Carbondale kicks off Halloween 2025 festivities with full month of events
KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) – The City of Carbondale has announced the kickoff of Carbondale Halloween 2025, a month-long celebration featuring traditions, thrills, and new events for all ages.
Festivities begin Saturday, Oct. 4, at The Varsity Center with a special double-feature screening of Ghostbusters and The Substance. Additional spooky movie nights are scheduled throughout the month. Community favorites will return, including The Pumpkin Glow hosted by Green Earth, Inc. from Oct. 16–18 and The Great Carbondale Pumpkin Race on Oct. 18, organized by the Rotary Club of Carbondale-Breakfast.
This year, Carbondale Halloween and Southern Illinois University Homecoming will unite for the Carbondale Halloween Homecoming Music Street Festival on Friday, Oct. 24, from 3–10 p.m. South Illinois Avenue will be closed for food trucks, vendors, games, an all-ages costume contest, and live performances from The Urge, Keller Williams Presents DeadPettyKellerGrass, Hot Like Mars, Modern Day Saints featuring Tawl Paul, and other special guests.
Official trick-or-treat hours will be observed Friday, Oct. 31, from 4–8 p.m. Residents handing out candy are asked to leave their porch or driveway lights on. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to wear reflective clothing, and guardians should check candy for safety. Volunteers are also being sought for the Pumpkin Patrol, which helps ensure a safe Halloween night.
Carbondale will again host its Home & Business Decorating Contest, with winners in each category receiving a $50 gift card to a local business. Entries must be visible from outside and submitted by Oct. 27. Submissions should be sent to contest@carbondaleil.gov
with the participant’s name, phone number, and address.
“Carbondale has a proud Halloween tradition that grows stronger each year,” said City Manager Stan Reno. “Halloween 2025 has something for everyone—from family-friendly favorites to exciting new events that bring our community together. We look forward to welcoming residents, students, alumni, and visitors to celebrate safely and enjoy everything Carbondale has to offer this October.”
For a full schedule of events, visit Carbondale Halloween.
