As the spookiest time of year nears, communities across Champaign County are getting into the Halloween spirit with a full lineup of festivals, trunk-or-treats, and family activities. Here’s a look at what’s happening this spooky season.
West Liberty
The West Liberty Business Association will host its 4th Annual Halloween Spooktacular on Thursday, October 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. on East Columbus Street.
This free, family-friendly event features carnival-style games, prizes, balloon animals, inflatables, henna and glitter tattoos, face painting, and a costume contest — all set to spooky tunes from DJ Skelly.
New attractions this year include:
- A Teen Glow Dance Party in the Opera House above Town Hall with themed mocktails
- Spooky story readings (kid-friendly) inside the new West Liberty History Museum
- A Low Sensory Area in The Grove for kids who need a quieter space
Food trucks on site include The Lazy Potato, Mom’s Mac and More, and Freyhof’s, and Andy Stidham will return to hand out free hot dogs. The event is animal-friendly and will feature a dog costume contest.
Following the Spooktacular, West Liberty’s Trick-or-Treat (Beggar’s Night) will take place Thursday, October 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., allowing families to enjoy both events in one evening.
Urbana
Downtown Urbana will come alive for “Let the Ghoul Times Roll” on Friday, October 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. Presented by the Monument Square District, the evening features food trucks, kids’ games, a trunk-or-treat, scavenger hunt, haunted maze or park, and more spooky surprises.
On Saturday, October 25, Melvin Miller Park will host “Trails & Treats” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can walk the park’s bike path as local businesses and organizations hand out candy along the trail. Food trucks will be available on-site.
That evening, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek will present “Autumn Games & Halloween Customs” beginning at 4 p.m. This free outdoor event, sponsored by Jeffrey Glebocki, invites families to enjoy traditional autumn fun — making corn husk crafts, playing acorn games, and listening to old-fashioned spooky stories. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a jack-o’-lantern to display. The program concludes by 6 p.m.
On Sunday, October 26, Urbana Naz will hold its annual “Glow: Let Your Light Shine” from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring glow games, trunk-or-treating, face painting, dancing, and prizes.
Also that evening, Hearth & Home of Urbana (1579 E. State Route 29) will host a Trunk or Treat from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with candy, snacks, crafts, and costume prizes.
The Halloween fun continues midweek with Vancrest of Urbana’s Trunk or Treat Cruise-In on Wednesday, October 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. in partnership with the Urbana Cruisers.
Finally, the Urbana Church of Christ in Christian Union will host a Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Urbana community trick-or-treat: October 31, 6–8 p.m.
St. Paris
Downtown St. Paris will host “A Spooktacular Day in Saint Paris” on Sunday, October 26, from 12 to 8 p.m. on South Springfield Street.
The all-day celebration will feature a DJ, food trucks, craft vendors, chili cook-off, spooky storefront contest, raffles, and activities for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged for all ages.
St. Paris community trick-or-treat: October 30, 6–8 p.m.
Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg’s village-wide trick-or-treat will take place on Thursday, October 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to decorate their porches and hand out candy to costumed kids throughout town.
North Lewisburg
North Lewisburg’s trick-or-treat night is also set for Thursday, October 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Families can enjoy an evening of neighborhood fun as the community celebrates Halloween together.
From glowing games and haunted mazes to chili cook-offs and costume contests, Champaign County is packed with Halloween fun this year. Families are encouraged to dress up, explore, and make the most of the spooky season.
