by Burlington, Vermont — Halloween 2026 is bringing a full lineup of family activities, costume celebrations, spooky entertainment and seasonal attractions to Burlington and the surrounding communities. From candy giveaways along Church Street to Halloween-themed skating and haunted-history tours, residents and visitors have several ways to celebrate the season.
With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, 2026, families can plan a weekend of activities for children, while adults can explore local ghost tours, live music and costume parties.
1. Trick-or-Treat at the Museum
Families looking for a daytime Halloween activity can visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum for its Trick-or-Treat at the Museum event.
Scheduled for October 31 from noon to 3 p.m., the event invites visitors to wear costumes, collect Halloween candy and explore the museum. Admission is free, making it a convenient option for families who want to combine a little local history with traditional Halloween fun.
Children can enjoy the festive atmosphere while parents take the opportunity to introduce them to Burlington’s regional history. Families should allow enough time to explore the grounds and confirm event arrangements before arriving.
2. Whizbang’s Streetwide Trick-or-Treat at Church Street Marketplace
Church Street Marketplace is another destination for families celebrating Halloween in downtown Burlington.
Whizbang’s Streetwide Trick-or-Treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participating businesses along Church Street will distribute candy to children in costume, allowing families to visit several locations during one outing.
The event offers a lively downtown atmosphere and gives children a chance to show off their Halloween costumes while collecting treats. Parents can also explore nearby shops and enjoy the pedestrian-friendly marketplace.
Families should look for participating businesses and allow extra time for walking through the busy downtown area.
3. Halloween Malloween at University Mall
Families seeking an indoor Halloween celebration can head to University Mall in nearby South Burlington for Halloween Malloween.
The event is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Activities include free trick-or-treating at participating stores beginning at 5:30 p.m., along with Halloween-themed entertainment.
Children can also enjoy Not-So-Scary Haunted Train rides, which are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The train rides cost $10 per child for unlimited trips, while general admission to the event is free.
The indoor setting makes this a useful option for families who prefer a sheltered environment for Halloween activities. Parents should check the latest schedule and any age or participation requirements before visiting.
4. Itty Bitty Spooky Skate
Young children can enjoy a Halloween-themed skating session at Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena in Burlington.
The city’s recreation calendar lists Itty Bitty Spooky Skate for Friday, October 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The seasonal activity gives younger participants an opportunity to enjoy the ice in a festive setting.
Families with children who already enjoy skating may find this a fun way to celebrate Halloween before the weekend’s larger events. Parents should confirm admission, skate rental availability and any age restrictions before attending.
5. Spooky Skate at Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena
Older children, teenagers and adults looking for an evening activity can check out Spooky Skate at Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena.
The session is listed for October 30 from 7:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a Halloween-themed outing while taking part in an indoor recreational activity.
A skating session can offer a different experience from traditional trick-or-treating, especially for groups of friends and families who want to stay active during the Halloween weekend.
Participants should verify the event’s costume rules, admission fees and equipment requirements before making plans.
6. Howl’ween Dog Costume Contest
Halloween is not just for people. Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace is also hosting a costume celebration for dogs.
The Howl’ween Dog Costume Contest is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at the Leahy Block outside Homeport. Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the contest starts at noon.
Dogs can compete in categories including Silliest, Most Original, Best Pup and Owner, and Best in Show. The event gives pet owners an opportunity to dress up their four-legged companions and gather with other animal lovers.
Visitors who do not own dogs can still enjoy watching the costumes and supporting the participating pets. Owners should keep their animals comfortable around crowds and follow event instructions.
7. Queen City Ghostwalk
Burlington’s historic downtown provides a fitting setting for visitors interested in ghost stories and local legends.
Queen City Ghostwalk offers guided walking tours that combine historical storytelling with tales of unusual events, old buildings and reported hauntings. Depending on the tour, visitors may explore downtown landmarks, the waterfront or Lakeview Cemetery.
The experience is particularly appealing to adults and older children who enjoy spooky stories grounded in local history. Since tours take place outdoors, comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing are recommended for late-October evenings.
Tour schedules and availability can vary, so visitors should check the current calendar before planning an outing.
8. Halloween Entertainment at the University of Vermont
The University of Vermont is offering Halloween-themed activities for students and the wider campus community in the days leading up to October 31.
Halloween Events in Deadwood, SD 2026: Deadweird, Trick-or-Treating and Family Activities
The SGA x Ask UVM Trick or Treat event is scheduled for October 29 and 30 at the Dudley H. Davis Center. Participants can collect a trick-or-treat bag and visit participating campus offices.
The university’s FrightFest is also scheduled for October 30 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Planned activities include games, crafts, snacks, a photo booth and a costume contest.
These events provide additional seasonal entertainment around Burlington, although some activities may be intended primarily for university students.
9. The UVM Top Cats Halloween Concert
Music fans can consider the annual UVM Top Cats Halloween Concert, scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Waterman Building.
The performance features the university’s a cappella group, The Top Cats, offering a live music experience without traditional instruments. Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes.
The concert is an option for visitors looking for an evening event before Halloween itself. Ticket prices are listed in the event information, and availability should be checked before attending.
10. The Web Halloween Party at Burlington Beer Company
Adults seeking a late-night Halloween celebration can look into The Web, a ticketed event scheduled for October 31 from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. on November 1 at Burlington Beer Company.
The event is planned to feature live music, DJs, performances, dance areas, interactive spaces, a costume contest and a food buffet. Costumes are required, and admission is restricted to guests aged 21 and older.
The listed ticket price is $55 plus tax. Visitors should confirm ticket availability and event rules before making plans.
Which Halloween event in Burlington are you planning to attend this year? Share your favorite activity or costume idea in the comments.
