fare, two drink tickets with general admission, live music or DJ, and family activities. General admission listed at $49 (kids pricing on organizer page). Portion of proceeds benefits Northwest Indiana No Child Hungry. Also listed in City of Crown Point The Hub 2026 Issue 4.
Details from Meraki: Whole Hog Invitational.

Griffith Oktoberfest

Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026, Fri 5 to 10:30 p.m., Sat 2 to 10 p.m., Sun 2 to 8 p.m., Griffith
Central Park, 600 N. Broad St. Town festival: German food, authentic German music, biers and wines, a pumpkin patch, and kids’ entertainment Saturday and Sunday 2 to 6 p.m. under the big tent (free pumpkins and decorating kits for kids 12 and under). No outside coolers or alcohol.
Details from Town of Griffith.

Indiana Elvis FANtasy Fest (final Portage year)

Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026, Fri doors 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. Sat doors 10 a.m. Sun doors 10 a.m., gospel 11 a.m., Portage
Woodland Park Community Center, 2100 Willowcreek Rd. Ticketed Elvis tribute-artist festival with contest sessions, headliner shows, gospel Sunday, and an auction, in its final Portage year before moving toward the Indianapolis area in 2027. This event has passed.
Details came from the Elvis FANtasy Fest website, which is no longer online.

YMCA Run For The Hills (4th Annual)

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 5K 8:00 a.m., 2K 8:05 a.m., Crown Point
Triangle Hills Camp & Retreat Center, 3838 W. 141st Ave. Crossroads YMCA chip-timed 5K and untimed 2K on the hilly camp course. Part of Fall Fest with free post-race activities (climbing, archery, tractor rides, and more). Registration through the Y or RunSignup. Prices rise after September 16.
Details from Crossroads YMCA Run For The Hills.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Walk

Saturday, October 10, 2026, Registration 8:30 to 10 a.m. Ceremony 10 a.m. Walk 10:30 a.m., Schererville
Starts at the Schererville Police Department and St. John Township Veterans Memorial, 25 E. Joliet St., then a ceremonial walk to Redar Park with a light lunch 11 a.m. to noon. Co-hosted by DAV Chapter #17, the Town of Schererville, and the St. John Township Trustee. Registration $25 adults, $10 students (pre-register at dav17in.com).
Details from Town of Schererville: DAV Walk.

Walking Art 5K & Millennium Plaza Celebration

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 5K 10 a.m. Free celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Michigan City
Millennium Plaza and Washington Park. Michigan City Public Art Committee free community arts festival with vendors, food, and Leopold benches. Optional $30 Walking Art 5K past about 30 public-art stops (costume contest for registered walkers). Festival admission is free.
Details from Walking Art 5K: Michigan City Public Art Committee.

Valparaiso Fall Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza. Free family event with pumpkin painting, cider, caramel apples, bounce houses, and face painting, on the last day of the Valparaiso Market.
Details from Valparaiso Events.

Homewood Fall Fest

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 12 to 9 p.m., Homewood, IL
Martin Avenue from Hickory Road to Ridge Road. Village fall festival: live music, craft vendors, pumpkin patch, kids’ crafts, chili cook-off, and food from local restaurants. Alcohol for purchase. Martin Avenue closes Friday, October 9 at 8 a.m.
Details from Village of Homewood.

Grandpa’s Garage Sale

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Homewood, IL
Lions Club Pool parking lot, 1041 Ridge Road. Homewood-Flossmoor Park District community garage sale. Sellers pre-register ($25 for residents, $30 for non-residents) and bring their own tables.
Details from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District events.

Civil War Days

Saturday, October 10, 2026, Orland Park, IL
Stellwagen Farm. Village America 250 living-history day: reenactors, drills, artillery demonstrations, period games and crafts, with food and beer for purchase. Confirm hours on the official village events page before you go.
Details from Village of Orland Park events.

