Dupage Policy Journal

Wicked West Fest 2025 will take place in Westmont, Illinois, offering a series of Fall and Halloween-themed events throughout October. The month-long celebration includes activities for all ages, hosted by various local organizations.

The festivities begin with the Westmont Scarecrow Decorating Contest, organized by the Westmont Chamber and Historical Society. Community members can participate by decorating scarecrows to be displayed downtown, with online voting available through the Chamber website.

Businesses are encouraged to join the Fall & Halloween Window Mural Program, allowing local artists to paint themed murals on their windows. Sign-up information is available on the Westmont Special Events website.

Families can enjoy a StoryWalk featuring "The Scarecrow" by Beth Ferry at Diane Main Park from October 3 to 6. Signs along the trail tell the story as visitors walk around the lake. This activity is presented by staff at the Westmont Public Library.

On October 5, Gregg House Museum will host "The Last Straw," offering activities such as scarecrow making (for a fee), pumpkin decorating, crafts, hayrides, and gold panning. More details can be found on the Westmont Park District website https://www.westmontparks.org/event/laststraw25/.

October 18 features several events downtown. The Wicked West Fest Halloween Costume Contest invites participants to dress up and compete in six categories. Registration begins at 10:15 a.m. East Irving Street near Cass Avenue is the meeting point for this event.

The Trick or Treat Trail runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., allowing children in costume to collect treats from participating businesses along Cass Avenue.

Also at 11:00 a.m., Village Departments and public agencies will compete in the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza on West Irving Street near Cass Avenue. Participants will drop pumpkins from a fire department bucket truck onto targets below, promoting pumpkin composting efforts scheduled for November 8 at the Westmont Library. Additional information is available at westmont.illinois.gov.

At 12:30 p.m., community groups and residents can participate in the Caskets on Cass Race, which involves racing homemade caskets down Cass Avenue. Registration details are provided on the Chamber website.

Diane Main Park hosts the Haunted Forest Tour from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., featuring haunted wagon rides through Smith Woods with different experiences for younger visitors and those seeking more intense scares. Admission is $8 per person; further information is listed on the Westmont Park District website.

Additional activities include an adult Mummy Luminary craft session and mini pumpkin painting for grades K-5 at the Westmont Public Library on October 22 and October 23 respectively; both require registration.

A historical presentation titled "The Chilling Life of H.H. Holmes" will take place on October 29 at the Senior Center, focusing on facts and myths surrounding Holmes’ crimes during the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Reservations can be made by calling 630-969-8080.

Adults are invited to "Murder at the Halloween Party" at the library on October 30, where participants work together to solve a fictional mystery; registration is required.

Families can attend Spooktacular Fun Night at the Park District Community Center on October 30 for games, crafts, trick-or-treating indoors, and other themed activities.

To conclude Wicked West Fest, residents may drop off pumpkins for composting rather than disposal in landfills on November 8 at the public library parking lot; pumpkins should be free of decorations or non-organic materials. Details are posted at westmont.illinois.gov.