Dupage Policy Journal

Wicked West Fest will return to Westmont in 2025, offering a series of fall and Halloween-themed events throughout the village. The month-long celebration features activities for families, children, and adults.

The Westmont Scarecrow Decorating Contest will be held downtown, with the community invited to decorate scarecrows and vote online. Local businesses can participate in the Fall & Halloween Window Mural Program by having their windows painted by local artists.

Families can enjoy StoryWalk: The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry at Diane Main Park from October 3 to October 6. Signs along the park’s trail will tell the story as visitors walk.

On October 5, the Gregg House Museum will host The Last Straw event with activities such as scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, crafts, hayrides, and gold panning. More information is available on the Westmont Park District website at https://www.westmontparks.org/event/laststraw25/.

A Haunted Pancake Breakfast organized by the Westmont Lions will take place on October 18 at KC's in downtown Westmont. The breakfast costs $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.

A Halloween Costume Contest will be held on October 18 on East Irving Street near Cass Avenue. Participants can sign up starting at 10:15 AM. For more information, contact Westmont Special Events at wsec@westmontevents.com or call 630-829-9378.

Children are invited to join the Trick or Treat Trail on Cass Avenue from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on October 18, visiting participating downtown businesses for treats. In addition, a Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza will be held that day on West Irving Street near Cass Avenue to promote pumpkin composting efforts in the village. Details are available at westmont.illinois.gov.

The Caskets on Cass Race will feature homemade casket races sponsored by community organizations and residents on Cass Avenue at 12:30 PM on October 18. Sign-up details are provided on the Chamber website or by calling 630-960-5553.

The Haunted Forest Tour returns to Diane Main Park from 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM on October 18 with wagon rides through Smith Woods featuring costumed characters. There are separate times for younger children and older participants. Tickets are $8 per person; further details are listed on the Westmont Park District website.

Adults can attend a Mummy Luminary craft session at the Westmont Public Library on October 22 and a murder mystery event called Murder at the Halloween Party on October 30. Children in grades K-5 can join a mini pumpkin painting activity at the library on October 23.

Michelle Gibbons will present “The Chilling Life of H.H. Holmes” at the Westmont Park District Senior Center on October 29, discussing facts about one of Chicago’s most infamous criminals from the World’s Fair era.

Spooktacular Fun Night takes place at the Community Center on October 30 with games, crafts, and trick-or-treating opportunities for families.

Pumpkin Composting Collection is scheduled for November 8 from 9:00 AM to noon at the Westmont Public Library, encouraging residents to compost their pumpkins rather than send them to landfills.

For more information about specific events or registration requirements, residents can visit westmontevents.com or westmontchamber.com.