Pumpkins in the Park & Halloween Golf Cart Parade

Saturday, October 10, 2026, Golf cart parade 3:30 p.m. Pumpkins in the Park 4 to 6 p.m., Hobart
City of Hobart Halloween in the Park: costume contest, candy, music, and community trunks (setup from noon for registered vendors). Free golf cart parade stages at the PCC and Maria Reiner Senior Center lot from 2:30 p.m. The parade route adjusted for Festival Park construction. Register carts or trunks via hobartevents@cityofhobart.org.
Details from City of Hobart: 2026 Events and Halloween in the Park.

Munster Fire Department Open House

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Munster
Munster Fire Department, 550 Fisher St. Town Fire Prevention Week open house: live fire demo, antique engine rides, a kids firefighter challenge, touch-a-truck, and family fire-safety programming. Free. Listed in the Town of Munster October 2026 resident newsletter.
Details from Town of Munster: NEWS YOU CAN USE October 2026.

Crown Point Fire Prevention Open House

Sunday, October 11, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crown Point
Crown Point Fire Station, 126 N. East St. Annual Fire Prevention Week open house: free, family-friendly fire-safety programming at the station (cooking-fire demo, vehicle extrication, obstacle course, fire-truck rides, and more per city or local coverage). Date corrected from an earlier Oct. 4 listing. Confirm on The Hub or city pages before you go.
Details from City of Crown Point: The Hub 2026 Issue 4 and GreatNews.Life: Open House Oct. 11.

Community Bonfire (Ballantrae Park)

Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m., Flossmoor, IL
Ballantrae Park, 1404 Lanark St. Free Homewood-Flossmoor Park District bonfire with s’mores materials. All ages.
Details from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District events.

Southlake YMCA Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 16, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m., Crown Point
Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA, 100 W. Burrell Dr. (west parking lot). Free Crossroads YMCA community trunk-or-treat. It’s first come, first served, and costumes are welcome. Registration is only required if you are decorating a trunk. Time updated Oct. 16: the Crossroads YMCA events page now shows 6 to 8 p.m. (it earlier showed 5 to 7 p.m.).
Details from Crossroads YMCA: Events.

Boo at the Zoo

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission 3:30 p.m.), Michigan City
Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Dr. “Merry, not scary” Halloween zoo day: costumes, community trick-or-treat stations, photo spots, and themed animal enrichment. Regular zoo admission ($12 adults, $10 ages 2 to 11). Advance tickets recommended. Hosted by the Washington Park Zoo.
Details from City of Michigan City: Boo at the Zoo 2026.

Porter County Parks Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3 to 6 p.m., Valparaiso
Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Free Porter County Parks and Recreation trunk-or-treat: costumes, candy, and giveaways from sponsors and community partners. Free entry.
Details from Porter County Parks: Events.

Journeyman Oktoberfest: The Final Prost!

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Valparaiso
Journeyman Distillery at The American Factory, 258 S. Campbell St. Free general admission: Bavarian-inspired food, craft spirits, live music by Die Musikmeisters Band (noon to 4 p.m.), stein hoisting, whiskey barrel rolling, and a petting zoo (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Not hosted by Valparaiso Events.
Details from Valparaiso Events: Journeyman Oktoberfest.

Autumn Promenade

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 12 to 4:30 p.m., Valparaiso
Downtown Valparaiso. Second-annual ticketed stroll: fall-themed treats from downtown shops and restaurants. Check in at the Valparaiso Events tent on the Courthouse lawn starting at 11 a.m.
Details from Valparaiso Events.

Brewski Fest

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5 to 10 p.m., Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza. Valparaiso American Legion Post #94 fundraiser: food trucks, live music, and beer. Proceeds benefit the post. Listed on the Valparaiso Events calendar.
Details from Valparaiso Events calendar.

