Around here, Halloween isn’t just a one-day holiday—it’s a season-long celebration of spooky trails, limited-time flavors, and family-friendly fun. For those who can’t get enough of the season, we’ve rounded up 31 ways to celebrate Halloween every day in October. From pumpkin picking and wandering corn mazes to braving paranormal properties, there’s a chill, thrill, or cozy fall moment for everyone!
1. Stroll through Scary Prairie
River Prairie transforms into Scary Prairie this October with spooky exhibits throughout the park. Snap a pic at the photo ops and upload them for a chance to win gift cards to River Prairie businesses!
2. Go apple picking
Spend an afternoon among the trees, filling your bag with crisp, juicy apples. Most orchards offer fresh cider and baked goods, too, so you can bring the taste of fall home with you. Make a trip to local favorites like Ferguson's Orchards, Leffel Roots, Connell's Family Orchard, and more.
3. Find the perfect pumpkin
For painting, carving, or porch decorating, the pumpkins are plentiful in Eau Claire. Head to the area's pumpkin patches this October to pick out your favorites and make memories with the entire family. Visit our blog here for a list of locations!
4. Sip a seasonal coffee creation
Local coffee shops are rolling out pumpkin spice, maple lattes, and cinnamon specialties all month long. Get the perfect latte art at Phoenix Coffee, or build your own flavor flight at the Osseo Nickel Barn. It's the coziest way to celebrate the season!
5. Chase the fall colors on a hike
From Mount Simon to Lowes Creek, Eau Claire’s trails are bursting with reds, oranges, and golds in October. Lace up your boots, bring your camera, and soak in the beauty of the season. Discover all the trails to take this season here.
6. Board the Haunted Trolley Tour
Take a ride back in time on the Chippewa River Trolley and hear stories of Eau Claire’s darker past. Perfect for Halloween, this tour shares ghostly tales, mysterious happenings, and historic haunts that will keep you on edge. Get your tickets now, they go quickly!
7. Browse through the bookstores
There’s no better time to pick up a spooky thriller or cozy mystery. Browse Eau Claire’s independent bookstores like Dotters Books, and find the perfect fall read. Add a cup of coffee and you’ve got an ideal autumn afternoon!
8. Brave a haunted house or trail
Of course, it wouldn't be Halloween without the chills and thrills of a creepy, yet fun, haunted house. The Ski Sprites host a haunted house in downtown Eau Claire each year, and there's a list of haunted trails in the area that are only for the brave. See the complete guide here!
9. Treat yourself to pumpkin pie at Norske Nook
Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, Norske Nook’s pumpkin pie is the ultimate treat of the fall season. One bite will make you wonder why you don’t eat it year-round.
10. Shop at Black Kettle Tea & Bootique
Black Kettle Tea & Bootique is Halloween in a store with a collection of tea blends presented in a witchy, supernatural storefront. As soon as you walk in, feel the spooky vibes and shop for accessories, clothing, and more surprises.
11. Play Spooky Nature Trivia
Get ready for a spooky, fun night of nature trivia at The Brewing Projekt on October 11, 2025. Come test your knowledge of all things eerie and strange, and sip on some funky beers while you play.
12. Head to the escape room
Step inside the historic Schlegelmilch House for The Enchanted Order Escape Room, where a secret circle of witches needs your help. You’ll have 90 minutes to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and restore their magic before it’s lost forever. Gather your bravest friends and see if you have what it takes to save the witches’ circle.
13. Toast to the season with fall brews
Eau Claire breweries are pouring Oktoberfests, pumpkin ales, and cozy malty beers all October long. See what's on tap at the Lazy Monk, Brewing Projekt, Modicum, Leinie Lodge, and more in the area this fall, and grab a flight to see which flavor is your favorite!
14. Taste the fall wine flavors
Slow down with a glass of wine while soaking up the fall scenery. Many local wineries offer seasonal releases and cozy tasting rooms that make the perfect autumn escape. Make your way to wineries like River Bend, Infinity Beverages, or Dixon's Autumn Harvest this October!
15. Explore the historic Schlegelmilch House
Step inside one of Eau Claire’s most historic homes and discover stories of the past. The Victorian atmosphere feels especially fitting during spooky season. Whether you're here for the history or making your way through the escape room, the Schlegelmilch house is a perfect addition to your Halloween itinerary in Eau Claire.
16. Watch a scary movie at Micon Downtown
Grab some popcorn and settle into the downtown theatre for scary movie season! See what's on the big screen this Halloween, and make it a spooky date night in downtown Eau Claire.
