Photos: All Hallows' Eve at Midway Village Museum in Rockford
Photo gallery by Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our free e-newsletter
ROCKFORD — Hundreds of families filled the Victorian Village on Midway Village Museum's grounds on Saturday for the annual All Hallows' Eve.
The trick-or-treating tradition dates back to 1987 at the museum, 6799 Guilford Road. It's estimated to draw between 4,000 and 5,000 people to traverse the grounds in costume and collect candy, play games or take wagon rides.
More news: Ho-Chunk Nation celebrates start of construction of new Beloit casino
Although the event doesn't tie into Midway Village's daily mission of preserving and promoting Rockford's history, it does help families learn about what the museum has to offer on its grounds.
"Because the village is tucked away here behind the museum center, a lot of people aren't really aware that we do have this historic village where you can step back in time to the late 1800s," said Luke Fredrickson, marketing director for Midway Village Museum. "This is just a great way to get people out here and see what we all have to offer."
Next up for Midway is its Evening of Illumination on Saturday, Nov. 2, when you can learn about the darker side of Victorian life.
For now, here's a look at All Hallows' Eve through images:
More photos
Photo gallery by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
From agricultural wonder to work of art: Massive Rockford pumpkin gets makeover from celebrity carvers
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our free e-newsletter
ROCKFORD — Miss Impressive started as a garden project in Theresa Miller's backyard. This weekend it's being transformed from a work of agriculture into a work of art.
Miller's massive pumpkin, which she named Miss Impressive for obvious reasons, weighed in at 1,871 pounds before three celebrated pumpkin artists began a three-day process to carve an elaborate display into the oversized shell.
"I'm so excited. I've got three professional carvers here," Miller said Thursday at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. "It's enjoyable to share her with everyone, and seeing the looks on people's faces."
More news: District 815 could bring more than 200 residences, several new businesses to east Rockford
Three carvers with multiple appearances on the Food Network, including Rockford's Lincoln Bias, began carving what's been declared as Rockford's biggest pumpkin Thursday night at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St.
Their work is part of Klehm's Eerie Autumn Lights event, a monthlong outdoor art experience that fills the gardens and the fall foliage with light displays and Halloween-themed activities and installations.
The trio of carvers are doing their work during the event over the next two days, expecting to finish on Saturday.
"Whenever I go to make a cut with my knife I have to say, make it bigger, make it bigger," said Bias, a self-taught carver who has three gold medals for excellence in carving from the National Black Chef Association. "It expands my reach. It makes me think more and it helps me develop more skill and hand-eye coordination."
Bias has been on Food Network's "Halloween Wars," "The Road to Halloween" and "Outrageous Pumpkins." Joining him at Klehm are fellow carvers Carli Ihde of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Alan Silva of southern California.
They collaborated to create a Mother Nature-inspired design on the gigantic gourd.
"We just started from an idea and a sketch, and it just blossomed from there," Silva said. "We just said we have space to add animals, we have space to add sea creatures."
Alex Mills, executive director of Klehm, said they are excited about what Bias adds to Eerie Autumn Lights.
"His extraordinary talent will truly elevate the event," Mills said. “This is a unique opportunity for our community to witness an amazing live carving experience, and we can't wait to see everyone come together to celebrate the season in such a spectacular way.”
Rockford's biggest pumpkin is one of two on display from Miller, who also brought a 1,260-pound pumpkin she named Tater Tot.
Miller said the massive pumpkins can require 100 to 120 gallons of water per day. During their biggest growth spurts, they can gain 60 pounds a day, she said. They also require constant care so their growth isn't derailed by bugs, disease or other issues.
Minnesota grower Travis Gienger has the record for the largest pumpkin ever grown, setting the record in 2023 with a 2,749-pound pumpkin.
Miller, who is retired, said good soil and genetics are key to growing a massive pumpkin. For example, Miss Impressive, which was planted in early May, came from the seed of a 2,400-pound pumpkin.
"They kind of name themselves," Miller said. "She impressed me every time I looked at her every morning. She kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger."