Pints in the Park

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m., Highland
Historic Wicker Park, 2215 Ridge Rd. Ticketed 21-and-older craft beer festival (rain or shine) with food trucks and free on-site parking. Designated driver tickets available. No re-entry. Children not permitted.
Details from Pints in the Park.

Burns Harbor Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Burns Harbor
Lakeland Park, 1200 Lakeland Park Dr. Town Park Department fall festival with trunk-or-treat (about 5:30 to 7 p.m.), food, games, live music, and related park activities. Confirm day-of details with the park office.
Details from Town of Burns Harbor: Park Department 2026 Events.

Bieker Woods Night Walk (relocated)

Saturday, October 17, 2026, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Munster
Wilbur Wright Middle School cafeteria entrance, Door E (not the woods trail). Munster Parks relocated the annual guided night walk after the derecho left Bieker Woods unwalkable. $5 per person. Glow sticks and food available for purchase. Heads up: the Town of Munster events calendar still shows the original Bieker Woods listing as cancelled, while the October newsletter moves the walk to Wilbur Wright. Check with Munster Parks before you go.
Details from Town of Munster: NEWS YOU CAN USE October 2026.

Edge of Liberty Craft Fair (Oct. 18)

Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Valparaiso
606 N. Calumet Ave. Second October date for this free outdoor market on the edge of Liberty Township: handmade goods, art, farm products, food truck, live music, garden walks, and nature trails. This is the second October date. The first was Oct. 4.
Details from Edge of Liberty Craft Fair: October 18, 2026.

CSRI Hayride (Oak Ridge Prairie)

Sunday, October 18, 2026, Noon to 2:30 p.m., Griffith
Oak Ridge Prairie, 301 S. Colfax St. Lake County Parks Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative inclusive autumn hayride with a wheelchair-accessible wagon, light refreshments, and games. $3 per person. Register ahead if you can. Walk-ins with exact cash get in if there’s space.
Details from Lake County Parks: CSRI Hayride.

Family Pumpkin Carving & Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Homewood, IL
Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave. Homewood-Flossmoor Park District: each registered participant gets a pumpkin, carving and decorating materials, and a group photo-op. Take your pumpkin home. Fee listed on the park district page ($13 for residents, $18 for non-residents).
Details from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District events.

Merrillville Annual Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Merrillville
Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway. Free Town of Merrillville and Parks trunk-or-treat with decorated trunks, community costume contest, and candy from town departments, businesses, and organizations. Call 219-980-5911 for more information per town homepage.
Details from Town of Merrillville.

Portage Haunted Hayride

Thursday, October 22 to Saturday, October 24, 2026, Starts 6:30 p.m., Portage
Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Rd. Portage Parks haunted hayride with four tractors, plus concessions and food trucks on site. Dates reconfirmed Oct. 19: the Portage Parks page now lists only October 22 to 24, and the October 15 to 17 nights are no longer on the city calendar. The line can close early when they hit capacity, so check the official parks page the day you go.
Details from Portage Parks Haunted Hayride.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

Friday, October 23, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m., Valparaiso
Downtown Valparaiso. Free rain-or-shine trick-or-treating at 100-plus local businesses and organizations. Pack an umbrella just in case.
Details from Valparaiso Events.

Campfire and Owl Prowl

Friday, October 23, 2026, 5:45 to 7:15 p.m., Griffith
Oak Ridge Prairie, 301 S. Colfax St. Lake County Parks evening program around a campfire with listening for owls. $7 per person, and registration is required. The parks phone is on the event page.
Details from Lake County Parks: Campfire and Owl Prowl.

Poe in the Park: Dark Stories in the Dark

Friday, October 23, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m., Crown Point
Lemon Lake County Park, 6322 W. 133rd Ave. Lake County Parks Halloween storytelling program at Lemon Lake. $5. Tickets online through Lake County Parks.
Details from Lake County Parks: October 2026 calendar.

Trick or Treat Trail

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Homewood, IL
Millennium Park, 18600 Harwood Ave. Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Halloween trail for ages 10 and younger. Free for H-F residents with pre-registration. Non-residents $2. Confirm on the park district calendar.
Details from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.

