Note: This article is from 2022. Events for 2023 can be found here.
Halloween is mere days away, and Lowell is gearing up with all sorts of activities for the occasion. There will be trunk-or-treats, an open house at the fire station and then, of course, the main event on Monday night.
We received information from the organizers of the three events below. And then scroll the bottom to a list of other activities happening around town. If you see something we’ve missed, leave a comment, and we’ll add it to the list.
Lowell Area Fire Department Open House/Trunk-or-Treat
Saturday, October 29, from 5-8pm
The Lowell Area Fire Department is holding its annual open house and trunk-or-treat event at the fire station at 315 S. Hudson Street.
“It is a great way for us to give back to the community and a fantastic opportunity for parents to expose their children to very valuable fire safety information in a fun atmosphere,” explains firefighter Brenda Herron who is organizing the event.
The evening will include games, giveaways, a photo booth, fire truck rides and, of course, the opportunity to collect some candy. For those who have allergies or simply want a non-candy option, there will also be non-food goodie bags available, according to Herron.
“It’s a great time to get out and trick or treat in a safe environment and learn some fire safety tips as well,” Herron says.
Parents can pick up a Riding for Ryan flag that can be attached to a child’s bike and increase visibility. Someone will also be available with information about car seat safety and installation information. Representatives from the Lowell Police Department and Rockford Ambulance will also be on-hand.
“I love seeing everyone having fun and seeing the parents being able to enjoy time with their kids,” Herron says. But if it doesn’t work for you to attend the open house, she adds that residents are free to stop by the fire station anytime on weekdays between 8am-4pm. She notes: “We would love to show you around.”
Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
Halloween Festival at Lowell United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 30, from 4-7pm
New this year is a Halloween Festival being hosted by the BLAST Youth Group from Lowell United Methodist Church, located at 621 E. Main Street.
The event will feature Halloween-themed carnival games, a scavenger hunt and Halloween bingo. Light snacks and appetizers will be served from 5-6pm.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in their costumes, and a best costume prize of $25 in Lowell Bucks will be awarded. There will also be photo opportunities with the Grinch, Princesses and other characters in attendance.
“This event is for all ages and is a great way to spend time with friends and family,” said Rachel DeVries, youth minister, in a press release announcing the event.
All activities are free, but donations are welcomed. Proceeds will support the youth group’s mission trip to Chicago in the summer of 2023.
Hallo Eve hosted by Creative Party Bug at Holly’s Critter Care
Sunday, October 30, from 6-8pm
Hallo Eve is another new event this year, and it will take place at Holly’s Critter Care, located at 835 W. Main Street.
“The reason I’m doing this is for the special needs kids in Lowell,” explains Ashley Dunn, owner of Creative Party Bug. She is organizing the event with the support of Holly’s Critter Care and more than 30 local sponsors.
Dunn notes that some kids, particularly those with special needs, may have difficulty trick-or-treating or simply not enjoy it. The Hallo Eve event is intended to be a fun and accessible alternative. When guests arrive, they will be given a free trick-or-treat bag, and Dunn plans a flashlight maze to lead to a tent that will set up for the main event.
There will be donuts and cider, popcorn and small pumpkins to decorate. Plus, a DJ will be on-hand to play music although Dunn promises it won’t be too loud. At 6pm, there will be a pet costume contest with the top prize of free grooming.
While kids might walk away with some candy, this won’t be a trunk-or-treat event. Instead, it’s a party that will provide healthier fare like fruit snacks and apples for kids to take home. For parents, information on various health conditions and support resources is expected to be available.
“It’s all ages, and it’s not going to be scary,” Dunn says. “It’s all just fun for the kids.”
Hallo Eve will occur rain or shine, and there is a $5 suggested donation. More information may be found on the Facebook event page.
Other Halloween Events in Lowell
Below are additional activities we know are going on around town. If you have others to add, please leave a comment or email us at [email protected].
October 28, 2022
Fall Festival at Green Acres of Lowell: Event runs from 5-7pm at Green Acres of Lowell, located at 11530 Fulton Street. There will be indoor treat-or-treating, a pumpkin painting station, games and prizes. Hot dogs, chips and beverages will also be available. More information is available on the Facebook event page.
October 29, 2022
Halloween Carnival and Trunk-or-Treat at Red Barn Market: Event runs from 2-5pm at Red Barn Market, located at 3550 Alden Nash Ave NE. Children need a wristband ($5) to participate, and tickets must be purchased to participate in various events. More information is available on the Facebook event page.
October 30, 2022
Trunk-or-Treat at Capital Nails: Event runs from 4:30pm-7:30pm behind Capital Nails, located at 2001 W. Main Street, Ste. 2. Those who want to drive through should approach the back of the building from the Taco Bell side, and those who want to walk through should park at Tractor Supply Co. More information is available on the Facebook event page.
October 31, 2022
Trick-or-Treating Around Town: This is the main event! If you will be passing out treats, turn on your porch light and get your candy bowl ready. If your kids will be hitting the streets in their costumes, remind them to stick to the walkways and watch carefully for cars. Trick-or-treat hours can vary by community, but 5-8pm is the generally accepted time frame.
Trunk-or-Treat at Impact Church: If you’d rather stay off the streets, you can head to Impact Church for their trunk-or-treat event which runs from 5-7pm in the church parking lot located at 11840 Fulton Street in Lowell.
St. Mary’s All Hallows Eve Saints and Candy Craze: Event begins with Mass at 5:30pm followed by pizza, donuts and cider along with trick-or treating from 6:45pm to 8pm at St. Mary Church, located at 402 Amity Street. Pizza, donuts and cider will be served in the Parish Life Center. There will be 30 candy stations for trick-or-treating outside, or inside if raining.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 12:30pm on October 28 to correct the date of the St. Mary’s event. It will be held on Monday, October 31st, not Saturday as previous stated.
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