17. Take a scenic fall bike ride
Eau Claire’s trails and riverfront paths are bursting with color in October. Hop on your bike and pedal through the crisp air while leaves crunch under your tires. Take the trails for a fall workout this season, and soak in the most stunning scenery of the year.
18. See a spooky show at the Pablo Center
On October 24 at the Pablo Center, the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra brings spooky classics to life with Night on Bald Mountain, Danse Macabre, and more. Costumes are encouraged; come ready for a magical night of music under the moonlight.
19. Get lost in a corn maze
Challenge yourself to navigate the twists and turns of a local corn maze. It’s family-friendly fun by day, but downright eerie if you try it after dark. Find your way out at Leffel Roots, Govin's Farm, and more spots this season!
20. Dine at a haunted restaurant
Step into the Sheeley House Saloon in Chippewa Falls, where history and mystery come together over delicious meals. This 1800s gem, full of ghostly tales and lingering whispers, makes every bite feel a little more enchanting.
21. Sip on a fall-inspired cocktail
Eau Claire's bars are shaking up seasonal favorites like maple Old Fashioneds, pumpkin martinis, and apple-infused concoctions. Check out spots like Helix, Dive, and The Red Mixer for a cozy atmosphere and festive drinks all month long.
22. Hunt for treasures while antiquing
Spend a crisp autumn afternoon wandering through Eau Claire’s antique shops, surrounded by vintage charm and cozy nooks. Browse timeless treasures at The Antique Emporium or other local shops, where each item tells a story, and you might even stumble across something with a haunted past. Click here to view more vintage and thrift shops in Eau Claire!
23. Dress up for a costume party
Get into the true Halloween spirit at this year's costume parties in Eau Claire! The Brewing Projekt is hosting its annual Halloween party on October 31, and The Growler Guys is hosting their costume contest on October 25. Pull together your best look yet to compete for prizes at these parties!
24. Run the hall-EAU-ween 5k
Put on your running shoes—or your costume—and join this spirited October race. It’s a festive way to stay active while soaking up the season. Don’t forget to reward yourself with a post-run treat.
25. Get out in nature at Boofest
Head to Beaver Creek Reserve on October 30 for Boofest, a family-friendly Halloween celebration filled with festive fun. Little ghouls and goblins can enjoy seasonal crafts, spooky-but-silly activities, and plenty of sweet treats. Surrounded by the beauty of the fall woods, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween together.
26. Get hands-on at Half Moon Clay
Unleash your creativity this fall at Half Moon Clay, a cozy community pottery studio offering hands-on classes and workshops. As the leaves turn and the air cools, it’s the perfect place to craft your own autumn-inspired piece. Think pumpkin mugs, harvest bowls, or festive decor; it’s a warm and creative way to embrace the season.
27. Try glass blowing at The Glass Orchard
Experience the art of glassblowing at The Glass Orchard, where you can create your own autumn-inspired piece! They offer hot glass and glass fusing classes, providing a unique arts and agriculture experience, as well as demonstrational sessions throughout the year. Learn more about glassmaking and the apples at The Glass Orchard here.
28. Warm up with a bowl of soup
When the air turns crisp, nothing hits quite like a hearty soup from a local cafe or restaurant! This season, see what they're serving up at Eau Claire Cheese & Deli, Acoustic Cafe, and Grand Avenue Cafe for a bowl of comfort. We also have blogs that highlight places to get chili or pho in Eau Claire—check them out!
29. Visit the cats at the Cat Cafe
Step into Eau Claire’s Cat Cafe this Halloween season and surround yourself with playful, adoptable cats that feel straight out of a spooky storybook. They're sweet, cuddly, and available for adoption from the Eau Claire County Humane Association.
30. Play a round of kubb in the fall colors
There’s nothing more Eau Claire than a game of kubb, and autumn makes it even better. Set up your pitch in a park surrounded by golden leaves and crisp air, and enjoy the outdoors during the chilly season with a friendly game of kubb. Want to learn how to play? Find out all you need to know here!
31. Trick-or-treat in downtown Eau Claire
Bring the kids downtown for a safe and festive Halloween tradition where local businesses hand out candy to little ghosts, witches, and superheroes. The streets come alive with costumes, laughter, and fall spirit, making it a sweet way to wrap up October. Don’t forget your treat bags–there’s plenty of Halloween magic to go around!