Highland Fall Craft Show & Vendor Fair

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Highland
Lincoln Community Center. Highland Parks and Recreation indoor craft show and vendor fair: candles, jewelry, clothing, handmade goods, and more. Public hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. per Highland Parks seasonal brochure.
Details from Highland Parks: Fall Craft Show & Vendor Fair.

Cedar Lake Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 24, 2026, Sensory-friendly 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Main event noon to 2 p.m. (hayrides begin at noon), Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake Town Grounds (Town Hall area), 7408 Constitution Ave. Town of Cedar Lake Halloween trunk-or-treat with hayrides, creative trunks, and family activities. Sensory-friendly hour before the main afternoon event.
Details from Town of Cedar Lake: Trunk or Treat.

Halloween in the Dunes

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Chesterton and Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center and campground Halloween day: pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, campsite decorating contests, owl prowl, and related park programming. Details can expand closer to the date, so confirm on the official DNR event page before you go.
Details from Indiana DNR: Halloween in the Dunes.

The Barker Creepy Cottage

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 a.m. to noon CT, Michigan City
Barker Cottage, 227 W. 7th St. Ticketed not-too-scary Halloween hour for young kids and families: meet Sandy Witch, spooky craft, Monster Mash, and a trick-or-treat surprise. Costumes encouraged. Adult tickets $10, child under 13 $5 on the official Barker Mansion ticketing page.
Details from The Barker Mansion: Creepy Cottage.

Tricks and Treats at the Baugher Center

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 2 to 4 p.m., Chesterton
Baugher Center, 100 W. Indiana Ave. Duneland History Center scavenger-hunt style Halloween for ages 6 to 12: find pumpkins around the grounds, sticker kit to decorate, games and prizes. Costumes encouraged. Parent or guardian must accompany kids. Listed on the Duneland Chamber calendar.
Details from Duneland Chamber: Tricks and Treats at the Baugher Center.

Run For Your Life at Robinson Lake

Saturday, October 24, 2026, Fun walk and run 6:00 p.m. Timed 5K 6:30 p.m. Haunted Trail 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Hobart
Robinson Lake Park, 5240 S. Liverpool Rd. Hobart Parks and Events 2nd-annual nighttime Halloween race: family fun walk and run, chip-timed 5K with age-group awards, then a haunted trail of about 1 mile. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Costume contest awards. Registration through RunSignup (city page links the race).
Details from City of Hobart: Run For Your Life and RunSignup.

Autumn Arts & Crafts Fair (Sparta Dome)

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Crown Point
Sparta Dome, 1355 E. North St. Indoor fall arts and crafts fair with about 200 vendors. Admission $5 per The Hub 2026 Issue 4. Vendor rules on the Sparta Dome craft-fair page confirm the public show window 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Details from Sparta Dome: Craft Fair.

Crown Point Anime-Fest

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Crown Point
Lake County Fairgrounds Building 4H. Anime collectors’ convention with vendors, cosplay, voice-actor guests, panels, and family-friendly programming. Ticketed (general admission listed on the official site).
Details from Crown Point Anime-Fest.

Crown Point Pumpkin Walk

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Crown Point
Downtown around the square. Free trick-or-treat with the City of Crown Point and the Crown Point Community Library.
Details from City of Crown Point: Pumpkin Walk.

Coffin Cup

Saturday, October 24, 2026, Racing 1 p.m. (team check-in 11:30 a.m. Coffin parade 12:15 p.m.), Crown Point
Downtown Main Street from the Historic Courthouse. Charity coffin races during the city’s fall festival. Teams of six race about 100 yards for bragging rights and cash prizes to their chosen nonprofits. Free to enter a team. Sign up by Monday, October 5, on the official race site.
Details from City of Crown Point: Coffin Cup and Crown Point Coffin Cup race site.