Know before you go | Eerie Autumn Lights
When: Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 3-27; Each night Oct. 28-31
Where: Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Times: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Cost: $12 for adults; $6 for youth ages 12 and younger
Tickets/info: klehm.org/eerie-autumn-lights
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Rockford couple's home glows with 90 jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — Megan Pease is bringing a bit of magic to her neighborhood this year with a glowing Halloween display that features 90 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns.
This sight to behold is found on C Street, a small north-and-south roadway near Sinnissippi Park.
"Not a lot of people know that this is here," said Pease, a biology professor at Rock Valley College. "Every city has secret places that, if you live in the city you know, you go there and there's going to be awesome great stuff.
"I like that this is like that for some people."
Pease and her husband, Bryan Biehl, have been making the display at their home for a few years now. Typically they'll put out about 70 jack-o'-lanterns, with Biehl gutting the pumpkins and Pease carving out the ephemeral art.
More fall: What are the best places to capture fall photos? Here's what Rockford-area photographers say
This year features 90 pumpkins with 101 faces as some pumpkins have multiple designs. Pease carved almost all the pumpkins herself. Her husband handled a couple, and nearby neighbors contributed a few jack-o'-lanterns, too. Luminaries also line the driveway.
The display includes pumpkins on the ground, chained to trees, impaled on poles and strung to tree branches to create a floating effect.
Pease said she was inspired after visiting the Louisville Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which features more than 5,000 illuminated pumpkins on a half-mile trail.
"It was so magical. I wanted to bring some of that magic back and share it with other people," Pease said. "It brings out an inner child in people."
Pease's favorite design this year is a pair of dueling faces carved into one log-like dark green pumpkin near the front sidewalk.
The designs are all original, but it's not uncommon for people to start picturing familiar faces. For example, one white pumpkin carved with curled lips has reminded passersby of The Grinch.
"That's what I love about these. You start to see things in the faces," Pease said. "You're like, 'oh my God that looks like my coworker.' It's hard not to with a face."
More news: SALT strives to deliver Rockford an upscale dining experience with 'wow'
The pumpkins come from Brad & Cindi's Produce, a farm in Brodhead, Wisconsin, that you may recognize from the Edgebrook or Beloit farmers markets.
Once Halloween is over, the guts and pumpkins are composted to be spread in the Rockford couple's garden.
"Everything gets reused here," Pease said.
One thing Pease can't answer about the display is how long it takes to finish it.
"I don't count," she said.
She said she's been carving pumpkins since she was young, and improves on her designs each year. She hopes her display inspires people to carve pumpkins and flex their creativity.
"There's so many things to be sad about in the world, and to be frustrated with, and so many things are out of our control," she said. "To me this is stress relief. ... and it can bring joy to other people.
"There's just something about seeing a face in the darkness. It's cool."
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Getting Twisted: How cast members prepare to scare Rockford at Twisted Crypt Haunted House
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — Dustin Tumeo's voice almost instinctively drops into a low, gravelly tone as soon as he gets into makeup.
Tumeo plays a hunchback, disease-ridden character named Boil that lurks inside the dark at Twisted Crypt Haunted House, 5420 E. State St., near the old Circuit City. But the character tends to come out of him long before the lights go out inside the 10,000-square-foot mix of chaos, gore and creepy entertainment.
"As soon as I get my costume on it's just like Boil takes over me. He starts getting this low, grumbly voice, you know, he's kind of nasty, you know," said Tumeo, changing his voice in a backstage makeup chair last Friday. "It's very fun to just project this new persona."
More fall traditions: Lindberg Pumpkin Patch reopens for season after tornado at nearby family farm
Tumeo, a Poplar Grove resident who is in his third year at Twisted Crypt, is among 56 crew members who bring the haunted house to life for its 10th year in Rockford. Some are aspiring actors who relish the role, others are just in it for the sake of the scares.
"I don't do it for anything other than enjoyment. I enjoy scaring people," said Krystle Pyfer, who works processing warranty claims when she's not raising her 7- and 5-year-olds. "I take my frustrations out on scaring people. I look forward to it all year long."
