Halloween Week in St. Louis: 20 Family-Friendly Things to Do Before the Candy Rush

Halloween week is officially here, and St. Louis families have no shortage of ways to celebrate. From trick-or-treat parades and outdoor movie nights to pumpkin carving contests and owl encounters, the days leading up to October 31 are packed across the metro. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening, day by day, so you can plan the whole week.

Monday, October 26 – Sunday, November 2: Fall into Economics at the Economy Museum

Money lessons get a seasonal twist at the Economy Museum inside the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Kids can wander through a mummy-themed bank, fold origami money flowers, investigate currency, and play games — and every visitor leaves with a free shredded-money souvenir. Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 1 Federal Reserve Bank Plaza. Free.

Tuesday, October 27: Play Day — Pumpkins, Leaves & Little Treats

The Play Pantry’s sensory playdate is built for little hands: pumpkin-themed activities, colorful leaves, and autumn discoveries. Space is limited and registration is required. 9:30–11 a.m. Valiant Park, 1268 Larkin Williams. $10 per child.

Thursday, October 29: Halloween Walk in Downtown Kirkwood

Downtown Kirkwood’s shops throw their doors open to young trick-or-treaters. Participating businesses — including Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company, The Minifig Shop, and Kirkwood Pop Co. — hand out candy while supplies last. Get a head start at Kirkwood City Hall, where treats go out from 4–5 p.m. Main event 5–7 p.m. Downtown Kirkwood. Free.

Thursday, October 29: Halloween Parade and Movie Night at Westport Plaza

Costumes first, movies second. Kids show off their outfits in a parade around Westport Plaza, then settle in with blankets for outdoor screenings of Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2. Parade at 6 p.m.; movies begin at 6:30 p.m. Westport Plaza, 111 West Port Plaza. Free.

Thursday, October 29: Costume Night — Trails of Treats at Eckert’s Belleville Farm

Trick-or-treating goes after dark at Eckert’s Belleville Farm, where kids collect goodies along Jack’s Lighted Trail amid glowing displays, each child receiving a special treat bag. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged; face-covering masks and weapon props are not allowed. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mount. $32 per person.

Thursday, October 29: Spooky Tales — Halloween Storytelling Showcase

For older kids who love a good ghost story, five acclaimed storytellers — including three-time Emmy Award winner Bobby Norfolk — take the stage for spine-tingling tales, eerie poetry, spooky songs, and a little humor. Recommended for ages 12 and older. 7–9 p.m. WEvent Space, 3221 Oak Hill. $25.42.

Through Thursday, October 29: CottleWeen Halloween Movie Nights

Pack blankets and lawn chairs for free Halloween movies under the stars at Cottle Village. Every Thursday in October, The Field takes on an old-school drive-in feel with a 15-foot screen, popcorn, candy, themed snacks and drinks, and optional personal firepit rentals. The lineup runs from Hocus Pocus through Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hotel Transylvania, and Halloweentown. If rain hits, Thursday screenings move to Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The Field at Cottle Village, 6470 State Route N. Free; optional firepit rentals $25.

Friday, October 30: Halloween Party at TotSpot Social

The littlest ghosts and goblins can burn off some energy before the big night at TotSpot Social’s party, with themed activities, photo opportunities, and plenty of playtime — perfect for showing off costumes ahead of the neighborhood candy hunt. Two-hour sessions beginning at 8:45, 9:45, and 10:45 a.m. TotSpot Social. $15.45.

Friday, October 30: Boo Bash at Enchanted Playroom

Enchanted Playroom’s all-day Boo Bash packs in crafts, games, sensory play, and sweet treats, plus plenty of time to explore the playroom. Costumes are encouraged and all activities are included with admission. Advance registration is recommended. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Enchanted Playroom, 1155 Bryan. $12 for one child, $22 for two, $32 for three, or $42 for four; free for members.

