The leaves are turning, the nights are crisp, and the spookiness is creeping in — October in Bloomington–Normal is more than just pumpkins and cider: it’s event season. From family-friendly fall festivals to haunted trails and zombie hunts, the second half of October is packed with experiences you won’t want to miss. Here’s your guide to the best happenings around town:
🎃 Haunted Trail: Not So Scary Trail
- When: October 16-18, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Where: Constitution Trail (between Vernon Ave. and Connie Link Amphitheatre, Normal)
- Cost: $5 per person (cash only)
- What to Expect: A spooky-but-not-too-frightening walking trail with ambient scares — a good intro to haunt events for families.
- Bonus: Bring a canned food item and get free admission.
- Tips: Free parking is available at Normal Parks & Rec and Chiddix Junior High. Shuttles help return you to your vehicle. The event is capped at 1,600 people per night — consider arriving early.
🧟 Zombies Alive
- When: Friday & Saturday nights from October 17 – November 1, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Where: Urban Warfare Paintball, 10424 E 1400 North Road, Bloomington
- Cost: $20 per person; $30 for a double paint zombie hunt
- What to Expect: A thrilling live zombie hunt experience — participants shoot zombies with paintball guns across the site.
- Tips: Tickets are sold at the door. Arrive early for best availability.
👻 Downs Haunted House
- When: Friday, October 17, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Where: Downs, Illinois (107 East Franklin Street)
- Cost: $15 per person
- What to Expect: Classic haunted house and graveyard, hayrack ride, queue‑line entertainment, and concessions.
- Tips: Purchase tickets online in advance or at Dooley Park. Time slots open every 30 minutes starting at 7:00 pm. Free parking, plus a free hayrack ride to and from the haunt.
🧙 Witches Night Out
- When: Friday, October 24, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Where: Uptown Normal (11 Uptown Circle)
- Cost: Free
- What to Expect: Evening of local shopping, dining, and fun in Uptown—participating businesses often offer special deals, treats, and activities. Costumes optional (but encouraged!).
- Tips: Plan a stroll through Uptown, combine dinner + shopping + trick-or-treat stops at local shops.
👻 Halloween Hoopla
- When: Friday, October 24, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Where: Children’s Discovery Museum, 101 E Beaufort Street, Normal
- Cost: $11 Members / Museums for All, $16 Non-Members / Play Pass
- What to Expect: Costume-friendly indoor trick-or-treating through exhibits, spooky science demos, themed games and hands-on fun.
- Tips: Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Avoid full-face adult masks. Pre-registration is encouraged via the museum’s website.
😱 Haunted Trail: Scary Trail
- When: Friday, October 24, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
- Where: Constitution Trail, between Vernon & Connie Link Amphitheatre
- Cost: $5 per person (cash only)
- What to Expect: A darker, spookier version of the trail experience — more intense scares for those who want a thrill.
- Tips: Same parking and shuttle logistics as the Not‑So‑Scary version. Arrive early. VIP tickets go on sale Oct 1.
Sample Weekend Itinerary Ideas
- Saturday, October 18: Attend Autumn Fest in the afternoon, then later venture to Zombies Alive or Downs Haunted House in the evening.
- Friday, October 24: Start with Witches Night Out in Uptown, then make your way to Haunted Trail: Scary Trail or Halloween Hoopla depending on your group (kid‑friendly vs spooky).
- Pro tip: Mix daytime family fun with nighttime thrills to get the full October experience.
Tips & Planning Notes
- Weather & dress: Evenings in October can be chilly. Dress in layers and bring a flashlight or headlamp for walk trails.
- Ticketing & capacity: Many night events limit attendance or offer timed entries (like Downs Haunted House). Buy tickets early or arrive ahead of time.
- Parking & shuttles: For trail events, parking is at designated lots with shuttle service back.
- Safety: Use well-lit paths, stay with your group, observe any age recommendations.
- Combine with local staples: Pair your event nights with dinner in Downtown / Uptown, local dessert stops, or after-hours fun like ghost tours or brewery visits.