Pyfer has been with Twisted Crypt for all 10 seasons, mostly playing the role of a victim. Now she's in the role of Maddie Flowers, part of the disturbed family that fills the show rooms inside Twisted Crypt.
"It just clicks and goes. It's part of who I am I guess, my alter-ego," she said of getting into the role. "My husband would probably say that it's the other side of me."
Zachary Webb of Loves Park helped build the set 10 years ago. These days he plays Tavis Duson, whose last name is a nod to the creators and owners of Twisted Crypt, Peter Dunn and Matt Johnson. He said that getting into character comes with putting the costume on.
"I think a lot of us here, once you get everything on and get moving, it all falls into place," he said.
Scaring the $#*! out of you
The aim for several actors, including Webb, is to quite literally scare the you know what out of you. And it happens "frequently," Webb said. So frequently that there is an actual Code Brown for a cleanup crew to come in. Pyfer learned to play off it to keep the show moving after an unexpected bowel movement.
"At one point they were keeping track, and they would mark on the door — tally it," said Brianne Jankowski, a 20-year-old actress and student who last year won the Jim Warfield Acting Award for her portrayal of Molly the Dolly.
More news: Downtown Rockford YMCA to build 9,000-square-foot addition for more exercise space
Jankowski first went through Twisted Crypt at age 12 with her father, who was dressed as Captain Spaulding, the infamous clown character from a series of Rob Zombie horror movies.
"We went through, and I was scared, but as I watched my dad mess around and have fun, I started having fun, too," she said.
Jankowski, who is working on a bachelor's of fine arts degree in acting from Northern Illinois University, started with the cast shortly after. She has also volunteered at Starlight Theatre and is part of a theater troupe called Irrational Masters, which shadow casts the 1975 film "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
More news: Rockford City Council approves new social district, BYOB at hookah lounges
For years now she's found a home scaring people inside Twisted Crypt.
"I myself haven't had any instances where I've scared someone so bad that they wouldn't recover, but I know my father has," she said. "He made someone poop their pants at least once."
Jankowski created the possessed broken doll character Molly the Dolly, which stammers and repeats words with a glitch-like effect.
"On the spot I just started saying words out loud," she said. "That's how I came up with the Molly the Dolly catchphrase in a way. ... It was just kind of workshopping it on the fly."
Most of the actors, like Jankowski, create or co-create their characters. Tumeo built his with inspiration from video game characters including Nurgle, a god of disease and decay from the game Warhammer.
Getting into costume and makeup can take anywhere from about 20 minutes to close to an hour and a half. Tumeo said attaching the boils and other makeup is at the shorter end of that range if he gets an early makeup chair. Jankowski finds her preparation time at the longer end of the scale.
Both find camaraderie with their fellow cast members and enjoy the thrill of proving patrons aren't as fearless as they may think.
"I love the people here," Jankowski said. "I love coming back and being among the family. Being involved in the community we've created here.
"Even though it is a lot of work. It is rewarding."
About | Twisted Crypt Haunted House
Where: 5420 E. State St., Rockford
Hours: 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 15-Oct. 14; 7-10 p.m. Sundays Oct. 1-15; 6:30-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 20-28; 6:30-10 p.m. Sunday Oct. 22 and Oct. 29-31.
Admission: $15
Online: twistedcrypt.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
From Food Network to New York: Rockford's Lincoln Bias carves items off bucket list
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — Lincoln Bias, a Rockford resident famed for turning pumpkins and other fruit into detailed works of art, realized two considerable goals this year in his carving career.
"On my bucket list there were two things I really wanted to do as a carver," Bias said. "One was be on Food Network. The other one was New York Botanical Garden.
"Both of those things happened this year."
Seasonal news: Rockford-area scares, treats and Halloween deets
Bias, a self-taught carver who has been honing his craft for about five years, is on the latest season of Food Network's "Outrageous Pumpkins." This season debuted Oct. 2.