Michigan City YMCA Trunk-or-Treat

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 2 to 4 p.m., Michigan City
Elston YMCA parking lot. The La Porte County Family YMCA hosts its yearly trunk-or-treat at the Elston branch. Kids should come in costume and bring a candy bucket. Free and open to the community.
Details from City of Michigan City: Halloween 2026 events.

Trick-or-Treat on Franklin Street

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 2 to 5 p.m. (trick-or-treating 3 to 5 p.m.), Michigan City
Starts at 7th and Franklin streets. Costume contests for people and pets, live music, a Thriller dance, food trucks, and local vendors. Participating Franklin Street businesses hand out candy from 3 to 5 p.m. The Haunted Halls of Artspace: Alien Encounters walk-through is free.
Details from City of Michigan City: Halloween 2026 events.

Portage Exchange Club 5K Run and Walk

Saturday, October 24, 2026, Registration 8:15 a.m. (event window 8:15 to 11:30 a.m.), Portage
Portage High School, 6450 US Highway 6. A 5K run and walk. Money raised goes to the Child Abuse Prevention project at Frank Gilbert Park. $15 for ages 5 to 9 and $25 for ages 10 and up.
Details from City of Portage: Exchange Club 5K.

Familiar Spirits: A Night of Supernatural Theater

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 7 to 8 p.m., Tinley Park, IL
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center, 16801 S. 80th Ave. William Pack performs an hour of ghost stories in the style of a candlelit old monster movie. $15 per ticket through the park district.
Details from Tinley Park-Park District: Familiar Spirits.

CPPD Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m., Crown Point
Legacy Fields at Center Ross Park, 851 Center Ross Rd. City calendar community trunk-or-treat hosted with Crown Point Police.
Details from City of Crown Point October 2026 calendar.

Family Spooky Skate

Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m., Flossmoor and Homewood area
H-F Ice Arena, 777 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor. Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Halloween skate: admission $7, skate rental $5. Half-price admission in costume, with a best-costume prize.
Details from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District events.

Pumpkins in the Pool (Southlake YMCA)

Sunday, October 25, 2026, Sessions 2 to 5 p.m., Crown Point
Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA. Swim, pick a pumpkin, take photos, and decorate it. A pumpkin and about 30 minutes of swim time are included. It’s $5 for members and $10 for guests, and registration details on the Crossroads YMCA events page.
Details from Crossroads YMCA: Events.

Pumpkin Plunge

Sunday, October 25, 2026, 3 to 5 p.m., Tinley Park, IL
Tinley Fitness, 8125 W. 171st St. Swim in a pool turned pumpkin patch, then pick a pumpkin and play games. $8 to $18 depending on residency and age.
Details from Tinley Park-Park District: Pumpkin Plunge.

Crown Point Halloween Egg Hunt

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 5 p.m., Crown Point
Sparta Dome, 1355 E. North St. City calendar Halloween egg hunt.
Details from City of Crown Point October 2026 calendar.

Haunted Highland Restaurant Crawl & Trunk or Treat

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m., Highland
Downtown Highland restaurants and Main Street corridor. Highland Main Street and Council of Community Events Halloween restaurant crawl with trunk-or-treat component. Brochure lists Oct. 27, 4 to 8 p.m. Confirm participating restaurants and trunk map closer to the date.
Details from Highland Parks: Seasonal Brochure.

Valparaiso University Community Trick-or-Treat

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Valparaiso
Harre Union Ballrooms, 1509 Chapel Dr. University departments set up themed tables for indoor trick-or-treating. Free, and costumes are welcome.
Details from Valparaiso University: Halloween events.

Symphony Orchestra Halloween Spooktacular

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Valparaiso
Chapel of the Resurrection, 1600 Chapel Dr. The university Symphony Orchestra plays its fourth annual Halloween concert. All ages, costumes encouraged, free.
Details from Valparaiso University: Halloween events.

