Sink your fangs into fun!

Thu September 26, 2024

DeKalb, IL—The DeKalb Park District has conjured some frightening fun with four Halloween-themed events for individuals of all ages and interests this October and November! 

Golfers ages 18+ are invited to grab their buddies, dust off their Halloween costumes, and hit the greens for our eeriest event on the golfing calendar: the Spooktacular Scramble on Saturday, October 5, at River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive. There is a 1:30 pm shotgun start for $100 per twosome and $200 per foursome, and participants who show us their spookiest costumes might win our Best-Dressed Team Award! Book by October 2 at golfdekalb.com or (815) 758-1550.

Calling all witches, warlocks, ghouls, and ghosts- you are invited to participate in the 5th Annual DeKalb Halloween House Decorating Contest. DeKalb residents are invited to showcase their spookiest house decorations and enter this fun, community-wide contest! Prizes will be awarded in four categories: Best Overall Theme, Best Special Effects, Scariest Display, and People’s Choice. Addresses of all entries will be published in local media unless specified otherwise at the time of registration. Staff judging will occur between 4:00 and 11:00 pm on October 16, with the People’s Choice voting on the DeKalb Park District Facebook page on October 17-24. Contestants may choose to have their homes judged during the day or at night. Photos of each house will be shared on social media, and the image with the most “likes” by 9:00 pm on October 24 wins! Winners will receive a prize package and a sign to display in their yard. The participation fee is $5 per house, and the registration deadline is Tuesday, October 15, or until full. 

Our four-legged friends get to enjoy some Halloween fun, too! Staff will host a FREE pet event, Howl-o-ween, for all our furry family members on Saturday, October 19, at Katz Dog Park, 393 W. Dresser Road. This costume contest for dogs and their owners has been an annual favorite, and staff cannot wait to cackle at all the creativity. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Most Spook-tacular, Howling with Laughter, and Best Owner/Pet Costume Combo. On-site registration begins at 10:30 am, and judging will start at 11:00 am sharp! 

The public is also encouraged to save the date for the November 2 Pumpkin Smash’n’Bash and Scarecrow Showcase at Hopkins Park. Recycle your Halloween pumpkin by participating in the exciting pumpkin roll competition and smash stations, or stop by to enjoy exploring creative scarecrow displays crafted from recycled materials. You can even enter your own scarecrow in four registration categories: K-5th Grade, 6th-12th Grade, Adult, and Family by October 24 for a $8 resident or a $10 non-resident fee. Presented in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension and the DeKalb County Health Department- Solid Waste Program and sponsored by Rock Valley Credit Union. 

Raising Canes Chicken Fingers generously sponsors the DeKalb Halloween House Decorating Contest and Howl-o-ween event prize packages. Learn more about these upcoming Halloween events or other park district seasonal programs and register at dekalbparkdistrict.com or call (815) 758-7756.  

The public can participate in one or all four seasonal events if they dare.