Then, about two weeks after the premier, he was at the New York Botanical Gardens for a special invitational carving contest with three master carvers. Bias, along with Alan Silva and Lenny Calvin, were tasked with bringing the characters of the hit Broadway musical "Wicked" to life.
"It's an amazing experience but also an enlightening experience," he said. "The people in the park were amazing, and the park is truly amazing and beautiful with all the fall colors."
Bias is a master in kae sa luk, the ancient Thai tradition of transforming fruits and vegetables into elaborate displays. His prowess with the art form has earned him mini-celebrity status, with his Food Network debut leading to appearances on multiple TV news shows including WGN and Chicago Today.
"For me, it's just heartwarming to be appreciated," Bias said.
More news: Beefaroo expands along Route 66, and a Rockford artist is helping the location stand out
Bias also carves out time to give back in his home community, helping show kids the craft. For example, he's done demonstrations at Booker Washington Community Center and led classes for students at Roosevelt Community Education Center and Guilford High School this month.
"If everybody in the community put in 30 minutes a week to make it better we'd all live in a wonderful environment," Bias said.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.
You Gotta Try This: Midnight Collection at Candy Cloud in Rockford
By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
You Gotta Try This is the Rock River Current’s dining feature focused on signature dishes at your favorite local restaurants. Want to see one of your favorites here? Email news@rockrivercurrent.com to suggest a local staple.
Where: Candy Cloud
Address: 6286 E. State St., Rockford
Owner: Alex and Paityn Edwards
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
You have to try: The Midnight Collection
What’s in it: Dragon fruit potion, caramel apple potion and butterbeer slush float.
Try this too: You Gotta Try This: Brunch at The Norwegian in Rockford
Why should you try it: As Halloween creeps around the corner, these seasonal drinks are the perfect refreshment to get you in the spooky spirit.
The fruity dragon fruit potion and candy-like caramel apple potion offer a light alternative to the rich butterbeer slush float.
The two potions also have 120 milligrams of lotus caffeine if you need a pick me up.
Pro tip: If you try to eat plant-based, the dragon fruit potion and caramel apple potion are vegan and gluten free.
This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent.
Your guide to Halloween in the Stateline
By Chelsea Meyer
Rock River Current
Get our newsletter
Spooky season is here.
It's the time of the year where kids dressed up as vampires, skeletons and witches walk door-to-door or trunk-to-trunk to collect candy.
We want to make sure your little goblins get all the sweets, so we've put together a list of all the trunk or treats and trick or treating times in the Stateline.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Roscoe: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31
Beloit: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Belvidere: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Byron: 4 p.m. to 7 pm.
Cherry Valley: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Freeport: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Loves Park: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Machesney Park: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Oregon: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pecatonica: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Poplar Grove: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Rockford: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Rockton: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
South Beloit: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Stillman Valley: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Winnebago: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pumpkins with Police
Where: District 2 Police Station, 1410 Broadway, Rockford
When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21
About: There will be pumpkin carving, various fall snacks and cookies at this event hosted by the Rockford Police Department.
Related: Moving up the ranks: Rockford Police Department promotes 3
3rd Annual RVCU Pumpkin Pop Up
Where: Rock Valley Credit Union, 1201 Clifford Ave., Loves Park
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
About: Hang out with the crew at Rock Valley Credit Union and the Loves Park Police Department while picking your pumpkin to take home and decorate or carve. There will also be face painting, take home cookies to decorate and design, and a meet and greet with special guest characters.
Kegel Harley-Davidson
Where: Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford
When: Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022 from noon to 2 p.m.
About: Trunk or treat from motorcycle saddlebags and interact with scary characters from the Karnival of Karnage haunted house in Belvidere. There will be donuts and cider from Valley Orchard, a 35-acre family-owned orchard in Cherry Valley.
More news: Thai Jasmine Rice and Noodles to mark grand opening in Rockford
Twisted Crypt
Where: 5420 E. State St., Rockford
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
About: Twisted Crypt, an award-winning haunted house, is hosting its first trunk or treat event. The 10,000-square-foot indoor space is filled with elaborate haunted sets and creepy costumed characters.