Trick or Treat Trail (Vogt Woods)

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tinley Park, IL
Vogt Woods, 6641 W. 171st St. A flashlight walk through the woods that follows a Halloween story, with treats every few pages. Bags are provided. Wear shoes for a trail. $5 to $7, and only kids need to register.
Details from Tinley Park-Park District: Trick or Treat Trail.

Highland Community Band Concert

Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7 p.m., Highland
Lincoln Center. An evening concert by the Highland community band, hosted by Highland Parks and Recreation. Free.
Details from Highland Parks: Community Band Concert.

Criminally Insane Haunted House

October 9 to 10, 16 to 17, 23 to 24, and 30, 2026 (Not So Scary Kids Day Saturday, October 24), Evenings 7 to 11 p.m. per The Hub. Kids Day free 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24, Crown Point
Old Sheriff’s House and Jail, 226 S. Main St. Ticketed haunted attraction at the historic Old Sheriff’s House and Jail. Admission about $15 (tickets via HauntPay). Hub also lists a free Not So Scary Kids Day on Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Confirm ticket windows and ages on the foundation or ticketing pages before you go.
Details from Old Sheriff’s House Foundation.

Campfire Chillers

Friday, October 30, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Hobart and Deep River
Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Highway. Free Lake County Parks evening of spooky storytelling with the Northwest Indiana Storytellers Guild around the campfire. Bring a camp chair or blanket.
Details from Lake County Parks: Campfire Chillers.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat (Chesterton)

Friday, October 30, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m., Chesterton
Downtown Chesterton. Free Duneland Chamber and Town of Chesterton kickoff trick-or-treat with local merchants handing out candy. Distinct from Valparaiso’s downtown trick-or-treat (Oct. 23).
Details from Town of Chesterton: Special Events and Duneland Chamber.

Boos & Brews Brewfest

Friday, October 30, 2026, 6 to 10 p.m., Portage
Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Rd. Portage Parks Halloween brewfest. Check tickets, age rules, and registration on the Portage Parks calendar before you go.
Details from Portage Parks calendar.

Hocus Pocus 5K and 2K (formerly Witches in the Woods)

Friday, October 30, 2026, Sign-in about 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Race and walk start 6:00 p.m., Crown Point
Lake County Fairgrounds (night course, sign-in at the 4H Building area). Hometown Happenings Halloween 5K timed run and non-timed 2K walk through the fairgrounds at night (flashlights or headlamps recommended). Entry includes free pass to the Hometown Hocus Pocus Market the same evening. Costume prizes. Distinct from the market itself. Listed in The Hub as Witches in the Woods 5K and 2K. Registration via RunSignup.
Details from RunSignup: Hocus Pocus and Witches in the Woods 5K and 2K.

Hometown Hocus Pocus Market

Friday, October 30, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 31, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crown Point
Industrial Building, Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St. Halloween-themed artisan market from Hometown Happenings.
Details from Hometown Happenings.

Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt

Friday, October 30, 2026, timed starts 6, 6:30, and 7 p.m. (event window 6 to 7:30 p.m.), Olympia Fields and Homewood-Flossmoor area
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, 20000 Western Ave. H-F Park District woodland pumpkin-patch walk after dark with games, a craft, and a treat. Ages 3 to 12. Pre-registration and fee on the park district page.
Details from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District events.

Teen Spooky Skate

Friday, October 30, 2026, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Flossmoor and Homewood area
H-F Ice Arena, 777 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor. Homewood-Flossmoor Park District teen Halloween skate: admission $7, skate rental $5. Half-price admission in costume, with a best-costume prize.
Details from Homewood-Flossmoor Park District events.

Journeyman’s Halloween Party (21 and older)

Friday, October 30, 2026, 8 to 11 p.m. CT, Valparaiso
Journeyman Distillery at The American Factory, 258 S. Campbell St. Costumes, cocktails, and dancing with Jellyfish Productions. Costume prizes are Journeyman gift cards. 21 and older. $18 in advance or $20 at the door, plus taxes and fees.
Details from Journeyman Distillery: Halloween Party and Valparaiso Events listing (prices).