Through Saturday, October 31: Circus Harmony Halloween Shows

Circus Harmony is putting the tricks in trick-or-treat all month with family-friendly Halloween performances at City Museum and Grant’s Farm. Expect unicycling skeletons, wire-walking witches, juggling jesters, aerialists, acrobats, and more. Shows are included with admission to either attraction. City Museum; select Thursdays–Sundays at Grant’s Farm.

Saturday, October 31: Halloween Market at Tower Grove Farmers’ Market

The market celebrates the season with a pumpkin carving contest: buy a pumpkin from a market farmer, carve it at home, and bring your masterpiece back for a chance to win $50 in market tokens. Costumes are encouraged — especially if you’re willing to dress as your favorite vegetable. 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, Tower Grove Park. Free admission; pumpkin purchase required for contest.

Saturday, October 31: Trick-or-Treat Bag Decorating at CAM St. Louis

Before filling those candy bags, why not make one? Kids can decorate their own at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, then collect treats from neighboring arts organizations including Counterpublic, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, and The Sheldon. All materials are provided. 10 a.m.–noon. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington. Free.

Saturday, October 31: Music & Me Fifth Annual Halloween Musical Parade

Before heading out for candy, get those little monsters moving. Families gather at Rockwell Beer Garden for music and dancing, then parade around the lily pond in Francis Park — a sweet, neighborhood-style way to kick off trick-or-treating. 5–6 p.m. Rockwell Beer Garden, 5300 Donovan. Free.

Saturday, October 31: Owl-o-Ween at World Bird Sanctuary

Whooo’s ready to meet some feathered friends? The World Bird Sanctuary hosts crafts, games, and bird demonstrations, including free-flying shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. It’s a chance to learn about owls and other birds while getting an up-close look at their impressive abilities. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. World Bird Sanctuary, 125 Bald Eagle Ridge. $5 per person; free for ages 5 and younger.

Saturday, October 31: Hallow-STEAM at St. Louis County Library

Save the costumes for later and dress for mess instead. St. Louis County Library hosts drop-in STEAM activities with a spooky twist — a chance to experiment, create, and get hands dirty before heading out for candy. No registration required. 10:30 a.m. Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber. Free.

Saturday, October 31: The Legendary CWE Halloween Party

The Central West End kicks off its annual neighborhood celebration with daytime activities for kids before the festivities shift to an adults-only costume party after dark. Stop by Maryland Plaza and Euclid Avenue to take in the decorations and enjoy the festivities. Daytime family activities; hours not specified. Maryland Plaza and Euclid Avenue, Central West End. Free.

Saturday, October 31: Spooktacular Candy Crawl at Water’s Edge Banquet Center

Rain in the forecast? No problem. Water’s Edge Banquet Center brings trick-or-treating indoors with decorated candy stations, games, and activities. Kids can also meet Iggy the 7-foot dinosaur for a photo. Costumes are encouraged, and children must be accompanied by an adult. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Water’s Edge Banquet Center, 200 Salt Lick. Free.

Saturday, October 31: Trick or Treat in The Grove

Take your candy hunt to The Grove, where participating businesses hand out treats to costumed kiddos. It’s an easy way to explore the neighborhood while adding a few more sweets to the stash. 4–6 p.m. The Grove, St. Louis. Free.

Saturday, October 31: Loop Trolley Trick-or-Treat

All aboard for a candy-filled ride through the Delmar Loop! For the first time, the Loop Trolley hosts a trick-or-treat celebration, with both trolley cars decked out for the occasion. Families can hop on and off at regular stops to collect goodies from 23 participating businesses, with candy and stickers available aboard the trolley. Grab a map, bring your treat bags, and enjoy a sweet ride through the neighborhood. 4–8 p.m. Delmar Loop. Free.

Sunday, November 1: SLSO Extra Credit Choral Concert

Here’s a chance for kids to see their music teachers in a whole new light. More than 100 choral educators perform alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and members of its choruses in a concert celebrating music education, featuring selections from Mozart, Verdi, and other composers. Seating is first-come, first-served. 6 p.m. Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Free tickets required; pay what you wish.

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