Related: ‘Indoor chaos’: Twisted Crypt haunted house delivers scares in Rockford
All Saints Academy
Where: All Saints Catholic Academy, 409 N. First St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
About: Angelo Ortmann, a Boylan Catholic High School student, is hosting this free trunk-or-treat event to try to create a safe place for kids to trick or treat.
“As an All Saints Academy alumni, I want to bring a nostalgic trunk-or-treat for all youth to enjoy," he said in a news release. "When I was younger, I looked forward to going out with friends, collecting candy and celebrating the spirit of Halloween together.”
Tamale Fest grounds
Where: Old Magna parking lot, 3923 E. State St., Rockford (next to Don Carter Lanes)
When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
About: Mexico Americanos Saliendo Adelante, the group that brings you events such as Tamale Fest, will host this trunk-or-treat event. Candy will be handed out from decorated cars and vehicles. The event is partially funded through the city’s Forward for Fun initiative.
Related: Who has the best tamales in town? Here’s who won the annual Tamale Fest competition
Tealoween at Loves Park VFW
Where: VFW Post 9759, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park
When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
About: This is event features candy alternatives and is a good option for children with allergies and food sensitives.
Related: ‘They’re never praised enough’: Stretch of Alpine Road renamed to honor veterans
The Superhero Center for Autism
Where: Superhero Center for Autism, 4205 Galleria Drive, Loves Park
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
About: The nonprofit will host a sensory friendly trunk or treat. Participants should bring their own bags and buckets for candy.
Related: Superhero Center for Autism in Loves Park names new president
Terror on North Second Street
Where: Kids SPOT, 9461 N. Second St., Roscoe
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
About: Head inside to Kids Spot for an open gym, sensory room, a costume contest, and crafts and activities. Plus, a hayride to get transported to Element Athletics for the "ultimate scare."
Track or Treat at Stateline Family YMCA
Where: Stateline Family YMCA, 501 Third St., Beloit, Wisconsin
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
About: Kids ages 12 and under collect candy along the YMCA track. There is also crafts, music, pumpkin painting and more activities.
You can sign up HERE.
More in Beloit: Blue Collar Coffee Co. changes locations in downtown Beloit
Downtown Belvidere
Where: Downtown Belvidere businesses
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26
About: Businesses in downtown Belvidere will set up on the sidewalk to hand out Halloween treats. The first 500 kids to stop by the tent in front of the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce office at 404 S. State St. will get a goody bag.
Trunk or treat with Rockford police
Where: 501 Seventh St., Rockford
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27
About: Costumed cops and decorated trucks highlight this free event for all ages.
Drive-thru at Beloit Area Community Health Center
Where: 3 Eclipse Center, Beloit, Wisconsin
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27
About: Drive through more than 50 stop to collect candy.
Goodwill on McFarland Road
Where: Goodwill, 3068 McFarland Road, Rockford
When: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28
About: Dress up in costume and trick or treat around the store. Find hidden pumpkins to get Goodwill gift cards. Watch a Halloween magic show featuring TNZ Magic at 6:30 pm.
East branch 2nd annual trunk or treat
Where: Rockford Public Library, 6685 E. State St., Rockford
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
About: Join the fun at Rockford Public Library east branch's second annual trunk-or-treat festivities.
Bring your own bag. Parking in the library lot may be limited; you may find it easier to park in the large lot behind the library that serves Longhorn Steakhouse, Half Price Books Outlet and Gustafson's Furniture. Dress for the weather as this event will be held outside and may include occasional lines in any type of weather. If heavy rain or severe weather threatens, the library will be forced to cancel or shut down without notice. While supplies last. No rain date
Parade and Party at Horace White Park
Where: Horace White Park, College and Grand Avenue, Beloit, Wisconsin
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
About: The parade assembles at Horace White Park and steps off at 10 a.m. on Oct. 29. You can also trick or treat with various Beloit businesses and farmers’ market vendors.