Boo at the ‘Boo

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Lake Station
Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center, 2800 Colorado St. Lake County Parks not-so-spooky Halloween day at Bellaboo’s: costumes welcome, themed activities, crafts, games, and hands-on exhibits. Included with regular Bellaboo’s admission.
Details from Lake County Parks: Boo at the ‘Boo.

Crown Point Trick-or-Treating (city hours)

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., Crown Point
City-designated neighborhood trick-or-treating hours.
Details from City of Crown Point October 2026 calendar.

Schererville Trick-or-Treating (town hours)

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., Schererville
Town-designated neighborhood trick-or-treating hours on October 31 (per Town of Schererville FAQ).
Details from Town of Schererville: Halloween Hours FAQ.

Munster Trick-or-Treating (town hours)

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., Munster
Town-designated neighborhood trick-or-treating hours, rain or shine, per the Town of Munster October 2026 resident newsletter.
Details from Town of Munster: NEWS YOU CAN USE October 2026.

Blue Moon Halloween Hike and Campfire

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Hobart and Deep River area
Deep River-Big Maple Lake (Lake County Parks). Ages 5 and up: evening hike as the moon rises, then campfire snacks. $5 per person. Pre-registration required (call the parks number listed on the official page).
Details from Lake County Parks: at Deep River.

Chesterton’s European Halloween Market

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chesterton
Broadway and Third Street, next to Thomas Centennial Park. The last Saturday of the European Market season, with a Halloween theme: bakers, cheese, produce, crafts, and live music. The chamber lists no admission fee.
Details from Duneland Chamber: European Halloween Market.

Michigan City Trick-or-Treating (city hours)

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., Michigan City
Official citywide trick-or-treating hours. Turn your porch light on if you are handing out candy and leave it off if you are not. Police will add patrols during the hours.
Details from City of Michigan City: Halloween 2026 events.

Halloween Fun Fair

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m., Michigan City
H.O.P.E. Community Center, 222 McClelland Ave. Carnival games, video game tournaments, a talent show, karaoke, food, and a youth vendor market. Presented by Phenomenal Entertainment and the H.O.P.E. Program. Free. The city points to Eventbrite for registration.
Details from City of Michigan City: Halloween 2026 events.

Haunted Science Lab

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m., Valparaiso
Center for the Sciences, 1700 Chapel Dr. Slimy, glowing, noisy experiments that are not too scary. Park in lots one and two on the southeast corner of campus and use the south doors. Free.
Details from Valparaiso University: Halloween events.

St. John Trick-or-Treating (town hours)

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., St. John
Town-set neighborhood trick-or-treating hours. Drive slowly, and expect St. John police patrols.
Details from Town of St. John: Trick-or-Treat Hours.

Flossmoor Trick-or-Treating (village hours)

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 3 to 7 p.m., Flossmoor, IL
Village-set trick-or-treating hours, listed on the Village of Flossmoor calendar.
Details from Village of Flossmoor: Trick Or Treating Hours.

Family-friendly Haunted House (Lake County Public Library)

Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Schererville
Dyer-Schererville Branch, Lake County Public Library, 1001 W. Lincoln Hwy. A free library haunted house for kids and parents, with a scare section and a not-so-scary section. Stop in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Register with a library card online, by phone at 219-322-4731, or at a branch.
Details from Lake County Public Library: Family-friendly Haunted House.

More Northwest Indiana events

This is one month from the local hub. See the Northwest Indiana events month index, then August 2026, September 2026, October 2026, or November 2026.

October 2026 frequently asked questions

Submit an event

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Photo by Chris Light of Hay Rides at Buckley Homestead County Park in Lowell, Indiana, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped.