Post last updated at 6:32 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28:
Grab your costume and a large bag — it’s trick- and trunk-or-treating time in Lawrence.
Here’s a roundup of some fun and spooky events in the Lawrence area, most of which involve gratuitous amounts of candy. Most are kid-friendly, but we’ve noted the ones that aren’t.
No tickets or registration are required unless otherwise noted.
The weather might not be outdoor-event friendly over the weekend, so be on the lookout for rainouts, moves indoors and other such changes of plans.
Friday, Oct. 27:
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Lawrence Percolator hosts the Children’s Halloween Art Exhibition and Final Friday Costume Party as part of Final Friday events.
“Please join us in celebration of the artistic talents of our local youth. The theme is Halloween and our Final Friday costume party is sure to be fun for the entire family!” The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 11.
→ At Lawrence Percolator, inside Art Love Collective at 646 Vermont St. in Lawrence
• 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show: Foxy By Proxy Revue, the Lawrence-based alternative burlesque troupe, presents Hextravaganza 14. General admission tickets are $15 each, available at this link. This one’s for people ages 18 and older.
Don’t forget about the costume contest, Foxy says on Facebook — “We decide every year during intermission who’s the ghouliest of the ball. Can’t wait to see what you lil creepies wear!!”
→ At Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. in Lawrence
Saturday, Oct. 28:
• Noon to 4 p.m.: Dance Hues Studio and DAISY Studios Inc. host their fourth annual Fall Carnival, featuring a bounce house, games, prizes, vendors, costume contest and more.
There will be a trunk or treat event from 3 to 4 p.m.
→ At Dance Hues Studios, 1414 N. Third St. in North Lawrence
• 1 to 2:30 p.m.: The annual trunk or treat from Premier Martial Arts. Register at this link. Arrive anytime between 1 and 2:30 p.m. for the trick-or-treating walkthrough.
“We do ask that all children be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the walkthrough. Watch out as you proceed through the parking lot to the storefronts, as the weekends get busy!”
→ At Wakarusa Marketplace, 1540 Wakarusa Drive in Lawrence
• Bonus event, starting at 5 p.m.: A free and family-friendly trunk-or-treat and haunted house at Prime Martial Arts. The trunk-or-treat starts at 5 p.m. and the haunted house will open at 6 p.m.
There will be more than 20 trunks with lots of candy, Halloween-themed treats and snacks, costume contests with cash prizes and a kid- and adult-friendly haunted house. “Plus it’s all completely free for the community!”
→ At Prime Martial Arts, 1310 Research Park Drive in Lawrence
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Lineup starts at 6 p.m. and the walk begins at 6:30 p.m. for the fourth annual trunk or treat hosted by Nothing Unique Organization.
Organizers are keeping an eye on the weather; the event may move to the newly remodeled park shelter if needed.
→ At Broken Arrow Park, 2900 Louisiana St. in Lawrence
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.: A Nightmare on Elm, Oak & Birch Street: A Haunted Nursery Walk. A free, self-guided walk that opens at dusk. BYOB; hot chocolate and cider will be available.
“Take your time winding through haunted nursery trees and forest.” Come during regular nursery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a “less scary walk.” See more from The 785.
→ At Vinland Valley Nursery, 1606 North 600 Road in Baldwin City
• 8 p.m. to midnight: A benefit for the Lawrence Humane Society, Third Eye Sadie’s and Village Witch host the Halloween Witches’ Ball. It’ll be family-friendly before 10 p.m.
“Come party with us at Johnny’s and have a great meal, indulge in Johnny’s full food menu and bar, show off your awesome costume, and have tons of fun for an excellent cause.”
→ At Johnny’s Tavern, 401 N. Second St. in North Lawrence
Sunday, Oct. 29:
• Update: Outdoor event canceled. — 1 to 4 p.m.: Prairie Park Nature Center hosts the Enchanted Forest Trail-Or-Treat.
“This event has been moved inside due to poor weather conditions. Unfortunately, due to space restrictions of the Nature Center, only those who pre-registered are able to attend. If you registered and don’t wish to take part in this alternative, please contact the Nature Center at (785) 832-7980 or respond to the email sent out yesterday, and they will issue you a refund.”
• 4 to 6 p.m.: A trunk or treat presented by Haskell Athletics. Meet some Haskell athletes and staff. Free and open to the public.
→ In the Coffin Sports Complex south parking lot at 155 Indian Ave. in Lawrence; click here for a map
• 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Lawrence High School science department students and teachers present Chesty’s Haunted House. The event will include student-led science demonstrations and activities.
It’s free to attend, but donations are encouraged. The fundraiser will help pay for supplies the science department needs.
→ In the LHS cafeteria, 1901 Louisiana St. in Lawrence
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Tuesday, Oct. 31: Halloween
• 5 p.m. until the candy runs out: The annual tradition continues — trick-or-treating in Downtown Lawrence.
Participating businesses will begin welcoming trick-or-treaters at 5 p.m. and continue until they run out of candy. (It is up to each individual business whether they will participate.)
→ Throughout downtown Lawrence
• 5 to 8 p.m.: The Watkins Museum of History welcomes all to Halloween at the Watkins.
“Drop by the museum for trick-or-treating and a ghostly scavenger hunt with prizes.”
→ At the museum, 1047 Massachusetts St. in Lawrence
• 6 to 9 p.m.: VOIDSPARKLE presents “Toxic Candycorn: A Halloween Variety Show.” Seating is limited at the venue, so arriving early is key for good seating. It’s $2 to enter. BYOB (and bring an ID if you do).
The show is rated PG-13 — it might be a little scary for kids under 7 or 8 years old. “Nothing one wouldn’t expect from something akin to the mighty morphing power rangers or an episode of The Simpsons,” Joseph Schreiner said via email. “Our performers and script have been carefully vetted and edited to ensure that a broad audience might have a fun and spooky experience.”
→ At Studio 901, 901 Pennsylvania St. in Lawrence
Check our events calendar for more, and submit your event (free!) through this form!
