Photo by Andrew Dobson

Halloween Fun in Southwest Illinois

No one knows how to do Halloween like the towns throughout the Great Rivers and Routes region located in Southwestern Illinois, just minutes from St. Louis.

There are plenty of activities available for the kids ... and the kid in all of us. Each community has put its own spin on this most haunted season. Check out what's in store this year!

Community Parades

Trick-or-Treat Events

More Fun Halloween Celebrations

Ghosts, Goblins and Floats, Oh My!

Put on your favorite costume and join the Halloween fun in southwest Illinois this year. Watch the downtown streets in regional communities come alive with ghosts, goblins, floats and bands during annual Halloween Parades. Or enjoy trick or treat activities, an egg hunt event and parties galore!

Get ready for some Halloween fun. Here is a look at the activities taking place.

Community Parades

Alton: One of the oldest running Halloween parades in the country returns to the streets of downtown Alton on Friday, Oct. 31 at 7:00 p.m. Floats, bands, and folks dressed up in their creepiest costumes will journey down Broadway Street and end at the intersection of Piasa and Sixth Street. Be sure to get your street side place early for best viewing opportunities.
Edwardsville: Join the spectators lining city streets along the parade route that stretches from Schwarz Street to St. Louis Street, Vandalia Street and North Main Street. The parade will step off at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31.
Bethalto: Monday, Oct. 27 6:30 p.m.
East Alton: TBA 2025
Wood River: Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Hartford: Saturday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Mt. Olive: TBA 2025
Hillsboro: TBA 2025
Litchfield: The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Parade will take place from 4 p.m., Oct. 25.
Carlinville: Saturday, Oct. 25, 6:15 p.m.
Granite City: Haunt the Route Parade Saturday, Oct. 11

Trick-or-Treat Events

Carlinville: TBA 2025
Alton: TBA 2025
Bethalto: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30 & Friday, Oct. 31
East Alton: TBA 2025
Wood River: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22
Edwardsville: Noon - 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30 & Friday, Oct. 31
Hartford: TBA 2025
Litchfield: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31
Hillsboro: TBA 2025
Granite City: TBA 2025
Mt. Olive: TBA 2025

More Fun Halloween Celebrations

Haunted Night at National Great Rivers Museum: The annual Haunted Night includes Halloween educational activities on October 3, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Halloween at West End Station: Located in Edwardsville, West End Station will feature a Halloween celebration on Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Haunted Winery Night at Pere Marquette Lodge: Enjoy live performances, Halloween-themed drinks, and tarot card readings for sale on October 24, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Haunted Route 66 with Troy Taylor at West End Station: Get ready for spooky tales about Route 66 from guest speaker Troy Taylor on October 30, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.