Machesney Park Town Center
Where: Machesney Park Town Center, 8750 N. Second St., Machesney Park (the former Machesney Park Mall)
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
About: This touch-a-truck Halloween event features firetrucks, construction vehicles, ambulances and other emergency vehicles and more.
CQ+ Manufacturing
Where: CQ+ Manufacturing, 8155 Burden Road, Machesney Park
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
About: This trunk or treat event fills the parking lot at CQ+ Manufacturing Group.
Wicked Elite Boo Bash
Where: Wicked Elite Cheer, 5512 Elevator Road, Roscoe
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
About: Wicked Elite Cheer and tumble hosts its annual Boo Bash with various games and food available for purchase.
Grace Lutheran Church
Where: 343 Grand Ave., Loves Park
When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30
About: Grace Lutheran Church will host a zoo-themed trunk-or-treat event featuring music, various photo opportunities and a safe space to trick or treat.
Doc’s Diner in Loves Park
Where: 6499 N. Second St., Loves Park
When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30
About: The Gentlemen Car Club in Loves Park will be on hand with its vehicles for this trunk-or-treat event in the Doc’s Diner parking lot.
Beloit Vintage Mall
Where: Beloit Vintage Mall, 1019 Gardner St., South Beloit
When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31
About: Beloit Vintage mall will host a trunk or treat and various lawn games and other activities for the whole family. There’s more trick or treating available inside the store.
This list is compiled from various sources including the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Beloit, StatelineKids.com and agencies hosting the events.
Are you holding a free trunk or treat and want it added to our list? Email news@rockrivercurrent.com.
Here's your handy guide to Rockford area trick-or-treat times
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — Halloween is always a treat for kids.
Here's a quick guide to 2022 trick-or-treat times in the Rockford area.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Roscoe: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Related: Looking for free Halloween fun? Here's your guide to free trunk-or-treat events in the Rockford region
Monday, Oct. 31
Beloit: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Belvidere: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Byron: 4 p.m. to 7 pm.
Cherry Valley: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Related: 'I can't wait to see who or what shows up': All Hallows Eve returns to Midway Village Museum
Freeport: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Loves Park: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Machesney Park: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Oregon: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pecatonica: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Poplar Grove: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Rockford: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Rockton: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
South Beloit: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Stillman Valley: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Winnebago: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
'I can't wait to see who or what shows up': All Hallows Eve returns to Midway Village in Rockford
By Stacey Jones
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — It's time to get ready for some spooky fun again this year at Midway Village Museum.
The annual All Hallows Eve celebration returns from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 with trick-or-treating around the museum's Victorian Village, 6799 Guilford Road. Admission is $6 per person. Children 4 and younger enter free, and it's free for museum members.
“We are excited to host the Rockford community again for in-person trick-or-treating in the Victorian Village, and look forward to seeing all of your fun and spooky costumes," said Luke Fredrickson, marketing director for Midway Village.
Photos: All Hallows Eve at Midway Village Museum 2021
This 35-year-old tradition began in 1987. Approximately two dozen volunteers hand out Halloween treats from decorated buildings to 4,000 to 5,000 visitors.
"I love coming to this event because my kids can run around and have fun in an enclosed area," said Jennifer Arnold of Rockford. "I don't have to worry about them crossing a busy street or having to watch out for traffic. All three of my kids look forward to this each year."
The 13-acre Victorian-era village becomes home to all sorts of costumed characters for the annual event.
"In previous years, we've seen the Ghostbusters, the Sanderson sisters from 'Hocus Pocus' and even a 7-foot-tall gorilla. Some of the costumes are extremely creative," said Chuck Jones of Rockford. "I can't wait to see who or what shows up this year."
Fast facts | All Hallows Eve
What: All Hallows Eve
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
How much: $6; free for museum members and children younger than 4
Tickets and info: Buy your tickets and get more information at midwayvillage.com.
This article is by Stacey Jones. Email her at sjones@rmgmwf.com