by Peoria, Illinois — Halloween 2026 is bringing spooky attractions, family celebrations, costume parties and trick-or-treating opportunities to Peoria. With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, residents and visitors can enjoy several seasonal activities across the city and nearby communities.
From nighttime adventures at Peoria Zoo to community candy giveaways and haunted houses, the Peoria area offers entertainment for children, families and adults. Whether visitors prefer a relaxed Halloween outing or a frightening experience, there are several options to consider during the final days of October.
1. Zootober at Peoria Zoo
One of the major seasonal attractions is Zootober at Peoria Zoo, where Halloween decorations, glowing displays and spooky characters transform the zoo into an evening experience.
The final 2026 event is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can explore themed trails, encounter lifelike animatronics, collect candy at designated stops and enjoy Halloween photo opportunities.
The attraction also features hands-on activities and seasonal snacks. Tickets are listed at $14 per person online and $17 at the gate. Children aged two and older require tickets.
2. Trunk-or-Treat at Illinois Central College
Families can enjoy another Halloween celebration at Illinois Central College’s Peoria campus on Friday, October 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The free community event takes place in Parking Lot 1 at 5407 N. University Street. Students, families and community members are invited to dress up, visit decorated vehicle trunks and collect Halloween treats.
The event provides a convenient option for parents looking for organized trick-or-treating before Halloween night.
3. Halloween Party at Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria
The Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria is hosting a family-friendly Halloween party on Friday, October 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The celebration includes games, prizes, sweet-treat decorating, a Monster Mash dance contest and a Halloween snack bar potluck.
Costumes are encouraged, and the gathering welcomes church members, families, friends and visitors. It offers a relaxed community atmosphere for people who want to enjoy Halloween activities without attending a traditional haunted attraction.
4. Official Trick-or-Treating in Peoria
Families planning neighborhood trick-or-treating should mark Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. as the official citywide schedule.
Children can visit participating homes, collect candy and enjoy Halloween decorations throughout the city’s neighborhoods.
Northwoods Mall is also scheduled to host indoor trick-or-treating on October 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering another option for families who prefer a controlled indoor environment.
Parents should accompany younger children, use reflective costumes and inspect candy before allowing children to eat it.
5. Aura Haunted House
For visitors seeking a more frightening Halloween experience, Aura Haunted House in nearby Bartonville is worth considering.
The attraction operates inside the historic Pollak Hospital building at the Old Peoria State Hospital District. Its experience features elaborate haunted scenes, frightening characters and immersive horror settings.
The 2026 season runs through November 1, with Friday and Saturday hours generally scheduled from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. General admission is listed at $38.50.
This attraction is better suited to guests who enjoy intense scares rather than younger children.
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6. Other Haunted Attractions Around Peoria
The surrounding Peoria area also offers additional seasonal horror attractions. Spook Hollow in Marquette Heights features multiple connected haunted experiences, while Vibe Haunted House in Creve Coeur offers an indoor attraction inside a historic building.
These attractions provide alternatives for visitors looking for something beyond traditional Halloween parties and candy giveaways. However, their individual schedules differ, and some seasonal operations end before Halloween night.
From illuminated zoo trails and decorated car trunks to haunted hospital experiences, Peoria has several ways to enjoy Halloween 2026.
Which Halloween event in Peoria are you planning to attend this year? Share your favorite activities and Halloween traditions in the comments.
